I’m really not one to talk about politics. I never know enough information to be able to “hold my own” if you will. I don’t usually even know enough to entertain a conversation with a Modern Jacka** . But I feel the need to talk about Sarah Palin.
I was surprised to hear she was was willing to take on the responsibility of VP with a four month old baby and even more surprised when I learned the child has special needs. But it wouldn’t be first time a mother has returned to a high pressure job after giving birth. Sure the baby is going to require a lot of attention and care but those needs can be fulfilled by his dad, siblings, and/or other adults in his life.
No, it’s not the baby I’m concerned about. It’s the 17 year old daughter. Gov. Palin knew her daughter was 5 months pregnant. And she most definitely had to know what kind of scrutiny she would be putting her under by accepting the nomination for VP. Was she really thinking in terms of what was best for her family? Seventeen is hard age to become a mother much less trying to do so under the unforgiving eye of a heated presidential race.
Gov. Palin, I’m not impressed. From one mother to another, you have a responsibility to protect your children. I don’t think you have succeeded in doing so this week.
52 responses so far ↓
watch out « CCFB Blog - Joe C. Hays // September 2, 2008 at 2:55 pm |
[...] post info By Joe Categories: Uncategorized My wife just wrote a post that could be construed as political. However, it isn’t. It’s about parenthood in light of politics. To say the least, she’s not a Palin fan. Go over and check it out. [...]
kate // September 2, 2008 at 3:50 pm |
This weekend my Dad’s best friend Brian was in town wearing an Obama shirt. After I had joined into the discussion for a few minutes, Brian commented that he was impressed with how “well-spoken” I was about the issues…and then I felt it. I am a “Modern Jacka**”, and confessed it immediately.
I completely agree with you on this and had very similar thoughts. I commend Obama for what he said, but know that the press is the press – and they had to know that even if the politicians “weren’t going to go there” – the press and public would.
That said, I’ll try to control my “Modern Jacka**” commentary about Palin. =)
Lou // September 2, 2008 at 3:55 pm |
She’s a woman of faith and perhaps she sees this as being led by the Spirit. As you said, she will have good care for her little baby…as for her pregnant daughter, what good would come of Sarah “holding her hand” so to speak. The announcement’s been made that the couple plan to marry and they’ll hopefully establish a home of their own. As Obama stated, his mom had him when she was very young. Looks like she did a good job of it. Give Gov. Palin credit for being a sensible/caring individual who has put much thought and prayer into making this decision; I would hope she examined every aspect with the family…and that they stand united. Perhaps you or I wouldn’t have made the same decision but we are not her.
Jessica // September 2, 2008 at 4:28 pm |
I think family, especially minor children should be excluded from this campaign and I commend Obama for responding as such. I am disappointed that the press is exploiting a minor child for the sake of discrediting the campaign. Remember when the press was commenting on Chelsea’s look when she was a teen in the white house. I felt for her then.
Though i’m not a McCain/Palin fan, I do believe that if she becomes VP it will provide her family a lot of opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise (ie. the top health care, resources, a free mansion to live in, probably some nannies, etc.) and perhaps as a mother she sees this as a blessing for her family.
Joe // September 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm |
I think I get what irks Laura regarding Palin. Every one deals with crises in different ways. When a crisis was sprung upon Laura and me, we quickly turned to each other and also very close friends and family knowing that the tight-knittedness, if you will, would help us through the crisis. We also promised each other not to take on additional commitments. In fact, we backed off on commitments already made. And for us, this worked. It worked well, in fact. We grew closed together, Ira made it through the crisis and Sophia came out on the other end not a bitter sibling but a well-adjusted, mature sister. So it seems to Laura and to me, for the record, that Palin is doing exactly the opposite in the midst of crisis. She’s got a four month old kid who is gonna need constant attention. She’s got a 17 year old who’s pregnant. And what does she do? She takes on a responsibility that seems huge, divisive, daunting, invasive and intrusive. I get why Laura’s not impressed.
Indie // September 2, 2008 at 6:04 pm |
When we had just heard about the special needs baby, I was wondering how she could handle that and the VP and once I heard about the teen daughter I just thought that unless she is super human, its too much. Both of those things are big stresses on a family. Adding the VP position (or even the presidency if something happened to McCain) seems crazy to me. I can imagine that she didn’t want to pass up this once in a life time opportunity. I can totally imagine the “what ifs” that might go along with passing it up and then not having the opportunity again later. But at this time in her life it seems that she is choosing career over family.
julie // September 2, 2008 at 7:44 pm |
Laura, I am right with you on this. I hate that this young girl is being pushed into the limelight while in high school and pregnant. I hate that the father of her baby’s name has been published. I hate that there is the possibility that she is being pushed into marriage, in order for it all to look right from the outside. I know that anyone would hate to pass up this opportunity and I had to turn it around and ask myself would I being thinking these same things if it were a man….and my answer is yes. He would still be exposing his daughter to all that negative press.
,,,,and Chris, I do believe there is a comparison. She has a child who needs special attention…a baby and a teenage daughter…. and they need both of their parents to walk with them. Not a nanny, not a family friend but mom and dad and as much time as they can give.
and Chris, I strongly disagree with your last statement and I believe that will become more and more apparent as we get closer to November.
Beth // September 2, 2008 at 8:01 pm |
I agree Laura. And as for what good would come of Palin “holding her hand?” I don’t think it is presumptious or judgmental to say that in fact a tremendous amount of good would come of it – for all them.
We are asked to make a choice. Our choice is based on seeing what choices the candidates have made politically, professionally, and personally – they are all reflective of any individual seeking a place of power and leadership. I don’t think its fair to hold Palin responsible for her 17 year old daughters choices, but I think it is entirely fair to look at how Palin handles her responsibilities, including those of motherhood.
Why would Palin run for V.P.? « Marti Stanley’s Web Log // September 2, 2008 at 8:03 pm |
[...] a dozen reasons just today, but the one question that keeps playing through my head is one asked by Laura Hayes on her blog. How could Palin accept the harsh scrutiny of political media knowing her 17 year old [...]
marti // September 2, 2008 at 8:10 pm |
I share the same worries. If it were me, I would make sure that my family knew they were the most important thing on my agenda. I would never want my daughter to look back at this time and ask, Mom, why did you put me through that? And why weren’t you there for me when I needed you most?
And I would be asking the same question if it was Palin’s husband running the race. It’s not a sexist female/mother role I’m questioning. It’s a parent role.
Jennifer // September 2, 2008 at 8:11 pm |
I’m not a parent, so I can’t say from experience what I would do, but I agree with what you are saying. I already thought it was a lot to leave a 4 month old baby in the care of others to take on the responsibility of the VP, but a child with special needs makes it an even bigger deal to me. The fact that her 17 year old daughter is being put through all of this is very sad to me. I think parents are required to protect their children even if they have to sacrifice their own desires. Children aren’t asked to be born…it’s the parents job to do whatever they need to do to take care of their children.
Clay // September 2, 2008 at 8:12 pm |
I don’t have kid’s and i I’m not married, so maybe I’m way off. Maybe I’m a “Modern Jacka$$” However, it seems to me that in my experiences, life goes on when tragedy or disappointments happen.
When a person makes a bad decision, we love them. We do not coddle them and we do not protect them from the consequences… it was their choice.
I don’t want someone that’s a “politically perfect” VP on the ticket. I want a person that has a record of dealing with “life”.
pamelaaugust // September 2, 2008 at 9:25 pm |
Ironically, I just posted a blog post on the same topic, different slant.
http://pamelaaugust.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/politics-shmolitics/
BTW, my husband is a church planter as well. That;s how I found your blog originally. I am a speech pathologist, so I have also followed your journey with Ira as well.
hoythappenings // September 2, 2008 at 9:51 pm |
If you know me at all, you know I am the first to try and give someone the benefit of the doubt. I don’t dislike Palin as a person. I just think she has made a poor choice in running for VP at this time in her life.
Chris, your comments were not deleted for lack of agreeing. There are others who disagree with me and that is absolutely their prerogative. The difference in their comments and yours is in the tone. One can disagree and yet remain respectful of an other’s opinion. Your comments cross over the line to being disrespectful.
Dusty // September 2, 2008 at 10:01 pm |
Laura, I’m with you. I’ve also had similar thoughts about Obama. I remember how brutal some were with Chelsea Clinton. I just hate to see young children brought into such an arena. Shoot, it hurts me when my son gets picked on at the playground. While I know that in some ways that’s good for him, I’m sure not gonna purposely expose him to something 1000 times worse. (In case you were wondering, that’s why I asked not to be considered for VP.)
Hillary // September 2, 2008 at 11:57 pm |
I stumbled upon your husband’s blog a few years ago and have followed his and now yours pretty regularly for some time. I must say that I am surprised at how judgmental your comments about Sarah Palin are. When your family was going through all that you went through with Ira, would you have wanted someone to cast judgement on the way your family chose to handle the situation? I am guessing that you did what you thought was best for your family a the time. I find it very disheartening that you would judge Mrs. Palin for how she chooses to handle her family affairs. We are outsiders looking in and who are we to say what is good/not good for her family. You are thinking about how you would choose to handle it if you were in her shoes. I can understand that, but it doesn’t mean that her choices are wrong. I don’t think that it is fair for you to say that . As a teacher in an inner-city school, I sometimes find myself doing that very thing. I have several parents who have made choices that I do not exactly agree with. When it comes down to it, though, my opinion really doesn’t matter. Most of them are doing the best they can with their situation. Isn’t that ultimately what we are all trying to do?
Jessica // September 3, 2008 at 1:10 am |
Any candidate with children is subjecting those kids to scrutiny. Those kids will be household names for the rest of their lives.
The Bush twins made headlines for drinking under age, Chelsea was labeled unattractive. Is it wrong for all candidates with children to run for Pres. or VP? All those kids will be targets of scrutiny for years to come.
jonny e // September 3, 2008 at 1:34 am |
Sen. Obama has two small children. How come there is no outcry over whether or not he is a good father during his run for president. He has been running for President since early 2007. That is almost 18 months in which those girls have been schlepped around the country so he can campaign. Does that make him less of a parent? What’s the difference?
jackietex // September 3, 2008 at 2:40 am |
I respectfully disagree. I don’t believe either of these circumstances necessarily create a crisis. And yes, as a parent, I have faced a medical crisis that brought my life to a stand still for many months. Almost all of the arguments against Palin that I have read online have been not been anything I consider substantial or applicable to her possible future as VP. I think your argument is valid, I just disagree.
Joe // September 3, 2008 at 8:25 am |
jonny e – I think Laura outlined the difference pretty well. Palin’s family seems to be in crisis. That’s a huge difference.
And Hillary – You have no idea what kind of scrutiny my family was under the past couple of years. Apart from the abortion rumors that were swirling before Ira was born, we had several question our faith during that time. I won’t mention what other kind of scrutiny we were under because some of those people read this blog. And so if we, a no name family up tucked away here in Brooklyn, went through that, we can’t imagine doing so on a global scale as Palin is doing.
jonny e // September 3, 2008 at 9:22 am |
Joe, How is running for President not one big family crisis? Is 18 months of absent fatherhood that much better? Both situations suck, but it does seem that many only seem to focus on Gov. Palin because no one knows anything about her/doesn’t like anybody with a R behind their name/or has a lemming like relationship to Sen. Obama.
And, on a whole other level, what right do any of us have to say what she should do as a mother or politician? Do any of us really know her family situation? What sort of family situation distracts a politician from their job? What sort of bar do we place?
Hillary // September 3, 2008 at 9:33 am |
Again, Joe, I understand what you are saying about your family and the choices you made at the time. However, your family and what you went through is not the same as the Palin family. I still feel that it is not okay for us to judge the Palins and their decision. Just as you probably did not enjoy people judging you and your family during your crisis. If you were in her shoes, you would have to make the decision for your family. It wouldn’t be my place to judge you for your decision. Just like it’s not your place to judge her because you don’t know all the issues surrounding her circumstances. You only know what you are hearing the media say.
RM // September 3, 2008 at 11:08 am |
Wow, Laura! This is among the most comments I’ve seen here. I understand where you’re coming from. A part of me agrees and the other part wants to think that a working mom can do it all. I do agree that the media scrutiny is probably excessive and distracts from the issues. What concerns me about the Palin situation is the potentially unrealistic expectation that it sets for women (i.e., if it is true that she went back to work 3 days after giving birth). Before I had a child, I thought that having one would not interfere much with my career — that I’d just put the little one in a sling and sit at my desk and work like I did before — and all they do is sleep, right? Well, that wasn’t at all the case. I didn’t bargain with the fact that I actually wanted to spend more time with my daughter more than I wanted to spend time at work, that it was important to me that she feel that I had been there to spend time with her, etc. At the same time, I ran myself ragged those first few weeks trying to keep up with work e-mails, taking on a book review, etc…When I had to go back to work earlier than the ideal because my job didn’t provide paid maternity leave, I was always conflicted between trying to be a good mom and worrying that co-workers would think I was no longer dedicated to advancing in my field because I’d had a baby. Well, yes, I have been less productive at work — even with wonderful in-laws who provide free child care — since having a baby, but that’s life. And so that’s one of the reasons the Palin thing concerns me. Maybe she can do it all, but I don’t think that’s the case for the majority of women who don’t have the financial advantages she has and who don’t have family around to take care of the kids.
Lucas // September 3, 2008 at 11:23 am |
As a voter we are asked to judge. I think families should be kept out of politics, but at the same time looking at how a person makes decisions are important. I would argue that her policy decisions are more important for the VP job, than her family decisions. However, the GOP has made character a strong issue over the past 20 years and there is no better place to look at character than at her family. I believe we should be hesitant to judge family decisions in general, but the point is by thrusting herself into the national spotlight she also thrust her entire family into the spotlight – right or wrong. As we are voters and tasked to judge I think this ultimately does come into play (at least on the character level). More importantly for me are policy decisions, which for me (at least on initail glance) put Palin in less than a favorable light (i.e. proposing book bans, oil drilling, civil rights, lobying, and abuse of power). Now all of these things have levels of unknown and I would caution to judge too quickly, but there are red flags that make me nervous. And, maybe most importantly, is that she got her first passport in 2007. I want my VP to have an understanding of the world, and I’m not sure if you can get that in Alaska and Idaho.
Barbara Murphy // September 3, 2008 at 11:38 am |
Holy cow Laura, you have some comments here!
I am a wuss on this, I’m on both sides of the fence. I would like to think that Palin loves and supports her family. I thought it was odd that she went back to work after three days – But, she does have the support of her husband to raise the kids. If it were a man, would they ask the same questions in the media? I wonder…
Also, you have every right to cast your opinion (I don’t think you are judging) on a canidate for V.P. If they decide to put themselves out there and run they are giving us the oppurtunity to look into their lives to decide if we want them for office. You can relate to her with a special needs child, so this is the topic you choice, and that’s ok.
Vicki // September 3, 2008 at 12:51 pm |
Don’t worry, Joe. I won’t say much.
Two things strike me:
1) The use of the word “crisis”. “Crisis” implies a life/death situation. This isn’t a crisis. They are experiencing a family ordeal (not a maternal ordeal), and they are dealing with it-by embracing and supporting as all good, loving parents do.
2) We expect the Palin’s to fit into OUR idea of what “family”, “mother”, and “nurture” should be. Is this not supposed to be the generation that has broken that traditional mold, that we are supposed to be free to choose how we can best be who God created us to be, and serve how He created us to serve?
3) Our place of perspective comes from our own personal experiences. I fully understand that Laura’s heartstrings are being pulled, and being pulled hard.But this child is not Ira, his mother is not Laura, his father is not Joe.
Sometimes objectivity is hard to find.
KarenB // September 3, 2008 at 12:57 pm |
My .02…and it has nothing to do with whether she has a R or D after her name…. I’m sure that Palin is a “remarkable woman”. She seems intelligent, calm under pressure, and has done a very good job governing Alaska.
But I’m a working mom and as much as working moms would like to think that they can “do it all”. They can’t. Something suffers. If your focus is centered around your family, your job suffers. If your focus is centered around your job, the family suffers. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how much outside help, and how much your husband is available. A family needs their mother. A baby needs their mother. A pregnant teen needs her mother. Because Palin’s focus will be on her job, a job that will require a lot of long hours and traveling, her family will suffer. I agree this is a great opportunity for her, but the timing is bad. Unfortunately, good opportunities come at a bad time and as a mother you have to sacrifice for your family. My opinion, she should have declined the offer.
KarenB // September 3, 2008 at 1:11 pm |
Just read Vicki’s post..regarding #2, I used to think the same way regarding the roles of women. I consider myself a feminist. But after having children, I realize that a mother’s role of nurturer isn’t societal, it’s inate.
Vicki // September 3, 2008 at 2:25 pm |
How funny, Karen. I am not a feminist, never have been (but survived the 60’s and 70’s), and I used to think that nurturer was innate. Total opposites.
But I’ve lived long enough to see too many women/mothers for whom this is simply is not so, that of the ability to nurture being innate. When it isn’t, they make bad mothers, make poor choices, are unhappy wives because of the stress of not being what they were expected to be-that of nurturing mothers, and many of their children end up in foster homes or worse. No, I’m afraid it isn’t “innate”. If only it were.
And fathers can be great nurturers. (Isn’t that right, Joe?)
Paul // September 3, 2008 at 2:32 pm |
Since none of us knows the inner workings of the Palin family, our decisions should be based on the impact of the candidate on the country as a whole. Let’s make our decisions based on job, not our private lives unless our private lives jeopardize our country.
kate // September 3, 2008 at 5:53 pm |
Vicki, first of all, this isn’t Joe’s blog – not quite sure why you keep commenting to him directly. Secondly, you’re right that perspective is influenced by personal experiences. That is why I like to hear perspective opinions from others who have different personal experiences than my own – like Laura. Also, these “family ordeals” that Palin is going through will shape her perspective – and it’s interesting to observe her responsive actions in the light that we DO need to judge if we think she is a good decision maker, especially when “ordeals” arise.
Brittyne // September 3, 2008 at 7:35 pm |
YOU GO! You said what I have been wanting to say. I will say it now on my own blog. I can’t believe the number of comments you have here. What I really can’t believe is that all a woman has to do is say she is a woman of faith and she has the evangelical religious right putting her up there with Mother Theresa. I second you….
Lucas Pauls // September 3, 2008 at 8:34 pm |
I would imagine that if I wanted to protect my children, but still wanted to serve my country, advance my career, there would be smart ways to do it and not so smart ways. And McCain, Palin and even Obama have said that the kids should be off limits. That is the first step toward the right way to do it. Right? So why is Bristol and her boyfriend (fiance?) in the greeting line at the airport with the press? Why is her younger daughter on McCain’s daughter blog requesting votes, why (as reports are saying) will Bristol be featured in a narrative at the RNC? Why?
If your going to go after votes as “hockey Mom” and PTA member and use your daughter as an example of your pro-life stance then I would say that you are not taking that most basic first step toward the right way to both protect your family and run for the second highest office of our land.
(Of course Obama has showcased his kids as well, but since they are not being scrutinized its a bit of a different situation)
Lucas Pauls // September 3, 2008 at 8:43 pm |
Sorry, I forgot one point. Let’s not leave it at kids. Let’s look to families. Obama said families were off limits. With everything that has happened over the past few days you would think McCain and Palin would welcome that. So why does the pre-released speech of Mitt Romney have a veiled, but obvious attack on Michelle Obama? Can McCain not control that? I don’t remember Cindy McCain being mentioned at the DNC. Are families off limits or not?
Hillary // September 3, 2008 at 11:01 pm |
Brittyne, your comments really kind of make me feel sick. Yes, she claims to be a woman of faith. Who in the world are you to say that she is not? I don’t think that anyone is comparing her to Mother Theresa. As a person that claims to be a “woman of faith” also, I don’t think that means you have to be perfect. I think this is where judging can get us in trouble. You don’t know what is in her heart, do you?
Richie // September 3, 2008 at 11:18 pm |
interesting discussion! Appreciate the mostly civil tone and intelligent comments.
Did Edwards receive the same level of flack when he ran despite his wife’s return of cancer ? I know there are differences – he was in the midst of his campaign when the cancer came back and Elizabeth Edwards is not 17 years old. But would we be as critical of a man not taking out time for his spouse in a life-threatening event in the same way some are critical of Gov. Palin here?
Hillary // September 3, 2008 at 11:54 pm |
Brittyne, I need to apologize. I was to quick to make my comment. I went back and reread what you wrote and what I wrote. I’m not sure that I interpreted your comment the way you intended it to be interpreted. After rereading, I don’t think you are saying that she is not a woman of faith, but rather, the instant she made that claim, people began making her out to be something that she possibly is not. Is that at all what you were trying to say? Again, I apologize for making my comments so hastily. I tend to get all fired up about this type of thing and I need to think more before I react.
Lou // September 4, 2008 at 12:03 am |
I just watched/listened to Sarah Palin as she addressed the RNC and was amazed at this woman. I have no doubt that if called upon she could very well lead this country…she is awesome. I have no doubt that she is a very dedicated woman of faith and that’s what we need…I certainly haven’t heard anyone compare her to Mother Theresa…Sarah doesn’t claim to be perfect…what she does is love her family and she loves this country…our country. She is a jewel…! As women, all of us know very well, that we excell at multi-tasking to the nth degree. We each handle crisis and problems…..and each one of us handles the myriad of problems (from small to devastating)quite differently. I’ve had massive biggies and didn’t bat an eyelash…because that’s my nature. Some might have not made it…each handles life in their own way. We shouldn’t judge how/why…we accept and love each other anyway.
Zeb Pent // September 4, 2008 at 1:25 am |
Did you hear that speech? Whoa!
G.A.M.E. O.V.E.R.
Laura, YOU will soon have an advocate in the White House. And this is exciting.
I understand your issues, but be assured- This is a ticket that will benefit your family and that will help our boy “Ira”!
I am elated beyond belief and I hope you are too!
julie // September 4, 2008 at 9:52 am |
Lou. I don’t think you watched the same speech that I did. It was nasty and personally pointed and didn’t address many things that she should’ve addressed. I am also disappointed that she didn’t let the public know a little bit more about her except that she is a bulldog with lipstick. I would definitely not want her to be our vice president and especially not our president.
Lou // September 4, 2008 at 10:00 am |
Maybe we were on different “channels”…diff’rent strokes for diff’rent folks.
Lucas // September 4, 2008 at 10:05 am |
I would have given the speech a B. I think it worked to the base. Energized the crowd and was effective in that way. She was composed and strong, but her content was lacking. She misrepresented her role on “the bridge to nowhere” and Obama’s stance on many, many issues, most notably tax policies. She also beliddled community organizers, which are the backbone of our political process in many ways, and implied that Obama’s resume is based soley on a job he held 20 years ago. Let’s not judge Bush on 20 years ago or even McCain (Keating Five scandal, marriage indfidelity, divorce). I respect Obama from leaving these out of the debate. I wish the Republicans including Palin and McCain would do the same. The RNC last night was atrocious (mean and ugly) and Palin was the one highlight even though she was unable to avoid some of the same ugliness. I hope that the RNC gets around to talking about Afghanistan, health care, a bit more on the economy besides tax policy, national infrastructure, gobal warming, etc. instead of slander and chants of USA. These are the issues. Let’s talk about them. Let’s not use scare tactics.
Rob Fitz. // September 4, 2008 at 2:31 pm |
Laura, Good to read your voice. I have heard many expressing views about Palin’s family situation in the past few days and although from what I have heard there are some legitimate concerns (you have raised some of them) but I am more concerned with what I have heard from her supporters (republican and or self-identified evangelicals).
I have heard people spinning her daughter’s pregnancy (and the families response) and the fact that she didn’t abort her baby with a genetic disorder as badges of honor and proof of her family values (read: Republican) credentials. The not so subtle suggestion is that anyone who is not a “pro-life” Republican would likely have handled either of those situations differently…And/or that the Palin’s responses to these family situations are evidence their approach to “values” issues work (as if the Palin’s are representative of the country).
Finally, does anyone else have questions about her professional/political qualifications??
RM // September 4, 2008 at 8:36 pm |
I’m getting mixed messages about Palin — keep my family out of this, but let me showcase them for political reasons. I know this is not relevant to the conversation, but I stayed up to watch Palin and caught the end of Giuliani’s speech. I literally felt like I was in an alternate universe at the end of that, especially when he led the crowd in a chant of “Drill, Baby, Drill!” and actually laughed arrogantly at Obama being a community organizer. It felt like a high school drunken football game. Do people who are supposed to be professional and lead our country really act this way? This is the party that touts Christian values? Where is their humility? Even Huckabee looked somber listening to that. I was completely turned off to the tone, and there was no substance.
cara // September 4, 2008 at 9:45 pm |
I have had this same discussion more than once this week!!! I agree!
nakia // September 4, 2008 at 11:35 pm |
this is actually one of the few times that i have agreed with what dr. laura (schlessinger) has said:
I am haunted by the family pictures of the Palins during political photo-ops, showing the eldest daughter, now pregnant with her own child, cuddling the family’s newborn. When Mom and Dad both work full-time (no matter how many folks get involved with the children), it becomes a somewhat chaotic situation. Certainly, if a child becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital, and you’re on the hotline with both Israel and Iran as nuclear tempers are flaring, where’s your attention going to be? Where should your attention be? Well, once you put your hand on the Bible and make that oath, your attention has to be with the government of the United States of America.
*****
one thing that i noticed tonight after watching mccain is that the crowd was actually a LOT MORE excited about palin, the VP, than they were about their choice for president…what’s up with that?! she got a standing ovation that was 3x longer than mccain’s….
Brandynn // September 5, 2008 at 1:41 am |
I was feeling alone in my thoughts about this until I read Dr. Laura’s blog the other day, and until I saw Laura’s post here.
I am a mom of four and a wife and I agree with Laura. There’s just something that doesn’t sit well here. Doesn’t matter about experience or speeches. My 4 year old needs his Mama. My 12 year old needs to be able to sit and talk with me at a moment’s notice. When my babies were 4 months old I could barely get myself dressed.
When Mama takes on outside obligations, something suffers and it’s most often family. We’re not talking about a cake decorating class here, or a class at the local college. VP of the country is intense and demanding.
It reminds me of Egyptian queens or the Queen of England. Sometimes women in history need to lead, but the children of those women are left to be raised by others.
I’m not saying Palin needs to lead (and definitely not McCain! I’m one of those “dreaded” RP’ers myself.) But if she chooses that for her family, fine. I just cannot point to Palin and tell my daughters to emulate her. My heart was heavy as I learned more about her family. Could they not find a capable woman whose children are grown?
Palin said, “… and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.” This is the great feminist lie of our times. Every door you walk through affects everyone in your life. Women cannot “have it all” (neither can men), choices have to be made. And unfortunately, children too often get left at the outside and ends of our plans.
Teresa // September 5, 2008 at 2:51 am |
This is an interesting discussion. I would just like to add my thoughts. The bottom line that concerns me is would we be having this dialogue if Mr. Palin was the one running for office. Isn’t a father suppose to protect his children too? Would you think his running for VP show a lack of responsiblity in protecting his children?
Alisa // September 5, 2008 at 3:35 am |
What surprises me about your viewpoint is that here you could have someone in a very high position who could have as a primary concern getting more help for special need kids and their families, but that’s less important to you than her taking care of her family the way you think she ought to. Quite altruistic of you, though.
Kristy // September 5, 2008 at 7:06 am |
Yeah, I’m in the “respectfully disagree” column on this one…which is weird because I usually agree with you on everything.
(Even surprise piercings.)
My dad, the preacher, missed so much of his children’s lives to be with other families at hospital bedsides, performing weddings, conducting marriage counseling, etc.; his job was a 24-hour a day/365 days a year mistress, and we just didn’t see a lot of him.
As a grownup, however, I honor the sacrifices he made…and marvel at the difference he made in the world. Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world…talk about being a change agent! The role model he provided for his kids and his community is different than the father who was at every game and school play, but it is one that blesses me every day.
And I love how respectfully disagreeing makes our relationships…online and real…even MORE interesting!!
P.S. As I type this, you have 43 comments which means I might be 44…my age. Sarah Palin’s, too!
Pat Thweatt // September 6, 2008 at 11:24 am |
I have the same thoughts Laura. I know that one’s own experience is not the definitive viewpoint, but it seems from my 53-year-old woman’s point of view that timing is the question here. Although I am not a Hillary fan, the same questions did not come up in my mind for her. She’s older, her child is grown, and apparently she’s never paid much attention to Bill anyway. She is at a point in her life where she could take on these heavy and demanding responsibilities without hurting her family. Palin, on the other hand, has huge family responsibilities. And I, like you, am a bit more worried about Bristol. Her baby needs her physical presence and her daughter needs her emotional presence as do the rest of the kids. And let’s not leave out her husband in all this. I cannot imagine taking this on knowing that I have these people who need ME, not a substitute for me, in these ways. I know this is not a popular opinion, but it is one that I have seen borne out by observation and experience. She’s seems highly capable, but I’m just not sure the time is right. There’s a risk involved for her and her family and I’m not at all convinced it’s worth it.
p.s. I’m Jen’s mom, by the way.
another view from a mom « CCFB Blog - Joe C. Hays // September 7, 2008 at 9:18 pm |
[...] info By Joe Categories: politics Laura wrote a piece on Sarah Palin and it garnered a little bit of attention. 51 comments? Holy cow! Laura’s [...]