Why be ‘anti-Palin?’

To the editor:

For the last month I’ve read so much whimpering about Gov. Palin and the press she gets. I’ve heard complaints about everything from shopping to trips to the absurd notion that having a new grandchild isn’t newsworthy. Here is what I know. I spoke with Gov. Palin personally when she was mayor and addressed several issues with her. She was always kind, courteous and receptive to my thoughts and was always able to provide explanations and answers to my questions. She was voted governor because of her work ethic and standards. She was invited to be the vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party because she is well-spoken and conservative. I for one like that. Regardless of what you think about the “cop scandal” or her being the mom of a pregnant teen, it shows me that she, like all of us, has things happen that we don’t necessarily welcome into our lives. I bet her and Todd are going to be magnificent grandparents, and I’m very happy for them, her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend.

Is it really that offensive that an attractive “hockey mom” from Wasilla, Alaska who was chosen for the second highest political office in the U.S. might get a little attention from the press? I’m sick of seeing Al Gore’s mug years after I wish he’d have dried up and blown away, but hey, he’s a public figure and therefore might make the news. I have the option to change the channel, not buy the paper, or just ignore him. I’m tired of all the rotten news about crime, death and destruction — but it’s there everyday. Is a little good news about a local gal’s popularity really that hard to swallow? I guess there will always be a population of “haters” in every crowd, but why not hate something worth hating. I wish the Palin family all the best, I’m proud to have my former mayor become a celebrity, and I’m happy for a healthy baby and mom. I wish them all the best.

Donnie Allen

Wasilla