CNN iReport

I'm an Obama supporter who viewed several hours of the Republican convention last evening. I have to say, I was surprised at just how attractive, articulate and poised Ms. Palin appeared. She will certainly get a lot of people's attention, especially in the media.

That said, I remain appalled at her position on just about every issue she discussed. Drill, baby, drill? Can these people be serious? Of course they are, and that's what makes them so frightening.

To me, the entire slate of speakers came off as wealthy, elitist ,uber-capitalists who are hoarding their personal resources in near panic at the prospect of having to possibly extend a hand to those less fortunate, less educated, less healthy and less wealthy. They are happy to make their fortunes off their "fellow Americans", but they'll be damned if they'll share one fraction of a penny more of it than they have to!!

Ms. Palin has been blessed with some very good fortune in her life and she is able to support a disabled child and an unexpected grandchild. I would be VERY interested in knowing if she is able to raise her son Trip entirely free of any government provided support, expertise and guidance. Mainstreaming in schools - oh, no! Too much government interference. New therapies that result from government funded research? Oops, there's that pesky goverment again!

I couldn't help but wonder if Ms. Palin's parents take advantage of their Social Security benefits? Do her children benefit from countless pieces of legislation that benefit public school children and protect them from vicimization or exploitation? Legislation introduced as the result of ACLU-backed court cases? And hey Darlin, as a former military spouse of over 20 years I can tell you, you better be very glad that our intrusive, "liberal" government has enacted rules of conduct that will protect your son Track from brutal treatment during training and in combat conditions. And do you think you'll turn down the medical benefits he will recieve during his service? I think not.

The purpose of government is not just national security and protection of embarrassingly wealthy corporate executives. The purpose of government is to provide the infrastructure and services to the community that the community deems necessary for a quality of life commensurate with the community's resources. Yes, bureaucracy is a behmoth that needs to be kept under control, but it is a necessary evil that insures ALL in our community benefit from being members of the community.

Wake up folks! The average American, no matter how blessed, lucky, smart or well connected is not a fictional John Wayne character who can take on life completely on their own. We all need a hand up at some time in our lives and if we don't, we should be ashamed for not extending a hand to others.