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Palin, Politics and Pregnancy
Michael Jones
Sep 04, 2008
I applaud the Republican Party for selecting a woman (although I do not think she is the most qualified woman in the Republican Party) to be it’s V.P. selection. Kudos to McCain! However, I had an issue as a Pastor and a dad with a small daughter, at the message that was sent with two teenage lovers holding hands as way to excuse the issues they are facing during Gov. Palin’s acceptance speech. Did anyone else ask why in the world were Gov. Palin’s oldest daughter (who is 5 months pregnant) holding hands with her boyfriend for the entire speech?
Does it make the situation of teenage pregnancy palatable by saying, “They are going to get married in a year”. What kind of rationale is that? This does not disqualify Gov. Palin from being a V.P., or a great mother. I believe it does send the wrong message to have the two teenage lovers, who have put the cart before the horse, put up for the media to view.
I am not condemning them, but to use this as spin or to soften the reality of the issues of teenage pregnancy is irresponsible. While Gov. Palin becomes as champion for special needs families, I hope she will put the same effort in talking about teen pregnancy.
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We must consider the value of a human when its all about development, so lets not mix the situation of any individual with his/her values.
of Longview,Texas
Jan. 8, 2009 at 03:27 AM
Lets not mix a situation of somebody being pregnant and politics.Just consider that if it was about a normal person…would it have been made a hype of like it is being made in this case.
Dec. 11, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Great review,I think Mrs. Palin is walking away from the biggest job God has given her and I don’t respect her for it. This is one “right winger” who is not impressed with this choice. McCain should have picked someone who is not needed so badly at home.
Chesterfield Chairs
of UK
Dec. 4, 2008 at 07:37 AM
I would just like to add that in my opinion, I think before jobs(how so big or important they may be) comes home, specially when it comes to kids & their needs.
of Texas
Nov. 25, 2008 at 01:43 AM
I do not think that Gov. Palin should be seen as ‘unfit’ to be VP because of the fact that she has these children. Were those very issues made public when she ran for Gov. in Alaska? What about our women who are fighting in Iraq etc. and have left behind children to be cared for by husbands or extended family. Do you feel they should not serve their country because they are women with children. What about all the men who are fathers that have served as Presidents/Gov/Senators etc. how much parenting did they contribute? Also saying things about her teenage daughter being pregnant and being their with her boyfriend that she intends to marry-how many times has that gone on in everyday households all over the country. We should not judge—She is a bright, intelligent women and just because of her gender and the fact that she has children does not make her unable to help lead this country or as our women overseas-fight for this country.
of Goochland, VA
Sep. 8, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Very sensible comments by all. I too work full time and have a small child and a teen. My concerns about Mrs. Palin are not over the fact that she is choosing to work ... they are over the fact that she is choosing the limelight of the VP offer which may seem like the grand prize for a woman in lieu of choosing the grand prize that God gave her. She has what most women truly want - a wonderful family, good husband, hobbies, and a career that makes us feel we are individuals too. She already had that. Greed can cause the best of gamblers to walk away with empty pockets. I fear hers has bet her daughter, her son, and her grandchild in an “I’M ALL IN” type way and I believe her husband has nudged her with his hand too.
Her daughter has spent and will spend more time bonding with the 5th child than Sarah has. Her daughter and boyfriend are just kids themselves and now the whole world is watching them play house. What does that say to our own teens watching - getting pregnant isn’t such a big deal. He might even agree to marry you and look how cute they are. Bristol looks exhausted and I can’t help, but think that she might be wanting mom closer to home to help her experience the fears and hormonal waves as she tries to become a woman. I guess she can do that by phone.
If we elect Sarah though, and the silly stories about Trig actually being Bristol’s child are proven true, what are your thoughts on her parenting skills and decisions if she chose to stay for a speech she gave in Texas while her daughter may have been in labor. Just a thought because I won’t miss that moment in my children’s lives for anything in the world.
I fear that Bristol and the other children may just become talking points on the speech. How will they be tucked in, read stories to, when will they get to talk about the new boyfriend ... yes dad will share that, but isn’t it better that both can do that… don’t paste the double standard sticker on it. I’m not telling her to walk the kitchen bare footed. A career is meant to support your family and offer you self-awareness and purpose ... identity. Sarah and her husband already had that. So, why this, why now ... she was not seeking it and she didn’t need it financially. Like Brady, a famous football quarterback - the attention can feel good I think. Family should feel better.
she could be that mom who brings home the bacon and bakes cookies too - she already was. What she wants now is to bet it all on the have my cake and eat it too. Spiritually speaking - the house always wins that bet and the heart is forever lost. How many movies have you seen with that ending ... try Bruce Almighty for starters ... stupid, but very real.
of Chesterfield
Sep. 8, 2008 at 01:51 AM
I couldn’t agree more with Laurel of Richmond and with Michael Jones. What was John McCain thinking when he chose Gov. Palin, especially while her family deals with major issues? I am a public school educator, and too many times I’ve seen young teens make poor choices that lead to unplanned pregnancies. The last thing this country needs is to see a pregnant, unmarried teenaged couple, holding hands and greeting the Republican Party’s Presidential Candidate as he exits the plane. It glamorizes this situation, and sends the wrong message to young people everywhere. To echo a previous entry—saying that they will be married in a year doesn’t make it better or OK or more acceptable.
Because of allowing her pregnant daughter and boyfriend to be in the spotlight, I question Gov. Palin’s decision making skills and overall moral compass. Having a pregant, unwed teenager in the family should have been enough reason for her to decline John McCain’s request to be his running mate.
John McCain had a vote from me until he chose Gov. Palin.
of Beaverdam, VA
Sep. 5, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I am a professional with a master’s degree who, after 15 years of full time work, decided to stay home full time with my newborn baby. This decision was not an easy financial or professional decision to make, but I felt it was the best choice for my baby. I am a Christian and my decision was strongly applauded and supported by my church and Christian friends who share the same family values.
What I don’t understand is why Mrs. Palin is receiving so much praise from Christian groups when she is so willing to leave her children for the job of Vice Presidency. There is a difference between giving birth to five children and raising five children and her job is not done yet. Down syndrome infants need specialized care, therapy and extra doctor’s visits. Her pregnant daughter is probably terrified and needs her mom now more than ever. After Bristol’s baby is born, she will need her mother tremendously. And what about the other children? Pre-teens are not easy.
Maybe Mrs. Palin has a super-husband who is willing to take this on but I think they will need to hire alot of help…and that’s just not good parenting in my opinion.
I think Mrs. Palin is walking away from the biggest job God has given her and I don’t respect her for it. This is one “right winger” who is not impressed with this choice. McCain should have picked someone who is not needed so badly at home.
of Richmond VA
Sep. 4, 2008 at 09:26 PM
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