When will Sarah Palin be allowed to speak?

As I write this, after 8 days, 22 hours, 42 minutes and _____ seconds and counting, Sarah Palin still has not talked to the press, taken questions, or in any way or manner shown she can handle the rigors of a tough campaign let alone serve as Vice President or, if necessary, President of the United States.

Palin’s convention speech was that of a scripted attack dog taking its commands from a tele-prompter. She has been held on a very short leash by McBush and his handlers. As one McBush advisor put it, "She may take some questions from local news entities in Alaska, but until she's ready -- and until she's comfortable -- which might not be for a long while -- the media will have to wait."

What are they afraid of?

And if you’re asking, why is any of this an important issue? Here’s why.

Voters in November will cast their votes based on their readings of the candidates at the top of the ticket, John McCain or Barak Obama. Palin and Biden will not shift voter preferences. But in making that choice a thoughtful voter will, to the best of their ability and given the information available, sort out how each of the candidates make important decisions affecting them and the nation.

The very first decision of national significance a prospective president makes is the choice of a running mate. Choosing who will step in to take over the presidency should circumstances require it, is vital and revealing.

This decision is always presented with the words: "_______________ is ready to lead."

So is Sarah Palin ready to lead? American voters don’t know and McBush and his political strategists apparently are in no rush to help us find out. This may be a good political decision for them. It is a bad decision for voters.