Relationships - Palin is a Woman

Email:
Password:
Remember me Forgot password?

Branch Finalist
voting opens
January 22nd

Palin is a Woman

Does it matter and should we ask?

by Sarah Smiley

The news of Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate came while I was unpacking moving boxes and drilling holes in the wall of our new home. I have three young children. Because my husband is in the military and currently living away from us while he finishes his tour of duty in Pensacola, Florida, I am their sole parent under this roof. There I was setting up our house--a task which occasionally required wielding a power drill and biting nails between my teeth--and trying to continue my career as seamlessly as possible, all while feeding the children, folding their laundry and getting them ready for school, when out of the periphery I heard news commentators arguing about whether or not Palin is trying to be a man.

They asked: Can she handle the responsibility? How can she be a mother and a Vice President at the same time?

I'm sure glad no one asks these same questions about military wives, single mothers, or anyone else who doesn't stay home and bake cookies. People don't ask if my husband can be a suitable father and an active duty military service member at the same time. (And actually, in today's world, when fathers are expected to be just as involved in their children's lives as are the mothers, perhaps maybe they should be asking that question.) No one asks whether or not the single mother who works full-time should stay at home instead. No one asks the female CEO if she is making enough time for her children.

Regardless of your political preferences, for women, the issues that Sarah Palin's candidacy has brought to the table are shocking and disheartening. We all know that behind every great man there is an even better woman...and sometimes she is laughing. Perhaps a woman in the White House might actually get something done.... and raise the
children, drill holes, make dinner, and help her husband find his keys all at the same time.

Email this page

Print this page
Save to del.icio.us

Save this page

Digg this page Send to reddit

President-elect Obama; Reflections from a McCain Supporter
My Vote for McCain
My Vote for Obama
President-elect Obama; Reflections from an Obama Supporter

Rate this content:

You must be logged in to post a comment. Log in | Register

User comments:

hh6	10/15/2008 5:15:15 AM
If anything that makes her more capable. Thanks for bringing this topic up Sarah :D I am getting a little tired of all the negative talk about her especially from other women.
Abbie R Army Wife WOW Addict	10/15/2008 5:30:31 AM
Palin isnt the only person running for a office who has had this question asked of her. A local woman here running for state representative told me that she had the same question asked of her one night when she was out campaigning door to door. I myself went to a job interview that I was given information on by a woman on post who helps spouses find jobs. During the interview I was informed by the man that "Wives and Mothers dont need to work..I let the other girl go because she just got married and her Marine husband is all the job she needs." Ladies....Sexism is still alive and well in America.
kj44	10/15/2008 5:49:44 AM
It doesn't matter who the woman is - it'll be the situations she's in that causes her to get questioned. I know because I taught the old traditional Industrial Technology, including woodworking, metalworking, and home repair, and had some incredibly stupid questions asked of me. My favorites were the men who would look around my classroom and ask, "you know how to use this stuff?", and both men and women who asked, "did you have to go to college to teach this?" I'll leave it to your imagination where my sarcastic thinking went on these. Since I was asked these questions for the 35 years I was involved in "shop", I'm thinking that times haven't changed all that much. Our society is so prejudiced against anyone who represents change...at least until the change becomes the "norm."
BrittM1988	10/15/2008 6:04:13 AM
I think it is time for a woman in the White House, just not Sarah Palin.
DragonflyDM	10/15/2008 6:32:21 AM
The difference between a military wife and vice president is the difference between the sun and the moon. A single or married military wife has a challenging job, but she has choices. The vice president can't tell the world, "Sorry, kid's got a cold, can I take this call?" when she is talking to Russia about disarming nuclear weapons. She can't just quit or ask for flex time. The vice president is the second most important job in the world-- and while any qualified woman could do the job-- the mother of a special needs newborn (who had no designs or experience for this job four months ago)is making the decision to drop her family for the title. If she become's vice president, she will be abandoning that family that needs her more than ever. She will be working 12-18 hour days with no ability to just walk away-- beacuse the WORLD depends on her, not just a family. I question no only her ability to lead, but her judgment for priorities. She knew there were better for the job, and she still chose to abandon her family for the title. I guess if you can't be Ms. America, you can be vice president.
kj44	10/15/2008 7:02:59 AM
I'm only unnerved about ANY choice of vice president in regards to how close she or he is to being president. 12-18 hour days for the VP? Doubt that, anyone know what Chaney's been up to lately? He doesn't make policy, can't run anything as long as there's a president, and it's always been joked that the VP is a basically anonymous job. Just creepy when one realizes again how close that person is to being president. Female or male, good luck to whoever.
GKGAngel	10/15/2008 7:15:14 AM
I think what they have been saying is way out of line. Just because she is a woman, doesn't mean she cannot do the job. I just want the right person for the job in both postions, whether male or female!
missy	10/15/2008 7:22:52 AM
I agree with BrittM1988, it is time for a woman in the white house, but one that has some knowledge of the issues. i mean, hard questions aside, Palin can't even name a magazine or newspaper she reads to keep up on current events. i am sure if i met her, i would love spending time with her, but her basic knowledge of the issues is not acceptable to me for a person so close to being president.
cheezhed68	10/15/2008 7:32:17 AM
Ms. Palin is woefully inept! I am embarrassed to be the same sex as her. She has proven that she doesn't understand the complex issues facing our nation with her moronic responses to simple interview questions like "what newspaper do you read?" She is no more ready for public office than she is to run a PTA. She has shown herself to be a poor mother (successful ones don't have pregnant teenage daughters). Perhaps her daughter wouldn't be in her current situation, if as governor, Ms. Palin allowed sex education classes to taught in Alaska's public schools.
Danette	10/15/2008 8:47:58 AM
Dear Sarah - I enjoyed reading your letter. I'm not voting for Sarah Palin but I too think the questions about her motherhood etc are exceptionally wrong on all levels. As a professional working woman turned military wife, I can safely say the job as military wife is much more difficult than managing 25 employees. I'm not convinced that it takes a woman to raise awareness to the equality issues facing Americans. I think we're seeing in both candidates a new age where they've partnered with strong, successful women who have championed their causes. I think Condi Rice has crossed successfully many thresholds that two decades ago would never have been imagined for a woman as well as Madeline Albright and a many women governors now in office. Change is difficult for Americans - I wish we military wives had a choice when change knocks at our door. We're programmed to roll with it making it appear easier than it really is. Sarah Palin for me, isn't the right woman but I appreciate your bringing up this topic and I am also tired of the sexist comments from all sides. Women have arrived - and I think no matter who gets into the office, we women will continue to make great strides on behalf of women and all Americans in the next few decades.
JSmiley	10/15/2008 8:55:19 AM
Jumping on the band wagon and repeating what others are saying doesn't really show "what your really thinking" Newspapers aren't the only source of "current events" lets see what are we on right now... a website? It's negative comments like these that make it harder on women in America. Just to keep up with some of the "good old boys" well I'm tired of it. Sexist statements get us no where.
Blackhawk_wife	10/15/2008 9:51:53 AM
I have conflicting feelings on this. While I choose to stay at home and "bake cookies" for my kids I don't necessarily think that is right for everyone. I admit, I was wary when I first heard about the nomination, so I looked her up. The fact that she didn't abort that baby wins her points with me. I, maybe unfairly, assume women in politics are all pro-abortion. (Like Hillary) I don't know if she's right for the country, but I have no problem saying which candidate is WRONG, so whether she's a woman or not,whether I agree with her leaving the parenting of her children up to someone else, whether I think she's experienced enough... my choice is simple. Oh, and I just wanted to say that you raise your kids as well as you can and then you have to let them go out and make their own choices.. bad or good. I don't think it's a matter of how successful she is as a parent that her daughter is pregnant. I'm sure she never told her daughter , hey, go out and get knocked up!
MrsD	10/15/2008 10:14:02 AM
I wanted to like and support Sarah Palin. I struggled to like and support her. So far, though, she has shown a dismal lack of understanding of the issues during the few interviews she has been allowed to give. Rather than answer the questions intelligently showing her competence, she routinely drops back to the "John McCain is the best thing that could possibly ever happen to this country" line. Her inability to answer even the simplest questions is startling and unnerving. Even I, who am not running for public office, can tell you what newspapers/news sources I read regularly. I can't give you examples of what John McCain has done that makes him a maverick, but then I'm not his running mate. If I were, given that his being a "maverick" is his campaign theme, I would be able to quote you chapter and verse. None of this is sexist, just statements of fact. I look forward to being able to vote for a woman in the near future, it just won't be Palin now I'm sad to say.
ssgwife01	10/15/2008 10:15:23 AM
Where does it say that when a woman takes a job she will abandon her family? Here we go again on the double standard! So is Mr. Palin going to leave his wife or step up as a stay at home dad as so many other dads have done (to include the military). I personally can not vote for a man or woman that will NOT salute our flag that he/she is going to send MY husband to defend!!! I pray this country doesn't make the wrong choice.
Blackhawk_wife	10/15/2008 12:59:07 PM
"I personally can not vote for a man or woman that will NOT salute our flag that he/she is going to send MY husband to defend!!! I pray this country doesn't make the wrong choice." YAY ssgwife!!! TOTALLY agree!! How can he call himself an American?
luvmy8	10/15/2008 1:14:06 PM
I think this is a wonderful topic to bring up...however, I am disappointed and suprised at some of the answers and judgments by some of the spouses. To say that "successful mother's" don't have pregnant daughters, is probably one of the most judgmentsl comments I have ever heard a military spouse make in our 19 years in active duty service. My spouse is a Lt. Col, I am an attorney and we have seven beautiful, wonderful, smart children. We also have an 18 year old daughter, and an 11 month old grandson. He is the love of our lives! Perhaps you should leave the judging to God...after all he is the only one qualified to judge. Regardless of how anyone feels about Sarah Palin, it would be untrue to say that the media has treated her fairly. Pictures of her in her swimsuit abound...where were the pictures of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his bikini bottoms when he was running for governor of California? VP Cheney accidentally shot someone hunting and you don't hear about that anymore. As women, we should all be supportive of one another's choices, whether we stay at home or work. We are women, we have come along way, and especially as military women, we should be loving, supportive and tolerant of other's choices. Just the fact that a woman is on the VP ticket is a testament as to how far we have come. Ms. Palin has more political experience than Mr. Obama has. Educatate yourselves on the issues and the experience of the candidates, but leave the sexism and name calling out of it. Let us use this election as an opportunity to teach our children to live to love and accept, not to judge and criticize.
cag	10/15/2008 1:43:29 PM
While there are many positive and negative aspects to why Palin is here, I think we should all appreciate the outcome of bringing sexism forth just as Barrack has done with bringing racism forth in several dialogues and political circles. As much as folks would like to support her, the reality is she is not prepared, not because she is a mother but because she was chosen as a backlash to the Obama campaign. There were several competent people who could have filled the bill but were not. Now is a time to celebrate not relish in what shudda, cudda, or wudda for the campaign. Just remember, you have a human and civil right to vote for the team you feel would best serve the country.
Karen	10/15/2008 5:42:30 PM
I am blown away that I am hearing from so many military wives who are willing to entrust the well-being of their military spouse to a man who refuses to salute the flag of our country. I know that I would feel more secure in knowing that the Commander in Chief understood - first hand- what sacrifice of self for country really means. As for Sarah Palin - you should disregard the mainstream media accounts and actually take the time to learn about her accomplishments. If Hillary or Obama had been treated in the media as Palin has been the outcry would have been unbelievable. I admire Palin for the poise and grit that she has shown. Both are presidential qualities.
HeatherS	10/15/2008 10:02:04 PM
I appreciate that a woman, as well as a person of a race other than white, is actually on the ticket in this presidential election. That means that our country has moved forward by leaps and bounds. In regards to one of the candidates not saluting the flag, that is actually an untrue statement. The photos that were shown by the media showed that this candidate did not cross his hand over his heart while the national anthem played. It's actually a misleading story as well. (Visit Snopes to find out more.) I would also like to add that there are many more candidates (over 200 registered) that would fit the bill to serve as president of this wonderful country. Visit Project Vote Smart to learn more about them. Many well-qualified people are candidates in this race. We just don't see them because main-stream media doesn't tell us about them. I personally won't be voting for McCain or Obama. We aren't limited to those two candidates...Our votes count.
miranda gualtieri	10/15/2008 11:18:03 PM
I cant belive the catty comments about this governer. She has done fantasticly as governer, and she has a beautiful happy family. The idea that she cant answer simpel questions ever though she may be offened by these questions i would no one gets up there and asks the men or women like de-femisized(yeah i made that up) hilary clinton, and others what kind of literature she reads that was a ridiculous question and she should have just told that woman off. And i am a spouse, i had my daughter at just before my 17th birthday, while it my be a chalenging and difficult rode, it was a strong respectible desision for her to make rather than terminating the pregnacy. It shows shes taught her daughter to be strong and that even though sometimes you dont make the best desisions at that age she i ready to take on her reponsibility for those desisions, it shows she knows how to hang on the ther core of values she was obviously taught. And this should be neither here no there. That is a private matter, and dosent effect her ability to stand behind the right candidate for this job. Just like when there is trouble at home it doesnt effect our spouses ability do do his or hers. They know there duty, and they are equaly good and loyal to their families. Im appaled that women can be so negitave about her so what shes pretty and she knows how to have a good time and shes good at her job and she will be good at her next, and it sounds like regular old jealousy to me
miranda gualtieri	10/15/2008 11:18:07 PM
I cant belive the catty comments about this governer. She has done fantasticly as governer, and she has a beautiful happy family. The idea that she cant answer simpel questions ever though she may be offened by these questions i would no one gets up there and asks the men or women like de-femisized(yeah i made that up) hilary clinton, and others what kind of literature she reads that was a ridiculous question and she should have just told that woman off. And i am a spouse, i had my daughter at just before my 17th birthday, while it my be a chalenging and difficult rode, it was a strong respectible desision for her to make rather than terminating the pregnacy. It shows shes taught her daughter to be strong and that even though sometimes you dont make the best desisions at that age she i ready to take on her reponsibility for those desisions, it shows she knows how to hang on the ther core of values she was obviously taught. And this should be neither here no there. That is a private matter, and dosent effect her ability to stand behind the right candidate for this job. Just like when there is trouble at home it doesnt effect our spouses ability do do his or hers. They know there duty, and they are equaly good and loyal to their families. Im appaled that women can be so negitave about her so what shes pretty and she knows how to have a good time and shes good at her job and she will be good at her next, and it sounds like regular old jealousy to me
miranda gualtieri	10/15/2008 11:20:29 PM
Oh and how could any self respecting spouse of a solider vote for a man who doesnt put his had over his heart when we pledge of allegance. Or one that was a nasty lawyer and hangs out with terrorist. Why would you risk it and some one who is in the bussiness to nationalize government and is dangerous territoy folks
miranda gualtieri	10/15/2008 11:20:48 PM
Oh and how could any self respecting spouse of a solider vote for a man who doesnt put his had over his heart when we pledge of allegance. Or one that was a nasty lawyer and hangs out with terrorist. Why would you risk it and some one who is in the bussiness to nationalize government and is dangerous territoy folks
Seabeewife	10/16/2008 7:13:27 AM
I agree with MirandaG. While Sarah Palin is not perfect, (no one is)but she is a far cry better to sit beside our next President than the alternative President! My husband just returned from Iraq last week for the second time. Mr O is not fit to be my husband's Commander in Chief!! I was glad to read in the Navy times poll that most all Military agree with that fact. To the one who judged (cheezead68)her about her teenage daughter, shame on you! We can be the best of parents to our children and teach them everything we can but we can't control their moments of weakness. I know of many very respectable people, ministers, teachers, doctors who have a child that has gotten pregnant. It is not our place to judge where things went wrong. I hope people open their eyes and ears, listen to the right news sources and not the biased main stream media and make the right choice in 2 weeks. I am losing more sleep over who may run this country and my husband's military world than while he was in Iraq. As survivors of deployments, we should know better than anyone that a woman can handle the job and still be a good mother. She has an excellent supportive man by her side to help with their family.
ssgwife01	10/16/2008 11:12:33 AM
Did anyone read yesterday that if Obama was applying to be the President's bodyguard that he would not qualify! Due to his ties to known terrorist. http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1170054
luvmy8	10/16/2008 11:57:11 AM
SSGwife--I have also read that and have had numerous military persons tell me the same thing. Because of Obama's past and present associations with questionable individuals, that he would not be able to obtain a security pass. He refuses to answer any of the questions...he either changes the subject or goes around the answer. Like all of you, I do not want this man to be my husband's commander-in-chief. I think he is dangerous and has other agenda's in mind besides protecting America. His record speaks for itself...he has done very little during his time in office. This is America and we need a proven American running our country and taking care of our husbands in uniform. God bless all of you!
Sakari	10/16/2008 12:46:10 PM
Brilliant !!! luvmy8 I couldn't have said it any better. "Educate yourselves on the issues and the experience of the candidates." Sarah, Great topic to discuss, that affects us all. She is a woman. Like Helen Reddy's song, I Am Woman. I believe that the focus on Gov. Palin isn't about whether she can raise her children and work. It's "hate crime" It's all political. I know a couple of strong, professional successful women that have a down syndrone, and an autistic child. They say they have their challenges, but take it one day at a time. They say that they have a strong network of family and friends, employer,a supportive husband and God in their lives. I admire all Mother's and Father's that raise Special Needs Children. (God's little blessings) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Jesus Matthew 7:1-2 May God Bless Us All, Ani
DMRJ	10/16/2008 1:25:26 PM
Since we are no longer really on the subject of Palin. There are videos and pictures available on the web that show Barack Obama saying the Pledge of Allegiance on numerous occasions. The false rumor about him refusing to cite it was spread with a picture that shows Obama standing next to Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton. In the picture, Richardson and Clinton have their hand to their heart, but Obama does not. However, this was not taken during the Pledge of Allegiance, but rather during the singing of the National Anthem (which can be verified by watching a YouTube video of the event). This was during an informal, outdoor event for Democratic candidates. Although protocol suggests that the hand should be held to the heart during the National Anthem, observing any sporting event will show that only some Americans do so (and is not REQUIRED). But regardless of hand placement, most Americans stand respectfully during the National Anthem, which is what Obama was doing in that photograph. When his aides were asked about this, they replied that sometimes Obama puts his hand to his heart during the Anthem, and other times he does not. Regardless, there is a YouTube video showing Obama leading the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance,(common knowledge the U.S Senate- which Obama is a member- of OPENS with the recital of the Pledge of Allegience) and his hand can clearly be seen on his heart. Barrack Obama can call himself an American because he is one and as Americans we all have the right & free will to choose whether we place our hands over our hearts during the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance or not. By the way I'm w/ BrittM1988 I probably would have voted for McCain if he had chosen a different VP.
DMRJ	10/16/2008 1:28:11 PM
What a contradiction. The ones talking about not judging Palin (or others) are the ones judging Obama.
missus.stephens	10/16/2008 3:59:40 PM
@BrittM1988 I third that sentiment. its not about whether she's a woman its about whether or she's qualified for the job, and frankly she isn't. Not even that, alot of people want to vote her b/c she's a woman, but this chick, would actually set the women's liberation movement back 40 years if we let her. She voted against planned parenthood, and education about sex, birth control and pregnany. She believes that abstinence is the key, yet has a pregnant teenaged daughter who she is obviously forcinig to marry so she doesn't like bad. She's also anti-abortion, not to mention she voted against funding for women's healthcare. I mean, how regressive can you be. Yeah, so Palin...ummm no thanks.
missus.stephens	10/16/2008 4:07:56 PM
Sorry for all of the grammatical errors in the previous post, I was in a rush to get all of that out. Lol. But just to reinforce my opinion, Palin is definitely a no-go and only hinders Mccain. Even conservative Republican women want her out, a la Kathleen Parker.
ssgwife01	10/16/2008 4:26:48 PM
OK! I see where not voting for someone against sex education is more important than not voting for someone with ties to known terrorist. I just changed my vote to Obama.....NOT! We all need to be looking at the big picture. Not just one thing about each side. This is our future and my future does not depend on sex education but terrorist.
missus.stephens	10/16/2008 5:56:59 PM
I don't know about you, but women's issues are in my top three issues of what I care about the most, besides the economic problem and the war. But, umm, I feel like as a woman, we should definitely question, if not inform ourselves about Palin's voting record and her platform views. Maybe it doesn't apply to you, (abortions, sex education, and healthcare), but it affects some of the decisions that I and some of my other friends may have to/or have had to make. My sister recently had an abortion, and she felt it was the best choice for her. I shudder to think about what she may have done had that choice been taken from her. Oh, wait, women in South Dakota already had that happen to them, and other states are currently in the process of banning abortion as well. (Palin agrees with this.) So, Palin is not a maverick, a reformer, or someone for change in my opinion, she's just going along for the ride, goshdarnit.
LaShorage	10/17/2008 12:13:14 PM
I don't think the question of whether or not she can do the job because she is a woman, but her experience. We all know that women are capable, but regardless of gender one's ability to perform the tasks required of the Vice Presidency should not be taken lightly, especially during this critical time for our country.
debnsethforever	10/18/2008 1:22:48 AM
What I find entertaining and annoying all at once is that people are giving her grief for “neglecting” her children and going to work, when the same type of people (celebrities for example) are going to work and letting Nanny’s raise their children. It’s interesting how sexist this campaign has gotten. I’d like to see some of you people (who also give her grief about how she interviews) try to answer questions in interviews and at debates under as much pressure as she has and see how you succeed. I think she is VERY competent and accomplished to be the Vice President and I am happy to say that I am proud to be the “same sex as her”. She’s proven than woman CAN lead and are able to be more than just homemakers. It all comes down to the fact that just because someone “speaks” well doesn’t make them able to lead a country; you can’t judge Palin by a couple of bad answers to questions, that’s ridiculous.
debnsethforever	10/18/2008 1:46:39 AM
missus.stephens- I thought about ignoring your post but I couldn’t help but add my two cents, I would be remiss if I didn’t respond. Abortion should not be considered a choice, unless you think that murder is a choice too. I really believe that if we make abortion completely legal in every state we just as well make it legal to freely kill anyone we want too. Have you noticed that if a pregnant woman gets killed the murderer is pinned for 2 COUNTS of murder and not one? That to me seems acutely contradictory. Abortion is a huge issue for me and one of the main reasons I am not voting for Obama (among a few other reasons as well), I respect Palin because she is a woman, mother, hard working, experienced, a reformist and she knows that life is precious and not something to be taken lightly or discharged because it’s “inconvenient”. I don’t mean to offend you or your sister, you both have the right to have opinions, but abortion absolutely should be banned altogether. Palin could have chosen to abort her youngest song because of his disability as MANY women do and have, especially woman who would find a disabled child inconvenient or too hard to take care of, but she didn’t, that in and of itself is admirable. Abortion is not a woman’s issue; it’s a moral issue.
missus.stephens	10/18/2008 1:34:46 PM
@debnesforever, You know, if your views weren't so extreme and you weren't try to force your ideals down others throats I wouldn't write this. You write your views on abortion as if they were the law. So you think it's murder, well that's your opinion. But don't knock another woman for a making a decision that is outside of your perimeter of thinking. So, according to you a woman who has been raped should be forced to have her baby, b/c its murder? Do you know what type of psychological trauma she could go through from having to see a daily reminder of her violation? Or how about the young woman who has become pregnant but knows that she is not mentally, emotionally, or financially ready to have a child? Are you going to force her to have to sacrifice her goals and her life b/c you think its murder? I don't think so. I'm strongly pro-choice b/c until you walk in that woman's shoes you can't tell her how to choose her life.
missus.stephens	10/18/2008 1:39:07 PM
To further comment, I can definitely see the connection between abortion and the death penalty. I agree, in some ways that it is contradictory. But again that is only if you view abortion as murder. Some don't, and I think they are within their jurisdiction to view it however they like.
MsB	10/19/2008 1:46:26 PM
I am a veteran and a military spouse. I would like to thank all of you who think that MCCain/Palin is the best choice for this presidency, for putting us in the situation we are in today. They are the same as the administration we have in office today. As for a woman being in the White House, I do not need a woman to represent me. I am strong enough to represent myself, especially if my representation is Ms. Palin.
debnsethforever	10/19/2008 6:44:55 PM
In keeping with being completely OFF the topic, I wanted to reply to “missus.stephens”, again. A, I never “knock”ed your sister, when in my comment did I “knock” your sister? I believe I stated that you were entitled to your opinion. B, I am a birthmom, I was not emotionally ready, financially ready, etc to have a child, but I didn’t abort her (in fact abortion NEVER crossed my mind), I was courageous enough to go through with the pregnancy, in spite of possible negative reaction, criticism or embarrassment and placed her for adoption with a beautiful family who couldn’t have children of their own. C, I agree that if a woman’s life was at risk that it’s the Doctors and parents educated decision to possibly have to terminate the pregnancy, that’s a given, in the case of rape, which is very tragic, I have known many woman who have gotten pregnant by rape and went through with the pregnancy as well and also placed their babies for adoption, the baby is however still half of you, but I agree that it’s not always an model situation. I think it’s really interesting and appalling that people think that their only “options” are abortion and single-parenting, because this is very very wrong. There are so many parents out there that can’t have children and would give their left leg to have one. I stand by my statement however that murder is the same thing as deliberately ending the life of an unborn child. That’s all I will say and that’s all I have to say. In keeping with the topic, I think that Palin is great! I would love to see a woman in the White House; I think they could us a feminine presence and opinion, obviously.
missus.stephens	10/20/2008 1:33:16 PM
@Debnse I completely see where you're coming from. And I do agree you weren't knocking my sister. I was just fired up. So I stand corrected on that aspect. And you are entitld to your opinion. Heres' the part that bothers me about your last comment...you said "I was courageous enough to go through with the pregnancy". Corect me if I'm wrong, but are you implying that a woman who has an abortion is cowardly? Also, and this comment isn't directed at you personally, sometimes it irks me when people say that a woman should be allowed abortion only in extreme cases such as rape, and incest, b/c of the psychological trauma. I think in a regular situation, when a woman is scared to have a baby, being forced to give it up for adoption or being forced to keep it and raise it, is/ or can be just as traumatizing. While I do agree that adoption is another option, not everyone wants to carry a child to term, and then give it to another family. There's plenty of women i know who personally know that emotionally they would not be able to do so. I, know, that if put in a situation like that, I couldn't go through as well. On another note, I feel like a vote for Palin is a vote to take a step back eighty years.
Coco	10/29/2008 5:02:26 PM
I agree with you BrittM1988.
Coco	10/29/2008 5:02:33 PM
I agree with you BrittM1988.
Jenny	10/30/2008 11:43:25 AM
Wouldn't the whole world be a better place if we could take issues like race and sex out of the question: who is the best person for the job? Then we'd be able to see even more clearly that Palin is not a bad choice because she is a WOMAN, but rather because she is just NOT qualified. And, if you are a woman interested in women's issues regardless of the candidate's sex, then you should recognize that she is ANTI-woman in the majority, if not all, of her positions, ovaries or not.
kimber	10/30/2008 7:09:49 PM
I find it interesting that everyone acts as if this is the first time a woman has been nominated for a position this high. Have we all forgotten about Geraldine Ferraro in 1984? For those who weren't alive then and don't know your history, she was the Democratic VP candidate. The fact that it took another 24 years for another woman to be nominated suggests that we haven't come as far as we thought. I agree with the fact that her being a wife and a mother should have no more bearing on her ability to lead than it would on a man who was a husband and father. However, as much as I would like to see a woman in the white house, I will not be voting for McCain just to see one there and I certainly hope that other women are smart enough to base their vote on qualifications and platforms, not gender (whichever way that choice may go).
Sandy	10/31/2008 10:05:59 AM
You are right Kimber and if you could go back in time you would see the horrible and awful things that were said about her by the same Republicans who think no one can say anything about their unqualified condidate today. (And oh by the way spending even $10,000 on clothes would have been outrageous, but $150,000?? Come on people. Man or woman, that's just too much to bear.) As to the posts about her pregnant daughter, I think it's just fine that she is "choosing" to keep her baby - that's why it's call a CHOICE. But...I have a real problem with them trotting her out day after day on the campaign trail and making like there is nothing wrong with a 16 year old getting pregnant. OK, she's made her choice and I honor her but let's get real here - no one wants their 16 year old to have a baby. It is life altering and I can tell you, I don't think I was ready at 25 - nevermind 16. The facts are that the vast majority of very young mothers have to make a very different - and difficult CHOICE - because they don't have parents that can afford to support them and their child. The key here is not about abortion it's about protection. In other words, you cannot support abstinence only education and not expect that children will get pregnant. Teach them that absitnence is ideal BUT protection is REAL. Don't allow this McCain/Palin administration to take us back in time. Move forward with the only candidate who will support real family values. Vote for Obama.
ssgwife01	10/31/2008 4:46:59 PM
Ok! so let's lock away the pregnant teenager. That makes sense...not. The girl made a mistake so let's lock her up like they did "Back in Time". There is nothing wrong with the girl supporting her mother on the campaign trail. But, if you want to talk about "back in time." Just wait....if Obama becomes President and installs his "Socialist" values no of us will be able to do much. The man as so far: halted a FL new station because they asked questions to Biden that were not liked, removed reporters from his plane because they have supported McCain and made Uniformed Police Officiers stand behind the bus so he would not be seen with them. Everyone better be praying for this Country because ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE IT!!!!
ssgwife01	10/31/2008 4:53:44 PM
Sorry for so many typos on the previous post.

Related Articles:

Rate this content:

User comments: