Sarah Palin is not in favor of equal rights for gays...

It's no surprise but is still disappointing. Why do you have to be a homophobe to be a Republican? Here are some of the views of John McCain's controversial running mate on various gay issues via Politico:

-- Opposed a Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples benefits: "I believe spousal benefits are reserved for married citizens as defined in our constitution."

-- Would support a ballot question that would deny benefits to homosexual couples. 'I believe that honoring the family structure is that important,' she said.

-- Is opposed to expanding hate crimes laws: "...I believe all heinous crime is based on hate."

Gay issues aside, in all this controversy surrounding Sarah Palin, I feel badly for the teenaged daughter being dragged into the spotlight this way. As for being a mother of five, including an infant child, and running for VP? Why not? No one would say a word if it her a father of five. It's her lack of experience that scares the heck out of me and what seems to be a serious lack of vetting on the part of the McCain camp. It just reminds me of the Bush administration's legacy: make a big blunder then just never admit it and push on in the wrong direction with few in your party holding you accountable. It should not be that way in either party.