This morning I awoke to a Fox News story about John McCain's latest pandering remark - that if he were elected President, he'd appoint more women to posts. WHAT? What does that have to do with qualified people?

I'm in the safety business and the first priority in all things is qualification. Equipment that proves to meet current standards is 'qualified', employees that are properly trained, and observed performing tasks correctly, are 'qualified'. Employers do NOT hire based on sex, color or nationality. They hire the most qualified person they can afford.

Being a woman, I am offended. He's offending us by stating that the women he intends to appoint are unable to obtain those positions on their own merits. I am fortunate in never having been hired based on my sex (that I know of) and if I had, would always wonder if I was the best candidate and if not, what skills did I lack. John McCain is not enlightened. He has a strong, accomplished woman as a partner, but he still doesn't get it.

This, then, is another item on a list of issues that make me sick about the choice I have for President this year. As a conservative, I am loathe to vote for a man who believes in -

• global warming
  
• weak borders
  
• compromising across the aisle
  
• managing the profits of privately owned oil companies
• amnesty for illegal, law breaking aliens

Who is whispering in his ear? Who is telling him he has to become a liberal to become President? Is he reading the newspapers and listening to network news? We don't!