A Sarah Palin effigy-a mannequin with a rope around its neck-- was removed from a home in West Hollywood, California on October 30, 2008. Now, it hangs in my front yard in order to make the bold political statement that McCain has lost Republican and independent votes by choosing a cruel animal-killer as his running mate.

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The torch (or noose) has been passed. When a Sarah Palin effigy-a mannequin hanging from a rope around its neck--was removed from a front yard in West Hollywood, California, I immediately erected one at my home in Woodland Hills, California as a bold, political statement. Next to the effigy are pictures of smiling Sarah by her bloody kill. I ask the question, "Which is more offensive? Palin's butchered animal corpses or a plastic doll attached to the roof?"

The turmoil created by the West Hollywood effigy is hard to comprehend when one compares it with the lack of concern (by most media, politicians and members of the public) for Palin's heartlessness on animal issues and cluelessness about the environment.

Palin's hunting abilities are exalted because she is a woman. Female politicians typically act like males in order to appear tough enough to compete for the White House, whereas Palin has been able to remain feminine and exude a tough image through her murder of animals. It is disturbing that this cruelty is praised rather than condemned.  

McCain has lost Republican and Independent votes by choosing a cruel animal killer as his running mate. I am a registered Republican and strong John McCain supporter. Although I worked on McCain's 2000 campaign and believe he would be an excellent President, I hope for an Obama victory. My daughter, who calls herself a very conservative Republican, has already cast her vote for the Democratic ticket.

Palin should not have any power, any access to the White House or any access to John McCain. She would set animal welfare and environmentalism back decades. I am disturbed by McCain's recent comments on Larry King Live in which he admitted that he would have to reconsider drilling in ANWR because Sarah will insist.    

There are a growing number of Republicans and Independents who cast their vote, in large part, based on candidate's platform and record on animal issues. Politicians in both parties should recognize this fact.  

Sarah will hang out at my house until after the election.

Authors Website: http://www.charlottelaws.org

Authors Bio:

Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is an author, TV host and renowned activist. She was voted one of the 30 fiercest women in the world for 2013 and is a former politician in Southern California. Her 2015 memoir is called Rebel in High Heels, which tells about her fight as the "Erin Brockovich of revenge porn" and the first 22 years of her life. Laws is the founder of two animal organizations: The League for Earth & Animal Protection and The Directors of Animal Welfare. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, two Master's Degrees, two BA Degrees and completed post-doctoral study at Oxford University, England. Charlotte's articles have appeared in Newsweek, Salon, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, Gawker, The Daily News, et al. She has appeared on the following television shows: Larry King Live, CNN, MSNBC, Dr. Drew, Nightline, The Late Show, Fox News, Oprah Winfrey, etc. You can follow her on Twitter.