Turley-Hansen: Sarah Palin’s gift

I thought I heard a crack, Wednesday night, when Sarah Palin made her debut. It was palpable: A fracture in the momentum and game plan of the Democrats. They hadn’t counted on one of the best-known saboteurs in the media industry: Kids will always upstage a story. Every time.

Especially kids with special needs or those struggling with life’s problems. What sent shockwaves was, even after days of brutal of attacks, the Palin family shone bright in love and support, and the mother, obviously never a victim, the brightest of all.

The gift of Sarah Palin is being assailed from every direction, exposing decades of lip service, in regards to the promotion of women to power. Women, themselves, will lead the charge to do her under.

One female focus group respondent on C-SPAN said, “Palin can’t run the country, she’s a mother of five.” That’s what I’m talking about. Sexism thrives among the feminine class. Women really don’t measure each other against the same standards as men.

As a candidate, Palin is subject to political initiation. That’s our system, though it now involves the collapse of objectivity in news organizations (a topic for another column). Still, after what we’ve seen, she’ll prove she’s got the stuff it takes to stand with a maverick in a dangerous world.

Folks, this is what’s at hand: If we’re to attract change, we must change the paradigm of thinking. Think about this before you dismiss the gift of a Washington outsider, a person who doesn’t owe the establishment: Nothing equals the power of a strong, motivated woman — in peace or war.

Don’t underestimate the capability of a mother who’s already proven herself in public service, to make accurate decisions in a split second, in the middle of the night — whether they involve the cradle or her country.

Our ignorance on this subject is staggering, yet women’s tough, intuitive powers are recorded in ancient wisdom.

Chinese philosopher Hua-Ching Ni and doctor of Chinese medicine Maoshing Ni have written dozens of books on the subject: In “The Power of the Feminine,” they write, “The direction in which men have taken the world must be reversed if life on earth is to survive. The subtle, spiritual leadership of women is the key to this necessary transformation.”

They discuss how women have become “manlike,” in order to survive and men have become weaker; how citizens have “become mere social tools or taxpayers to support society’s massive social programs.” Their solution: “The feminine principle has always been the true foundation of human civilization” — and should be reestablished, replacing masculine aggression and competitiveness.

The “feminine principle,” is role modeled by Sarah Palin, her resume a testament to her intelligence, uncompromising backbone and quick study. Can she get up to speed “one heartbeat away” from the presidency? I have no doubt. But, are we smart enough to nab this lady?

And, how is it that an old warrior was so instinctively wise as to sidestep the “good old boy” system and turn to brilliant feminine power? How did she get around the barricades when Hillary Clinton, created in Washington’s own masculine image, was passed up by a party manned by hardcore feminists?

We’ve watched the promise of “change” in the Barack Obama circus, by a candidate with less executive experience than Palin. To shore up his image, Obama chose the old guard, business as usual, for his mentor and running mate. Pay attention to that.

And, finally, as we’ve endured two years of campaign madness, it all boils down to this: Personalities aside, do we reject socialism; do we support gun rights and English as the official language; do we “drill here and now?” Is a national health care program really the answer and more taxation; should illegals enjoy Social Security benefits; who controls education? Who appoints the judges?

Do your homework, folks. Brushing the entire conservative platform with Bush hate promises a destructive outcome.

It’s down to the line; up to us with a surprise, authentic star, who promises real reform, rooted in feminine strengths: Sarah Palin. Pray for her. Masculine power will not go quietly.

Linda Turley-Hansen is a syndicated columnist and former veteran Phoenix television news anchor who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached by e-mail at letters@lindastake.com.