Sharon Rideout’s letter, “Palin has strong values” (BDN, Sept. 15), impels me to respond. I am appalled at how often people will vote for a candidate based on one issue (in this case, pro-life) while ignoring some glaring drawbacks. I too am pro-life. However, there is much to consider here when measuring the McCain-Palin ticket on an ethics scale.

The Republican ticket may wear the pro-life pin on their collective lapels, but they more than offset this by immorally imposing upon us the continuing degradation of our planet by drilling for more oil and continuing the imperialistic motives of the current administration. This insatiable thirst for oil is reminiscent of an alcoholic desperately searching for that hidden bottle they never told anybody about while promising sobriety in the future. This extremely outmoded way of thinking has not only helped cause the pollution of our air and water, but our economy is close to going under.

I, too, vote on moral principles. That’s why I can’t vote for a ticket so in lock-step with the most immoral administration in history. Remember, George Bush is pro-life, but his administration has done major damage to our moral standing in the world with an illegal war, lies, torture, spying on the citizenry, loss of rights and all-around arrogance

Sarah Palin is pro-life. But she’s also pro-oil, doubts man-made climate change and wants polar bears off the endangered species list. Moral high ground? More like head for higher ground.

Tom Newman

Blue Hill