Sarah Palin's Piss Poor Record and Sports Picks

Any rational, independent should say John McCain committed political suicide by choosing Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Yes, I'm a self-proclaimed liberal, but this pick went against McCain's entire theme that experience counts. Palin doesn't deserve much attention, so let me make this brief. In a recent Washington Post story, Palin personally crossed off funding for teen mothers needing a place to live on an appropriations bill. Her 17-year-old pregnant daughter is fine though. She said our Founding Fathers had it right when they used "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance. Wrong. It was 1954 when Dwight Eisenhower added the phrase "Under God." Just like McCain, she's a stubborn authoritarian known for her uncompromising positions. As mayor of her 6,000 populated metropolis, she complained about literature at the local library that was too "offensive." Coincidentally, the librarian was fired. While her sister fought a messy divorce, Palin had her ex-brother-in-law fired as a state trooper. There's plenty more to this rap sheet.

McCain continues boasting about his experience and is beginning to use the Giuliani playbook. To paraphrase Joe Biden about Giuliani, his supporters continue using sentences beginning with a noun, verb, and followed with POW. This country deserves more than two clowns who spend their time and energy on anti-abortion, drill here, drill now (offshore drilling), and just let the economy continue tanking. McCain is officially a full-fledged hypocrite. This pick obviously was done in vain to attract women (although Palin might be a transexual just like Ann Coulter) and gather all those disillusioned Hillary supporters who are acting like a bunch of damn fools by pledging to vote for McCain.

Last night's Republican National Convention was a laugh. First, I didn't see any diversity in the audience. Everyone was white. Second, some redneck could be heard anytime there was applause by yelling, "Yeeeeaaaah." Third, the event was as dry and stale as bread left out on a counter too long. Finally, surrogates said McCain has worked acroos the aisle unlike his opponent, Barack Obama. Wrong again. Obama has worked with Republicans as a community organizer, Illinois State Senator, and several bills he has co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate.

Sports Picks

I was right so far on picking Kansas and the Boston Celtics to win championships in basketball. So, I feel like putting on my prognostication hat and providing the following picks now that football season has rolled around.

Tennis (U.S. Open) -- Although the fast hard courts don't favor Rafael Nadal's game, I still think he will surprise us all again. No, I don't have a blazing serve like these guys. My groundstrokes and footwork is what I worked on through my high school and a little in college days. Nadal's serve is one of the best. It's not clocked at 140 mph like an Andy Roddick, but it's consistent and has a lot of slicing action on it. There are some long, rangy players who can upset him like his opponent tonight, Mardy Fish. Despite a lack of topspin on this hard surface, Nadal will find a way to win his third Grand Slam this year.

College Football -- I really like Ohio State this year and emphasize this year. They're returning many of their starters from last year and star running back Wells will be huge for them. They're big and physical with lots of speed all over the field. This year, they won't have to worry about getting beat by another SEC school. They should be able to handle anyone. The game at USC in a couple of weeks should be a good one. I'd love to say it's my Nebraska Cornhuskers again this year, but that's far from a realistic approach. Nebraska has a shot at playing in the Big 12 title game and a BCS Bowl, but don't expect much more.

Pro Football -- The New England Patriots have become the team America seemingly loves to hate. After Spygate last year and allegations they taped practices including their first Super Bowl win over the St. Louis Rams, the Pats were one play away from perfection last year. It took a fluky pass from Eli Manning to David Tyree on a 3rd & 20 to propel the New York Giants to one of pro sports' biggest upsets, 17-14. I don't foresee an undefeated season, but the Pats are still the team to beat. Don't sleep on some upstarts like Jacksonville and Tennessee.

Pro Baseball -- The Boston Red Sox are surging at the right time. Dustin Pedroia is certainly one to be considered for AL MVP. They have a great race with the Tampa Bay Rays. How can a team like the Rays who have dramatically turned things around this year and one of the best stories in sports only draw a mere 12 to 13 thousand fans a night? I'm still going with my original preseason pick with the Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series. This series won't be a sweep this year. Look for ace pitchers Dan Haren and Brandon Webb to wreak havoc for any opponent. Sorry Chicago Cubs. I loved ya' for all those years in the 80s and will never forget seeing in person Pete Rose tie Ty Cobb's record for most career hits. You're having a great season, but I just don't see the Cubs prevailing over exceptional pitching. Go Red Sox and REPEAT!!!