Candidacy would hurt, not help the economy

I blame Daily Bee publisher David Keyes for making me spill my coffee, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up and attempting to ruin my Sunday morning for his editorial titled, “Palin’s timing is perfect to run for president.” (Sept. 19, 2010)

I have occasionally enjoyed his anecdotes, quips, comments or reminiscences leading me to believe he enjoyed the small-town atmosphere of Bonner County. No longer am I a believer.

Consider the statements this Hagadone News Network employee said: “Whether you believe in her politics or think is remotely qualified to hold the most powerful positions in the world ... (out of context) … win, lose or draw, he candidacy would be an economic boon for this area.”

I  see no boon here, if Palin spent a few months of her childhood here. (I’m embarrassed to mention this to anyone.) I left Steamboat Springs, Colo., 20 years ago and moved here in 1991 because the town turned into across between Aspen and Vail.

Mr. Keyes will probably cry when Palin’s daughter appears on Dancing With the Stars and embarrasses herself. It may bust the Sandpoint “bubble.”

Mr. Keyes, as publisher, should still to the business of collecting fees for obituaries, staying out of politics and trying to keep this a nice, slow-growing community.

Oh, and yes: trying to prove how a Palin candidacy would be an economic boon to this area. And equally, just what a “draw” is in U.S. elections.

JAMES R. JOHNSON

Clark Fork