folk·sy \ˈfōk-sē\
-adjective, -si·er, -si·est.

1. friendly or neighborly; sociable.
2. very informal; familiar; unceremonious: The politician affected a folksy style.
3. belonging to the common people, esp. in regard to a conscious use of mannerisms, speech patterns, attitudes, etc.: folksy humor.

Being folksy is fine when you’ve got something to back it up. Mark Twain was folksy. Benjamin Franklin was folksy. Both made great contributions to the world in their time.

Sarah Palin’s style of folksy, however, is empty. During last night’s debate, she showed absolutely nothing that would indicate there’s more to her than the recited lines that have been beaten into her at McCain’s debate boot camp. She even seemed to be unfamiliar with the Constitution and the role of vice president as it’s defined there, which should at least be a minimum qualification for the job. The sad fact is people are attracted to folksy, whether or not there’s substance to it – just look at George W. Bush. He’s a perfect example that it takes more than a “Joe Six-pack” to be in, or anywhere near, the White House.

Why don’t the American people seek more out of our leadership?

When you board a plane, you demand that the people flying you and 200 others have their pilot’s license. If someone is representing you in court, you demand a lawyer with a law degree. When you go in for an operation, you demand a surgeon who went to medical school. So why are we even this close to having someone as inexperienced and unqualified as Ms. Palin be second in command of the most powerful nation in the world?

We can do so much better, we just need to demand it. The great thing is that it costs nothing except your time – pay attention to the facts, ask for answers, take a look at your local elections and your federal representation, and vote with knowledge.

Thomas Jefferson said it best, “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.“