Saba Kennedy-Washington: Gone Too Soon

Former Huffington Post Contributor, Activist and Community Leader

Saba Kennedy-Washington was a writer, blogger, promotional marketing/sales professional and entrepreneur. Having the privilege of being raised in several continents, Africa, Europe and North America, she was the daughter of an African ambassador and mother -- married 52 years -- who led nurses at John F. Kennedy Hospital while fighting for equal opportunities in their native land of Liberia.

Her family migrated to America as result of a coup in her family's homeland. Thus, Kennedy-Washington understood the importance of democracy in the United States of America and the immigrant dream.

As a working mother, wife, daughter, sister, she involved herself with projects and causes that celebrated diversity, equality and family values. She was featured in "The Entrepreneurial Parent" (How to Earn Your Living from Home and Still Enjoy Your Family, Your Work and Your Life) and was also an active Board Member of "The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte" as well as "The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas", which celebrates universal freedom.

After the passing of her father, approximately six years ago, she once again picked up her pen and began sharing her insight with the world as Saba, Ink, using the tagline "The Pen Is Still Mightier than the Sword."

The creation of Saba, Ink was a direct result of the one-sided views often espoused through mainstream media. Her links were posted on popular websites like the Yahoo Contributors Network, The Huffington Post/OfftheBus Project (Citizen journalist/political project), GreasyGuide Charlotte (Urban Blog) and Jamati.com (Africa's Premiere Entertainment Portal), which aims to showcase the continent of Africa in unique and positive ways while combating classic stereotypes.

Kennedy-Washington was a graduate of Queens College of the City University of New York, where she majored in Communications and Media Arts. She worked under New York City's first African-American mayor, David Dinkins, and then New York City NAACP President Hazel Dukes.

Saba Kennedy-Washington died on May 31, 2012.

From The G-Man exists because Saba, who was one of my dearest friends, urged me to create an independent source for news and information back in 2009. I followed her advice, and amazing things have happened as a result.

In 2008, I conducted a no-holds-barred interview with this dynamic, outspoken and phenomenal woman, which focused on the selection of Sarah Palin as Senator John McCain's running mate on the Republican ticket. I would like to honor her memory and work by republishing the controversial, hard-hitting, one-on-one that showcased the brilliance and political savvy of Saba Kennedy-Washington.

‘Sarah Palin Can’t Compare to Hillary Clinton!’

Saba, Ink Blasts McCain’s Veep Choice

G-Man: Republican presidential candidate John McCain has selected Alaska governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. If you could use one word to describe her, what would it be and what is it about Palin that validates your description?

Saba: Well, when you look at the music used by the McCain campaign, Palin's external presentation, the response of the crowd, the fact that the announcement occurred one day after Barack's historic speech and that it took place on John McCain's 72nd birthday, I'd use two words: "Lois Lane". The announcement made it abundantly clear that Lois Lane came to save Superman.

G-Man: I would like to continue with this line of questioning because you don't appear to be happy with the selection. Are you saying that Palin would not be capable of serving as a Vice-President in any capacity?

Saba: It's not that I'm not happy with Palin's selection. Far be it from me to hate on a fellow "sistah" who's accomplishing big things and smashing through glass ceilings. She should be applauded and respected for all of her professional accomplishments while maintaining a family and marriage. Lord knows, it's not an easy task. I've been doing it for 17 years. With that said, once the initial shock subsided over McCain's selection of a virtual unknown, who on paper is even younger and has less experience than Barack Obama, I begin to break down the reasons as to why he chose Palin. Initially, I thought it was the fact that there is oil in Alaska that they might want to tap. I then considered the fact that it simply may have been another example of a man using a woman to reign in other women; those women being Hillary Clinton supporters.

G-Man: Which scenario seems more plausible to you, at this point?

Saba: I'm becoming convinced it's the latter. If that is in fact the case, then it is not only an insult to Palin, it would be an insult to women in general. It's as if McCain is implying, "Y'all want a woman, well here she is." This was very reminiscent of the Alan Keyes situation in Illinois when they placed him against Obama. "If y'all want a black guy, here's one." Furthermore, the selection just didn't come across as an honest and true effort to support women and their issues, and if Hillary Clinton had not gotten as far as she had as a candidate, Republicans might not have even considered a woman! That is what bothers me and other sisters about the selection.

G-Man: Published reports indicate Palin was elected governor in 2006 and was the youngest person, and the first woman, to be elected governor of Alaska. Before becoming governor, Palin served two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska, City Council from 1992 to 1996, was elected and re-elected mayor of Wasilla for two three-year terms in 1996 and 1999. McCain's selection makes her the first female vice presidential candidate of the Republican Party and only the second female vice presidential candidate representing a major political party. Given her remarkable rise to power, Republicans could make the argument that Palin is more qualified to be in White House than Senator Barack Obama? What is your response?

Saba: The Republicans are essentially going to make any argument that Barack Obama is less qualified to run the White House than their candidate. That is just the way debates go. At the convention, Bill Clinton indicated Republicans said the same thing about him when he ran, and his legacy speaks volumes in comparison to the last eight years. However, I do thank George Bush and Dick Cheney for their work because without it the current movement for change, whether it's Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin, would not be possible.

G-Man: (Smiling) I'm sure the President and Vice-President would take exception to that.

Saba: Finally, it is my belief that many worry McCain's age and seemingly failing health could place Palin a heartbeat away from presidency, and her lack of experience with global affairs could be something that we might have to contend with as a nation. If Senator Obama has been able to mobilize and energize both a national and international movement for democracy and change, I'd have to say that is the indication of a true leader. Moreover, shouldn't we be comparing her record to Joe Biden's and not Obama's? Is Biden not her cross-reference in this campaign?

G-Man: According to government reports posted online, Palin pushed for an ethics bill and got it passed. She killed numerous projects supported by fellow Republicans. She expressed support for the Gravina Island Bridge project, also known as "The Bridge to Nowhere", but as soon as it was touted as symbol of wasteful spending and federal funding was lost, Palin refused to close the $320 million gap with state money. She's also stood up and challenged some of the biggest oil companies in the country, while amassing an impressive track record of legislation involving the production of natural gas pipelines in Alaska. Palin appears to revel in the role of maverick. She's challenged her own party and stood up to big oil companies, which are reaping billions in profit, and is focusing on alternative solutions. Isn't that what America needs at this time?

Saba: I certainly agree that America cannot keep doing business as usual if we are to succeed as a nation. We are definitely at a crossroad and need to change course. The question is who can do this without alienating entire groups and demographics. Palin's work in Alaska appears exceptional. However, I don't believe Alaska is reflective of the many demographic groups in America, and around the world, that we currently need to work with to initiate change. Obama, based on his own heritage and upbringing, has been able to mobilize, inspire and speak to a larger demographic. He is a maverick in his own right. I'm not sure Sarah Palin can make that claim.

G-Man: Your point is well taken, but as they say numbers don't lie. A recent poll indicated Palin frequently had an approval rating above 90 percent in 2007. A poll published by Hays Research on July 28, 2008 showed Palin's approval rating at 80 percent. The former governor must have been doing something right in the state of Alaska to get such high ratings. If the good people of Alaska approve of her, what makes you think voters would be reluctant to embrace her or her policies?

Saba: Again, I refer to my previous response. No disrespect to Alaska, but with a population of just under 1 million and a global sense of urgency that will involve billions, with regard to trade, national security and a host of other issues, Palin's a bit of a hard sell for me this late in the campaign season.

G-Man: This election will present two firsts in American politics: the first African-American with a real chance to win the presidency and the first female vice-presidential nominee from the Republican Party. As a strong, independent and successful woman, much like Sarah Palin, don't you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment over the fact that a woman was selected instead of someone from the "old boys network"....even if it is Palin?

Saba: I have nothing but respect for the former governor. Still, I know there are women whose resumes rival Palin's and, quite frankly, to compare her work to that of Hillary Clinton is a bit of a stretch. Yes, women want to be represented. There is no question about that, but when we have someone represent us we want it to be a strong representative, not someone that will make people say "even if it is Palin". Similarly, I was proud when Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for President. Nonetheless, I could not see myself voting for either simply because I didn't believe they were ready to lead the United States of America. The same holds true for Palin.

G-Man: Ever since McCain made the stunning announcement, political pundits and operatives, pollsters and news anchors from CNN to MSNBC have reported that many voters, and members of the Republican Party, are not happy with the veep choice. They cite the fact that Palin has virtually no experience in foreign policy and has only completed two years in her first term as governor. The same case was made earlier on against Barack Obama as a member of the Senate, by voters and those within the Democratic Party, but voters have since embraced him and now have the potential to put him in the White House. If you, or any member of the Democratic Party, believe Palin's lack of experience is an issue, isn't that a double-standard?

Saba: As Barack Obama has proven, it is the will of the people and theirs only that will determine the outcome. I am a strong believer in manifest destiny. If it is Palin's time and she can mobilize and rally her base, she will be a success. My father often said, "Man plans and God displans!" So, I guess in the next two months we'll see history in the making, one way or the other, right?

G-Man: What is your number one concern about having a Vice-President Palin in the White House?

Saba: The fact that she got to the White House as a result of Affirmative Action and a need for symbolism, as opposed to truly earning the right. She is a default selection. In other words, once she's gotten there, she will not truly be an empowered or powerful leader. Sarah Palin will be nothing more than a figure-head manufactured and controlled by the "old boys club" because of a professional deal she might have cut. By the way, Affirmative Action has not only benefitted African-Americans, as many in and outside of the mainstream media would have us believe? I'll say no more because that's a whole other issue entirely, G-Man. I thank you for your time and the insightful questions. May God bless America and its people, as we take on the challenge of restoring our nation one vote at a time! Hey? Isn't it the Republicans that have been saying that things are just fine in America? If they believe that, then why would McCain want to bring change to the country? Isn't that a sign of inexperience?! Just thinking out loud.

Rest in peace, Saba. Rest in peace.