Gov. Sarah Palin And "Ugly Betty"

I am most grateful to my wife, Philomena, who sent me this comparative pix of our darling Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska, (Republican VP nominee), as she compares favorably with the thrilling telenovela character - Ugly Betty, starring America Ferrera.

From the obscurity of small town Wasila, bespectacled Governor Sarah Palin rose to become the "ASSISTANT" to Senator McCain. Ugly Betty too followed a similar pattern: from the humble family background, Ugly Betty rose to the position of ASSISTANT to the Daniel Meade of the MODE fashion magazine. The striking similarity did not end there, Ugly Betty was the miracle behind the revival and success of Mode magazine after the 'death' of the erstwhile editor, Fey Sommers.

Governor Sarah Palin has brought an unending enthusiasm and irreversible revival to the lack-luster presidential campaign of John McCain. She has injected and electrified the sagging fortunes of the Republican Party with the ingenuity of ordinary Americans who have revolted in this year of change and new beginnings, against every make-believe manipulation of typical politicians.

Ugly Betty had this granny goggle behind which lain one of the smartest brains of the corporate fashion industry. Though the beginning of Sarah Palin may be ugly and rough, with Barak Obama & co looking to dig a political pitfall for her, but behind her bespectacled visage is one dynamic and intelligent mother that would save America from prostrate political cancer which the last 8 years of Bush administration has ran hit aground.

I am happy that what was 'stolen' by the "Obamista Change Revolution", from Hillary has been restored by Sarah Palin, who is an epitome of real change. I shed tears twice in the last two weeks, each at the national convention of the two parties, Denver and Minnesota.

When Hillary Clinton rose to deliver her historic speech. The tumultuous sea of white placards bearing her name that ushered and welcome her to the podium made me to ask with a tear-soaked voice, "... and all these for a defeated candidate? Then, who won the primaries?"

At the Republican Convention, I could not bear it any longer when I heard the frenzied chants of USA! USA!! USA!!! by the delegates. I cracked into tears for my motherland Nigeria. The pure fervor and patriotism of the chanting delegates moved me to ask: "... when will dedicated men and women arise with similar patriotic fervor to save Nigeria?"

I believe in merit and excellence. That was why I supported a female presidential candidate - Juliet Southey-Cole, against a male (papa Chris) in the students union elections of over two decades ago in Unilag. The phenomenal emergence of Sarah Palin evokes similar and memorable emotion for excellence and merit which I believe she would bring to bear on the American elections. Memories that wont go, of articulate Ngozi Iwere (nee Ojidoh), former fiery PRO of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS in 1982! Epitome courage and spartan discipline, from Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Hail!

I salute the system that could throw up this ordinary woman to the stage of history for accomplishing extra-ordinary things for the destiny of her nation. If this 44 year old woman knew she would be in the limelight today, maybe she would not have taken in 13 months ago and gave birth 4 months ago.

She was just a normal mother and wife, and the least of all Governors in the U.S.A, her State, Alaska, is the 47th among the 50 federating American states. Some people here in Nigeria crookedly prepare all their lives, with ambitions running high, to become governors, ministers and presidents. It is not so with Sarah, destiny just thrust this sweet and great responsibility on her shoulder.

Don't get me wrong, I love Obama and respect him. My sympathies are with the Democratic Party. But the last ten years in America has witness the rise of bipartisanship. That is why the last two elections won by bush were almost disputable narrow margins. the swing independent voters tip the balance and they would also tip the balance of this election on November 4 too, in favor of Sarah Palin.

Snippet 16 - Ugly Betty Came Through for Mode

The Senator Wilhelmina was expecting turned out to be her father. He looked round her office (Wilhelmina was obviously pleased with the face-lift she gave her office for this occasion and thought that he would be impressed) and remarked in a disappointed tone “So, you are still JUST the creative Director”. “Yes Daddy”, she answered in a not-too-confident voice.

While Daniel was discussion with Bianci on the concept he had it mind for the new Mode, Amanda was busy flirting with him. Bianci asked Amanda what her father did for a living now. She goofed again, saying he is a banker (non-chalantly). Daniel corrected her that he is an Investment Banker. She continued flirting with him and Daniel could take it any more - he let the cat out of the bag.

He apologized to Bianci and while he was still talking, he overheard Betty trying to convince one of the staff at the restaurant to allow her see her boss pointing in Daniel’s direction. He turned and saw that it was indeed Betty. Bradford remarked that he didn’t know why Daniel thought she wouldn’t fit-in. Daniel quickly saved the situation and introduced Betty to Bianci who told him that meeting him was an honour.

Daniel apologized to Bianci that their meeting happened the way it did but noted it’ll be great opportunity for both of them if he agreed to work for them. He also gave him his word that he’ll let Bianci have a free reign at the shooting.

Bianci, looking thoughtfully, told Daniel that he was nothing like his brother - Alex. Daniel answered in the affirmative looking less confident (he thought Bianci was not impressed), excused himself and left. Betty immediately bade Bianci farewell and left too.

They arrived at the office and Daniel once again apologized to Betty for thinking that she would not fit-in. Betty also apologized for backing-down.

Shortly after they arrived at the office, Bradford came in also and handed the proposal to Daniel – Bianci had agreed to work with them again. Daniel instructed Betty to send an e-mail to all staff in Creative Department informing them about it. Daniel then asked his father about the Bayonne Salvage yard but Bradford denied having any knowledge of it.

As soon as Wilhelmina saw the mail, she went nuts, breaking every breakable in her office – all that she instructed Marc to get to decorate her office (you should have seen her, she totally lost it – it was sooo funny). Marc quickly moved in to save the recently acquired expensive flower vase and flowers out of her reach.

Betty got home that night just in time for dinner. She was very happy at how the day eventually ended. She told her father and sister that Mode landed Vincent Bianci for their December spread because of her. Her father hugged her, telling her how proud he was of her. When Betty saw the look of resignation on her sister’s face, she told him that it was Hilda’s make-over that helped her and he included her in the embrace and said he was so proud of them both.

Justin turn on the Dance Revolution just then and Betty ignored dinner to join him in dancing to the demo on the TV screen. Hilda and her father also joined in dancing in the gentler waltz.