I am responding to John Carlson’s commentary on “Palin can think for herself.” I am “astonished” as well but not at the “brazen hypocrisy of liberals.” I am more astonished at Mr. Carlson’s comparisons. He compares Ferraro’s campaign with Palin’s. These are different times – he’s comparing apples to oranges. The “doesn’t have enough experience” statements were originally being made by McCain against Obama as a “reason” to vote for McCain. Now that the “doesn’t have enough experience” is being used against Palin, he calls it “excuse.”

The Palin/Biden comparison left out one critical point. Biden’s spouse died, leaving him alone to support his sons. He did not have a spouse to quit a job as Palin does. Another important fact given in Biden’s son’s “moving speech” was that Biden took the train home every night to be with his sons. I’m sure some women are wondering how Palin can leave five children, one only four months old and one a pregnant teenager. That’s not insult, that’s not criticism, it’s a question.

Finally, I don’t know if Palin “can think for herself” until I hear her answer questions from the media, debate Biden or talk about the real issues facing American families.

Ronda Coan

Renton