Introducing Sarah Palin

Although I am not a Republican and do not agree with Senator John McCain's war policy on Iraq — my son was killed there — I respect Sarah Palin for her decision to keep her Down-syndrome baby [Sept. 15]. I am the father of a 28-year-old Down-syndrome daughter, whom I've cared for almost single-handedly since the death of her mother 16 years ago. My daughter has been a source of joy and hope in the midst of family setbacks. Even if Palin does not win the election, she at least has put a new face on Down syndrome. I thank her for that.
Joseph P. Nolan, WATERBURY, CONN., U.S.

Palin would not acknowledge a need for "education" prior to ascending to the second highest office in the land. Her smirking, contemptuous dismissal of community service at the Republican National Convention; a litany of falsehoods including the claim to have said "no thanks" to the Ketchikan "bridge to nowhere" and discrepancies in her assertions on the investigation into abuse of power during her tenure as Governor; her campaign's unprecedented demand for "deference" from a free press before answering questions — all paint a portrait of a woman who believes she has it all figured out.
Scott Kenyon, VIENNA, VA., U.S.

As many others do, I believe Bristol Palin's pregnancy is a family matter. Yet Governor Palin decided to accept McCain's offer to be his running mate knowing her daughter's pregnancy would become fodder for the press. Who thinks it's O.K. to put a 17-year-old girl — yes, she's still a girl, even if pregnant — through this?
Christopher B. Romeo, KNOXVILLE, TENN., U.S.

You have to admire Palin's handlers, who have created an image of her as a victim of the media. It allows them to justify Palin's not having a single press conference: she is just protecting herself and her family. How convenient!
Janan Weinstein, CRYSTAL LAKE, ILL., U.S.

I was quite surprised when I heard McCain's choice for Vice President. To me the United States of America have always represented an ideal of modernity, liberty, freedom and equality of chances, and I have always tried to persuade my relations that if we could put aside some sad facets (anti-abortion, evangelism, creationism) they remained our closest allies and friends in this world. Tragically my convictions were put to the test when I discovered that a possible Vice President of the United States represents all those tragic values. Does it really seem wise, in an age when the bonds between Western countries should be stronger than ever, to give some Europeans yet an other excuse to reject America?
Julien Dumont, LASNE, BELGIUM

I wonder if your American readers can imagine the incredulity with which we view the possibility that the free world might end up being led by the lipsticked pit bull. The crass naiveté of McCain and Palin has blown our minds.
David Brancher, ABERGAVENNY, WALES

Senator McCain's choice of a woman as his running mate for the presidency will bring new flavor and new dimension to his candidacy. McCain is nobody's fool.
Cosmas Uzoma Odoemena, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Mrs. Palin may be an expert at shooting moose and bears. But if she were President how would she deal with the Russian bear?
A. M. Gordhandas, SCUNTHORPE, ENGLAND