Update (7 p.m.): Well said, Dr. Laura.
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I’ll go against the conservative blogosphere grain and state my confusion over and disappointment in John McCain’s choice of running mate. I think Sarah Palin, a relatively unknown female governor from Alaska, is a bad choice.
I came to this conclusion before I found out Palin has a five-month-old infant (I believe mothers [and fathers, OK?] should raise their children) and a knocked up teenage age daughter (who ought to give up the baby for adoption to an older, married, two-parent family) or that she’s under investigation for ethics violations.
[Commenters are complaining about my using the term "knocked up." I don't remember anyone complaining about how ungracious or unloving the term was when I used it to describe non-conservative unmarried pregnant women, namely, Crystal Mangum, false "Duke lacrosse" rape accuser. Anyway, I'm glad the kids are getting married, but I won't apologize for using the term. Some of you are disagreeing with me for the first time. You have plenty of company! I manage to offend liberals and conservatives, believers and unbelievers. I blog about my views, popular or unpopular. I describe things in politically incorrect ways. I've been deleted from plenty of blogrolls, RSS feed readers, and bookmarks, and I imagine this post will tick off even more readers and bloggers. "Knocked up" is vulgar, I agree, but I use it to make a point.]
Granted, Palin has loads more executive experience than Barack Obama, even as mayor of a town of 7,000 people. I’ll even go so far as to say she’s exceedingly more qualified to be president than he is. And she’s pro-life, a huge plus in my book. But come on.
McCain can’t play the little-experience or pandering cards against Obama anymore, and he needed every advantage he could get his hands on. Why weaken the older-wiser-prison-of-war advantage? By choosing a hardly-qualified person for such a high-profile position, he brings that wisdom into question. (Am I contradicting myself when I note that Palin is more experienced than Obama while claiming McCain can’t play the little-experience card against Obama? As a commenter pointed out, an underqualified presidential candidate is more problematic than an underqualified vice presidential candidate, so McCain can still play the card, I suppose.) And if he’s trying to appeal to Hillary Clinton’s supporters, he’s wasting valuable time and money. Why would liberal, pro-child killing women warm to Palin, conservative and pro-life, just because she’s a woman?
I think it was a stunt, badly played. Despite what the McCain camp claims, I don’t think Sarah Palin was properly vetted or her selection well thought out.
If McCain wanted to “reach out” to women and evangelical Christians, he should have picked a more qualified and well-known and less quirky and troublesome person than Sarah Palin.
I’m sure Palin’s a nice lady and all, but…
George Bush deeply disappointed me when it came to illegal immigration, but I voted for him in 2004 anyway, because nothing in the earth or on it or under it would have compelled me to vote for John Kerry. I don’t like John McCain, but nothing in the earth or on it or under it will compel me to vote for Barack Obama. I’d rather see McCain and Palin in the White House than Obama and Biden.
It stinks, the whole thing. But that’s politics.
More at Memeorandum.
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I am confused.
I, too, picked up on the possible statehouse corruption issue – and I still hope there are no ties to her – but I am uneasy at your positive comparison of Gov. Palin’s executive experience versus the criticism that Sen. McCain can no longer play the no-experience card.
While the VP position has to be ready on moment’s notice to fulfil the top-slot, I would much rather have a comparable novice as #2 – who can work their way up to the #1 position – than to have an even bigger novice as #1 to begin with.
No, there isn’t even a remote chance I would vote for Sens. Obama/Biden, and while I do harbor some concerns of a parent with a disabled child being able to attend to the 2nd toughest job in the world (not that the child might be denied attention, but perhaps the job), I am very pleased with Sen. McCain’s pick.
Well, I for one am not confused about it, at all. The more I read about her, the more I’m impressed with her. I’ve read transcripts of her debates and then there’s her approval rating in Alaska. George Bush and the Congress should be so lucky to reach half of her approval rating.
Remember . . . we’re dealing with a MSM that is so completely in the tank for Obama is all but blatantly obvious who those anchors and talking heads are rooting for. Palin studied journalism and political science. Since she first ran for PTA, stepping up to mayor and then governor, she’s gotten lots of real-world experience dealing with the media.
Here’s another fact: Alaska is only about 1/2 hour by boat from Russia. If Russia decided to invade the US, where do you think they would hit first? (And some people may think that Russia should never have sold the Alaskan territory to the US.) Any Alaskan governor may have needed to have access to top secret stuff. We don’t know what our military has put in place in Alaska against such contingencies.
And . . . it’s pretty clear that she (and McCain) can keep secrets (remember how people found out who Obama’s pick was 6 hours before that 3AM wake-up call?).
So, yes, I think she’s the right person. Granted, it’s a gamble. But honestly, it’s the best pick he could have ever made. It sure threw the Obama folks off their game, didn’t it?
I’ve voted for Republican candidates in 12 consecutive elections.
But until last week, I was definitely not going to vote Republican. I despise and fear John McCain, who has repeatedly broken his oath and shown his contempt for the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
And for months I have considered Sarah Palin (along with Bobby Jindahl) to be one of the very few running mates that might cause me to even consider voting for McCain.
Palin’s selection hasn’t (yet at least) pushed me firmly into the Republican fold, but is has moved me onto the fence.
There is nothing John McCain can say that would make me support him, because his word is worthless and cannot be trusted.
But his actions, his treatment of Palin, her behavior on the campaign trail, may all combine to convince me that holding my nose and voting for Palin in the hope that she will have some influence on a McCain administration, or eventually take over in 4 or 8 years (if not sooner), is the least of the evils facing us in this election.
You’re not the only conservative who thinks that way, LaShawn. Krauthammer was pretty scornful of the pick, and there are others who are scratching their heads and saying “let’s wait and see.”
I do disagree with you though. I think she was a great choice to energize (most) conservatives who were resigned to a hold-the-nose-vote, far better than seemingly more-qualified options like Romney or Pawlenty. Both would have been fine choices, but rather boring. So yeah, choosing Palin may have been a stunt, but I think it was a good one. As for whether or not she was properly vetted, well, only time will tell. But, so far, so good, IMHO.
Aside, I also disagree with you about her daughter. I think it’s admirable that she’s goingto keep the baby and get married. While they shouldn’t have been fooling around to begin with, at least the kids are taking responsibility. My wife and I went through much the same situation, and we’re happily married for 12 years with three kids now. Having a loving, supportive family helps, which the young Palin lady certainly seems to have.
A bad choice? What’s new?
McCain, Obama, Biden… Palin is just one more in a series of bad choices. I am disgusted with all of them. None of the congressmen have upheld their Oath to support and defend our Constitution. Article IV, Section 4 plainly requires border security. All of them read “shall not be infringed” as “reasonable infringements are ok”. Campaign Finance Reform and the Patriot Act trample our 1st Amendment rights. Having taken the same Oath to the Constitution, I consider them to be ‘domestic enemies’.
At this point, Palin is the best one to be President, out of the four.
One doesn’t thumb one’s nose at the good ole boy network without making enemies. From what I have seen, the investigation involves a charge brought by a fired employee who claims that politics were involved. In an interview, Palin said that she welcomes scrutiny into the issue. Nonetheless, it is an issue that needs to be discussed.
As far as the pregnant daughter, this is totally a non-issue.Hats off to the young woman for exercising her choice to give life to her child. One wonders how many other politician’s children have done otherwise.
Meanwhile, today’s Austin American Statesman with its lofty pretensions of a lack of bias, had the story on the front page. In contrast, front page headlines lauded the choice of Biden and nary a mention of Biden’s lack of intimacy with the truth.
Of the issues mentioned, the only one in my mind that has merit is the question of experience. I wonder, though, whether we would be saying this if Jindal was the choice. In my mind, Palin is one of the few folks in politics who has had the guts to buck the entrenched handing-out-goodies-to-special-interests system which is the quality most demanded by us.
I, too, applaud the teen for choosing life, but I think she should adopt out the baby. It’s not a matter of killing vs. keeping the baby. It comes down to allowing the baby to live and considering what’s in his best interests.
This post is not an indictment against Sarah Palin as a politician; I simply don’t believe she helps McCain, and his choice was a stunt. I don’t think having her on the ticket will increase his chances of winning.
Not sure I can disagree with you all that much here, but more because I’m not sure he had a great chance of winning in the first place. The MSM is too in the tank for The O, and most people who aren’t big followers of politics just go by what they see on the nightly news. I think McCain is as close as he is because of the conservative media pointing out The O’s weaknesses and forcingthe MSM to address it.
In that light, the value of Palin is getting the base (with the exception of LaShawn
) energized. That much has been acomplished. I’ve long ago resigned myself to the idea that the next four years are going to be bad no matter who wins, and that we may have one more conservative revival after that. Beyond that, well, we’d all better pray hard.
Good food for thought, LaShawn.
Regarding Bristol’s baby…why should it NOT be in the best interest of the baby to grow up with his or her own parents if they are getting married and want to raise the child? Are you thinking of economic considerations? Or is it simply their youth? I don’t think either factor should automatically disqualify them. It might be tough for them, but that’s part of maturity. There’s no reason they can’t love and care for and train up their child, even though they are young.
I think Palin’s personal life is certainly fair game for reflection and commentary, since, after all, we live in a democracy and want to be good stewards of our votes. Learning more about the candidates and their values is one way we exercise this right responsibly.
But as Christians we also have the responsibility to do this in a gracious manner, even while we don’t flinch from calling sin for what it is. I don’t know….maybe it was your use of the term “knocked up teenage daughter” that gave your post almost a sneering rather than compassionate tone. I’m sure that’s not what you intended.
As for being Palin’s being investigated for ethics violations…being investigated is not, in and of itself, evidence that she did anything illegal or immoral. It shouldn’t surprise us in the least that the liberals would be desperate for some dirt. If Palin is guilty, then, by all means, let that come out. But let’s also be careful not to declare her guilty until proven innocent.
And as far as the practical political effect of choosing Palin…I think it was smart. From what I’ve seen on the blogosphere, lots of conservatives and evangelicals who were pretty apathetic about the election are now, if not downright excited, at least more interested and may well be motivated to get out and vote for McCain rather than staying home on election day.
“I, too, applaud the teen for choosing life, but I think she should adopt out the baby. It’s not a matter of killing vs. keeping the baby. It comes down to allowing the baby to live and considering what’s in his best interests.”
La Shawn,
I usually think you’re right on the money, but you’re off the deep-end with this adoption thing and I have a lovely almost-thirteen-year-old daughter to prove it. Though she was conceived in sin by unwed teenagers, her parents married before her birth and have raised her in an upstanding, Christian home. Not all teen mothers are a statistic.
Given the mostly positive reaction by the conservative base, I have to disagree. McCain started out with an uphill battle against Obama once the nominations were fairly firm. But his greatest obstacle was the skepticism by the conservative wing of the Republican party. If he were to lose too many to a third party, a write-in or just a “no” vote from those that stayed home in November, his chances quickly dropped to zero. The excitement this has drawn out of many corners of the party is exactly what the McCain camp needed to have a firm footing ahead of the convention and the campaign proper.
Further, I think it takes the initiative from the Obama camp. Everyone was atwitter trying to learn about Obama. And some of what we’ve found has been to his detriment – likely one of the reasons why polls have kept the race about even. With such a new face on the scene, attention will be drawn to the McCain/Palin camp trying to learn about her. And like others have said, the tendency seems to be the more people learn about her, the more they like her.
Last, I think what makes her the best choice for THIS race is because her record on ethics makes her stand head and shoulders above almost every politician I can think of on the national stage. The people’s trust in governing officials has been shaken too long and too often for things to continue as-is. Palin’s outsider status is as attractive as Obama’s, but with actual substance behind it. Where he has nuanced and dodged and obfuscated, she has spoken plainly, met challenges head on and made tangible accomplishments.
She doesn’t seem to have an skeletons she’s of any real import. And even those things people might make hay about, she opts for full disclosure. It seems she takes the idea of preventing “the appearance of impropriety” as part of ethical behavior very seriously. She’s an ACTUAL reformer, in contrast to Obama’s reformer IMAGE.
I think the choice was brilliant. The McCain campaign need only make sure to define Palin quickly enough that whatever lies put out by the other side do not become political reality in the minds of voters.
I disagree with your comments about Sarah Palin. McCain had to take the wind out of the Dems sails, after Obama’s speech Thurs. night. And he was successful. I am a stay at home mom, and I support her decision to raise her children and hold down a full time job. Kudos to those who are able to do it. She has done well so far, even in the wake of her daughter’s pregnancy. Also,I disagree with you about her daughter giving up her baby. Her life is going to change drastically, but she has the loving support of her parents. Her chances are better than because of that.
Sarah Palin appeals to me, because she is a woman, over 40, raising a family, successful, and holds the same views that I hold. I believe that she will appeal to others just like me. And what I like most about her family is that they are not perfect, but they are struggling to work through the issues of life, just like all of us.
“Knocked up teenage daughter?”
La Shawn, I have been a faithful reader of your blog since you started out and have rejoiced in your growing success. Most of the time I’ve agreed with you but even when I’ve disagreed, I’ve appreciated your thoughtful arguments. On two occasions you’ve even changed my mind.
But “knocked up”?!? This language is not worthy of you. It dismays me and disappoints me.
I hold the minority view on Palin. What a surprise! Story of my blogging life. I’m certainly not going to soft-pedal the teen pregancy issue just because Palin and her family are supposed to be conservative Christians. The kids are getting married. Excellent! But having sex outside marriage is bad role modeling. Because the teens have supportive families, they’ll probably beat the odds, but still…
I use the term “knocked up” for anyone who gets pregnant outside marriage, whether or not the couple legitimizes the baby by getting married.
It’s not a matter of killing vs. keeping the baby. It comes down to allowing the baby to live and considering what’s in his best interests.
Why is it in this child’s best interest not to be raised by its biological parents?
My mother was 18 and my father 19 when they had me. My father’s mother was 17. My second cousin’s parents both drove school buses while he went to college and then law school. My mother-in-law started at 17 as well. Whole generations of families started much earlier as much as 30 years ago
Miss Palin has parents who have both the desire and the resources to help them along. It sounds like the father’s parents are also supportive. They will have tools that a lot of 30 year olds don’t have.
Yes, they’re “too young” to have kids. I was “too young” to have kids at 23 (Milady was 31, so if we were going to have at least 2, we had to get started). I’ve found that I’ve grown up with my two, and still am growing up. With two sets of grandparents to help them grow up, Miss Palin and her husband-to-be will probably do just fine too.
I loathe Mccain! Was not going to vote Obama. Was thrilled when I saw Palin on ticket. I have done my own research on her and I am sorry but I cannot support the Mccain ticket now. I think I will stay home. She was part of the Alaska Independence Party? Did Mccain even vet this woman? Does he think our elections are a joke? I do not like rumors so I did my own research on Sarah Palin. I am not impressed with her intellect. I cannot be a hypocrite. We on the right need to have some consistency? I listened to interviews with her and I am sorry she is really lovely but to represent us as our VP? NO!
Mccain chose a secessionist Sarah Palin? I thikn Mccain needs to get the hell off the ticket. This woman has many issues in a closet that will sink us. I loathe Mccain for this!!
Here’s a well-researched roundup of the Palin “abuse of power” non-scandal/scandal.
http://www.floppingaces.net/2008/08/29/palins-troopergate-beating-msm-distortions-to-the-truth/
Quote: “But having sex outside marriage is bad role modeling.”
Welcome to reality 101. As parents we may preach and advise against sex, talk about sex with out children, pray and hope that nothing happens, but the reality is that no matter what we may recommend, advise, preach and pray the teenagers will deal with life in their own way. And if you don’t believe me, just look at the statistics on teenage pregnancy. We hope that with good example and good advise they will make good choices, but many times that doesn’t happen. Does that makes us bad parents, as you say? Add me to the queu… I believe that I’m a good parent, but a couple of years ago I had a teenage pregnancy. I supported my child. We have a gorgeous grandchild that we all love.
Knocked up is a demeaning, vulgar term. Sorry, La Shawn. It made me cringe.
There is definitely a “stunt” element involved in McCain’s pick. Is she the most qualified pic, maybe, maybe not, but I think he needed a choice that would “jumpstart” his campaign and at least give him a chance against the big O.
As far as the daughter is concerned, I think she is making the right choice. My understanding is that she will be 18 in October and she seems to have a very supportive family, she won’t be doing this totally on her own.
I also love the way the left tries make the pregnacy an issue. Of course, Jamie Lynn Spears is put on the cover of People magazine. Whatever.
Cecilia said:
“Welcome to reality 101. As parents we may preach and advise against sex, talk about sex with out children, pray and hope that nothing happens, but the reality is that no matter what we may recommend, advise, preach and pray the teenagers will deal with life in their own way.”
Sure, but if that is the case, shouldn’t our public policy have the ability to address this in a comprehensive fashion rather than one which relies on denial?
Excellent post LaShawn.
La Shawn:
Who would you have preferred as McCain’s VP, instead of Palin?
I actually think the “energized base” is actually a collective “sigh of relief” that McCain didn’t choose Lieberman or someone else who was pro-abortion.
The Republician party has been presenting itself as the traditional family values party for years.
But over the last three days, from Hannity to Hewitt, I have never seen so much backtracking and allowances being made about these issues since “Palin” has been nominated. I think about how other young black/white/latino teen girls have been portrayed as “pitiful tramps” while Shawn Hannity and others want to show “compassion” for “Palin’s” kid.
Hypocrites all of them!
I no longer consider the “Republican” party the home for my values anymore. McCain’s judgement must be called to question to pick someone with this and other questionable issues to lead the US in the event of his death or other incapacitating situation.
Wow. I am shocked that any conservative would vote for the ticket with the obvious token on it.
Honestly, the more I read about her the more I like her. I also like the various arguments she is bringing out into the open. It’s about time some of these things had to stand in the glare of the light. Too many things have survived too long, living under those rocks.
It’s the reform and backbone she showed in Alaska that catch my eye. There are things I could take exception to with all of the candidates (Even Fred, who I supported in the primaries) but right now her reform creds and the things she has done to limit government are looking mighty attractive to me.
I’m tickled that she sold the governor’s jet on e-bay when she took office.
Anyway. Always a pleasure to drop by your blog, LaShawn. You have my respect. Keep up the good work!
LaShawn says:
“I’m going to go against the conservative blogosphere grain and state my confusion over and disappointment in John McCain’s choice of running mate. I think Sarah Palin, a relatively unknown female governor from Alaska, is a bad choice.
I came to this conclusion before I found out Palin has a five-month-old infant (I believe mothers should raise their children) and a knocked up teenage age daughter (who ought to give up the baby for adoption to an older, married, two-parent family) or that she’s under investigation for ethics violations.”
TBD says:
As far as the infant child of hers, even though I still find the whole matter extremely fishy and I put NOTHING past the who, what, where, when, why and how regarding that child…I don’t think that her J-O-B disqualifies her from properly rearing any child. She does and will have the exemplary means with which to provide for that child.
Conservative Christian women walk a very fine line when it comes to paying lipservice to Biblical mandates regarding LOTS of things commanded by our Master, and I personally think that the baby/career choice is but one.
As far as “knocked up” is considered. While I think that’s kinda tacky, people need to shut up about your use of words especially given all the wretched and carnal things they say about politicians, in general – and I’m directing that SPECIFICALLY at conservatives who pretend to carry the mantle of authority when it comes to the proper way to promote “nuance” and “perspective’ in this shoddy and godless political landscape in which they are not only COMPLICIT, but promote without contrition.
Either EVERYBODY is going to CONITNUE to “keep it real” and be “politically INcorrect” or they shut up and actually start WALKING IN THE SPIRIT.
I personally believe that this young lady is too young to even be talking about marriage, but giving up the child is a stretch. This is what extended families are for, my sister LaShawn – to cover, protect and yes, PRESERVE, the unit regardless of circumstance.
This baby is innocent, and as such should be protected. Shuttling them off to an adoption agency is not really what is BEST for this child, given being born into a family of their means.
LBC: “Granted, Palin has loads more executive experience than Barack Obama, even as mayor of a town of 7,000 people. I’ll even go so far as to say she’s exceedingly more qualified to be president than he is. And she’s pro-life, a huge plus in my book. But come on.”
TBD: No she doesn’t. Prove it.
I’m not defending Senator Obama, but I can give you at least 2 names of seasoned conservative women (since they want continue playing into identity politics) of whom one could legitimately make that claim, but Governor Palin isn’t one. You’re wrong about that.
LBC: “McCain can’t play the little-experience or pandering cards against Obama anymore, and he needed every advantage he could get his hands on.”
TBD: What? You said yourself in the last line “this is politics” so they can and will do whatever they want. There are no rules of fairness or decency in this game. Just win at all costs.
LBC: “Why would liberal, pro-child killing women warm to Palin, conservative and pro-life, just because she’s a woman?”
TBD: All of that, and because these women wanted a while female presidential nominee. That’s why? White liberals are just as prone to phony, racist, and spiritually whack BEHAVIORS all the other partisan groups – except they are “tad” more vulgar about irreverent about it. They would rather divide their own party over some trifling identity politics and blow any chance they could have than to finally get back in the game. Plain silly.
LBC: “I think it was a stunt, badly played. Despite what the McCain camp claims, I don’t think Sarah Palin was properly vetted or her selection well thought out.
If McCain wanted to “reach out” to women and evangelical Christians, he should have picked a more qualified and well-known and less quirky and troublesome person than Sarah Palin.”
TBD: Stunt? Maybe – maybe not, but it worked didn’t it? It seems to have mitigated a lot of the dismay in the Republican party. I’m still stuck without a candidate this election, but I ain’t really mad at Senator McCain at all. Dude is trying to win, LaShawn. It’s nowhere NEAR his best choise, but you’re going to have to make a case for this being a “loser”, my sister. I don’t think you can.
LBC: “It stinks, the whole thing. But that’s politics.”
TBD: For shizzle.
Well, I believe that you are wrong. I know that time will tell, one way or another. I am confident that, if you are wrong, you will be happy about it. Between brothers and sisters in Christ, that is enough.
I’d sure like to see some of that “backtracking,” because I haven’t seen any such thing. In fact, I’ve seen just the opposite.
No one suggests that what Bristol Palin did was right, or that other teens are “pitiful tramps.” Nor are they “showing ‘compassion’ for ‘Palin’s’ kid.” (And why put her name in quotation marks? Don’t you think Sarah Palin is Bristol’s mother.) What has, and is being said, is while, yes, what Bristol did was wrong, she is taking responsibility for it and doing the right thing.
And surely there is a difference between having a sexual relationship with the person you intend to marry, and having casual sex, or shacking up without marriage? If you have any sort of values there is, or ought to be. This is not the same, or even close to being the same, as Planned Parenthood’s use of taxpayer money to encourage promiscuity.
La Shawn, no one is setting Bristol Palin up as a role model. Sarah Palin is the one running for office, and she is helping her daughter to do the right thing.
Marriage isn’t about “beating the odds.” Marriage is about the choices you make in life. A successful marriage does not happen to anyone by chance.
I disagree that they should adopt the baby out. If they were not going to marry, then yes, they should. But they are going to marry.
You know, not every teen pregnancy is accidental. Everyone seems to be assuming that Bristol is going to get married only because she is pregnant.
That does not appear to be the case. Some girls have been known to get pregnant deliberately, so that their parents would give them permission to marry. I’m not saying that’s what Bristol did, just that it happens.
La Shawn, I respect and value your opinion, but I think your wrong here. With domestic help, a woman can be a professional and care for her family even with young children.
I’m not sure the “inexperience” card works against Obama as much as the “lack of judgement” card which is still firmly in McCain’s hand.
And people: although I disagree with La Shawn about Palin, but sheesh, “knocked up” is really just mild slang. The Victorians among us need to get over it. Palin’s daughter made a mistake. But I suppose it gets mighty cold up there.
True, but it is to be expected.
You all are so much better off voting for GW, right? Why don’t you just send your earned money to the rich to support their multiple yachts, corporate bankers and oil companies directly? Write them a check!
They like Palin because the oil companies bought her off a while back. Period.
Rank and file Republicans like Palin because she’s cute like a Barbie doll. Period.
The Republican party is the home of…and hypocrites, along with the not-too-bright.
Can’t use the R-word on this blog. – Admin
Pauli,
There are reasons unmentionable why we LaShawn can’t say such things about people’s children, especially the Palin children.
But other people can say that the Obama children were “disruptive” and “unruly”, at the DNC or that the youngest never smiles and is always “scowling” in photographs.
Cognitive Dissonance, double standards, and lawlessness..
When I watched Palin address the crowd in Dayton on Friday, I felt that I was listening to an old familiar voice from the heartland. Her bit of twang, clipped endings of verbs, directly addressing the issue and folksy comfort were like chicken soup and a hug.
McCain has reaped a whirlwind of donations over the internet as a result of this pick. Even I have finally opened my checkbook.
Palin is the perfect underdog. I will be surprised if she gets cornered by having to defend herself. The media is already swarming Alaska sifting through her past for bits of garbage.
What the media “doesn’t get” is that heartland people don’t get bogged down in bits of garbage. We all have some in our past. What we don’t have in our pasts is political corruption, dealings with America haters and sleaze.
McCain can only win if he can get the door to door, phone bank, sign posting grassroots Republicans to work energetically. I believe that Palin is that formula.
In fact, I feel that Palin connects more with the soul of the heartland than any candidate I have seen since Reagan.
Now, two other points. My daughter is furious at the choice. She is hung up on the mom and her kids theme. I understand her point.
Palin is open to a bashing over her experience. But, recall that she is as experienced as Jimmy Carter was when he was elected President. Her lack of foreign affairs/national security experience is no different from these past candidates: Carter, Ferraro, Dukakis, Clinton, and Edwards. I didn’t include Obama, because he is chair of a foreign relations subcommittee he has never called.
McCain has brought Ed Rollins into his fold. He is talking with the Ron Paul people. He hired the guy who smeared him in South Carolina (in 2000) over his daughter. He knows what the KOS/Soros crowd is like. He is lining up a special units team to meet the Democrat sleaze machine head on.
I am really looking forward to the debate between Biden and Palin. Palin is a quick study and I expect to see Biden end up the debate looking like he had a piece of spinach between his front teeth and his fly open during the whole event.
McCain has challenged us all to think anew what credentials we believe a “qualified” candidate should have. Obama has no credentials beyond his skin color. Biden is a tried and tested loser in the candidate lottery. Now we will have to watch the McCain/Palin ticket play out and make our sage comments after it is over. I do not expect Palin to be a drag on the McCain campaign.
Hi there, La Shawn!
Even though you and I will probably always disagree to some extent on whether motherhood and work should go together, I will always be an ardent admirer of yours for how consistent you are. Your opinion is not swayed based on whether a story is about a conservative or a liberal; it remains solid. I love that you are an equal-opportunity offender! LOL You rock my world.
LaShawn,
I understand Sarah Palin’s daughter is planning to marry her boyfriend. You mentioned “…and a knocked up teenage age daughter (who ought to give up the baby for adoption to an older, married, two-parent family)”. Many of the two-parent families from previous generations started with an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, then a wedding. It’s not the ideal, but it is a common path to adulthood and parenting. If two teenagers step up to adulthood in this fashion, they should be honored.
LaShawn,
I got all self-centered and overlooked your main points. I apologize.
If Todd Palin were the Governor of Alaska with the same record and Sarah was the wife outside of government, I don’t think McCain would have given her a look.
Her daughter got “knocked up” and there will be a shotgun wedding as a result. Bill Clinton made this sort of thing old fashioned, so when the Dems take the “high road” on this one, they only succeed in making themselves look like what so many of them are.
McCain’s “wisdom” in making his VP would be called into question no matter who he chose. At least this pick has buried Obama and Biden and has kept even with Gustav.
The liberal feminists will be liberals first. Palin in not going to get their votes. But there are an unknown number of women who were rooting for Hillary the woman, but not wild about her politics.
If Palin were black, plenty of blacks would see her as another Clarence Uncle-Thomas. Liberal Feminists see her as a wonder womb, Bible clutching, gun toting, wench. She won’t get their vote. They are going to work her over in a way that Clarence Thomas never got.
Thanks for speaking up! I’m with you all the way. From the very first moment of his announcement, I’ve been unhappy with McCain’s choice in Palin for all the reasons you cite.
I was struck by the contrast between Palin’s acceptance speech, and the glowing speech Michelle Obama gave at the DNC. Michelle’s speech affirmed traditional feminine values (including her relationships) whereas Palin’s speech affirmed classic feminist values (her accomplishments). Granted, Michelle Obama isn’t running for office, so the goal of her remarks was different. I applaud her nonetheless.
I certainly won’t be voting for Obama, but I’m not a happy camper. I guess McCain is the best we’ve got.
“It stinks, the whole thing. But that’s politics.”
Lashawn,
It has been a while since I commented. I was on hiatus in Iraq for 15 months also. In the past you have made me angry at times with your comments on this site. However, I do say I have to respect you for simply stating what you believe no matter how popular/unpopular. I applaud you for sticking to your guns regarding “knocked up”. I would not use the term for anyone in my blog, but this is your site and if nobody has a problem using that to describe a poor underaged girl from the inner-city, or the trailer park then they should not have a problem with using that to describe Palin’s daughter. Thank you for remaining unbaised and unflinching in your opinions. Does this mark a sign of you getting back into the political blogging full time? (crossing fingers)
Over the last couple of days, I have seen a plethora of commentary suggesting that the right is overwhelmingly hypocritical in their reluctance to go after the Palin family “the way that they go after other unwed mothers.”
From my perspective, this misstates the views of conservatives.
Conservatives are outraged by policies that contribute to the numbers of unwed mothers as well as those that contribute to the breakdown of the family. They are not outraged by any one mother who loves her child enough to give it life.
Yes, it is certainly the case that conservatives are highly critical of attitudes that see preganacy as a pay check. Conservatives are appalled by those who promote out-of-wedlock births. Conservatives are angered by the promotion of attitudes that say the family isn’t important.
That is light years away from going for the jugular of a woman in an unfortunate situation. Far too many of us have been in that situation or have had family members in that situation.
For what it is worth, this situation shows the value of having family as a strong support system.
I don’t think it’s for anyone to discuss what they think is good for the teen daughter’s baby. It’s really not our business. But to say that a woman is not a good mother because she has a career and on the flip side of that short change the men in this world that do a real part of raising their kids… well, I find this post short sighted in what is going on in today’s world and how our society is moving towards the future.
Bless your heart, you’re speaking your mind!
I won’t be deleting you from my blogroll. LOL
However…..I, too, think Palin is a great choice. The fact that her daughter is ‘knocked up’ doesn’t sway my choice at all. I was NOT a McCain supporter prior to the choice. As a conservative, I found him too…..well, liberal. :/
As the grandmother of a 16 year old born out of wedlock kid, I’m not going to throw stones at anyone. We can do our best to teach our kids what is right and wrong, but there comes a time when they make their own choices.
My daughter chose life, which I applauded, and this young lady has made that choice too, which I also applaud. Thankfully, my young’un was smart enough NOT to marry the SOB.
As for adoption? Well, being a ‘bastard’ m’self, and given up, I can tell ya, sometimes, it’s a good thing, sometimes, it’s not so good. I got lucky, but many don’t. It does, however, cause some emotional issues for most adoptees.
So, I’m going to respectfully disagree with you, for the first time.
It is a simple as this: Sarah Palin’s family needs her a lot more than her country does.
It’s has less to do with VIEWS of fellow so-called Conservatives, but it’s their BEHAVIORS.
For the life of me, I had no idea that there were so many spiritual babes online. I guess the majority of the people who are mature and truly keep the faith don’t even go online or participate, which is truly unfortunate.
The violation of some very basic spiritual principles is what attract such scorn, which is why I don’t even label myself anything, and why people are astonished at how right leaning I am because they can’t tell it by how I treat and speak about my fellow man.
This political bastardization of so-called Christian values is neither in form or fashion the same as BIBLICAL values, but people try to cover it up, spit shine it, and be apologists for it, when they don’t even know the fundamentals of the scriptural narrative or mandate.
There is too much behaving like sycophants, punks, and psychedelic partisan Nicolaitan antinomianism on the right, which legitimizes disdain for it. It’s EMBARRASSING how everybody drinks the koolaid.. the LEFT’s is sweetened with splenda, or some other hippie type of birch sugar, and the RIGHT is sweetened with saccharin.
These seemingly innocuous and sweet tasting ideologies are fermenting and becoming the shellac to their sensibilities and is the reason for such seared consciences across the land.
“e-Mom,”
Having followed Michelle Obama since her husband began running for his party’s nomination, I don’t think that the real Michelle–the one who said that America is “just downright mean”–was on display at the convention.
KS, what are YOU displaying? Are you a Christian?
LaShawn, I usually agree with you on most things but not this one. I was wildly enthusiastic when I heard McCain picked Palin, in fact I had been pulling for her ever since I heard her name raised months ago.
She has the potential to energize Republicans like no stodgy white male ever could have. Her story is fascinating, her accomplishments are impressive. She represents the new face of the Republican party and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
As for the knocked-up daughter, that piece of news was definitely deflating, but this stuff happens. In families, and in government, dodging a crisis says less for your ability to lead than dealing with one responsibly.
I do hope you come around on Palin, she has so many good points and I think she’ll be an amazing, dynamic leader who brings a much-underrepresented perspective.
I have to disagree with you La Shawn and agree with commenter #34 bzedman on the Palin daughter and starting out pregnant and unwed. Back in the late 50s, a cousin became pregnant at 15. She eventually married the father right after baby #2 was born.
They both came to the Lord in the 60s. The husband became a pastor. They raised 2 boys and 3 girls. Because of the way they started their family, they did everything through prayer and application of the Word of God as their family matured. None of their sons or daughters conceived children before they were married.
I do agree with you La Shawn that the McCain camp did not know that the daughter was pregnant when he decided on the Sarah Palin VP choice.
Hi LB,
Thanks for sharing your take, but I think Palin is a great choice. No candidate is perfect, and Palin has her share of nits, large or small as the case may be, that will generate some adverse coverage. But in the end she’s a doer of deeds, not merely a speaker of gaseous uplift like so many professional politicians. Alaska is the GOP’s version of NJ and LA of not-too-long-ago; entrenched one-party corruption. She defeated a sitting governor in her own party on a platform of cleaning it up, and came from political nowhere and without party backing to do it. That much I knew prior to the announcement, but not much else. Despite some digs as not being long enough in the GOv office, and her family being less than Norman Rockwell (aren’t all of ours that way?), she strikes me as knowing how to get along and knowing how to rock the boat when getting along won;t get the right results. That she’s a woman also is a bonus, since some indies think that’s important. As to the new baby issue, it’s a decision for her and her husband to make whether a VP slot is doable given family commitments so I leave that to them. In the end and assuming more facts that might come to light do not substantially reverse my early opinion of her, I might even check the POTUS/VPOTUS block this election, just to help assure Palin is up for the top job in another 4 or 8 years.
“Don’t be afraid of information,” Sarah Palin said. “Healthy debate is so important, and it’s so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both evolution and the Babylonian account of creation, ‘Marduk Creates the World from the Spoils of Battle.’”
Supposedly, Nancy Reagan got pregnant with Patti before she married Ronald Reagan. Remember Mrs. Reagan’s famous comment “Do the math.”
Mary, from the Bible, found herself pregnant, and unmarried at age 14?
Obviously it happens. It’s not an ideal situation, and nobody’s trying to glamourize teen pregnancy ala Jamie Lynn Spears.
However, I agree with Dr. James Dobson, in that Christians aren’t called to be perfect, but they are called to do the right thing….and Bristol’s marrying the baby’s father, and the fact that the child won’t be born out-of-wedlock is the right thing.
The problem of single-motherhood is far worse than teen promiscuity (IMHO).
Sarah Palin’s is an example of a close-knit family that sticks together and lives out their Christian values in a genuine authentic way.
She’s not a lawyer, and she had the guts to sue the Federal Government over drilling, which is something not a lot of other politicians would have taken on. If you ask me, they ought to fast-track her right up to Presidency. I’m tired of these entrenched insiders and business-as-usual cronies staying in power—–which is exactly what Obama portends to be by choosing career-politician– the tiresome Joe Biden.
Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air and really elevates McCain !
I can’t believe how many people are ready to just axe this woman before she even gets going… is she really that scary to everyone? Finally had to write my own blog post about her just to counter act the smear campaign everyone seems interested in participating against her.
http://d.amasc.us/2008/09/02/sarah-palin-smear-campaign/
She deserves the same chance everyone gets and shouldn’t be smeared with statements that are not facts (IMO).
I’m glad that you are willing to post your opinions even if they aren’t what everyone else is saying. And I’m glad that the conversation can remain civil.
I don’t agree that Palin is an unknown, unproven person. She has done a lot on her own, and she exhibits the right instincts when it comes to making decisions. Integrity goes a long way in a crisis – I think she’ll be wise enough to think about her decisions and not make them based on polling data or upon what feels right. She seems to make decisions based upon what’s best.
““Knocked up” is vulgar, I agree, but I use it to make a point.”
Point made.
But don’t you agree that parents can show their children to live Christian lives, and sometimes their children still disappoint them.
Just saying, is all.
I respectfully disagree that Palin was not thoroughly vetted. I’m sure that McCain and his support team knew all the “skeletons” in Palin’s closet. I think it’s a fine choice, and the inexperience factor will not be an issue for her.
Wasshisname/Palin ‘08!
No #32 “In fact, I feel that Palin connects more with the soul of the heartland than any candidate I have seen since Reagan.”
Yes absolutely !!! Palin does have a type of Ronald Reagan glamour, what with her good-looks, yet the earthy, homespun vernacular and maverick spirit….Reagan had that—sort of an expansive viewpoint, yet a plainspoken Midwestern folksy charm. Reagan was born in Dixon, Illinois.
Again, I must say, the most Conservative President we’d ever had was Ronald Reagan, who had a very dysfunctional family life. For one thing, he was divorced, which was considered very controversial. The wild Reagan kids—Patti was into drugs, and Ron Jr. was a ballet dancer !!!
Conservative does not equal perfection. And, frankly, being a good Christian does not equal perfection, either. I’m not sure why two young people should be forced to give their baby up for adoption, when they are willing to marry, and have large extended families who are ready to embrace that child….
In any case, I’m just wondering who La Shawn thinks would have been the perfect candidate? If not Sarah Palin, then who?
Who comes with a fresh outside-the-Beltway outlook, that can (maybe) appeal to disaffected Clinton voters, and won’t alienate the Conservative base ????
Not Joe Leiberman, although I do like Lieberman very much !
I’m surprised there are any conservatives that are not thrilled by her selection. You’ve got a Pat Buchanan republican a heart beat away. She pulls the ticket far right getting the apathetic evangelicals off their couch and provided she’s not indicted from the trooper scandal McCain now probably wins. And I don’t think the prego teen adds up to much, maybe a couple of southern Baptist grannies who think abstinence isn’t just for ugly teens.
I take no offense at the term, “knocked up.” Heck, they made a movie about it with the term as the title, so most of its negative punch was lost a long time ago.
I do strongly disagree with you regarding Sarah Palin. McCain made an exceptionally smart choice, and I believe we’ll see that in the remaining two months of the election. I am also FINALLY excited about actually voting, because her place on the ticket gives it a more conservative footing, but also a future-forward look. While McCain will age himself out, she is the political future of the party, and perhaps the conservative movement, and in that regard, I am impressed and enthusiastic.
This whole preggo daughter thing? Many American families, EVEN Christians who raised their children with all the values face these issues and come out of it successfully. Bristol Palin has a loving, supportive family unit, and a birth father who will be involved–that’s a fine start in raising a child, no matter how young. So I also disagree on your point that she needs to give her child up for adoption. Will it be harder for her? Yes! But that doesn’t mean it’s not doable and does not exclude her or her child from blessing now or in the future.
And the Downs syndrome baby? Again, her choice. Nowhere in the Bible does it state women have to stay at home and not have a career while raising children; Her family doesn’t appear to be neglected, and frankly, she stands as a role model for some conservative women that you can have marriage, raise children and have a career, and one doesn’t cancel out the other. It calls for a lot of sacrifices, but then, what doesn’t?
Anyway, you won’t be off my blogroll, and you’ll still be bookmarked on my browser. My admiration for your voice and talent doesn’t end when I disagree on the viewpoint. As far as I am concerned, that’s what is wonderful about this type of forum, and what makes America great. We can agree to disagree and still be all right.
This isn’t a mistake, this is a well drafted plan.
Age old, powerful greedy using ignorant to gain control.
Palin is as bizarre as a candidate can get, but appeals to the voters who are fundamentalist cult members.
Rich using ignorant to get what they want, What’s new?
Dems walk eggshells now for obvious purposes.
I say, ‘ laugh her out of public’ ..
LaShawn, I strongly encourage you to learn more about this lady. She is the picture of feminism that the left would like to portray as their ideal, yet because she is pro-life, she’s the antithesis of their goddess I happily call Shrillary. When warned about all of the negatives of taking this job offer, she asked the McCain team member “Do you know the difference between a hockey mom & a pit bull?” she was met with a blank stare. “She said the answer was “lipstick”. This lady is strong on anti-corruption, and has faced down her own party’s corrupt members in her state. We need her in Washington D.C. Please give her another look, and really look into her accomplishments. She got where she is by her own efforts, not because she was married to a former president, and that’s what scares the left.
I recommend the following blog for quick research re Palin: beldar.blogs.com. More can be found elsewhere, but this is a good start.
Here you can read Palin’s words in actual context and see videos of her debating, etc.
For example: re the Independence Party and the Pat Buchanan flap. First you can see the video where she is welcoming the Independence Party. You will see and hear her say YOUR party. She was never a memember. This is a good example of how she works with everyone. Second she was NEVER a Buchanan supporter, she was being courteous and welcoming him to her community.
RE her family, everyone is leaving out MR. Palin’s role in raising and caring for the family.
For those concerned about her experience please do research on the responsiblilties of the Alaskan govenor. It is she who makes all final executive decsions and is responsible 24/7. It is she and only she who signs bills into law and vetos legislation. It is she that negotiated a 40 BILLION dollar deal for a pipeline thru Canada. A project that was in the works for 30 YEARS. She did it in less than TWO! There is so much more. Please do your research directly. Not filtered.
Even Dr. Laura has said that women can work and have a career, if there’s at least one parent willing to stay home. And, Todd Palin took time off and played Mr. Mom to take care of those kids. They have extended family and both sets of Grandparents are heavily involved in the care of the children.
Obviously, we aren’t used to seeing such a close-knit multi-generational family in a world where families are usually scattered and everybody is completely alienated, isolated and cut-off from relatives.
And, even a close extended family isn’t perfect, as we can see.
I think Sarah Palin is a learning experience for the whole Country, about what family unity really means and keeping the family together, even in trying circumstances.
Also, I wonder if La Shawn just doesn’t like the idea of a female leader, in general ??? That’s fair enough. Men are traditionally the species that exhibit leadership qualities, and the women are the power behind the throne, customarily. And yet, McCain had limited choices, —if we are talking about a running-mate who was going to (potentially) pull in Clinton voters, and certainly provide a visually captivating look to the Republican ticket.
Have I mentioned her Conservative views with no flip-flop ?
“Even Dr Laura…”
Fallacious appeal to authority.
It doesn’t matter what ANYONE says.. if this woman wants to serve in Public office and rear a toddler, she CAN. Period.
And this is about the Governor and the context of LaShawn’s threadstarter…not Senator Obama.
We all know ya’ll can’t stand the Obama’s…this ain’t about that.
“This isn’t a mistake, this is a well drafted plan.
Age old, powerful greedy using ignorant to gain control.”
So who is the “age old, power greedy,” and who is the “ignorant”? I wouldn’t slap McCain or Palin with either marker.
As for those “fundamentalist cult members” who vote, that could be more aptly applied to Obama supporters.
This was a VERY BIG risk. Obama is up in all the polls today. Looking at it from that aspect alone, I’m not sure she was the right choice.
That said, I like her. I want McCain to win because I tie up in knots when I think of Obama winning. I think it’s up to her now to convince the rest of the country she can do the job.
You’ve come a long way, baby. But, can you go over the top?
SUCH HYPOCRISY.
The fact is that Sarah Palin is now PROOF that abstinence only until marriage as a policy by itself without parental input is worthless.
Thanks again LaShawn – as you know your readers were chomping at the bit to speak on this topic. I voiced the same “confusion” (but I wasn’t disappointed)in McCain’s choice of running mate -even before I found out Palin has a five-month-old infant and a knocked up teenage age daughter.
LaShawn, if you can pardon my forwardness, I think many of your readers would have liked to see you (as you usually) do “lay-out” why McCain’s choice of Palin is confusing. For me, it was McCain & the GOP constantly telling us Obama was too inexperienced and then they turn around and give us Palin. WOW!!! and to every commenter here and GOP supporter stop selling this decision as a “great” decision.
Why the constant references to her being able to ease the concerns of the evangelicals? What about her (other than professing Christianity) says evangelicals should be enamored with her? I liked the statements in TheBigDoddy’s post #43 and in post #42 – it appears to me her “family” needs her far more than her country. I disagree with the comment in post #56, true the bible doesn’t say a woman should not have a career however it is clear that the woman (ideally) should be the caregiver and the man is to till the ground.
Perhaps it was just me, but it just didn’t sit well with me to watch her 17 year old carry her child. We have a tendency to pass on to our children parental responsibilities. Please don’t take my comments out of context. Maybe having a child at a young age was not something that Bristol would be uncomfortable with if she (possibly) spends a huge amount of time caring for her younger siblings. Just a thought!!
I think this decision has helped sway me over to Obama. The last 8 years under a Republican has been a sham – why not try something different – can it really be worse?
I was luke warm about McCain. I was so upset when I first heard that Palin was his choice that I might have stayed home on election day. But then I did some reading about Palin. The more I read, the more excited I became. For the first time this year, I am excited about this election. I am tired of Washington politicians, and Palin is a breath of fresh air. I am not voting for experience, I am voting for capability and integrity. Being in the White House isn’t about knowing everything, that’s what the CIA daily breifings are all about. It is about being the person that will make the right decisions. Besides, I believe in empowering women. Ask my wife. Who ever thought that it would be the Democrats who state their position is that women with kids should stay home?
Years ago, I worked in the government of a town of 20,000 people, often working closely with the town’s mayor. I worked under two mayors. They were both nice people. Small town folks. Not overly ambitious, but cared about their community. But in no way would I ever classify them as “accomplished and experienced executives” capable of making the type of decisions that someone in the White House would have to make. Their role as mayor wasn’t even a full time job…they kept their day jobs, leaving the town’s day-to-day management to the Town Manager and other Department Directors. They mostly voted on budgets for snow removals and parades in July. Not the kind of tough decisions this new Administration is going to have to face.
“Ask my wife. Who ever thought that it would be the Democrats who state their position is that women with kids should stay home?”
Well the Democrats I know aren’t concerned with that at all, from what I’ve observed. They are pouncing on this because the hypocrisy.
I’ve read about 8 references regarding this topic about “not being” or “not called” to be perfect of for perfection. In my limited time here, that is the most contrition I’ve read regarding the conservative ethic it’s a kinda nice.
On the flip side, if we’re going to let ourselves off the hook every once in a while, then we should try to do the same thing for the other side, this way we won’t prove to be such an embarrassment when the moment of truth comes – and it has NOT COME YET.
Lashawn:
What you should be focusing on more that anything is that the Republicans are “using” Sarah Palin (who doesn’t mind it by the way) to pander to emotional and whiney white women who voted for Hillary Clinton and to present a phony argument about leadership and experience. What I find even more offensive is that pundits like yourself are not examining this issue. Whether you like Obama or not, African-American mem have had their spirit killed on the job even after the civil rights movement because when they tried to advance and where told that they did not have enough experience. While at the same time, a candidate from Central Casting with less formal education and training usually wins in the end. Obama was a community organizer, law school professor, state representative, and now senator. If you are expecting him to have the requite experience like McCain, he will not have it. But his background has prepared him to be the first African-American party nominee, and the builder of a political campaign that outfoxed, outsmarted, and outorganizaed an established political candidate. All of those accomplishments lend merit to the fact that at least some of Americans view him has a credible party leader, a leader of all nationalities and ethnic groups, and someone who can revive America again. You should have some admiration for what he has done as an African-American man, because he has gone farther than any of your fathers and grandfathers did, as well as mine. To refuse to watch his speech and not give him some credit is wallowing in the type of bitterness that you shouldn’t be wallowing in. After all, no one is saying that you HAVE to vote for him, but realize he has risen over some extraordinary circumstances, which will help him in the years to come whether he wins or not.
Sorry LaShawn, I have to disagree. Sarah Palin is a strong, smart, moral, competent executive. What she doesn’t know at an international level she will learn as VP. I really liked Mitt Romney and would have been happy with him as VP (better as Pres), but I think McCain has a better chance of winning with Palin. Too many people are weird about the Mormon thing.
At this point, it’s not who’s the most capable leader, but who can win the election. Palin stands for all of the things missing in McCain.
As for her daughter, I think adoption is a good choice for girls who don’t have strong family support, but not for a strong family like the Palins. In the same situation, I would never allow my grandchild to be given up for adoption. That baby would be loved as a member of my family and my entire extended family would be available for help. Just like we did with my divorced sister and her son, my sister-in-law and her daughter before my brother married her, etc. That’s what family is for. At the very least, I would adopt the baby myself.
I think it sends a bad message to other children in a family that babies can be given away. I would think that other children would think that they could be given away too. Families take care of their own.
One more thing, I would feel the same way about my nieces and nephews too. I would never allow them to be given away either. My parents feel the same way.
Wow!!! We have a “fact” now!
Well, here is another “fact.” Abstinence works. Where does the comment poster get the “information” Palin favors abstinence “without parental input?”
What kind of mind makes an assumption like that? Understand, when the parental input is to put your daughter on the pill, you are tacitly agreeing that you are helping to avoid pregnancy after sex.
Palin’s daughter responded to hormonal urges. She is not the first. Why do you condemn her for that? You can not unscramble eggs, so, you move on to new realities. That is the true Palin “story.”
I can not believe that I am participating in making this young girl’s life (and the baby’s father’s life) a national focus of news gossip.
I hope the comment poster has led a charmed life and continues to do so. I for one, only know people who have been tripped up by doing something stupid once or twice in their lives.
(Several years ago, I burned down my equipment shed while scorching weeds. People in the neighborhood still call me “Smokey.” I earned it.)
I find your traipse into the realm of contrition and self-deprecation to be highly offensive, sir.
LOL!
Abstinence works only if you properly educate a child about sex. Just to tell someone don’t do it is stupid and pie in the sky. But, then again reality has not much to do with most people’s view of the world. The best way to discourage a teenager’s behavior is to explain the perils and pitfalls. Just to blindly say “Don’t do it” oh yea I am repeating myself.
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