I feel one of, if not THE, prime jobs of government is to provide protection/defense of it's citizens. I don't think it needs to be in the business of determining how healthy we are or making sure we live as long as possible.

Where in the constitution does that belief fall under?

"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"

Keeping my family well falls under the above statement.

Well, national defense is one thing that the federal government must provide. In fact, the very existence of nations came about as a means of common defense.

Health care can and is provided through private means, as well as through local governments. At least, that's things work in America. I realize that Europe has a different tradition.

Edit to add: Not saying that our current health care system is perfect, but I personally doubt that increased federal involvement will improve the system. Likely, the main outcome will be significantly increased costs, as paid through taxes.

True, Scott, but various state governors and larger city mayors also frequently meet world leaders (and not necesarrily heads of state) for state business purposes.

I agree.  A governer of a state where foreign dignitaries are likely to visit will see this.  Alaska is probably the least likely state for such a visit though.

Keeping my family well falls under the above statement.

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Philosophical difference: I believe keeping my family well is my responsibility, not the government's.

She's only been to Germany as far as I know.

She was in Kuwait as well.

More depressing that McCain wants to spend 3 times as much on defense as on health care.

Which is much, much, much less than Obama wants to spend on Defense.

Type of Spending	Barack Obama	John McCain
Economy, Transportation, and Infrastructure	$111.603	$3.502
Education, Science, and Research	$37.088	$1.800
Energy, Agriculture, and the Environment	$56.489	$56.481
Health Care	$100.848	$1.137
Homeland Security and Law Enforcement	$10.173	$1.500
National Defense and International Relations	$13.808	$3.917
Veterans	$2.760	$0.060
Miscellaneous	$10.817	$0.120
Grand Total	$343.586	$68.517

Also, remember, those amounts are increases to what is already being spent.

I feel one of, if not THE, prime jobs of government is to provide protection/defense of it's citizens. I don't think it needs to be in the business of determining how healthy we are or making sure we live as long as possible.

Where in the constitution does that belief fall under?

Generally speaking, in Article I and II, dealing with the enumerated powers of congress (such as to declare war) and the president as commander in chief.

Palin may not have met many (or any) foreign heads of state. But as governor, I'm sure she's met plenty of foreign business leaders and officials from other governments who are involved in trade and commerce.

Granted, trade is just one facet of diplomacy. But just about every governor is highly involved in international trade discussions -- probably far more than the average senator or representative.