Ok, I have tried really hard to not write about this but I feel compelled. I hesitate to ever really get into political issues because I don’t’ handle disagreement well, and politics by nature brings on differing opinions. I decided to take the risk – especially since all TWO of my readers are most likely thinking similar thoughts. So, I guess maybe it isn’t a risk at all?
So, it is a known fact that I was pulling for Brother Romney to be named the Republican VP. I gotta say that I was shocked at the announcement about Sarah Palin. I had never heard of her before – not even in all my radio talk show listening. Upon learning that she has 5 children, is only 44 (younger than me which is SOOO very weird) my mind has reeled with conflicting thoughts. I will ramble them off.
At this point, I am pretty much for anything that happens to keep liberals out of the White House. While I am conservative, I do always give a listen to “the other side” and their candidates, proposals, plans, etc. While I cannot stand the sound of Hillary C’s voice, I did at least ponder for a while about the current “chosen” one. For me, there are too many unanswered questions and too many Un-American words and attitudes. I was raised by a father who was a Prisoner of War in World War II, and both of my parents were young during the Great Depression, so patriotism runs strong and true through my veins.
I am uplifted and excited by Sarah Palin. I love what she said the night she was introduced as a running mate, and I shed many tears during her speech last night at the Republican Convention. She inspires me, makes me laugh with her wit, and has weathered the last few days of media attacks like a rock being beaten by waves of hatred. I am thrilled to have a conservative woman give us all some hope that some personality and backbone may be back in the White House. She is an example of confidence and of having principles that for now, seem to be unshakable.
However, my LDS beliefs and my own life’s choices ring through loudly. It all culminated today when Laura Ingram, one of those conservative talk show hosts (one that I don’t listen to much because she really plucks my last nerve) was bashing one of the left-wing columnists named Sally Quinn who clearly talks out of both sides of her mouth when it comes to women in politics, etc. In response to one of Ms. Quinn’s double standard rantings, Laura said, “Well, Sally – why don’t YOU stay at home and bake cookies…!” Now, if my mind serves me correctly, that is exactly what Hillary Clinton said that got her in so much hot water when hubby Bill was running for his first term in office. The conservative “stay at home mom” crowd went NUTS, and boy, did the Ciintons have to back-pedal on that one! (It obviously didn’t hurt them enough, however, since we endured them for 8 years…). So, Laura has brought it all full circle. That’s when I got angry, and more confused.
I have to ask myself that if a parent had been home more often, would her oldest daughter be finding herself in the situation that she is currently in? As a mom of teens I learned long ago that we do not control our children and they are who they are, and things will happen even when you think you have the tightest cord possible around their necks. I still have to ask that question even though it isn’t really my business. Is it now my “business”, though, since this Hockey Mom is now in the world’s spotlight? Maybe. Having a daughter with some special needs I know that, for us, the absolute right decision was to do all we could starting 25 years ago for me to not have to be a working mom (both of us were raised by wonderful women, who both HAD to work to pay bills even in the “old” days, so that is not a judgment on those women who have to work). I am grateful that I had the choice, tough as it has been.
As Erin reminded me, there is a time and a season for everything. Perhaps Mr. Palin will now be a stay-at-home dad. I hope so. Perhaps the world truly needs Sarah Palin as much as her children do. Perhaps my “world” needs me to continue trying to follow the prophets and heed scriptural warnings and teachings, so that the spirit will guide my steps. I will pray that it guides hers, too.
Thanks for your words. I enjoy hearing your perspective.
ReplyDeleteMichael and I had gotten to the point of not wanting to vote at all until Palin showed up. Sure she's a mom. Sure her kid made a decision that would devastate and disappoint any mother out there. But that's real, true life and her reaction to the situation is the only thing worth looking at right now. And I think she is handling it wonderfully. Not every teenage girl gets pregnant as an act of rebellion against an absent parent. Sometimes smart, well-loved girls fall - it's how they get up that counts.
ReplyDeleteSo as far as voting goes - We're looking at it this way: If either candidate were to croak during their presidency, who would we want running the country?
Great points, Amy. I agree mostly with what you said. I do, however, believe that nowadays too few girls consider adoption, but I am biased that way of course. I didn't mean that "it" happened as a form of rebellion, just that it may not have happened had a parent been in the kids'faces and present more often - but who knows? I wasn't at their house to see. I felt the same way about voting until Palin's speech. So, let's just hope it all turns out well!
ReplyDeleteI kept checking your site since the announcement. I figured you would have something to say about it. I am of the same mind. Sarah's views are needed to keep this ship going in the right direction. But, like Dr. Laura said the other day, is there not a similar minded and qualified woman whose children are already grown? Palin's family issues and how they deal with them may be instructive to many. Perhaps she in particular is needed "for such a time as this". The spotlight often isn't good for children but then, it may turn out that this opportunity is good for her children as well. They are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all like you I was really pulling for Romney to be VP and when it was announced that Sarah Palin was chosen I thought WHAT? Is McCain throwing in the towel? But after hearing her talk, I think it was a wonderful choice! I am surprised at all the speculation over her not being home for her pregnant daughter. First of all I would like to say that studies show that girls with strong father figures in the households obstain from sexual relations longer than those without out. So in that case shouldn't we ask where was the Dad? Also, no one questioned Pres. Bush on his family values when his daughters were caught drinking under the age. Also, we are not asking her to abandon her roll of a stay at home mom to become vice president, she is the Governor of a state! She has demonstrated how she can balance home and work seemingly much better than I ever could!
ReplyDeleteWe need to remember we live in a country that let's us make our own choices that we feel is best for our families. It is the same that lets me choose to be home with my family even though I have been skilled in something more than baking cookies. I also don't think it makes me a better or more of a mother than Sarah Palin, just a different one. And after hearing her speech I was glad she accepted the nomination, and will pray for her that she may continue to balance home and family to help lead our country!
I have enjoyed reading not only Deon's comments, but everyone else's comments. These are definitely difficult times. I have gone over the same things in my mind as each of you. We can have confidence knowing that this is all apart of God's plan and that he is still in charge, and pray, pray, pray :o)
ReplyDeleteHere is a quote from one of my favorite people, Gordon B. Hinkley:
It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. . . . Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. . . . If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers. [Gordon B. Hinckley, quoted in Latter-day Counsel, “Excerpts from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, October 2000, 73; see also “Put Your Trust in God,” Ensign, February 2006, 63]
This quote works in all sorts of situations for us! I love it!
Great points, girls. What blessing the gospel is to give us guidance through the Proclamation on the Family, and to understand we have free agency. I love your quote, Carrie. That applies to life in so many ways.
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