MOMania

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Theresa…this will be an interesting topic . I am so riled about the mean spirited comment (directed towards me) late yesterday of cut the cord ( re: my son at —-) that I will offer this one comment and a question too. I hope cut the cord has something positive to bring to the table instead of railing on me where there is no business to rail. COMMENT: Sleep deprivation WAS a big issue for me when I was nursing each of my children and teaching school I cannot imagine it for Sarah. There are nights now when I wake up worried about my children or my clients and I am not VICE PRESIDENT!

QUESTION: Also, I am interested in where the daughter will live once she marries and has her baby. Could you be in Washington DC with a 17 year old daughter who just had a baby in Alaska with her husband…or will they all hang out at the White House? Will Levi just pack it up and move along? Would you want that for your son? I have been to Alaska and it is FAR away from DC…hahaha!

I am intrigued with Sarah and feel she can shake things up a bit for the good of our country. She seems like a smart cookie but can she pull it off with everything else going on in her life? I cannot begin to imagine the issues she will be facing but wish her lots of luck.

See…I did not mention —-….

By jct

September 3, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

Hmmm… I thought this may be an interesting topic when this question was submitted on yesterday.

My only problem with this type of question is no asks this questions about fathers. No one is asking how Obama and McCain balance their high powered job with family responsibilities.

It seems quite obivious to me that she is doing both well. Otherwise why would she get the nomination?

I say well because she seems to be holding a marriage, children and work together. Small children or not. She is getting it done like many other women. She has made a choice and it is working for her and her family.

Her daughter’s pregnancy has nothing to do with how she was raised, per se. I am quite empathic because as a step parent to a teenager who is trying his best not to reflect the values and live the lessons that he was taught. There are times when I am sure people think that we did not raise him properly.

By dittohead

September 3, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

By dittohead

September 3, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

By dittohead

September 3, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

By JJ

September 3, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

This should be interesting, but I hope it does NOT turn into SAHM vs. working moms.

Some of us didn’t have a choice.

Mother Who riled you up yesterday? I must have missed something……

Today will be a better day.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

jct Have you EVER heard of a man complaining of balancing career and family? NO!!! Because they aren’t expected to do it. It’s just the way of the world. Men work, women work AND balance the family and career.

I saw a sign at my Doctor’s office that made me laugh. There was a construction site in the cartoon with a sign that said “men working”. Two women were sitting there, and one said to the other, “Women always work, men have to put up signs when they work”.

I lauged so hard. I got a copy of it and put it in my office.

By Jeff

September 3, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

The thing you gotta remember about the Vice Presidency is that it truly is a throw-away job. No REAL responsibilities other than advising the President and being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.

In fact, though there have been some influential VPs in our history, it really wasn’t until Cheney when you saw that post morph into something more than figurehead. And since I doubt McCain wants Palin to be the next Cheney, the job will probably revert to being a figurehead who works behind the scenes doing the things the President can’t be seen doing.

So, the way I see it, she actually has a HARDER job being Governor of the State of Alaska than she will as being Vice President of the United States of America.

By FCM

September 3, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

I am so glad you brought this up.

Any single MOM who can tell you how important a DAD is in the life of a child.

How will Obama’s 6 & 9 year daughters do while DAD is President? How many Dad’s N’ Donuts is he going to make? How many school plays will be superceded? How come no one cares about that?

To say that Palani cannot be a VP because she is a MOM is BS!!!!!! She has a husband, Todd can step up to the plate and be the ‘primary’ care giver for 4-16 years. She will be no more absent than Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, or JFK (all had youngish children raised in the White House)….

HOW SEXIST to say her Mommy job and her VP job would compete.

By Theresa

September 3, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Hey JCT — You know I did have a question at the end saying would we be asking this of a male candidate with an infant - but I must have cut the question out last night when I was editing at midnight — bad decision —- So I add to the questions:

Would we ask the question about a male candidate with a small infant or special needs baby?

I think most often the kids are at least a little bit older when the parents run. A friend was saying there were some women senators who had small babies— she couldn’t remember if they got pregnant as senators or when they were running — but I think usually the kids aren’t infants —

By deidre_NC

September 3, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

i think any mother who works outside the home has a rough row to hoe. it seems to me that women who have a husband and a highpowered job (meaning more money and more help with home stuff) would have it lots easier than mothers with regular or low income jobs..especially if they are single and not much help from the father. it is all so relative. but no matter what your income or marital status-it is hard to raise children and have a full time job. someone else has to help-theres where the higher income and or a helpful husband comes in handy. ……..thisd column couold be very helpful if we stay on topic-MOTHERS and working-not fathers-not stay at home moms..

By JATL

September 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Yes, the question is loaded, but the one reason I do think it is fair to ask is because while already governor she chose to have a baby and a special needs baby at that. I’m not saying she shouldn’t have had the baby -just that at age 44 with 4 kids, why get pregnant at all when you’re in such a demanding position? On top of that, she does have a special needs child, and if she were truly going to be able to haul the kid everywhere in the world AND take up plenty of valuable time with him it may be different, but as VICE PRESIDENT of the United States she’s going to be incredibly busy. People think the VP doesn’t do much, but they lead the Senate, and they are the face of our nation all over the world because the President can’t be everywhere. They have many many 14-18 hour days. Even if Trig is with her during her travels, I don’t see her getting to spend lots of quality time with him. I would say the same thing if she were an ER surgeon or a corporate attorney. I believe that having children is a choice we make, and certain sacrifices have to be made when we do it. YES, women can have great careers and be moms too, but when that child or children are babies and toddlers, at least one parent needs to scale back a bit. While it’s a tender trap, so to speak, it is usually the mother who does this for a variety of reasons. Taking an even more demanding job isn’t the way to go.

For dittohead -I don’t think women with children under age 5 should be sent to Iraq. Call me old-fashioned, but we need to get a little more real in our society. This isn’t a perfect world, and the children we bring into it deserve a little more time and attention than a lot of them are getting. I’m a little tired of the status quo seeming to be that it’s fine to just have kids and then think about the consequences and what needs to happen in order to be a good parent AFTER the fact instead of before.

By Theresa

September 3, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Mother Jane —- I didn’t see that one either —- Don’t you worry one more second about what somebody said to you on this blog — You know what your relationship is with your son and you know it’s fine and healthy — People like to just be mean and believe me I know!!! Just ignore it — don’t waste one more ounce of energy on it — They would love to know you’ve been festering about what they’ve said — Don’t give them the satisfaction!!

By Jeff

September 3, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Men work, women work AND balance the family and career.

Could a more sexist comment POSSIBLY be made?

The FACT of the matter is that men have to work JUST as hard as women at balancing family and career, and WE don’t complain about this every day. Instead, we suck it up and take it like men.

By Theresa

September 3, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Mother jane — let me further add that you add too much good thinking to our blog to back out just because somebody is being a jerk —

By Cheri

September 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it’s possible for one person to successfully perform at a high powered job and raise small children. One parent has to have flexibility and availability.

I think Palin as VP will work if her hubby really does act as the primary care giver.

You don’t hear the same question about Obama or other men because their wives are usally the primary caregivers. Michelle Obama already said her first job would be Mom in Chief.

Military moms and single moms have a really hard time and they do what they have to do. But that is a different discussion because they don’t have a choice. If they had a choice, how many of them would deploy and leave small children or work 2 jobs? Not many would. So to put them in the discussion would be to compare apples and oranges.

By Noodle-o

September 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Isnt this what you feminists always wanted? The high paying job with all the prestige and power that comes with it? Oh, I forgot, that’s for women who abort their children. I find it interesting that the left-liberal-socialist women never have the family responsibility question come up but when there is a strong conservative woman involved, then all the home and hearth questions arise. Just demonstrates the intellectually vacant arguements of the left

By Noodle-o

September 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Isnt this what you feminists always wanted? The high paying job with all the prestige and power that comes with it? Oh, I forgot, that’s for women who abort their children. I find it interesting that the left-liberal-socialist women never have the family responsibility question come up but when there is a strong conservative woman involved, then all the home and hearth questions arise. Just demonstrates the intellectually vacant arguements of the left

By JJ

September 3, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Mother My dad used to tell me “Don’t let the turkeys get you down”.

By Most of you people are LAME!!!!

September 3, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

@JJ

After your last comment at 8:11 AM I can see why you are single….

By high-powered mom

September 3, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Of course women can do it all! Lots of women do it every day. Our female predecessors worked hard to break the glass ceiling, and I feel compelled to keep moving up and do my part. I love my job and I love my kids, and I can do it because I have a great husband who supports me. Some women don’t have that, but I think they should demand it. Also, I think it is important to note that the higher you get up the ladder in your the career, the more flexibility you have, generally speaking. I’m high enough now that I can be in the office on my schedule without affecting my performance and can be where I need to be for my kids. When moms drop out of the job market for years and years, they pretty much have to start lower on the totem pole, which means less freedom.

By Lee

September 3, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

What’s the problem? She’s a Republican, for gosh sake! Sarah Palin will simply come to Georgia and hire one of those nice Mammy women like Scarlett O’Hara had in “Gone with the Wind,” and everything will be fine. Especially since the Mammy will be underpaid, with no Social Security or grumpy old stuff like that.

Problem solved.

By nurse&mother

September 3, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Motherjanegoose- please read my post on yesterday’s blog.

This is a very tough question. What is the difference in Sarah Palin and any mom (working outside the home or not) who has so much on her plate (PTA, school projects, community projects, church projects etc)?

I have a dear friend who has four children and has a terrible habit of putting so much on her plate that she has difficulty getting everything done. When you go over to her house, it is pure chaos! The kids run up to you and beg for attention. Wonderful woman-would give you the shirt off her back!

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

THANKS NURSE AND MOTHER! I know we do not always agree but I cannot stand rudeness without validity. Yes, I have been rude, when there was a perfectly good reason…that’s another topic…

cut the cord see 6:59 a.m. post TODAY ( sorry) riled me up and I have posted my reply. Topic: Budgeting leads to entrepreneurial kids, I offered a 25 cent insect project…tongue in cheek and some shared fun insect stories…which I enjoyed. Some kindly offered to help. I was falsely accused as another poster ( by cut the cord) too!

It is more challenging to offer a thought provoking opinion than to rail against other posters.

Thanks to each of you who have helped me to step outside of my box and look at the flip side of the coin. Have a super day!

By mariasofritaconchitalonsonotmyrealnameitsajoke

September 3, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE.

it is NOT a sexist comment. i have yet to meet a man that is as detailed in parenting as a woman. when we decided that turning the world upside down was better because we were tired of being “at home” notice that that is when the family begin a high speed descent into hell. no wonder many so many women are packing it in and throwing the superwoman cape in the trash. you have to have a SUPERIOR support system to do the dual role thing or something gives. it’s not sexist, it’s common sense. something has to give and it’s usually family. THAT is why nobody asks that question of obama or mccain. they have a support system - they have a WIFE. wives don’t have wives, they have husbands. husbands are great - but they don’t do the details. they don’t always notice when johnny is not doing the homework or lucy is moody because she was not invited to the party. mommy won’t always notice either when she’s only there a few hours a day. let’s be real.

By workingmom

September 3, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Come on ladies, we aren’t men. Men don’t have to worry about it because they have women that do. I don’t disagree with her ability to be vice-president, just her timing. I could barely hold my job, manage my household and give my 4 month old everything I thought he needed. Imagine the busy campaign schedule. Obviously she’s not leaving him with the hubby. And, you can’t have your kids running around the Senate floor.

By Sarah

September 3, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Some women cannot just sit at home and raise kids and have their entire lives be predicated on being a caregiver to kids and having dinner done when hubby walks through the door. Sarah Palin is one of these women. Would we ask a brilliant minded man to do the same? No, the same would never be expected of him. It’s 2008 and it’s time to think out of the box. What about Obama, his wife works and he has two small kids at the ages where their dad should play a daily interactive role in their lives. With his wife working full time can we not ask the same of Obama. Where will he ever find the time to be a full time dad and do all he claims he is going to do as President. This is such a media slanted question, a sexist and stupid question people should be ashamed to even ask it. Srah Palin has some people scared, they have no real vested interest in her parenting abilities. Their fear of her popularity goes far beyond a genuine concern for her kids.

By nurse&mother

September 3, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I read the link. I think that some people (women and men) can pull this off. I think it takes a very organized person, but it can be done. I am not that effecient to pull this off, but if she can than all the power to her.

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Lee—- I am thinking there was someone else up North who got in trouble for having hired help ( without paying Social Security) that was a from a different ethnicity than the help you are referring too…

Was it a Democrat…oh my gosh? If it was also a Republican, I stand corrected. Maybe someone remembers?

I hope you are not dwelling in a house here in the metro that was built by illegals..shame on you! Perhaps they were underpaid too and you got a bargain on your house?

By My3Kids

September 3, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I agree with the previous poster that stated being the Gov. of Alaska will be a harder job than being VP of the USA. Some women can do it all and it does not make them supermom. I really beleive that Palin will do fine being VP and taking care of her family.

I am a working mom. I have been a SAHM. I do miss being a SAHM some days, but I was going stir crazy being at home. I love to work. I love and miss my kids though. Financially I have to work, well I could probably work part-time and be ok however I also work for the insurance and benefits. That reason alone I have to work.

I am a mom to a 14, 6, and 18 month old. My 6 year old is probably one if the easiest kids in the world. She is gifted, self-efficient, funny, and loves going the extra mile to help anyone. My 18 month old is like every 18 month old, stubborn and thinks she can do it herself but she is a Momma’s girl and is attached to me every waking moment. This is not because I work, she was like this from the the first moment I held her when she was born and I was a SAHM when she was born and was for the first 9 months. If those two were my only kids I probably would have no second thoughts about trying to do it all. However, they are not and I do have second thoughts. She is my handful. A few weeks ago I thought she was finally getting with the program. This week I feel like she has regressed 3 years. She is my special needs daughter and every day is a battle. Maybe I want work to avoid the battles, I don’t know.

Every situation is different. It is still to early for the Palins’ to determine what extent the baby’s Down Syndrome will play in his life. There are many Down Syndrome children in this world that basically have the look that these sweet children have and are a little slower than most in their age group. There are also many who are unable to function in the real world. Time will only tell.

By jct

September 3, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

@JJ

Yes JJ, I have heard men make the comment. I have a male friend who just recently changed professions so he did not have to travel so much so he could spend more time with his children. He philosphy was they are only 8 once. I have another male friend who won’t move out of his home town because even though he and his wife divorced he wants to be at the PTA, games, teacher/parent meetings, etc. Maybe you should expand your male friend base. Many of the men I know are discussing balance.

Palin has a supporter spouse. Not sure what he does but I am sure his job is more flexible.

Maybe we ought to look at our work place rules to see if more flexibility can be added such as real flex time and real split shifts. This way as long as the work is done that nothing else matters.

By Pretty sure Mr. Palin will be a SAH Dad

September 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I have a feeling Mr. Palin won’t have much of a career — other than the important one of helping with the children — during the years his wife serves as Vice President. His current job is commercial fisher and pro snomobile racer — not a lot of job opps like that in DC.

So, are we okay with Gov. Palin for VP if her husband becomes Mr. Mom? Or do we still have a problem with a strong female who has built a high-powered career on her own merits (not her husband’s)?

By Cheri

September 3, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

I could barely hold my job, manage my household and give my 4 month old everything I thought he needed. Imagine the busy campaign schedule. Obviously she’s not leaving him with the hubby. And, you can’t have your kids running around the Senate floor.

See this is realistic talk to me. No one can really run a household, raise children, do self-care and have a high powered job without a support system.

For men, the support system is usualy the wife.

But what do you do when both people have high powered jobs? Someone needs to step back.

Women with regular jobs are already stretched to the max.

There is a happy medium between staying at home and being VP of the United States with an infant.

By SouthFultonMom

September 3, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

I find it interesting that so many feel this question is sexist. As a mother of two, I find it extremely difficult to work and fully be there for my children. I am quite sleep deprived, but I am also blessed to have a wonderful husband to help. With that being said, I still feel a huge responsibility to be there for my kids. I teach for a living. It’s demanding. I’ve chosen not to go into administration until my kids are older because it would be even more demanding. IMHO, it’s unthinkable for a woman to have an infant, special needs or not, and consider taking on this position. It is self-serving and hurts the children. Yes, dads are important. Yes, dads should be there too. But nothing, and I do mean nothing, can take the place of a mother. And trust me, her kids will remember her decision to place job over them. It’s not honorable. It’s selfish! Don’t have kids if you can’t be responsible.

Her 17 year old daughter is just another reason why she should be home with her kids. So what if she’s getting married. She’s a kid!!!! It’s disgusting how people are applauding her. What have we come to?

By Becky

September 3, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Everyone needs a support system, so if she has this from her husband, who’s to say that she can’t do the job..LAME, regardless of why JJ is a single Mom, what does that have to do with JJ”s daughter having an usless Dad? I don’t care if all of the singles Mom’s are the biggest b**tches’ in the world, does that give the Dad’s the right to not see or do for their children??

By Ebaby

September 3, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Where she is at right now, it is much easier to pull-off than, let’s say, a secretary. If the Governor (or boss) wants to breast feed her child at a meeting, then she can. If the the secretary wants to do it, I bet there will be reprimands.

Secondly, I think as long as ONE parent is devoted than the other can have the luxury of dedicating extra effort to the job. Perhaps her husband has picked up her slack?

Thirdly, my view of what my role as a parent and as an employee would not allow me to do both jobs correctly. My dreams of becoming upper managemet have been put on the back burner so that I can guarantee that when I get home in the afternoon I am 100% home and not answering the cell phone to talk to someone from work about work. I only see this becoming more the case as my child gets older and need help with homework, dance classes, girl scouts, sports, etc.

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

JJ…I loved the 8:11 comment and shared it with my husband too! LAME….strong women are always working ( unless we are getting a mani/pedi….hahaha) …that is just the way it is.

By Ebaby

September 3, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

As a further comment, I have embraced my new role as mother and am enjoying it greatly. I never thought I would like it and think that is why I was making big plans for my career. Now, my career in the work force doesnt seem as important as my career as a mom.

By My3Kids

September 3, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

I see no problem with Mr. Palin being a SAHD. I think more Dad’s should play this role. What is wrong with a strong female building a career on his own merits? With my career, I can not use my husband’s merits, we are in 2 different fields. I work with finances and do IT work and my husband is a contractor. Why would I use his merits?

By jct

September 3, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Southfultonmom

When your children become teenagers and do things that are against your values/teaching/upbringing you will look at Palin differently.

She probably did everything that she was supposed to but her daughter made a choice that had absolutely nothing to do with how she was probably raised.

I understand that her daughter’s marriage is none of my business but WHY the HECK does she want to get married at 17? That is the more crazy part. Be engaged. Co-parent. Why of why get married? But agian, I know this is not my business.

To the person attaching JJ’s singlehood. Stop. It’s mean and unwarranted. We can disagree without being nasty.

By Numbers Guy

September 3, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Can she do it? Of course she can. Can she do it effectively? That depends on how organized she is, but it’s a lot tougher than just getting both jobs marginally completed. Can she do it if her husband is committed, and able to take over a lot of the caregiver roles? Easily.

To mariasofritawhateverthe ll, who’s never met a man who can parent as effectively in the details as a woman - keep looking. I know several couples where this is the exact situation. I’m related to folks who operate that way very well indeed.

By Homeschool Mom

September 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I think that when women CHOOSE to have a baby they should plan on staying at home with it. I can’t understand why people have them and then dump them at daycare/babysitter and spend so little time with them. Why have them in the first place if you are more important to yourself than they are.

By Smart Ace

September 3, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

My wife and I both work and care for our 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son equally. She has a little more flexibility because she gets to work from home four days a week but the kids still go to school during the day.

It can be done if you try.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

There are some very strong women in this world, and I believe Gov. Palin is one of them.

I have been raising a child on my own, and I work a full time job. At times I have had to choose between my kid and my job, and I hated it. But, you do what you have to do to succeed. By that I mean you have to succeed in balancing. And women are naturally better balancers than men…..we can balance a baby on our hip, talk on the phone, and cook dinner, all at the same time.

I feel women are strong and we are becoming stronger each and every day. We are making more money, and we are holding higher positions than ever before. The glass ceiling may still be there, but we are working to shatter it.

Look at all the successful women in this country and see how they are balancing their lives. Sarah Palin isn’t the only one.

I look forward to hearing her speak tonight, and learning more about this woman who may very well be our next VP.

By Rhonda Scott

September 3, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Can you say “father”? As a ‘high-powered’ female executive and mother of two, I can honestly say it is not near as difficult as one might think to be a working mommy. Ask my kids. Good parenting is much more important. My husband and I both accept the responsibility for nuturing our children.
Would anyone ever ask a ‘high-powered’ male executive if he can be a business man and a father??

I won’t say that we don’t have our challenges, but the sacrifices WE have made are worth it.

My daughter is a well-rounded and gifted student athlete (4.0 GPA, Principles honors list, president of the Beta Club and will graduate 1 year early with honors). My son likewise is an honors student despite a learning disability. I rarely miss an event (both participate in travel soccer) and cook 4-5 meals on Sunday, so they can help themselves if we are not home. Oh yea, we even eat at the table TOGETHER on most nights.

Would I trade being a working mom? Not for anything!

By Theresa

September 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Guys seriously read the link — it really explains a lot of how she is currently managing her work as governor and how she is taking care of the baby —- it is really fascinating stuff —

By Smart Ace

September 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

@Homeschool Mom

Come talk to me when your kid is a social outcast because he/she/it doesn’t have the social skills to interact with people in real life.

But you keep homeschooling your kids because book smarts are way more important than common sense right?

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Look, reality is this…NO ONE can have it all, man or woman. When you focus on one thing, something else will suffer. Period. It’s your choice.

I’m very sure Sarah Palin has a great family and she does the best she can, but a pregnant 17 year old is preventable.

My parents have been married for 31 years. Having 3 kids in the first 5 years of their marriage meant someone had to stay home. That was my mother. She was there EVERYday. Looking back, she wishes she had done more with a career, but it wasn’t worth expense of her family.

All 3 of her daughters got out of high school virgins. We didn’t need to rebel or defy, we had parents who were there installing healthy self esteem (and I grew up in Los Angeles which is no easy place to raise a well adjusted kid). There was no way I was having sex in high school. NO WAY. My virginity was important to me and I wasn’t looking to fill any void that my workaholic absent parents left. That void didn’t exist!

On the flip side, while my mom was at home, my dad was bringing home the bacon. While he had a great career and made a lot of money initally, he missed a lot of dance recitals and bonding moments.

You can have a lot, but you can not have it all without sacrificing somethign else. we are a happy, well adjusted family, and that’s just reality.

By My3Kids

September 3, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Theresa I have read the link. It really is fascinating. I envy her for being able to pull it off.

By lovin life

September 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Homeschool mom It is called a father!!! My hubby is a great man. I am a sahm but have no doubt that if before kids or even if it posed itself now, my hubby would be a great sahd!!!

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I have a reasonably high powered position in my industry. I have people that work for me in 3 cities. There are times when I travel and as a family….we make due. Just like everyone else. However…I am wired to balance my two worlds. I do it well; and while there are certainly times that something slips or slides through the cracks….you could never tear me away from either one.

Each mom is different…each dad is different. I know some fathers who are hard-wired for work and thats it. They do not balance well…due to a one track mind, as men often have to have…but they provide very well. I also know fathers who are geared more toward staying home and assuming those many, many duties. Furthermore….there are dozens of men out there who balance just as well as their wives.

This is the true question here….how well can one expect to balance all that life throws at them? The answer is very simple…..we do our best. Women are typically more adept at it than men. But I think thats really because no one expects it out of their men. I do….I expect it and I get it. I also balance well for the benefit of my husband…of my family. But I understand thats its a talent(if you will) that not everyone has.

Sarah Palin is the poster mom for balance. Kudos to Mr Palin too….she couldn’t do it nearly as well without a strong, stable man and father in her life. They have achieved balance. And in the end, if you have balance…your chances of sanity and happiness increase exponentially.

By Captain Obvious

September 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I read the article Theresa linked above and I can’t help but feel that her 4 month old’s mental retardation might have been caused by her stressful job…..I’m just saying….

By Emily

September 3, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

I think Palin would do a great job, but I would like to see the campaign make it very clear that her husband is going to be the primary care giver to the children for the next four years. If he is going to somehow try to keep working then I think it is just too much to juggle. However, if he is willing to be the primary parent (and basically take over the 1950s traditional role of mother while she takes the role of father) then I am fine with it.

By DB

September 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Would we be having this conversation if Bristol Palin wasn’t pregnant? If Palin’s kids were all picture-book perfect 4.0 students who were president of the Students Against Drunk Driving and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, were star football, basketball or soccer players, and taught Sunday School, would this come up?

As Vice President, Palin will have a superb support system — household staff to take care of One Observatory Circle (the kids won’t be running around the White House too much, the VP’s office is in the Executive Office Building next door), drivers and Secret Service — a lot of the details that run-of-the-mill SAHM’s have to deal with will disappear. Of course, she’ll trade them in for a different set of problems, like a media and public who will scrutinize her every move. I suspect that, once everyone gets over the novelty of the kids, etc., the media will calm down and she can get on with the business at hand. For now, though, she has to grit her teeth without grinding them, and keep smiling.

Yes, she can do it. I’m not sure I could do it, but I suspect she is made of sterner stuff :-)

JCT, I am completely with you — “when you have a 17 year old daughter, THEN you can talk.” You raise ‘em, you love ‘em, you drag ‘em to church, you talk to ‘em, you go to PTA meetings, you’re room mother, etc., etc. But in the end, they are living, breathing, thinking individuals who sometimes make mistakes. As a parent, you pray their mistakes won’t be the permanent variety — but then again, we don’t always get what we want.

My heart goes out to Bristol — it’s hard enough to be in this position, without the ENTIRE FREAKIN’ WORLD second-guessing not only your actions, but those of your beloved mother. I can’t imagine the guilt and worry that Bristol must be feeling now, worried about how her actions have affected her entire family. That’s a lot to dump on a young woman.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

But nothing, and I do mean nothing, can take the place of a mother. And trust me, her kids will remember her decision to place job over them. It’s not honorable. It’s selfish! Don’t have kids if you can’t be responsible.

AMEN SouthFultonMom! Speaking as my mother’s kid, I totally agree. I would have respected and admired her no matter if she chose career or family, but there would be some resentment if she was always at the office. Your kids know you love them, but there are some that just want you around more. Period. And nothing can replace that until you actually are.

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Two comments; ONE I say this all the time about my competition in the educational arena ….when committees are thinking about hiring me… SOME FOLKS LOOK GOOD ON PAPER AND SOME CAN GET THE JOB DONE ( me).

We need to ask ourselves this about every single candidate on the ticket…who looks good and who will get the job done?

TWO Homeschool…please do not go the the Doctor, Dentist, Grocery Store, Dry Cleaners, Library, Nail Salon, Chik Fil A, Mall, Car Dealership…I could go on, as there are women there working to help you ….who DO have children at home.

This is America…we have a right to choose. I concede that you are not sending your child to school and tying up any teacher’s time.

My husband stayed home with our son ( when he was a baby)…who is attending —- LOL and did a fine job with him.

Look in the mirror and say this 5 times…SOME WOMEN DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE ABOUT GOING INTO THE WORK FORCE AND WHO AM I TO CRITICIZE THEM WHEN THEY DOING THE BEST THEY CAN?

Even when you choose to have a child …life can hand you a rotten apple and you have to work…

This reminds me of when our preacher preaches how everyone should be in church on Sunday morning and then heads out to eat lunch right after church…does he think the restaurant folks are getting to work after church at 12:30 to whip up the menu…hahaha!

Thank the Lord there are nurses at the hospitals and even WOMEN firefighters ( oh my goodness) who will be able to help us out before noon on Sunday!

AMEN!

By SAR

September 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Can the average woman do what she proposes to do? Probably not. She is not the average woman. If the highlight of your day is to discover what a teaspoon of peanut butter does to the cookies you bake, then I doubt the jog of what’s expected of the VP is something you can handle. Don’t judge her by your ruler. Some women were born to raise the bar and excel beyond expectations. Palin just raised the bar. Homeschool Mom, don’t compare yourself to Palin. The comparison equals that of comparing a taxi driver to the pilot of the space shuttle. Go bake some cookies and do the laundry, such lofty goals!

By My3Kids

September 3, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Down Syndrome caused by a stressful job????? Are you for real?

I know everyone is entitled to an opinion, but Down Syndrome is caused by a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Truth being Gov. Palin’s age probably played more a role of the baby being born with Down’s than her career.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

She probably did everything that she was supposed to but her daughter made a choice that had absolutely nothing to do with how she was probably raised.

I think that’s hogwash and a cop out. Parenting is not a crap shot. You do what you think it best but if you find out it’s not working, it’s up to YOU to change it. The problem is, you often just can’t walk away from career or whatever is keeping you from saving your kid from making bad choices.

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s the parent with a keen eye that can help head their kids off at the pass.

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Amazon Red….how the hell is a 17 year old pregnant girl in a PREVENTABLE situation? Now….granted, if you are talking about how condoms should have been the prevention or common sense…then I agree with you. Although, I challenge you to find any 17 year old with a fully intact capacity for common sense. But if you are intimating that being a good, involved parent is the recipe for keeping pregnancy at arm’s length….you’re a damn fool. I don’t care how sweet your parenting is….how involved and available you are…if your angel wants to get busy with someone, they will. In the end, its all about choice and personal responsibility. YOu can’t follow them around all of the time. But maybe you do…

By Church is the devil

September 3, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Nothing is more wastefull in this world than worry and praying……except maybe doing the tomahawk chop…..but I digress.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Amazon Red….how the hell is a 17 year old pregnant girl in a PREVENTABLE situation?

Wow…are you serious?

Scary.

By Kate

September 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Can mothers balance high-powered jobs and kids? YES..we do it everyday. And we will keep on doing it..we take the good with the bad. Just because you have a job outside the home does not mean you quit being a mom or deprive your kids of something. Its all about the quality of time spent with the kids not quantity.

By Captain Obvious

September 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Oh you are so right My3Kids….a chromosomal disorder couldn’t possibly be caused by stress…….stress only causes people to have strokes and heart attacks…..but couldn’t possibly lead to some form of genetic disorder in an unborn fetus…..how stupid of me…

By JJ

September 3, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

HomeschoolMom So you think that ALL Women who CHOOSE to have a baby should quit work and stay home? Can you imagine what our country/world would be like if we all stayed home? I don’t even want to think about that.

We as women have worked VERY hard to achieve what we have and what we have contributed to society. Equal Rights I believe is what women fought for and are still fighting for. Then you make a 1950’s Leave it to Beaver comment and tell us Moms that we need to stay home.

That is SO 1950…

And yes, I was attacking her comments. As a single mom (not by choice) I HAVE to work. And I didn’t dump my kid at some daycare for someone else to raise.

That kind of comment just p** me off!

By OhTheDrama

September 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Can most of the women on this board agree that duties at home are NOT split 50/50. Generally, it is the mother that provides the greater amount of nurturing to the children. In families, with SAHD’s, the mothers still have a natural pull to nurture their children every chance they get. Oftentimes, the mothers feel regret and guilt for the compromise they have made toward work. I know, because that’s how I feel.

The fact is there is such thing as “having it all”. You can not give all of you day to your children AND all of you day to your job, and when the job is being VP of the US, how is it possible to be there for your kids a satisfactory amount of the time.

Sometimes I think people are confusing what they would like to be able to do, with what can actually happen.

I have no doubt that Sara Palin would not short change her responsibilities as VP. But I know good and well that her family, in it’s current state, is going to suffer dramatically if she gets this job.

Now, just looking at Michelle and Barack Obama, it is clear that Michelle is the greater nurturer in that relationship and Barack offers additional nurturing and structure. But how is a stepdad going to offer the kind of guidance needed by a 17 year old new mother. My thought is it won’t turn out so good.

By CONSERVATIVE VOTER

September 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Conservative Republicans last year with regards to Hillary being president: I think women are better suited to be at home than men. After all their better communicators they are the nurturing component in the family. Part of the deterioration of our society is the fact that after the women’s-lib movement, women are now working more and more outside the homes going after higher paying positions. I think it’s elitist that Clinton would say that being a stay-at-home mom is somehow not desirable…in fact to the contrary I think women who stay at home and raise their children properly are the backbone of what makes our society functional.

Reporter to conservative Republican today: Do you think it’s a good idea for any parent to take on the job of V-P of the United States when he or she has 5 children at home and an infant less than a year old…as well as a teenager who’s about to have a child herself?

Conservative Republican today: Why, that’s sexist?

By Funny Man

September 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Seriously the only reason McCain chose a woman to be the VP is to protect himself from assassination. He dies….she takes over as Commander in Chief……

Perhaps Obama should have chosen a Mexican as his running mate….

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Wow Amazon…thanks for doing everyone a favor and actually reading what was written. You’re awesome.

By parentof4

September 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Ok I can so relate to Ms. Palin. Which is why, being out of that mindset, I can say she should not be VP. My youngest son was born in April, by August I started Law School. I worked full-time and went to school part-time. I only had 3 kids by then. When I was done with law-school my child was 4 years old. All the informative time I lost. While doing it I said, well when I am home I am with them. It is only 4 years….4 years in a childs lifetime, is alot. We only have 18 years to spend with our children. Her husband seems to be working full time plus having other hobbies on the side. Who I ask you are parenting these children? No you can not controll your teenagers, but it has been proven when a parent is in the child’s life they are less likely to say UMMM get pregnant. I mean mom and daughter were pregnant at the same time, if you belive their timeframe.

Still, the children are being short changed. I know this by living it. I saw her story and immediately went through my life, to make sure I made the right changes NOT to stay in that rat race. Not to compromise my children again. I firmly believe if I cannot be a caregiver over my house, then I cannot be a caregiver over others. Family is first. My teenager being pregnant (or getting someone pregnant since it is a boy) would make me seriously rethink my parenting for the others behind.

By Sugar

September 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

FunnyMan He chose Palin in order to begin the process to drill in Alaska. DUH.

By GeoffDawg

September 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Not trying to offend anyone here. Just offering a comment - The question of fairness to the job was raised for working mothers - my response is to ask “what about fairness to the co-workers?” Pregnant women in the workforce are treated almost like a sacred cow (no pun intended) these days and are given carte blanche to miss as much work as necessary to deal with the pregnancy. This is on top of the 6 to 12 weeks of maternity leave that they receive. I have no issues with women prioritizing their families and children over their work life. I think that’s a wonderful calling. However, those left in the office are expected to pick up the slack on take on extra workload to cover for the missing manpower. I admire strong family values in people in general but at the same time, your children are not “my” family. Why should I have to work extra hard and disrupt my work/life balance to accomodate your family plans? I don’t see any easy answer but the truth is that the coworkers often are called upon to subsidize your family planning.

By Becky

September 3, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Homeschool Mom, I think that a lot of women do plan on being a SAHM, then reality sets in..Some can balance a busy career & home life just fine, so why do people always want to be ugly to people that choose to do this..

I heard a guy this morning on the radio that is a SAHD to SEVEN children..Do you think that’s an easy job?

Jesse’s Girl, I loved your 10:20 post..You said it all..

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl, when you change your tone and take out the profanity and all caps in your initall response, maybe I’d take you seriously. You don’t have to like or agree with my opinion, however, if you are going to respond to me, please do it with some class and respect if you want that in return. You can save your flippant and condesending remarks for someoene who will tolerate your pettiness. I don’t.

Teen pregnancy is 100% preventable. Please check out www.stayteen.org for more info.

I like this blog, Theresa you do a good job. But one common thread I see as I lurk regularly is that the mom’s on this blog are very defensive about anything that challenges some of the choices they’ve made. We all have a right to our opinions and there is no clear right or wrong answer on these work vs. family type issues. I’d just ask that some of you calm down and respond rationally when you read something different from your own personal experiences. Thanks.

By Sarah Can Be VP

September 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Hmmm…lot’s of Obamamania on here today. Palin can’t do it but Michelle Obama can? Get a clue Ohthe Drama. How partisan can you get. What has Michelle Obama ever done on her own merits? Other than be unpatriotic and mean? Has she been elected Mayor or Governor? The only thing I know of her is that she graduated from a couple of toney schools and then quit a high paying job? Excuse me, that sounds rather stupid to me. Did she leave just so she could say she left a 250K plus job? Yawn…I am not impressed. Parentof4…law school and you say alot and not a lot? Again, law school? Yeah…right.

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

For the record, I remember being told that my great grandmother in 1909 was pregnant with my grandmother before she got married to my great grandfather…

I am pretty positive that she had a stay at home mom…but I never had a chance to meet her.

Is teen age pregnancy a new topic…I think not.

I pray this does not happen to my daughter but the only way I can guarantee it is if I am with her all the time and that will NOT be happening…

There is a Bible verse that says something like:

He who is without sin cast the first stone…

My stones are all where they were yesterday….in the back yard and I am NOT touching them.

By Annie

September 3, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

You know, you can raise your kids to the best of your ability, instil in them right & wrong, but at the end of the day those kids will go out and make their own choices and decisions. Which is exactly what happened with Gov Palin’s daughter.

So we’re going to play judge & jury now?

Women for years have been clamoring for equality and now that we’re facing a female VP, who wouldn’t have been chosen if she couldn’t do the job, you’re berating her for abandoning her family.

Make up your minds people!

By lwa

September 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

How many of us working mothers can have our babies in the office with us… and nursing at that? How many of us can have our older kids come and hang out? We can’t that that is the difference. I have to drop of early, leave early and run around to Volleyball/soccer/etc. etc. If Palin had a 9 to 5 with babysitter and all… hockey, soccer, or what every else. Leaving work and fighting traffice, and still holding it down.. cooking and cleaning, then she can have my vote. However, this is not the case.

By Cheri

September 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Hmmm…lot’s of Obamamania on here today. Palin can’t do it but Michelle Obama can? Get a clue Ohthe Drama. How partisan can you get. What has Michelle Obama ever done on her own merits? Other than be unpatriotic and mean? Has she been elected Mayor or Governor? The only thing I know of her is that she graduated from a couple of toney schools and then quit a high paying job? Excuse me, that sounds rather stupid to me. Did she leave just so she could say she left a 250K plus job? Yawn…I am not impressed. Parentof4…law school and you say alot and not a lot? Again, law school? Yeah…right.

What are you talking about? Michelle Obama is not running for office. Why are you comparing her to Palin? Why are you jealous that she had a high paying job?

This doesn’t even make sense or fit into the conversation.

By DB

September 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

AmazonRed, the point is: Why should anyone be challenged on the choices they made, with regards to career vs. family? Isn’t that what women’s liberation was all about — giving women the ability to make those choices that they previously didn’t have? I don’t think it was about giving them a choice, and then beating them over the head with it.

Staying at home with children is no guarantee of a perfect family, either, unfortunately. Kids today have far more influences and pulls on them, via the media and internet, than kids did 20 years ago. Unless you want to embrace an Amish way of life, it’s almost impossible to raise kids in a vacuum.

I still find it distasteful that this conversation is even happening. No one wonders how men balance career and family responsibilities. Men aren’t held personally responsible if their children exercise free will and make a bad decision. When we start having questions as to whether or not a father of five can effectively take on a job, THEN we will have achieved equality. Until then, there is always going to be a segment of the population trying to take away our shoes and locking us in the kitchen!

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Amazon…finally!!! Something I can work with! I worried you wouldn’t push back. Petty? Almost never. Passionate about destroying naivete’ in parenting philosophies….ALWAYS!

While I appreciate your zealous stance…I do indeed take strong exception to your annoying feet-in-cement ideals about child rearing. Unless you have happened upon some magic pill…or bean…that nullifies a teen’s tendencies to act like a dumb a$$ every now and again, you are fooling yourself. Well….blinding yourself might be more like it. I don’t care how many books you read…how many Bible studies you attend…how many heart-to-hearts you have with your teen….in the end they make up their own minds. I too am raising my children to respect their bodies….as well as the bodies of others…and to focus on school and their relationship with Christ. However, my zip code is still on Earth. And until that changes…my philosophy of “In the Earth, not of it” remains that. A philosophy. Now granted…it is one that I drill into the minds of my children. But all I can do is continue to pray over my babies and their lives.

The idea that there are still parents out there that really believe that their super-powers can prevent all manner of ill befalling their kids is funny to me. Not only are you setting yourself up for soul crushing failure…but your children are bound to fall off that cliff with you. No Amazon. We teach our children that mistakes are made…even by the most staunch of folks…and that you make the best of any situation you find yourself in. We except no excuses…..but we certainly make allowances for humaness in our kids. But you my friend…you have fun flitting around in your cape and tights. If nothing else….its good for a laugh. Have a fantastic day!

By parentof4

September 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Sarah Can Be VP: Yes law school, yes it was a typo…but I also went to law school so I can have others type for me. :) Furthermore, seeing that you are not in this profession you have no idea what Michelle Obama gave up. To work in a high powered Law firm it is not just the money, as everyone keeps pointing out, it is about the hours and the prestige. The time sacrifice. The sacrifice that your family is going to have to make. So yes she did sacrifice.

I do question Sarah Palin’s ability to do the job, but I also question all their abilities do to the job. No one has yet shown me how the can get the people in Congress to agree and pass some worthwhile bills timely. Running the country means you have to be able to convince all those separate thoughts, that your plans are right. How many worthwhile bills have been passed in the past 8 years.

I agree that you cannot run your children lives. But you have the responsibility in forming their lives. All the teenage pregnancies in the news has children, and now conservative adults, believing that it is ok.

Yes I can say her child is a reflection of her. She is suppose to be conservative. Bible thumper, shall we say. Well the Bible states that if the child does wrong it is a reflection of the mother. It also states that a Phenomenal woman, A.K.A. Proverbs 31 woman, knows the ways of her household. Need I say more?

By lwa

September 3, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Sorry for all of my spelling errors…

Does everyone remember all of the flack Michelle Obama received when she stopped working after Barack announced that he was running? Most people blasted her for taking a leave of absence. Others praised her for staying at home with the girls. There is such a spin on things.

By lwa

September 3, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Still waiting on an answer.

How many us us mothers can take our children to work with us (working outside of the home in a reg. 9 - 5)?

There is no comparison to Gov. Palin working with the kids in the office and my working in my office.

Can the kids come to work with her while she travels to Iraq? Meets with heads of state? Etc, etc. We must remove this off the table.

By J-Lin

September 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Considering Bristol, Sarah nor her husband has been too successful so far. I’m sorry, it’s not normal or average for a 17-year-old to come home pregnant. Sarah has a special situation with a child that will have special needs. There is a right time for everything. Besides not being the best qualified woman for the job, this woman would have gained my respect much more by saying this is not the best time for her or her family and who not have respected her. Right now she is being selfish and taking the motto “Country First” literally.

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Parentof4…I agree. There is a huge surge in the media to romanticize teen pregnancy. Something that makes me ill, I assure you. I would love to see a throw back to the days when I was in high school….late 80’s and early 90’s when a pregnancy was still deemed morally wrong. It certainly wasn’t celebrated like it seems to be now. But it is just as dangerous for parents to think that doing everything right will prevent it. There has to be a happy-emotional medium. Any stance too far either way is going to cause strife.

By Michelle

September 3, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

J-Lin— I could not agree with you more. Even if it was a man that had the same circumstances going on in his life I would expect him to decline the offer and tend to his family. This has nothing to do with her being a woman. I think that her children need both of their parents now more than ever. I had my first child at 27 and I got the bulk of my advice from my MOTHER. I NEED HER

By OhTheDrama

September 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Sarah Can Be VP and Cheri.

I was comparing the two women as if Michelle Obama is up for office. I was referring to some people’s complaints that these questions aren’t asked of a man and, more specifically, not of Obama. The reason their not being asked of him is that he is not the nurturer in that family.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

By OhTheDrama

September 3, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what’s wrong with my typing today. I’ve fixed my post below:

Hey Sarah Can Be VP and Cheri.

I was NOT comparing the two women as if Michelle Obama is up for office. I was referring to some people’s complaints that these questions aren’t asked of a man and, more specifically, not of Obama. The reason they are not being asked of him is that he is not the nurturer in that family.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

OK, I come from a long line of storng, working women.

My grandmother, back in 1937 lost her husband in a hunting accident. She had two kids, one 7 (my mom), one 4. She immediately went to work, then a few years later, while still working, went to school in the evenings to become a teacher. Remember, this is back in 1937, when women didn’t have as many rights as men (women were only voting for 17 years). She raised two kids by herself, working full time, AND going to school.

My mom has worked my entire life. Both she and my father were highly educated. When I was in middle school, my mother went back to school to get her MASTER’s degree in Nursing. She worked full time, and went to school AND still had time for her family.

I married a jerk, and had a child, and he left, taking more than 1/2 of our income with him, and leaving me with all the bills, and a two month old child.

Yes ladies, it can be done, and most of us are doing it. My grandmother had the odds stacked against her, but she prevailed. My mother never thought that going back to school for her masters was a disservice to her family. If anything it was a service, as she could make more money.

Growing up, my mother worked every other weekend, and my dad travelled alot. However, he was home on the weekends my mom was working. Our family didn’t suffer. There was food on the table, a roof over our heads, and we took a ton of family vacations. My brother and I are both very productive members of society. I have been at my job for 16 years, my brother has been at his job for 25. Both of us are very active in our kids lives and within the community.

My mother’s decision to work and go to school to educate herself did wonders for our family, and instilled values into us kids. I saw what she did, and I can do it too.

If my grandmother, and mother and myself can all do it, Sarah Palin can do it too.

By Sarah Can Be VP

September 3, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Michelle and J-Lin, you’re not huge Obama supporters are you? The look of shock on my face. J-Lin as an obvious Obama supporter you’re holier than thou attitude towards her having a daughter who is unwed and pregnant is laughable. I am sure Obama has no unwed mothers who support him. Give me a break here, a big one! At least she’ll marry the guy, can you say the same for the typical Obama supporter who is a mother and unwed? Hell no.

By new mom

September 3, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Hello all! Let me start by saying that I’m one sahm who appreciates that some women need to work, some choose to, and we need to let it go at that. If our situations were reversed and I made my husband’s salary, you better believe he’d be the one at home! (he’s told me this on a number of occasions!) Would he do everything the exact way I do? No. I would have to let go of the ‘control freak’ in me, which I think is why a lot of women act like they are the only ones who can do things ‘just right’.

I don’t know Sarah Palin personally, and I doubt many-or anyone here does. I don’t know her ability to balance life and family, her husband’s involvement, family support, etc. But apparently she has it together enough to be a wildly successful governor, and that’s enough for me.

I do not hold her teenage daughter’s situation against her. We were youth workers for 10 years, and we knew plenty of wonderful parents who struggled with their teenagers…and lots of awesome teenagers who had, honestly, crappy parents. Sure, parents play a huge role, of course. But every child will find their own way, will make mistakes, and to love and support them unconditionally is the best we can do. Geesh, our daughter is not even a year old, but I know that she won’t be a “perfect” kid! There is no such thing! We will do everything we can to raise her right, but she will also have a mind of her own….

I’m with motherjanegoose (again—ha!) I’ll keep my stones in my backyard….

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Jessie’s Girl, if you wanted me to clarify my stance there was a better way to go about it than you did. You jumped to several conclusions and you still are. I have no clue what you are talking about.

Had you simply asked how teen pregnancy was preventable instead of your tirade of jumping to conclusions and name calling, you may have a leg to stand on.

Instead you come across as childish and petty. I’ve lurked for a while and that’s often how you come across.

All I said that her situation is preventable, and it is. You added all the other nonsense. Pity. Maybe you should ask your questions and then wait for the answer before you start blowing hot air that has nothing to do with what i’ve actually said. In any case, you’re too close minded to get the point unless you agree with it so my conversation with you is done. Your mind is clearly already made up and you are clearly not worthy of any more of my time. Take care. And work on your bedside manner. Thanks.

DB - I didn’t said anyone was challenged. What I said was that many posters take offense if they feel they are challenged. My point is to stay open minded by what you read rather than get defensive. And that’s what permeates on this blog in topics such as these.

By katnick

September 3, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I hope for Sarah Palin’s sake that McCain/Palin ticket is defeated. She has a lot of family stuff on her plate; some of which she has no way of knowing how difficult or easy those family challenges will be. She may be a qualified, talented woman, but now is not her time to be VP. Surely, John McCain could find some one else.

By Theresa

September 3, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Amazon — What we have learned over the last three years of doing this blog is that parents feel VERY, VERY strongly about the choices they have made for their families. There is nothing more personal and no one sets out to screw up a kid. So they do feel very passionately about the choices they have made —- hence heated debate and defensive postures. Each parent thinks they are doing what is best for their children so if someone else has made a different choice, it must be wrong or at least questionable.

By Sandy_G

September 3, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

It’s funny. Most women (and men) would scream “discrimination!!” at the top of their lungs if a large corporation decided not to choose a qualified woman as CEO because she had small children at home and therefore, “couldn’t handle juggling a family and a job”.

If you don’t want a working mother in the White House, then don’t vote for one. My goodness, it’s interesting that by far, the most vicious, unfair and sexist comments I have heard about Palin have come from women! Why do we say we are for equality and then attack each other so viciously?

Palin has five children, however, the oldest child is in the Army and soon to leave for Iraq. The 17-year-old is getting married quite soon and will likely NOT be living in the White house. That leaves three children at home, two of which are in school all day.

Also, this woman has a HUSBAND who has been competently sharing the responsibilities for feeding, caring for and raising the children since they were toddlers. This woman has always taken her children with her, even when they were little and she was campaigning for mayor, she would bring them along, with her husband pulling them in a little red wagon as they walked the streets, knocking on doors.

By Palin’s own admission, she owes him a great debt and says she could not have done it without his contributions to the family, including doing the cooking, taking care of all of their personal paperwork and bills, shuttling the children to and from school, games, etc. while she worked. Observers have watched her in the Governor’s office, working, while her youngest child plays in the crib next to her desk. All of her children live in the Governor’s Mansion and have full run of the place, including her office. The Vice President’s office would be no different, I’m sure.

If having a high-powered job cannot co-exist with being a good mother, then every attorney, judge, mayor, police chief, congresswoman, senator, corporate CEO, doctor, surgeon, etc. that also happens to be a woman should just step down today.

The fact is, she HAS balanced the two and just because some women burst into tears when their children act up in the car, or cannot bear the thought of leaving a small child in daycare, does not translate to every woman. Some women can’t do it, but some can. We are not all the same, that’s the whole point of the women’s movement! You cannot deny a qualified woman a job because MOST women cannot do it! Each of us is different and each of us should be allowed the opportunity to hold the jobs that we are qualified for without being stereotyped.

I personally, could not and would not work in a coal mine, drive a Fire Truck or be a dock worker, but many women can and do. Slash away all you want about her political beliefs, her experience, her track record or her qualifications for the job, but the fact that she has children should have NO PlACE in the discussion.

By Sugar

September 3, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

What woman doesn’t have her plate full?

If you are a mother, your plate is full. If you are working, your plate is full. If you run a household and stay at home, your plate is full.

Its the challenges in life, and how we handle them that make us US. Obviously Gov. Palin is a very strong woman. So she has a few issues with family, who doesn’t?????

John McCain doesn’t have much of a choice, based on what I’ve seen, and I feel he picked Ms. Palin for a reason, and I believe that reason is to allow us to drill in Alaska.

It took balls for him to pick her, and it shows me he has the balls to run this country.

I don’t see that in Obama…….

By JM

September 3, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

A special needs infant needs both parents readily available, but especially his mother. Once he’s older, either parent can take primary responsibility, but an infant doesn’t need to be trekking around the country, hoping for his mom’s attention. I’m a working mom, who nursed my son for a long time, but being VP is a whole different ballgame!

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Hi Theresa. Thanks for your response. I definitely understand. It’s just a shame that people attack the person instead of the argument. How funny that a blogger would call someone “foolish” for their choices, especially if they work!

You should be an involved parent, but if you would really be willing to give your life for your kid, sometimes you must do just that. I have several friends who say they’d “never” stay at home or never do this or that. Sometimes that’s what you may have to do. I have a lot of respect for the CEO at my last job who had a 14 year old who was falling in with the wrong crowd. So he left the 6 figure job to spend more time at home! By the way, the CEO was male, so yes, daddies make this decision too.

I’ve never said that Gov. Palin “couldn’t” do it. I believe one can do anything you put your mind to! But what I’ve said is that there is a trade off in it all. That’s ALL I’ve said. In addition to sharing what my personal situation was and what worked for my mother. I never said it was a one size fits all solution for everyone. I think there is room for all of us to share our ideals and experiences without them being “wrong or questionable” (your words). Like I’ve said earlier, there is no clear right or wrong answer here.

All this to say, I wish there were more respect for other folks opinion here. That’s all.

By DJ

September 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe in 2008 this is even an issue. Maybe this is the reason that the glass ceiling does need to be shattered for once and for all. Do I believe that she can do it all and not have something fall through the cracks at home? No. Do I believe that her husband will step up to the plate? Yes, give men some credit. They are not imbiciles. So what if her daughter is pregnant? Like they are the first family that it happened to. It’s not the ideal and no it doesn’t follow their beliefs but how many of you growing up did stuff your parents disagreed with? In this case, it might be a pretty big case of rebellion that backfired on Bristol. It’s Bristol’s load to bear now. Whatever the case, who cares? You set expectations for your children and sometimes they surpass them and sometimes they stumble. That’s life. I personally don’t want to work full time and juggle the two young children I have (though I do because I have to). However, don’t tell me I can’t have career & family if that’s my choice. Don’t mess with a mom.

By ch2

September 3, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

You know, my 95 year old grandmother said it best, Gov. Palin is somewhat selfish. As a Mom of an 11 year old, and a physician, I recently went to a part-time status, because my husband and daughter did not have a wife or mom. What feminists are afraid for those of us to say, who grew up in the movement… you can’t be a mom and professional women without something not receiving your best efforts. Our employers want what they want, and most could care less about our families when it comes to their “bottom lines”. Ms. Palin may live to regret her decision many years from now when her family has fallen apart, and she realizes all that she’s missed by not being there for that newborn with Down’s, the 8 year old who clings to her Mom for dear-life, and that teenaged daughter who was screaming out for Mom’s attention, and instead turned to her boyfriend Levi. She needs to listen to her family!!!

By new mom

September 3, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Well said, Sandy_G!

By oldschooldoc

September 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

On Sunday, prior to the news about Bristol, an older mom and I had this exact same question: How does she do it? It has/had not been made clear in the media exactly who raises the kids—-all we knew was that the father also worked outside of the home. With 5 kids at home and a clearly ambitious mom, how can she serve two masters? With only 24 hours in a day, how can she give each a little/enough time for each child to know that he/she is loved and valued more than a parents’ career ? How can she do well at both her job and raising 5 kids? We are working moms ( I have 2 and she has three) who both have had various schedules while raising children (part-time/full-time). If she had , maybe 2 kids, who were school age I would say the sky is the limit for Ms. Palin, but with 5 kids( one being a special needs infant), and now a grandchild, I think her decision to accept the nomination is putting career/conutry first, not her family. You do not get a redo when it comes to spending time with your family. And I know I sound sexist, but we(women) ARE hardwired to to do a significant amount of baby care for the first 1-2 years—breastfeeding!

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

No apologies Amazon…I still think you are catastrophically ignorant in your assertion that good parenting counteracts teen pregnancy. Its even more insane to say that teen pregnancy is 100% preventable. Only if you wear a condom or have the good fortune to have a teen that exercises his or her common sense. If you are one of those parents who has the gift of absolute foresight regarding the goings on of your teen…share your secrets, please! I welcome your assumptions and opinions about me. I don’t care…but I welcome the entertainment nonetheless.

By Becky

September 3, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Having good parents at home doesn’t always prevent a teenager from getting pregnant..I know a young lady (23) right now that her Dad is a pastor, both of her grandfather’s were pastors, two of her cousins are pastors, her uncle is a pastor & guess what? She’s pregnant & unmarried..OK, I know that she’s not 17 & that her mother wasn’t picked to be VP, but teen pregnancies do happen..

You can preach until you are blue in the face, but as someone else posted, when kids decide to start having sex, you can’t stop them unless you chaing them to the bed post & never let them out of your site..

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

sigh

“I still think you are catastrophically ignorant in your assertion that good parenting counteracts teen pregnancy”

I NEVER said that. Please point me to where I did. These are all the ASSumptions you keep making.

You want ignorance, look in your mirror.

By OhTheDrama

September 3, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Sarah Can Be VP,

You attitude is repugnant. This is just a newspaper blog, no one here is answering the red phone tonight.

As for your comments to J-Lin et. al, I find them to be very small minded. You are insinuating that Obama only has unwed mothers supporting him, which is stereotypical, at best.

I’m sure he does have some unwed mothers supporting him as does McCain. So what’s the big deal? I thought the whole thing Republicans are saying is that this can happen in any family, even the families of Evangelicals.

And as far as ‘at least she’s getting married’ goes, at least is right. Let’s face it here. I’m sure it was not a hard decision to marry the governor’s daughter. For crying out loud, this whole thing probably moved the baby’t father up in status. As a matter of fact, he has been quoted as saying he doesn’t really want children. He doesn’t sound much like a family guy to me.

And of course she agreed to marry him after all she is carrying his child and trying to protect what’s left of her image.

We’ll see if the marriage lasts happily ever after no matter how convenient it is.

In the meantime, let’s not give them more credit than they are really due.

By peanut

September 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I have had friends who had to quit working because they had a disabled child. I guess this baby does not have all the various physical problems that many babies with this condition have or the mother would be spending all her time at the doctor’s office and hospital. To run for vice-president at this time was not the choice of a person with “family values” as I understand them.

By FCM

September 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

If teen mothers are horrible, and single mothers are horrible….

Riddle me this Batman:

How in heck did Barak’s MOTHER manage to be 18 pregnant, not married, single mom (later) and raise him to be good enough to run the country???????

By motherjanegoose

September 3, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

sugar…loved your last comment and new mom want to come over and throw stones at each other…haha…or maybe at the neighbors because they are the only ones with problems….NOT. Everyone…let’s see what she has to say tonight…

By The South is a Cesspool

September 3, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Well, if mothers stayed home and raised their children, then their little devils wouldn’t be running around breeding out of wedlock. I have no problem with women in the workforce. I’m for equal pay for equal work and all. But once you decide to breed, stay home and train your offspring to be responsible. Isn’t that the Conservative message?

I’m just glad the knocked-up teen in question isn’t a minority. Oh, how the conservatives would be running wild about the moral decay of the left. Now one of their own put the baby-cart before the wedding-horse. Where’s the indignation. Where’s the fire and brimstone, you gun-toting, hypocrite Baptists?

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Barack’s mother was married.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Becky I agree, but when your kids start having sex and you know about it, there is one thing you can do, and that is to inform them of all the contreception available. Not just for the girls, but the boys too.

My words to my daughter, “If YOU don’t want the responsibility of a child, then take the necessary precautions to prevent that”. And I’ve mentioned that to her friends, both boys and girls.

If my daughter was having sex, and I knew about it, trust me, we would be at the doctor’s office so fast, getting her on birth control. I am not ready to be a grandmother, nor is she ready to be a mother.

But I do know I would have her on birth control immediately. I can’t stop her from having sex, but I can do my part to try and prevent a pregnancy at 17.

By Jeff

September 3, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

JG:

There ARE ways that you can monitor every move your kid makes, and often these ways don’t involve your kid knowing you are doing it…

It doesn’t take GOOD parenting or even INVOLVED parenting, but it does take DETERMINED parenting.

Me, I tend to be very trusting, and I’m sure my kids will benefit from that… until they burn me the first time. After that, if they fart, I’ll know what they’ve ate in the last several meals.

Most parents aren’t willing to do what it takes to ENSURE their teen doesn’t wind up with a kid.

Me? I’ve always taken an approach of ‘minimal force necessary’. If I can tell you not to do it until you are living on your own and you do, excellent. If I have to monitor you 24/7 - literally - to make sure you don’t, you brought it on yourself.

By chilidog

September 3, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone here assuming she is going to be the V.P.?. I think Mrs. Palin had best to stay at home and raise her girls before the other girls end up the same way. Lets be real. When I was a boy, I use to love when the moms worked and left the daughters at home raise themselves. I don’t have to tell you the reason why I use to love for those girls to be left at home alone why mom and dad were at work.

By MomsRule

September 3, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl, luvin you today! LOL

Please correct me if I’m in error but I don’t believe Amazon even has kids….so, you need to look at the source. She doesn’t have a clue.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Amazon Red - you said It’s just a shame that people attack the person instead of the argument.

Then you posted this: You want ignorance, look in your mirror.

Hmmm?????

By Sarah Can Be VP

September 3, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe that Barak Obama, with two small kids to raise, would even entertain the idea of such a high-octane, honey I have to work late tonight, no real days off in the time of a crisis… job and leave his poor wife all alone to raise the kids. I don’t think any man could possibly juggle such a hectic schedule. Afterall he is male; he can’t do laundry without bleaching the colored clothes and God knows he can’t make the bed the way it should be made. And he thinks he can be the leader of the most powerful nation on the planet? A mere male thinking this? He should take an 8 to 5 job with kids the ages his are now. Perhaps when his daughters are married and on their own he may run , again. As my grandmother said to me today, any man that wants such a job is selfish and self-centered and could never balanace family, work and play.

By Numbers Guy

September 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Hey, Amazon - in the interests of complete disclosure, Obama’s parents married in February of 1961, and Obama was born on August 4. Given that they plan to also be married by the time the baby arrives, How does that vary from Ms. Palin’s situation, exactly? Let your fingers do the walkin’….and countin’.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

JJ, I don’t have to respect someone who has no respect for me. I posted my opinion and was subject to her classless tirade. So yes, she’s proven to be ignorant.

Other posters has come at me respectfully and they have gotten respect in return.

Hope this clears things up.

By Sarah

September 3, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

If the biggest mistake you face in a day is washing the clored clothes on the hot water cycle or your biggest decision is strawberry jell-o or lime for the kids, then perhaps you can’t imagine being Sarah Palin and doing what she is very well capable of doing. If your gray matter is collecting in the form of yesterday’s laundry and now in your skull, then perhaps you cannot relate to such a woman. Chew on this: Some of us can. Some of you make me ashamed of my chromosomal make up.

By new mom

September 3, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

‘the south’ brought up something I’d like to address—the eagerness of some to accuse one who holds any beliefs a ‘hypocrite’.

I won’t try to speak for everyone, of course, but myself, my fellow friends and family who hold religious views do not claim to be perfect, nor are they. No one is perfect! I do agree that there are religious folks out there who are pushy, rude, and judgemental. No arguement from me there—but there are pushy, rude and judgemental people in every walk of life. Again, no one is perfect.

Back to my point—It seems that there is an eagerness to find hypocrites among church-folk. And I think that scares lots of people away, because “what if I claim a certain religion, and heaven-forbid, make a mistake?” Guess what—you will make mistakes, you aren’t perfect. That’s where grace and forgiveness come in.

When we say we believe in something, it means we strive toward it. We hope to either always or never do it, whatever ‘it’ is. But it shouldn’t mean we deserve an even stricter punishment because we professed a belief.

And that’s just my belief! :)

By K&K's Mom

September 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

First of all let me say that have thought long and hard about my answer to this question, since it was presented yesterday. Let me also say that I would generally be the first woman to defend a woman’s right to do it all, in a heartbeat, but I have to say that this time I CAN NOT concur. I am one of those mom’s who gets picked on all the time from my fellow “church moms” for working outside the home and making the decisions I have made. But on the same token I have been on both sides of the fence. I stayed home with my oldest daughter for two years, and had another one in the process and was with her for a year. I worked before that and I work now. So I do speak from experience.

My issue with Sarah Palin is not that she works outside the home, but it is that she seems to be getting lost in what really matters. Do you sacrifice your children’s wellbeing for your political or career aspirations?

Right now she has an infant with Down Syndrome that needs her and will need her in a way that no other “normal” child would, then she has a teenage daughter, who is pregnant, has dropped out of school and who they are marrying off. This presents a problem of lack of supervision to me, supervision that should be and would be available if BOTH parents were active participants in the home life and upbringing of these children.

Now I understand your plight Sandy_G, that women are dogging this woman, but let’s be realistic. If Palin needs to go on a tour of Iraq, have talks with some international diplomat, or tour a war torn region, how do you propose that she will do that with an infant on her breast, or a special needs child. Reality is it can’t happen. Yes these children have a father, but really we all know that there are just sometimes when you need your mama, and obviously he isn’t doing a great job considering the pictures that have surfaced on Bristol and her extra-curricular activities, (i.e. drinking and partying and having sex)

I think after I finished my BA in paralegal studies, everyone asked me if I was going to go to law school, my first and only answer has always been no, why would I want to miss the next 4-5 years of my children’s life, tucking them in bed at night and those family dinners to hear about their day. That to me is not worth all the money in the world. I have a friend who is a partner at a large firm in Atlanta, but she and I had many of conversations about if that would be to her benefit for her 1 son, and even though she made that decision to pursue partnership, she still strives to maintain that balance. Will Palin be able to say the same thing? I doubt it. Now would this situation be different with Hillary, of course, she has a grown daughter, (who although she seems a little attached to her mom sometimes) can function on her own.

When you are the second in command of the free world, the rest of the country and the rest of world depend on you (especially since McCain walked the earth with Moses and my leave this earth at any time). But we can do some things ourselves such as conserving and recycling, not killing each other, etc. But add five children to the mix (whether grown and married or not) that solely depend on you and that’s one weight I just don’t think woman need to lift.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Numbers Guy…where did I say the situation differed?

Also, since you like numbers, you can also count and figure out that Gov. Palin was pregnant when she married as well. So the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I guess.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

K&K’s Mom, that was an excellent post. You say you thought long and hard on your response and it shows.

By JJ

September 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

OK, so for the sake of further argument, let’s agree on the following:

If you have kids, a high powered career is not for you. Period, end of discussion. You chose the Mommy/daddy track.

If you are a woman, you MUST stay home with the kids in order to prevent teen age pregnancy.

If you are a man, you should take an 8 - 5 job, to be home with the kids. You are not allowed to be successful if you have kids. You must work a 9-5 job, with minimal time off, and minimal pay, and accept that as your life.

Therefore, if you do not have kids, you are welcome to be as successful as you like, work as much as you like, and take, take, take, because you chose to remain childless. And those of us who chose to have kids, should not be allowed to have successful careers….

Did I get that right?

By those standards, every single one of us on the blog should be at home raising our kids……ditch the high paying jobs. What do you need money for anyway?

And anyone who chooses to be successful (with kids) is selfish!!!

Yes, I’m being sarcastic!!!

By Tammy

September 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

We seem to be moving onto a different topic!

AmazonRed

I have to agree with you! My parents were fully involved in my life - a horrible thing at the time but looking back now I appreciate all they did for me. They definitely kept track of us - we were representing them in the community and they had expectations of us.

They taught me to respect myself,and people around me. Also taught me that I would have to suffer the repercussions of any and all choices I made. So I made the decision to remain abstinate until I was old enough to deal with any such repercussions.

Other friends didn’t have the close involvement of parents and I learned from their mistakes also.

Not saying it’s the right way for everyone, but it worked for me and my sisters. Actually it worked for my brothers too!

I’m wondering how to handle this with my kids as they grow older. I’d like to be the parents mine were to me, just not sure I can live up to them.

By rc

September 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

The question is a fair one, and not sexist at all, if it’s posed this way: is it good for the young children to have both parents working full time? If her husband does not work and he’s with the children, then the children will not suffer having their mom as VP. This is the way it is for all families - if a family is able to have a parent at home, then it is better for those young children, and it doesn’t matter if it’s the man or the woman who’s at home.

By jct

September 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, Jeff…

Thanks so much for the chuckle. I used to think like you BEFORE I had a teenager.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall when you and T get there.

JG was very eloquent in her post. I want to be there even when my child is making those human mistakes.

Your child may not get pregnant/get someone pregnant but there will be other rebellious stuff like failing at academics on purpose, anti-social behavior, drugs, not wanting to attend church, etc. Just wait….

By not sure?

September 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

JFK Jr. was born a few weeks after his father was elected so I think he wins for having the youngest children in the White House. As for woman having it all I have been worrying about that for years. My mother tried to have the high powered career when I was young and then have it all up to stay at home when she had my two younger brothers. I have vowed to not have children until I can figure out how to not compromise my career or my family. While I’m inspired by Gov. Palin it seems to me like her family needs her more right now. Nursing your child during a meeting might be OK in Juneau but not in DC.

By Numbers Guy

September 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Let’s take it a step further, then.

“All 3 of her daughters got out of high school virgins. We didn’t need to rebel or defy, we had parents who were there installing healthy self esteem (and I grew up in Los Angeles which is no easy place to raise a well adjusted kid). There was no way I was having sex in high school. NO WAY. My virginity was important to me and I wasn’t looking to fill any void that my workaholic absent parents left. That void didn’t exist!”

That would seem to indicate that you believe that getting pregnant (or having sex at all) prior to marriage is a bad thing. Further, it would seem to indicate that you believe that situation to reflect badly on the family in general, both the persons involved and their parents. With me so far?

OK, so given the two situations at hand, if I’ve read you right, then either Obama’s grandmother was neglectful in the same way that Sarah Palin is, or it really isn’t an issue when considering Obama vs. Palin. Anything else is a double standard. Which is it?

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

“And anyone who chooses to be successful (with kids) is selfish!!!”

JJ - sarcasm aside, maybe, maybe not. None of us can say until the kid is grown and out on their own.

My only point is that there is a trade off for everything. The time you spend doing one thing means you can’t be doing something else. What is wrong with admitting that? And sometimes it all works out and sometimes it does not. That’s all I’m saying.

The topic today is Gov. Palin. And we don’t know what the effect of her choices will be on her babies until they are grown. But we all wish her the best, I’m sure!

Tammy - Thanks for the support. :-)

By JJ

September 3, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of all this back and forth. We will NEVER agree 100%.

We don’t know the Palin’s home life, their situation, therefore we cannot judge them. I for one, am eagerly anticipating her speech tonight, and will do my best to stay up and watch her. I am very excited about this woman and her possible VP role….

What we should do, is accept them for who and what they are. They aren’t perfect, but who is?

Where was all this argument when Jamie Lynn Spears was pregnant at 15, on the cover of People magazine? Where was everyone when the media was glamorizing her unwed teen aged pregnancy???????

By MomsRule

September 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

AmazonRed, I’m just curious, did your brothers make it out of high school virgins as well?

My assumption is they did not because you only made the statment regarding you and your sisters.

But, I don’t want to assume, please clarify.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Numbers Guy, nope don’t think getting pregnant is a “bad” thing per se. But will any parent on here raise their hand and say they want their teen to get pregnant? I’ll wait.

It is what it is. But many teens today get pregnant for “lack” of something. Attention, education, something to do, etc. The point of my story was that my parents filled any void I may have had at the time.

And if you want to bring up Obama’s mother, I think teen pregnancy then happened for different reasons than they do today. Kids today have so many resources that folks back then don’t have to prevent pregnancy. In addition to it being “okay” to talk about it now.

By Jeff

September 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

All:

What I find interesting about the whole ‘Obama/Palin’ issue is this:

You are comparing the left side of the DemoCan party’s POTUS nominee to the right side of the DemoCan party’s VICE-POTUS nominee.

Doesn’t that logically state then that the left side’s POTUS nominee is NOT qualified for the office of POTUS, if we are debating whether or not the right side’s VICE-POTUS is equally qualified????

By K&K's Mom

September 3, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Appreciate that AmazonRed

By sydney

September 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

The Republican’s entire campaign REEKS of hypocrisy. No wonder this country is in such a mess! No, we can’t have it all and Palin’s daughter’s “condition” speaks volumes!!

The net of it is this, if McCain’s dear ol’ VP pick cannot effectively guide her own “camp” at home, what in the H* makes us think she could guide this whole friggin’ country. This is one of the most laughable campaigns history has ever known. Americans are no doubt the laughing stock of the land right now!!!!

By sydney

September 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

The Republican’s entire campaign REEKS of hypocrisy. No wonder this country is in such a mess! No, we can’t have it all and Palin’s daughter’s “condition” speaks volumes!!

The net of it is this, if McCain’s dear ol’ VP pick cannot effectively guide her own “camp” at home, what in the H* makes us think she could guide this whole friggin’ country???? This is one of the most laughable campaigns history has ever known. Americans are no doubt the laughing stock of the land right now!!!!

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

MomsRule - My parents only have us three girls. We were raised in a Christian house that preached abstinance, but being in Los Angeles, my parents were also realists. We had very through sex education in school (7th and 10th grade) and I still refer to the lessons my parents and teachers taught me back then, to this very day.

After hearing what my parents and teachers taught me, I made the choice to abstain from sex. Nothing any of the boys were saying would persuade me otherwise. And been a silly teen (of course) when I wore my white debutante gown, I wanted to actually be able to wear it for what the color actually represented! LOL

I also never drank or smoked in high either. My parents raised a “goody goody!” LOL

By Sugar

September 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I work a full time job, and am parent to one child.

I work while my child is in school. She isn’t missing me then…..

Once I leave this office, I leave work behind. I tend to my family and my home. Work doesn’t miss me.

When I am at work, I am working, not leaving my child behind. I am working to help provide a better life for my family. I don’t work weekends or nights, strictly 8 - 4:00. I am home by 4:30, about the same time my child is walking in the door too. I am there for my family and no one is missing me.

It can be done. You just have to figure out what works for you. Working 8-4 works for me, as it coincides with my kids’ school schedule. I didn’t dump her off anywhere.

By K&K's Mom

September 3, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

JJ I don’t think that anyone glamorized the Jaime Lynn issue, I think that it was just a different situation. Her mother wasn’t running for VP, and after seeing both of her children I personally would not vote for her for VP of the homeowners association, much less the country.

I also agree with you AmazonRed, the circumstances of teenage pregnancy are definitely different than when Obama’s mom had him. Let’s talk about how common it was how accepted it was. She would have been more shuned because he was African than the fact that she was 18.

By Magenta

September 3, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Theoretically, a woman can do anything a man can. I oppose any law or hiring policy that says otherwise. With that in place, it is then up to the individual woman to prove that this is the case. It doesn’t work for all women. When it doesn’t work, the individual in question should accept that reality. When it’s a tough choice between career and family, and economics allow (they don’t always), then family needs to come first. That’s basic common sense.

By Sarah Can Be VP

September 3, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Sydney, I bet Palin’s daughter respects her country and her flag and she doesn’t socialize with radical terorrist who bombed our capitol and the Pentagon. Why do you care about the opinions people have about America, your guy Obama doesn’t even respect our country. Idiots like you and the liberal media won’t do a smear campaign on this woman, she’s too tough for that. Let’s she if she sat in a racist church for 20 years and heard about how evil the other race is. Or, is Obama just too stupid to realize the message his so called preacher was preaching. Is he that dumb? Yes, h eis that dumb but and his supporters are dumber.

By Amy

September 3, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Jessie’s Girl…To have such a “high powered job in your industry” you spend a surprising amount of time preaching on your soap box on this blog.

By Amy in the ATL

September 3, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I think it’s impossible to really say what will and what won’t work for any given family, since there are so many variables. For some families, it really would be a challenge to have two parents in the workforce. For others with more flexible schedules or extended family support, a mom balancing a high powered job and raising small kids is probably a heck of a lot more do-able.

And I do agree that we probably wouldn’t be even discussing the Palin family if it were Mr. Palin running for V.P and not Ms. Palin, regardless of the age of their children. John Edwards had small kids…no one commented on whether he was neglecting them by running for office.

It’s really high time for women to stop criticizing other women for personal choices and be happy that we live in a country where we HAVE choices at all!

By K&K's Mom

September 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Sarah Can Be VP please don’t get on the church issue. because number 1 it has nothing to do with the topic at hand and number 2, Palin doesn’t exactly go to some sainthood church that loves the world her darn self. You may want to do your research on the topic before you throw that stone….

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Sugar - Your situation sounds great!

However, what would you do if you got promoted and changed jobs that required more time in the office and/or extensive travel?

By Sarah

September 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Now I get it! Duh. You women were comparing yourselves to Palin, so of course you don’t think she can do the job. Try comparing her to someone who has a real life outside of the home, you’ll get different results.

By Gail

September 3, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Speaking as the parent of a child with special needs, I think it is probably a mistake for Sarah Palin to pursue the VP job at this time. She has a new baby with special needs, and while I’m sure she has spent time researching his condition and getting a feel for what to expect, I question her (or anyone’s, for that matter) ability to fully anticipate what is really entailed. I believe any parent needs more time to adjust to having a child with special needs before making life altering decisions.

From what I have read, her husband seems to be very involved with the family which is crucial if she wants to be VP. However, I think she may be underestimating the amount of focus that will be required to meet the needs of her new baby. Her family has a lot of other things on it’s plate right now — a son leaving for Iraq, the teen pregnancy, a teen marriage, uprooting the family from Alaska which is a very different place to live than DC, not to mention the intense media scrutiny that has already begun.

I agree with the other posters who say this is not the time. She could probably be a great VP in a few years even if I wouldn’t vote for her.

By MomsRule

September 3, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

AmazonRed, thank you for the clarification. After my post, I realized I was in error in my assumption, the post I was recalling that referenced brothers actually came from Tammy.

BUT, once post is hit….what’s a blogger to do? :)

By Sarah

September 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I just feel there is a lot on her plate right now. I understand that we women have to juggle. What bothers me is she has a baby with Down Syndrome? That can be a very serious condidtion. My uncle was a child with Down Syndrome and had heart defects, developed leukemia, and sadly, died of pneumonia at age 15 because his heart was too weak. This completely drained my grandparents who were in their mid-40’s when he was born. He was a wonderful boy, my best friend and more like my brother than uncle (he was 3 years younger than me.)

I just got to see first hand what could go wrong. I would have a hard time taking a job that puts you a heart beat away from being the most powerful person in the world when you have a child who may need you every moment they are alive.

By Becky

September 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

JJ, I know that they can be put on the pill..I’m just saying that you can’t stop them if hey want to have sex unless you lock them in the house..

After a former cowoker found out that his 14 year old daughter wasn’t pregnant, they wouldn’t put her on the pill, because they were afraid that people would know that she was having sex out of wedlock..Well, she went on to have 3 children by 3 different men by the time that she turned 19..

By Jesse's Girl

September 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Actually, today is the first day in a very long time that I have had the opportunity post more than once. So..I’m catching up I guess. Ahh…the joy of working from home for a change!!

By Nova

September 3, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

now the uber-conservative right have their imperfect, “type-of-person-I’d-like-to-have-a-beer-with” candidate on the ticket to rally around. Sounds familiar, eh? Like a female George Bush perhaps?

But about all of this media coverage… as the candidates always like to say, “let’s be clear…” this is a woman who once called Hillary’s camp “whiners” for their claims of sexism. This woman is in line for the second-highest position in the country. Just like the overblown drama of Obama’s so-called “pastor problem,” anything and everything about this woman is now fair game and is legitimately under scrutiny. To suggest that we should “back off” because she’s a woman is the sexist thing to do, not the other way around. She put herself out there and now she must show she’s strong enough to handle it. It will only get worse if she does indeed get the job.

By Mike

September 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Further evidence that despite all of the pathetic whining over the years, the AJC’s liberals are asking questions like this.

Nobody asked if Biden could do it when he was left with young children after his wife passed.

The left has shown their true colors in this story .

By Nova

September 3, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

If her husband is so supportive why does he never hold Trig? he has now been handed to the younger sister. I think women can do what men do, but when you have a brand new special needs baby. I think that changes the priorities, maybe if the baby wasn’t a baby the world would see it different.

By KennMom

September 3, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

I think she can do it and hopes she gets the chance. The dad can step in and really make a positive difference in their children’s lives. This topic shocks me because so many women haev such strong feelings regarding equal-rights, equal-pay, equal-responsibility, yet when it comes down to the bottom line, it appears that many people believe women belong at home, with the kids in the kitchen. If the Clintons demanded that Chelsea be off limits, I say the same consideration should be given to the Palins. Oh yeah, the Clintons were Dems and the Palins are Republicans.

By Silly

September 3, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Smart Ace you need to back right up…there is not one shred of evidence that home schooled kids are socially disadvantaged by their home schooling. On the other hand there is great evidence that ignorant people like you perpetuate stereotypes out of a personal agenda. Why do you hate kids whose parents are involved in their lives and willing to make the sacrifice to home school? Your unwarranted intrusion into this blog is unwelcome, pathetic and silly. Grow up.

By RepMomma

September 3, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Michelle Obama will have to be away from her children a lot because she will be in a “high-powered” position as First Lady, but we don’t see her motives being questioned. If Michelle can handle it, so can Sarah. Go girl!

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

When juggling the demands of family, work and campaign Michelle Obama QUIT her job so that she could devote time to the other two.

Sarah Palin is adding to her current obligations. Big difference.

And let us stop thinking that just because one person can do something, someone else can too. Doesn’t mean Sarah Palin CAN’T but she doesn’t need to be compared to someone else in a completely different situation!

By MomsRule

September 3, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

So many people are talking about how the children will be short changed if Mom becomes VP. I can’t help but think of all of the wonderful opportunities, experiences and education they will receive from the experience! Real life stuff that they will never forget!

So what if Mom isn’t the one doing their laundry. My kids don’t care if I was their dirty underware! Do yours?

Something tells me, she does and will continue to find and make time for the important things. The hugs, kisses and cuddles, reading a book together, playing a game, etc.

Yes, it can be done.

By DHD

September 3, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Do you ask the same question of Joe Biden who had to raise his children as a single father while a Senator and was PRAISED for serving his country?

Nope. Double standard.

By The rules don't apply

September 3, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I’ve actually been trying to figure out why this Palin situation makes me so angry. I think she absolutely should be able to be VP and a mom. It shouldn’t be an issue. And there’s no way it would be an issue if she were a man. That said I still have problems with the way Palin is balancing being a mom and her career. Every woman I know who has attained a high level of success whether as a doctor, lawyer, military officer or in the corporate field has learned that in order to make it you have to compartmentalize. Successful women don’t have their children in the office. They don’t breastfeed during meetings. And they don’t drag their kids around with them while they’re working. So, how is it different for Palin? Is it just because that’s the way it is in Alaska? Or is her job actually not all that demanding? Is she a figurehead? I couldn’t get all that much done with my baby under the desk.
So, I feel like her family has been shoved in our faces. Look at this mother! She’s a “hockey mom.” It’s endearing, but it’s not a credential for political office. So, does Sarah Palin represent a new standard for working moms? Are we going to see more kids in the office? More accepting of a working mom’s other responsibilities? More support for legislation and programs that enable women to effectively balance career and family. Doubtful. Palin only took 3 days off after having her baby!!! Is that going to be the new standard for FMLA?? Lot’s of women balance work and family and it involves sacrifice and support. I don’t see her as a representative of either.

By AmazonRed

September 3, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I finally read the link Theresa provided. It was a good story. I don’t doubt at all that she is doing the best for her children.

I didn’t particulary care for the part where her younger kids changed schools to be closer to mom in Juneau. That can be a difficult transition for a child. In addition, it seems like Bristol didn’t make the school change like her younger siblings did. She could have been dealing with the mono or that could be part of the reason why Mom wasn’t around when she got pregnant.

Breast feeding during meetings, kids hanging around the office. Different days indeed! I’m not knocking it.

By GA peach

September 3, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Being a mom to a 4 month old is a 24 hr job. Being a VP of the USA is a 24 hr job. Do the math. At some point, the career or the family will suffer. Usually, it is the family. Sarah Palin has the most important job in the world already. She is a parent. Being a parent is very challenging, but to have a 4 month old child that you’re still breastfeeding, a 17 yr old child who is pregnant and to be the VP of the USA and a mother? Please prescribe her some antianxiety and antidepressant medicines. It’s alot to handle.

By reality is my name

September 3, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

As a mother who works full time and has 2 children, I know the demands of both. I also admire Sarah Palin, because she is a prime example of grace under fire. No other woman seeking public office has been so viciously attacked over issues and choices that are so deeply personal. She should not be subject to public flogging just because she feels that she has more to offer than being only a mother or only a professional.

What does occur to me is that to mother five children and be such a powerful force in the working world too, she is more dynamic than most of us, even though we are all pretty great. She appears to be a high performance person who is driven and disciplined to a degree that I personally cannot approach. Hats off to her and her beautiful family.

By Zach's Mom

September 3, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

My husband and i would love it if I was able to stay home with our children. BUT… He lost his job and has not been able to find another one that paid as much as the previous one. I would define our family as lower middle class. I had to go back to work so that we could have health insurance and be able to eat every month. Maybe the stay@home mom/ working mom wouldn’t even be an issue if most familys could live on one income. Until you walk in someone shoes you don’t know what goes on behind close doors.

By FCM

September 3, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Michelle Obama said she will continue to work outside the home (even Hillary gave that up for a time) in her own field, not Mommydom and aside from First Lady.

JJ, JG, Jeff, I so ENJOYED your posts! I wish I had time to comment on everything (its a busy time at work and I want time for MY kids so I choose the blog as my ‘give’ today….but I loved the topic/discussion) that said I have to comment:

I loved this:

And, you can’t have your kids running around the Senate floor. Of course not, it would take attention from the children we elected to serve (Polosi)

By Alecia

September 4, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

I am sure that Mr. Palin can take a leave of absence from his blue collar job in the oil fields while his wife is V.P. He seems capable of handling his own children. Let’s not underestimate the parenting skills of dads.

By JJ

September 4, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

MomsRule What a refreshing outlook. Great post!!!! Why doesn’t anyone else think that way????

By Jesse's Girl

September 4, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I agree JJ…how awesome for these kids to see their mother empowered and to have their level of cultural awareness hightened!

By TEBA

September 4, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Of course Palin is capable of being a mother and professional. HOWEVER, her concerns for the nation is not the same as Hillary’s platform - anti-healthcare, anti-choice (even in rape/incest - no wonder Guiliani supports her since he married his first cousin). She may shake up DC with her presence but the Republicans have controlled the White House and Congress - and that’s why our economy has failed. It always fails under conservative rule. Did anyone hear in the speech how her sister will benefit from the oil drilling? Palin wanted Alaska to sucede from the US. Oil before polar bears! Please stick to the issues instead of gender!

By Just Mom

September 4, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Can mothers balance high-powered jobs - including VP of the USA - and kids?

Yes, of course they can.

Is Sarah Palin qualified to be vice president of the USA?

No, she’s not.

Those are two completely separate questions. Don’t make the mistake of lumping them together as one.

By Tom

September 4, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I’m disappointed in the question.

Everyone is different with different strengths and weaknesses. I believe there is nothing stopping Gov Palin from being a great VP.

You may have a family that requires your constant presence, but other families can spread the load amongst the husband, and children. Larger families tend to do that more and better than smaller ones.

So, unless you want to suggest that women should not be involved in that level of politics, then realize that this type of question only adds to the idea that women need not apply.

By SAG

September 4, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

After listening to her speak how can this question be asked of average women. The rub here is that Palin is no average woman. I can’t see her sitting around on her home computer, on a blog…baking cookies, cutting out coupons and thawing out pork chops for dinner. What a challenge. To those who say she can’t do it, you’re projecting your own average achievments. Don’t measure her by your short ruler, she deserves better. I’d feel intimidated also if I had one, two or even three kids and my biggest accomplishment of the day is a bowl of creamed corn. For you Obama fanatics, I would be afraid of this woman too, she just bytch slapped your guy all over the stage and did so looking feminine, classy and light years above average intelligence. Yes, I can see why she’d intimidate the cookie bakers and minivan drivers, intimidate the hell out of them.

By Tim Brando

September 4, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

SAG - do you really think cutting coupons and thawing pork chops is what an average woman does all day? Maybe that’s what the average republican woman does.

By Denkpaard

September 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

I am torn Democrat. I feel that we wouldn’t ask a man these questions. I admire Bristol for keeping the baby. I respect Sarah Palin for governing on her own, not becoming famous as her husband’s wife, like Hillary Clinton. But I can’t imagine how Sarah Palin will improve my life as an American.

By RJ

September 4, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

To answer the question as to how Obama’s kids will fare, let me say this, his kids ARE NOT SPECIAL NEEDS!!!!! NOR DOES HE HAVE AN INFANT! Is it okay to breastfeed while in a meeting in the oval office?

By BRS

September 5, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Fathers are the number one male role model in a daughter’s life, and not one person has asked how Obama’s girls will be effected by his high-power job. Surely family dinners will be few and far between. If we’re going to ask it of Sarah, let’s ask it of Obama. Better yet, if we think Michele Obama can handle it, how about we give the same benefit of the doubt to Sarah’s husband Todd? She’s not a single mother after all!!!!

By lovin life

September 5, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

RJ how many special needs kids do you have?

By The Oval Office has seen worse

September 5, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

While Barack Obama clearly feels he has to run against the VP candidate, Sarah Palin will not be holding meetings in the Oval Office. That’s the President’s office. She will be holding meetings in the VP’s office in the Old Executive Office Building.

By the time the election is over and McCain/Palin are sworn in, the baby will be 9 months old. Most breastfeeding moms quit by the time the baby is a year old. And by that age, babies are eating solids and breastfeeding less often. She will not have the baby at her breast for the entire vice presidency!

Besides, the Oval Office has seen worse. At least the baby is not an intern.

By Grace

September 5, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Having had a child at 18 myself,and being a pro life person (although a Democrat, yes, we do exist) I think Gov. Palin’s encouragement of 2 17 year olds to marry her first irresponsible decision. I don’t want that in DC. Why not suggest keeping the baby, raising it in a loving family environment and Daddy can visit whenever he wants to or maybe considering adoption. Another very pro life choice. She started out on a bad note for me.

By Jennifer

September 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

VP doesn’t live in the Whitehouse. She seems like a person who is able to balance her life and wants to take on more. I’m all for it. Her children will get to be exposed to so many things(foreign leaders, world travel) that I wish I could expose my own children to. Go for it!

By Grace

September 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

To Seen Worse in the White House: You are right, his name is George W. Bush

By gimmeabreak!

September 5, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

spoken like a true democrat! How casually you presume to intrude and direct the life of what will be at the time of birth, adults, and how they choose to raise their child. 17 year olds have died in the line of fire for this country, graduated from our colleges, pitched in our major leauges. Is is best that they dont start families?, of course, but It’s obvious this family has that girls back and whatever they decide to do, it is THEIR business. You have every right not to vote McClain/Palin, and to express why but the hypocrisy and intrusion of the left HAS to stop.

By A sucker every minute

September 9, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone going all “goo goo ga ga” over Palin. She has no experience, plain and simple.