I've Got To Get All Political Now

I can't help it. I've been so wrapped up in the presidential campaign since the Democratic caucuses last February, even volunteering as a local convention delegate (three conventions!), knocking on doors and making phone calls. I am so passionate about getting the current administration and all their ilk out of all public offices. I cannot stomach what they have done to this country, on so many levels. Don't get me started!

So I'll just comment on today's latest outrage. Sarah Palin and her soon-to-be grandchild.

First off, in no way would I ever condemn or judge the poor child for what has occurred. She is a victim of the tsunami of publicity and harsh criticism that is coming her way and in no way deserves this. She had sex. I'm very sorry that it resulted in conception and hence such public turmoil.

But as for her mother... there are a few things I have to say (or read and agree with) about her and her nomination:

1. What kind of mother knowingly and deliberately thrusts her daughter into such a world-wide maelstrom of scrutiny by accepting the vice presidential nomination? What horrific selfishness!
2. The McCain people couldn't have known about the pregnancy. No way would she have been selected otherwise.
3. The party "base" who have all been praising the Palins for making the right choice are in their own way acknowledging there IS a choice. Sarah Palin wants to take this choice away. Hey, if having your teenager give birth works for you and your family, more power to you. It's an intensely personal decision and I won't begin to put myself in their shoes. However, I want all options available for my daughter should we ever find ourselves in a similar situation. The anti-abortion people base their opinion on their religious beliefs about the beginning of life. I do not subscribe to that theory and insist that I not be subject to their tenets.
4. Does anyone get the punchline of the "abstinence only" joke that is being held up to the light so well? It's a fact that it is more likely that teenagers who are taught "abstinence only" sex education get pregnant at a great rate than teenagers who are taught about sexuality and birth control. Sarah Palin and a whole lot of Republicans want this to be the standard in public schools. I am not in favor of these people procreating at such an alarming rate!
5. I wonder how much of a choice Bristol had anyway about whether to continue the pregnancy, moral issues aside. How available are women's health services in Alaska anyway? I'd love to know how many clinics are in or close to Vagisilla, AK (or whatever the hell town they come from.) Plus the fact, how easy would it be to get a condom or other birth control in a place where the pharmacist calls you by name?

At first, the Palin nomination seemed like a hilarious joke such as I saw in this new campaign sign:

I'm not laughing any more.