Can feminists who consider Sarah Palin the antithesis of everything they hold dear still respect the vice presidential nominee? Should we?

That’s the question in my mind after reading “I don’t have to vote for Palin to respect her,” by Jane Marcellus, published this week at womensenews.org  Marcellus describes herself as “a feminist researcher” who writes about historical workplace stereotypes of women. Her moment of truth came as she watched the Vice Presidential debate and realized she wanted Sarah Palin to fail. Another woman, a sister under the skin, stands on the highest national platform, and many, many women choose on a daily basis to disrespect her.

Why? Read the essay to learn the author’s view – mine is a little different. A little simpler, I think.

I have a great deal of trouble respecting anyone, man or woman, who does not show respect for me. True, Governor Palin has no idea who I am. But while she funnels her attention and empathy to the “Joe Six Packs” and “hockey moms” of the world, she shows contempt for Barack Obama, and by association, all who share his liberal views. And that includes me. 

I can understand the concern over disrespect. I can even see parallels between the harassment heaped upon Governor Palin and the attacks on Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primary. I just cannot feel compelled to show respect for someone based solely on her gender. However…

I also come back over and over again to this basic principle, a tenet of every major world religion and – as far as I’m concerned - the basis for living a respectable life: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And the deal isn’t conditioned on what the “others” have done to you first.

And so I respect Sarah Palin not because she is a woman, because she is a candidate. I respect Sarah Palin because it is, quite simply, the only way I can live in harmony and peace with myself.