Sarah Palin was the epitome of a Christian American. She embraced working class America with her hockey-mom wit, her charismatic image and her simple, straight to the point communication style. She was a fierce challenge to Obama’s presidential campaign because she identified with so many regular American people. Not the elite, nor the educated, nor the celebrities - but the many millions of working people in the heartland states who could not confide in Biden or Obama.

Her core skill was to steal away the credibility of the Democratic Party by attacking and slamming all of their policies. Palin had a powerful religious backing from the likes of Evangelical Christians and other members of what is termed the ’religious right’. She was extremely critical of Obama’s plans to create universal health care coverage, even suggesting it would lead to a system involving death panels who would pick and choose those who worthy of treatment (kind of like the current US health care system don’t you think!). Her attacks on the Democrats, however, were at best exaggerated, at worst complete fiction.

Her disastrous interview skills were the primary reason for the Republican defeat in the 2008 elections. Of course, this was because Palin was often unable to answer any of the questions directed to her. When she did answer them, she often struggled or faltered. Her lack of experience in foreign policy matters, in particular, was an enormous problem both for her and for the image of the Republican Party. Especially for someone who had barely ventured outside of her own state, Alaska, let alone the United States!

What did make Sarah Palin popular was her innocence. She evoked the kind of fresh, modern image of a 21st century American woman, in an age where there is yet to be a female US president. She was approachable, anti-elitist, traditional, and had an instant rapport with Americans yearning for a stronger Christian influence in US political affairs. Whether the Republican Party is now better off with her or without her, remains to be seen, however.

The United States’Republican Party is a staunchly conservative political group, whose philosophy rests entirely on resisting big governments and encouraging greater individual responsibility and accountability.

Many of the Republican Party’s most vocal supporters are members of what is known as the ’religious right’. This encompasses a wide group of conservative Christians whose presence is most pronounced in America’s ’Heartland’states, such as Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. They also have a large influence in other socially conservative states such as Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia.

The Republican Party is geared towards the American Christian community and as a result it embraces many Christian ideals. Most Republicans and Republican supporters oppose abortion, many oppose numerous aspects of gay rights legislations and an overwhelming majority believe in gun ownership as a constitutional right. However, over the years efforts have been made to try and move the party towards a more central or moderately conservative platform. This was evident during John McCain’s presidential campaign during 2008 as he tried to sway ’swing’voters (those who were unsure of whether to vote Republicans or the Democrats) and conservative Democrats to the Republican ballot.

McCain also tried to repair the damage caused by the Bush administration which lured many Americans to vote for the Democrats as a ’vote for change’. He highlighted the need to tackle global warming as one of the most important responsibilities of the US government, a stark contrast to Bush who refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol to reduce Red Diesel emissions. He also voiced his support for abortion, considering himself as ’pro-life’with regards to this issue, which again was very much against the general party line.

As a ’balancing’mechanism, he appointed ultra-Conservative Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential nominee. This, he felt was necessary if he was to attract religious right voters who would undoubtedly have issues with his stance on abortion in particular.

Palin announced in an interview that she was against abortion even in the cases of rape and incest - a view which only a minority of registered US voters would agree with. Palin’s support for oil-drilling in her home state Alaska and her somewhat ’awkward’interviewing style, however, ultimately determined the Republican Party’s defeat in the November elections.

I am someone who admires the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for her strength and determination. She is a very strong politician and has proved herself amidst the sea of strong willed male counterparts and has also taken a stand against big business and gas companies without backing down or apologizing for the rights she is fighting for. Having been an active First Lady when her husband was president she is well prepared to hold the post she now has. She has been entrusted with a very challenging job and she seems to be handling it well.

She has a good educational background and also went to Wellesley College where she became the senior Class President. She graduated from the Yale Law School to become an established and reputed lawyer. Here are five reasons why I admire this secretary of State.

Ø Firstly, I admire her for the guts she showed when the society was not ready to accept the rise of a woman. People criticized her since she achieved the status and power they never imagined a woman could ever achieve.

Ø Secondly, I admire her for the example she set for the girls of the United States. She has shown girls and women that if they dream big and aim for the impossible. During her school days, due to her high grades and good behavior, she became the role model for her fellow mates. She is a leader in the truest sense.

Ø Thirdly, I admire her for her confidence and talent. She is good at almost everything she has done. This is one of the many reasons people are jealous of her and hate her but this does not discourage her in the least.

Ø Fourthly, she is a lady with innovative ideas and modern thoughts coupled with strong principles. She is one of those very few people who speak out what is on their minds.

Ø Lastly, I strongly believe that Bill Clinton is what he is today, he owes it in part to his wife who stood by him during his good and bad times. She is an ideal wife.

With huge disasters going on that could affect the world for many years to come I can not grasp why the government is paying frivolous legislation. There are currently so many different things that they are trying to pass that are ridiculous in comparison to the economic market, environment, or social well being.

Currently there is legislation being raised in California that would ban the use of plastic bags in stores statewide. They are actually thinking that this is essential. It would be great for the environment in the long run but, what about all of the trickling side effects it would cause. We have so many people who are searching and begging for jobs. If these so called "packaging solutions"were to pass nationwide that means that the factories that produce these bags would close. If these factories closed then people would lose their jobs and not be able to take care of their families. There are so many other things going on that are so much more important then whether or not we use paper or plastic to bag or groceries.

It is time to get serious government. It seems as though now they are just trying to look like they are doing something. More people need to stand up and tell them that this is not right and to focus at the issues of importance. The government should be talking about how to make more jobs not take more away. We do not need to close any factories right now. We should be trying to come up with ways to open new ones that maybe produce more reusable bags and hand them out when you get groceries. Hook it to your stores rewards cards and after you get ten you get charged if you don’t reuse them. No factories would have to be shut down and no one would need to lose their jobs. Wouldn’t this be a better way to live?

I’m not quite sure when America turned into the country that was so afraid of hurting people’s feelings that we are apologizing for taking a stand. This is in reference to the newest comments from President Obama’s meeting with the Mexican President Calderon. They are both up in arms about Arizona’s new immigration law. The Mexican President is upset with the new law and says that it is not the way to help the immigration issue. The law is said to be inflammatory and Calderon says that Mexico will not accept any law that will “criminalize migration.” President Obama met with Claderon to help address the issue which he, himself has vocally opposed and is currently challenging.

To interject, people that were not born in the United States or have not taken the United States citizenship test do not have a right to live here. If you are here without permission then it is a FEDERAL offense to live in the United States. The new Arizona law, which takes effect on July 29, simply states that if a person is being investigated for a crime, and their citizenship is in question, then police officials may ask for proof of being a U.S. citizen. Somehow we’ve got it in our heads that we shouldn’t be allowed to question a person’s legality because of why? It’s a crime in and of itself. Why shouldn’t we save ourselves from having illegal criminals in our country. There are dozens upon dozens of illegal immigrants in our prison systems. Yet somehow we can’t question their citizenship status. They don’t pay taxes, or for health, or even home or caravan insurance, yet the money that we are paying in taxes is supporting them in our judicial system!

American politicians need to be responsible to those that elected them and start protecting the best interests of our country and not everyone else’s country. We’re not asking much, just if you want to live here, do what needs to be done. Become a part of the culture and follow the rules just like everyone else and everything should go smoothly..

There are few subjects that get as heated as a conversation about politics. No matter what side of the aisle or issue you are on chances are you believe in it strongly. There are some people that are hardcore left or right people. I have always been a middle of the aisle person on politics.

I try to carefully look at the issue and weight the pros and cons of it and then make up my mind. I do have to confess once I make up my mind it is very hard to change it. I do get very frustrated that American politics are either right or left. I think it is very closed minded of both parties to think there is only one right way. I also find it frustrating that we do not really have any more than two parties.

I know we have independents and the green party and such but you never get to hear much from them. I do not think it is fair at all that they get shut out of debates. It makes our political system seem very closed when it was not built that way. I think at least in the beginning until there are clear front-runners we should have debates about important issues like emergency fuel delivery that include ALL of the party runners. I think this would give people a clearer picture of all of our options. I think we should all try and remember the next time a conversation turns to politics to keep an open mind.

It is very important to try to see all angles of any situation no matter how strongly we feel about the topic that is being discussed. This gives every situation a fair and unbiased chance. Our political system has a lot of flaws but it could be saved if we gave it the proper attention that it deserves. If only everyone would look at politics with this type of mindset there wouldn’t be as many problems in America is there are today.

U.S. Failing Schools can only be reformed at the very early level. In order to carry out the entire reformation certain changes in the curriculum should be implemented along with the efficiency of the of the school governing system. Yet in many states in the US including California many failing schools have been closed by the states. State administrators have pointed to the fact that these schools were too far gone to be reformed and improved. But what they fail to mention is that they will be saving millions of dollars by closing these schools. It is better that they keep these schools open but make some necessary changes. In order to turn around the failing schools in the United States the following methodologies should be implemented:

• New research based strategies. Theoretical research based penetrative methodologies to identify and maintain records on each student’s achievement and progress or potential problems. This research should also suggest ways to improve performance.
• Certain additional ongoing training programs for the teachers and the faculties to develop new skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of education and job satisfaction of Secondary school jobs so that the benefit can be imparted upon the students.
• Appointing a close knit well skilled faculty of teachers with proper educational backgrounds to introduce and teach using the modern techniques.
• Proper interaction between the students, teachers and the parents. It is necessary to deal with the issues that might act as obstacles in a student’s career. Proper and timely coordination among the parents and the teachers can bring out such disturbances and result in a healthy school life for the candidates.

The development and the turning around of the failing schools in the United States is entirely a ground level process. Though the states are supposed to provide necessary support to the schools but ultimately the success of these schools depend largely on the local educators imparting education to the pupils.

It is only a well planned approach that can prevent the failing schools in the U.S. from certain closure.

For quite a few months now, it seems that the Republicans are really trying to sabotage the Obama Administration by drawing them into some major issues. If you are an ardent follower of the federal politics, you will see that the President repeated attempts to stay on everybody’s good books has fallen flat on its face. It is practically impossible to be the good guy for everyone. The president needs to understand that there is no harm in being criticized if it serves a greater purpose.

The health care reforms are among the many issues that have been stalled due to the spat between the Republicans and the Democrats. The fact remains that the parties must realize that they have been elected for the welfare of the citizens. Instead of playing their power games, and petty issues they should concentrate on giving back some of the taxpayers money in the form of reforms.

The Obama administration is trying its best to provide major benefits to the American citizens and they have proved their mettle more than once. It is about time that the senators moved the roadblocks away from the paths of progress and gave some hope back to the American people. However, before putting all the blame in the Republicans we should also consider the fact that the Democrats are not a close-knit party as well. Scuffle among the Democrats is stopping progress equally. There is a lot power play behind the closed doors of Washington and only the end will signify whether it is good for the common man or not.

Many say that the Republicans are more like businesspersons, but being the opposing party, they have the right to question the intentions of the ruling party. They are looking like a party that is planning from now for the next Presidential elections. So if they can stop the President and the Democrats on keep issues they will have them looking very incompetent. Thus it is unlikely that there will be any serious form of bi-partisan approach to the issues.

So let us keep our fingers crossed and see what comes out of the conflict, perhaps the real solution is just to put them all in a big room and proceed with a little bit of corporate soft skills training.

Presidential election in the US is conducted once in every four years. It is a great event that not just the Americans, but the whole world gets to witness. This excitement revolving round Presidential election has intensified in greater extent in the last few years. Quite naturally the 2012 election would receive all the more attention of people all over the world. And the question which is very frequently asked by many is why Sarah Palin should run in 2012 for the post of President? Today no one is unaware of this potential candidate called Sarah Palin who is likely to be bidding for the President’s post in 2012 elections.

This speculation of why Sarah Palin should run in 2012 started when Sarah Palin declared her presidential bid. Many people are supporting her decision to join the presidential race and are ready to cast their votes in her favor. In her 2008 election Sarah Palin was mostly criticized for her lack of adequate knowledge of international affairs. Realizing its importance for running the most powerful office in the world Sarah Palin is now regularly taking aid of a group of Washington advisors on both foreign and domestic policy. She has also been trying to enlarge her focus which would prove to be of great help to American political life if she manages to win this Presidential race.

A great thing about this lady is that she is capable of securing strong opinions either way. Often the media and the public have considered Sarah Palin as a rogue, a populist and unpredictable but again there are many who feel she should definitely go ahead with the presidential election. Since the time she has declared that she is open to the presidential bid in 2012 many have said that truly deserves to win the race in 2012.

So we wait to see just what she will do in the next two years. Hopefully, if she truly decides to run, that she is ready for the challenge.

I have just updated the text on the homepage for kerosene heating oil, I know that it might surprise you that I am working for an oil company; but I don’t think they are as environmentally unfriendly as I once concluded. Plus, I’ve sold out, I need the money!

President Obama came out fighting in his first State of the Union address, defending his economic record and insisting that change will take place, he also refused to shelve the controversial plans for healthcare reform but it is clear that employment will be given a higher priority than healthcare in the coming year.

The President was given the traditional warm welcome from all sides of Congress and his measured and well delivered speech received several standing ovations. The energetic triumphalism of the President’s speeches after his inauguration however had been replaced by a more sombre and statesmanlike speech.

Opening the address the President said that we as a nation "had to answer history’s call" and he soon made it clear how he aimed to achieve this: "People are out of work, they are hurting, they need our help. Jobs must be our number one focus ion 2010."

The President made it clear that he expected a jobs bill on his desk without any delay, and urged the Senate to make it their number one priority at the start of this year. This demand for immediate results brings to mind the President’s promises for swift change when he took power, and mindful of this President Obama admitted that change had not come as quickly as had been anticipated. He did however promise that he would carry through the pledges that he has made to the electorate.

Some analysts had expected the President to announce that the healthcare reforms would be shelved altogether but President Obama insists that he "will not walk away from these Americans who are losing their insurance, and neither should the people in this chamber." Nevertheless, there was less emphasis on these reforms than there was throughout 2009 and the announcement of a budget freeze from 2011 makes it unlikely that the wholesale reforms originally planned will now be able to take place.

President Obama also defended his controversial bank bailouts, insisting that if he had not intervened then more homes and business would have been lost and unemployment could have been twice as high as it is now.

In a defiantly rousing end to his busy speech, President Obama said: "We don’t quit. I don’t quit. Let’s seize this moment - to start anew, to carry the dream forward and strengthen our union once more."

Initial reaction to President Obama’s speech has been decidedly mixed. I am pleased to see the President place a greater emphasis on returning people to work, and am happy to see less emphasis being placed upon his highly flawed healthcare plans. The President has admitted that "the devastation continues" for a large number of his countrymen and twelve months into his Presidency this is a damning indictment. What is not in doubt is that President Obama is a powerful public speaker, a charismatic and captivating man. If he does not deliver on his promises this year however, then our love affair with the President could be prematurely brought to an end.

Some exciting news before I run, I was speaking to my cousin last night and he has just got a amazing new role at an hr software company. Well done Edward