SOUNDING OFF:

The words “disapproval of the McCain-Palin ticket” attributed to young women and the photo worded “Women for Obama” struck a chord with my inner self that I did not know I had (“Praised, panned in Costa Mesa,” Oct. 5).

I have heard since I was a young boy that there was a sisterhood among all women. What women experienced in life was very different than the good old boys’ world experience. Most women had insight into the pain and glory, that bound them together based on life experience. Any time one of the sisters was unfairly treated or physically harmed it was an attack against the sisterhood as a whole.

If the theory is true, it has met it’s greatest test. What is that test? The crucifixion of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin.

No, not questions of policy or experience, which I would expect. An all-out personal attack regarding her lifestyle, beliefs, husband and her children. Not unlike what happened to Sen. Hillary Clinton as she campaigned for the Democrat Party nomination for president.

Both Palin and Clinton have been the target of demeaning slurs and personal questions of all types. Saying she is only qualified to run the PTA or that her daughter proves she is an unfit mother is a slur against all women. Because Palin and Clinton both have more experience than Sen. Barack Obama, I can only conclude that the crucifixion of each has more to do with their being successful moms and successful in their chosen fields.

We know the good old boy network does exist, and Palin and Clinton do not belong. Clinton and Palin, each in their own way, remind me a little of Margaret Thatcher.

Is that so bad?

The sisterhood did rise up somewhat to the personal attacks against Clinton from many sides of the political arena.

The great test: Will any of the sisters rise to the occasion and object to the crucifixion of Palin regardless of personal philosophy, beliefs, faith or culture?

Then, possibly the message be all that you can be is intended for all women.

My best guess, and just a guess, the answer is no. However, if there were a true sisterhood they should realize that if they do well in life the good old boys and the media will crucify them!

Things could change.

AUGUST LIGHTFOOT lives in Newport Beach.