Brace Yourselves

I make it a point not to write political posts. If anyone reading this knows me, they know my politics. I am not shy about discussing them. As a matter of fact, I hope to have the appropriate bumper sticker and yard sign soon. I don't want to offend anyone, and even though I try to be diplomatic about it, some people just can't take it, and sometimes, I just lose it. I'm about to lose it.

That said, I am APPALLED at the way people are treating Sarah Palin. Whether you agree with her politics or not, this is a smart, well spoken and qualified woman. She married her high school sweetheart, raised a family and is still married. Her son is leaving soon for the military. She CHOSE to have her last child knowing he had Down Syndrome. She led a city government and is leading a state government successfully.

Those that claim they are feminists should be ashamed of themselves. Those that claim they support women's causes and want to shatter the glass ceiling ought to as well. Why ask the question "who needs her more"? Would those people EVER ask that question of a man? Yes, she has a young family - so does Barack Obama. Yes, her daughter made a mistake - how many other 17 year olds have made the same one and then compounded it by ending that pregnancy, or just gotten lucky they didn't get pregnant. Who's to say that young couple wasn't already considering marriage.

Is it a decision I would make? Probably not. I don't like working and I want to be home. But that is MY decision and this is hers. Feminism should be about choice & opportunity for women. If I choose to work, I should have the same opportunities & rewards as men. If a man chooses to stay home, he should not be treated as a pariah by other men or the stay at home moms.

Sarah Palin chooses to work. She chose to work for her PTA, her city, her state and now her country. If she chose to work as an attorney or nurse, would those criticizing her have the same reaction? If she had murdered that precious child, would they feel the same? If her daughter had murdered her child, what would be said? This is disgusting.

Question her policies if you must. Even her qualifications should be questioned and researched (by Republicans as well as Democrats). But it is wrong to question her ability to raise her family without questioning the same about the men in this race.

And finally, was this question asked about Geraldine Ferraro? (I don't remember, I'm too young). And would it have been asked about Hilary Clinton? Ultimately, the problem for these people is not that she has 5 children, one of whom has special needs. It is not that her oldest daughter is pregnant and chose to have her baby and marry the father. It is not that "her children need her more". It is that she is on (what they consider) the wrong ticket.