It has been of interest and some concern to read and hear from Sarah Palin, “I have nothing to lose.” Oh, really?

Palin may state and write whatever she will. There seems to be a bit more to consider than her words and their implications. Does anyone else in Alaska and the United States (or the world — for that matter) — “have nothing to lose”?

With Palin’s words, “I have nothing to lose,” what do or can responsible citizens expect from Palin and the very serious position of representative to the United States Congress? Can we even hope for intelligent listening (with an intent to hear) to the needs of:

Economics (business, fossil, fishing, logging, wages)

Educational concerns (basic education, standards, teachers, resources, post-secondary, vocational, work opportunities)

Social issues (child care, corrections, housing, violence at many levels, homeless, food insecurity, marginal living for elders, safety)

Health care (access to appropriate care, privatization of Medicare, costs, access to Medicaid, comprehensive versus boutique health care, standards for universal — private — hybrid health care, long-term care, dying with dignity)

Environment (climate, land, water, air, flora and fauna)

Collaboration (immense possibilities and challenges among groups (not-for-profit, religious, non-religious, private, governmental, local, state, national and international groups who might want to help “share the pain”)

With her statements, why would she bother — except for the celebrity status, the “maybe’s” for advancement, a nice cushion for retirement and an enormous amount of hard work for constituents who just might be depending on her for responsible representation? But she said, “I have nothing to lose.”

It would be hoped that Alaskans will consider her capabilities for:

Critical thinking

Basic knowledge of local and world geography, American and Native American history and Alaska history

Rudiments of politics

A little bit of knowledge about the issues listed for economical, educational, social issues, health care and environmental collaboration

Ability to meet and work with others of different persuasions

Sufficient compassion, empathy, humanism and humility to be productive

Many citizens have indicated that they have something more than “nothing to lose.” I hope so. Please consider your options.

Dr. Carolyn V. Brown resides in Juneau.