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Blog Hot Topic Debates Palin's Folly: Parenting Meets Politics
Blog Hot Topic Debates Palin's Folly: Parenting Meets Politics | Palin's Folly: Parenting Meets Politics | | Print | |
| Written by Joeprah | |
 Sarah Palin, McCain's VP Selection
I am not a political expert but rather a parent that, more often than not, think about the ramifications of families and children when I hear news headlines. For instance, when the news came out about Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol, 17, being five months pregnant I cringed. With the U.S. culture spiraling into teen pregnancy fanaticism one can only question Sarah Palin’s decision to accept the nomination to become McCain’s V.P. candidate. With all eyes focused on the likes of Jamie Lynn Spears, the Gloucester Teens, rising teen pregnancy rates and controversial media outlets that glorify pregnant teens the Bristol Palin story was a no brainer to receive some of the most intense media scrutiny that a story can be given. Sarah has come out with a statement claiming how proud she is in her daughter’s decision to not only keep her child but to marry the child’s father. This seems to be little more than political damage control from who many have called "America's Hottest Governor." All politics aside, does a family that is about to undergo some very stressful months facing local scrutiny need to go global with their dirty laundry? Bristol is five months pregnant—five. Sarah had to know her daughter was with child before accepting the V.P. nomination and to intentionally put her daughter in the national limelight shows some very poor decision making not only as a politician but as a parent. I wonder does Sarah realize what she has done to her daughter in accepting the V.P. nomination. Her daughter, for better or worse, will now be under some of the most intense scrutiny a person can face. I have a tough enough time trying to show up on time to all the practices and games that my kids are involved in without media scrutiny. I can’t imagine what the added weight of media scrutiny would do to just the average parent. My headlines would read something like, “Joe’s Daughter was Late Again to Dance Practice,” or “Schatz, Forgot to Sign First Graders Homework & Permission Slip: Day II.” Seriously, I don’t know much about Sarah Palin (mostly because I don’t live in Alaska) but what I do know is that she is willing to sacrifice her daughter to a media feeding frenzy--that is downright selfish. You have heard enough of my opinion on the matter, what do you think? Leave a comment or vote in the poll here. P.S. I am a registered Republican and this critique of Palin has nothing to do with political alignment just one parent's thoughts on a current topic.
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Comments (21)
 
My big question with Palin is, who is taking care of her kids while she's campaigning and then possibly VPing our country? She has a five month old. With special needs. Who requires more attention than the average kid and yet she seems fully content to head to the White House. I'm sorry, but her husband is no replacement for her and her kids are not old enough to "understand" or be independent enough to survive this reasonably. I'm all for women going after their goals and being individuals and not 'just' moms, but VP is no regular 8-hr per day job and she is doing her kids a major injustice by seeking out the VP position.
1
September 18, 2008
Votes: +0
I understand your opinion, Joe, but I respectfully disagree. A lot. I didn't respond right away because I wanted to take some time to think about it first.
First of all, whether Sarah Palin just continued on as Governor of Alaska or took the VP nom, her daughter's pregnancy would be made known. It wouldn't be on as grand a scale as it is now, but it would still be public fodder (and for that I fault our scandal driven media, btw.) None of us know what was discussed between Bristol and her parents, but it's obvious that all parties concerned decided to move forward - with the pregnancy and the VP nomination. They all look happy and proud of each other, and we should respect that and leave it alone. Second, if this had been a male no one, and I mean no one would be saying these things. We moms have it bad enough, and for people to be critical (and some quite vicious) of Mrs. Palin's decision to take on a job, however public, is a slap in the face for moms working outside the home everywhere (I happen to be a stay home mom, btw.) What I find disgusting is how quickly the media jumped on this. 2
September 15, 2008
Votes: +0
I'm the result of a teen pregnancy. When the news of Palin's daughter's pregnancy broke and so many people were reacting with similar thoughts to what you've included in your post, I called my mom and asked for her opinion. Her answer surprised me. She said that if her mom had passed on such a monumental opportunity because of her pregnancy, she would have felt like her mom was incredibly ashamed of her, and that would have been worse than any media scrutiny.
3
September 15, 2008
Votes: +0
I'm with Ashlie- MommyCosm, on Friday September 5, 2008
See, I'm feeling the reverse. I don't necessarily judge her parenting decisions. I have a hard time judging the parents for a child's bad decision. We'll never know what was discussed within their family. Bristol's pregnancy should not keep her mom from the biggest career opportunity of her life. I also have a hard time with the blurring of the line between Church & State and the McCain/Palin agenda regarding war(s),energy policy and making the campaign about Sarah Palin's personal life. I do wonder, if the situation was reversed and this was happening with a Democratic candidate, how the Republicans would handle it. 4
September 14, 2008
Votes: +0
Being in the public eye is difficult, especially in politics. I would hate to be in a situation where my family's every move was criticized by the media. I have adult children and teenagers. They are not perfect. Although, I am not certain Palin has all the qualifications necessary to be vice president, she didn't do anything wrong by accepting to be McCain's running mate. Her daughter's pregnancy is not a disqualification for the White House.
5
September 12, 2008
Votes: +0
I understand what you are saying, but I look at it from a completely different perspective. As a Mother of 5, with a teen daughter, I know that you can teach them right but are never able to control what they do when you are not around.
I am sure that the decision made around the kitchen table was not an easy one and that many aspects were discussed. The teen made a bad decision. She has to live with her choices. The parents being proud of how she's handling decisions for her future does not mean that they are proud that they got to this place to begin with. The parents had to make a decision of what will be best for the entire family in the long run, not just 1 person in the family. We all have to live with the choices we make. That being said Family members should be off limits to the media feeding frenzy. Private family matters are indeed that. Also, I think that the Palin family is going through some tough stuff that many families do. Lots of people cam identify with this scenario in their own homes. It makes Sarah a real mom in touch with real problems of raising a family. I do not think that this pregnancy is being glamorized in any way, just handled in a responsible way. Blame the media, Not the Palin family for the feeding frenzy. 6
September 06, 2008
Votes: +0
The term "separation of church and state" is not in the Constitution and is therefore, not an issue. It is simply a legal principle that refers to an inaccurate translation of the first amendment which says that the government will not force its people to become members of a state run church. My religion and my Bible are the foundations of who I am and what my moral makeup is all about. I cannot "leave them at the door". They influence my desires for the world around me, including who and what I vote for or against. If it's a problem for anyone else, they have the power to override my choices with their vote. Last I heard, no one was being forced to become of member of Sarah Palin's church.
7
September 05, 2008
Votes: +0
See, I'm feeling the reverse. I don't necessarily judge her parenting decisions. I have a hard time judging the parents for a child's bad decision. We'll never know what was discussed within their family. Bristol's pregnancy should not keep her mom from the biggest career opportunity of her life.
It's her politics that I judge. I disagree on many fronts with her politics. I truly don't think she's familiar with the term "separation of church and state". Our great nation is made up of many different religious beliefs. I will not vote for any politician (woman, male, hermaphrodite, old, young, white, black or purple) who is not able to put their personal religious beliefs aside to rule the nation. Please put your bible down when you enter the office and pick up the constitution. Our nation's prosperity and reputation in the world has been tarnished and it's time to work. I found her speech very alienating to any non-conservative christian voters. I feel that using her daughter's difficult situation and her newborn son as pawns to highlight her strong religious beliefs is negligent in a political arena. I love the idea of a woman in the white house, however, she's completely turned me off. She has solidified my decision to NOT vote for McCain in this election. 8
September 05, 2008
Votes: +0
If Bristol had become pregnant after her mother was elected VP, would you expect her mother to resign because of that? or maybe even resign as governor now? Bristol purposely chose to do something that might jeopardize her future and that of her mother and she is old enough to deal with the consequences. Life goes on. Welcome back!
9
September 04, 2008
Votes: +0
I think Bill Maher said it best: "Doesn't ANYONE in this party get the concept of PULLING OUT?!?"
10
September 04, 2008
Votes: +0
:eek
I am neither for nor against either party at this stage of the game as they both have their positive, and not so positive points. One thing I did find intriguing however was the fact that Mrs. Palin has an infant son with Downs syndrome and a unwed teen mother to be daughter. We are going to see firsthand as to what kind of moral fiber Mrs. Palin is made of. I found these points empowering for the disabled community and young single moms that there could be a White House player advocating for the family AND the disabled because itҒs Mrs. Palin's life! This preganancy saga is going to play out to the end in the media and I do not envy those involved. When is she due? December? The press is going to play this non-issue out to the fullest. Diving in head first the first day back at it! Way to go Joe, good discussion again, you da man! -MileHighDad  http://www.milehighdad.com 11
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
Welcome back from your bloggy vaca! Of course you have to jump right in with something I of course have an opinion on right?
Mama Palin couldn't just brush this under the rug like she may have wanted to. People were saying that Bristol had already had a baby (Mama's 5 mo. old), and she had to fight that story. I don't think it's going to hurt the situation, nor do I think it's that big of a deal. They're both handling it as best they can under the circumstances. Will they have tough roads ahead, sure! Who doesn't? Dad can help with Bristol while mom is on the trail. OR She's 17, she can likely take care of herself while mom is away if dad chooses to go with her. Okay, I'm done now. Dinner's ready and I'm hungry. Again welcome back! 12
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
Joeps, welcome back.
First off, I wish you had encouraged everyone to watch the RNC with their children like you did the DNC (not all of us are Democrats), never mind that it starts at 10pm. I guess the biggest question is not should she follow, what I assume, is her dreams of higher office (because why wouldn't she), but would we be asking the same question if it were a male in the same position? Mr. Palin has joined our ranks as a SAHD now, since he took a leave of absence from his job. Is he incapable of tending to Bristol's emotional needs? She is nearly of the age of majority after all. I am not defending the Palin's response to the situation, I know precious little about it. I'm just giving them the benefit of a doubt. My views on the subject are similar to when I'm packing for vacation: Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. By that I mean, when my children get to be of age for "the talk", it will be explained to them that their mother and I expect them to abstain from sex. However, we will teach them how to use contraception. To me, it feels like handing them a pistol, showing them how to use it, then telling them not to shoot anything. 13
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
Nice to see you again Joe.
I really enjoyed reading your take on this. You are the first one I have read who has written from this point of view and angle, thanks for writing this. It was a really interesting read! Have a great day!! 14
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
tnip,
What difference does it make that I am a stay at home dad?? I am not anti women if that is what you are asserting. Here's the point, TMZ came out yesterday with pictures of Bristol partying and I wonder if that is just the beginning. Am I wrong to have a conscience and question the decision making of public officials? I am entitled to my opinion and I stand by it. The media has already proven that it is looking to drag this girl through the mud. I am simply saying that Sarah should have known that would happen. She seems so bright and engaging I would rather her make this decision to be part of the national stage later in her career in fairness to her daughter and the rest of her family. You are entitled to your decision too although I disagree with it. ~ Joe 15
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
Amazing, a stay at home dad making such a judgement. I only hope you would say the same thing if the canidate with the pregnant daughter was the dad. Either way it's ridiculous to judge a situation when you have no direct knowledge of family dynamic that exists with the Palin's. The daughter made a mistake, does it make it any better to let her feel that her mistake cost her mom a rare opportunity. As long as her family offers her the support she needs there is no reason to believe Bristol will be negatively affected by this decision.
16
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
I have seen this argument presented many times on blogs in the last few days. I kind of get what you're saying - that this would not be your choice for your family if it was your 17 year old daughter pregnant? It wouldn't be mine either.
However, we don't know the conversations that Palin has had with her daughter. We know nothing of the maturity level of Bristol Palin, and we know not if Bristol is 100% behind her mom in this quest knowing that it would mean widespread interest in their family, or not. On this basis then, I can't question her parenting decisions - since I simply do not know on what basis those decisions were made. 17
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
I hadn't thought about it that way, but it's true. It is totally selfish. Your family is falling apart (I'm sorry, but a preggers daughter that age means it is), now is the time for family, not greed and lust for fame and power.
Lately, I've noticed more and more parents stop parenting when their kids are teenagers. "Well, she's [a teenager]. She's responsible for her own actions now." Well, no. She still needs guidance. I still need guidance and I'm nearly 30 already. Parenting never stops, and that's what bugs me about this. She sounds like a good politician in speeches (don't most of them though?) but really, how can you commit to your country when you can't commit to your offspring? How can you be a part of the solution if you're also part of the problem? I know this comment seems pretty judgmental, but seriously, we (in North America) have to stop being so blas about everything all the time. And I'm not even conservative, really. Just tired of the whole "anything goes" attitude now. People expect the government to leave them alone, even when they're self-destructing, but then when they hit a rough patch, they expect the government to bail them out, or when they damage themselves too much, they sue the government for not stepping in. *shakes head* 18
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
teens have enough of a hard time w everyday issues, much less being a pregnant teen. i think that palin definitely did NOT think about how this whole thing would affect her family. she has a young son who was born w down's, and now the daughter is going to be scrutinized to NO end. we know it will happen as we watched jamie lynn spears (britney's sister) being scrutinized for getting pregnant at 16.
palin was not a smart choice by mccain, but i don't like or support either. 19
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
Yeah, but imagine this - you are a teenage girl and you've made a big mistake, one that will affect your life forever. Then, your mom gets the biggest opportunity of her life - do you ask her to dump it because of your mistake? I imagine that they did consider it - however, I think the guilt that that young woman would feel over doing that to her mom might even be worse.
20
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0
First! Wooo hooooo!
I am in agreement with you on what seems like a very irresponsible parental decision. However (and I am not a registered Republican), I have to think that this was a really, really tough decision for her and her husband and...if they got their daughter's blessing for it (which we don't know), then...? Being asked to run for VP is not something that a governor would expect to happen many times (or even more than once) and if she had her family--her whole family--behind her on it, then I'm thinking that as a parent she did the best that she could on a decision that just might be once in a lifetime. I do really feel for her daughter though; even if she is "on board", none of them (Palin included) have any clue about the stresses to come, I think. Living as a Democrat with a Conservative husband (he won't say he's Republican anymore), we're giving equal time to both candidates and conventions. It's been an interesting time so far in this house!  21
September 03, 2008
Votes: +0 Write comment
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