Alaska: For Or Against Palin?
With the environment in the spotlight in the 2008 presidential election, Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin is in the middle of the hot topic. The governor from Alaska, Palin’s state is at the forefront of the environmental issues.
From melting glaciers that indicate the current climate changes to expanded drilling for oil, the U.S. has shifted their attention to Alaska. Palin’s views on the environment have been scrutinized ever since Republican candidate John McCain choose her to be his running mate.
Palin does not believe that human actions and activities cause global warming, but she does believe that it is occurring and that it will affect Alaska in a big way. Her views on this issue put her at odds with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and even her running partner John McCain.
Recently in an oft quoted interview, Palin was quoted as saying: "A changing environment will effect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location … (but) I’m not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."
Many environmental groups in Alaska are aghast at her views, but many conservative Republicans feel that Palin is just her best for her state.
"When it comes to environmental issues, the only difference between Bush and Sarah Palin is lipstick," said Kate Troll, who is the executive director of Alaska Conservation Voters, a local green group.
Palin also expresses her favor for supporting the shooting of wolves from planes. Her supporters say that "predator control" important for predator management. Palin is also a stanch supporter of further drilling in Alaska like her running partner McCain.
Palin has questioned the decision to place the polar bear on the endangered species list because the decision to do so can hamper drilling for oil in more remote areas of Alaska.
"The polar bear is just a symbol of anti-drilling. If it’s global warming we must be in the shadow of the sun," said 61-year-old Garret Schnel, an Alaskan citizen.
Like several Alaskans, her is skeptical about the severity of climate change. He pointed out that this summer is one of the coldest summers had in awhile.
For Palin or against her, the world will be watching her decisions closely.