Arkansas Republicans Praise Palin As Choice
Last updated Friday, August 29, 2008 9:09 PM CDT in News
By Aaron Sadler The Morning News
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EAGAN, Minn. — Like many others on Friday, Arkansas Republicans were studying up on Alaska governor Sarah Palin, the surprise choice to run for vice president alongside Sen. John McCain
As they became acquainted with Palin, GOP leaders in the state pointed to her executive experience as to why they were confident that McCain made the right choice for a running mate.
McCain made the surprise pick as Republicans prepare for their national convention starting Monday in St. Paul.
Palin, 44, has been governor for just under two years and was mayor of a small Alaska town for a decade. That’s more executive experience than anyone else on a major party presidential ticket, Republicans said.
McCain, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, all serve in the Senate.
“She has experience actually running a city council, being a mayor and running a state,” said Joseph Wood of Fayetteville. “That’s executive leadership. She understands how a government operates.”
Third District Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, said he had never met Palin, but he was sure the relative unknown and her background were properly vetted by the McCain camp.
“I think that she’s got so many positive attributes in that she’s not part of the Washington establishment. She’s got a new perspective,” Boozman said.
Palin’s experience and willingness to buck the establishment impressed former state Rep. Doug Matayo, R-Springdale.
Palin upended an incumbent Republican governor in 2006 on an ethics reform platform.
“People don’t get elected like she did as governor of Alaska by being dumb,” Matayo said. “What John McCain really did by selecting her is he selected another maverick.
“The GOP establishment obviously needs some shaking up. We can’t just let it be a rich boys’ club,” Matayo added.
Matayo is a delegate to the GOP convention pledged to Mike Huckabee, like all but two others in the delegation.
Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, was also subject of some vice presidential buzz.
Huckabee said in a statement Friday he was pleased with Palin’s anti-abortion credentials. Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister, lobbied McCain hard not to pick a running mate who supports abortion rights.
Also, he took a jab at Democrats who picked Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton to lead their party into November.
“Governor Palin is smart, authentic, tough and a dynamic choice that will remind women that if they are not welcome on the Democrats’ ticket, they have a place with the Republicans.”
Palin will be the first-ever female vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party.
Karen Ray, executive director of the state GOP, said she’s glad she can relate to another woman on a presidential ticket.
“You look at a Hillary Clinton run from a female perspective and ‘Yes, that’s exciting,’ but I don’t agree with her beliefs and her principles,” Ray said.
The mother of five is a gun rights advocate and a former beauty queen.
She was not among names circulated as possible running mates for McCain, even as late as Thursday.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge were all considered to be atop McCain’s list.
Romney, for one, would have been a bad choice because of his bruising GOP primary battle with McCain and Huckabee, Matayo said.
“I think it was important for McCain to pick somebody that pragmatically didn’t have any baggage associated with them,” Matayo said. “I’m glad to see he reached out for an unconventional choice.”
Matayo said his only uncertainty about her is how she might perform in a debate against the tenacious Biden.
Palin’s experience as a broadcaster early in her career will be an asset in a debate, said Anne Britton of Fayetteville.
“She’s going to have some great debate skills,” Britton said. “She seems to be, at her core, a great, straight-up person.”
Reader Comments (60 comment(s))
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Chigger wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:54 AM:
" Let's see, all of the McCain ads have been pounding the Dems. for selecting a candidate with very little experience. And now he selects one with even less experience to be a heartbeat away from a 72-year with health issues. That's consistent? And Mike Huckabee is excited about a female candidate? I guess he is okay with a woman president but would draw the line at a woman being a Baptist minister. "
Chigger wrote on Aug 30, 2008 12:06 PM:
" Sorry, in my last post I meant to say that McCain was a 72-year old with health issues.
I also forgot to say that Sarah Palin might actually have more in common with Paris Hilton than does Obama. Palin was a tv celeb. and a former beauty pageant contestant, maybe McCain would like to use that in a new celebrity ad. Just give her a small dog to carry around. And she needs a catch phrase, just remember "That's hot" is already taken. "
I also forgot to say that Sarah Palin might actually have more in common with Paris Hilton than does Obama. Palin was a tv celeb. and a former beauty pageant contestant, maybe McCain would like to use that in a new celebrity ad. Just give her a small dog to carry around. And she needs a catch phrase, just remember "That's hot" is already taken. "
adabell wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:27 PM:
" So far I have not read that the 72 year young McCain had health issues. If he did I would wonder how much of his health issues were a direct result of having been tortured in Viet Nam while serving his country.
You need to read a little more about her history before you conclude that she has less experience than Obama, who is only a few years older. His experience is in law making, not executive. She on the other hand was a governor and have active in politics in some form or other it appears to be most of her adult life. Personally, I think she is an asset because she appears to tell it as it is. I am a hockey Mom. No dancing around, straight forward and truthful. I need to wait to hear more from her before I know whether she was a good choice, but so far she sounds wonderful. Her nineteen year old is right now serving his country. Not so much can be said for Obama. "
You need to read a little more about her history before you conclude that she has less experience than Obama, who is only a few years older. His experience is in law making, not executive. She on the other hand was a governor and have active in politics in some form or other it appears to be most of her adult life. Personally, I think she is an asset because she appears to tell it as it is. I am a hockey Mom. No dancing around, straight forward and truthful. I need to wait to hear more from her before I know whether she was a good choice, but so far she sounds wonderful. Her nineteen year old is right now serving his country. Not so much can be said for Obama. "
native44 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:12 PM:
" I know some out of work Pole Dancers
who need a job too.... "
who need a job too.... "
tootsie wrote on Aug 31, 2008 4:12 PM:
" All you folks better go find out about Palin right now. She has more experience that your blessed Nobama. She is truly someone that can give him a run for his money. As for McCain. His last health problem was a skin cancer on his cheek. As far as anyone knows he is fine. What about that old Biden? Men die young. I would rather have a woman after McCain than an old man after Nobama. Nobama is the one with the no experience. At least she has been the Govenor of her state and in charge of the national guard there. Has to watch the Russians when their fishing fleet gets to close to US waters and deal with that. Maybe it's the right to life laws. If you can't keep from getting pregnant in this day and age maybe you should just have it. No free rides for anyone. I was all for Roe V Wade. But only because women killed themselves trying to selfabort. Maybe some common sense is what we all need. "
tootsie wrote on Aug 31, 2008 4:18 PM:
" Really folks. She has a son about to go to Iraq. She has already been to Iraq to see for herself what is going on there. She has more executive experience than Nobama in everyway. She has ben cleaning up Alaska for awhile now. That is what we need. I admire her for not taking money for that bridge to nowhere. Most politicians today would grab the money and run. She sounds so much better than what we are used to. Learn about her. Women can be strong. Men don't own the world. Margaret Thatcher is a good example. She may be just what we need. Learn about her before you cancel her out. From what I hear I admire her already. "
adabell wrote on Aug 31, 2008 4:57 PM:
" bobjohnson, speak for yourself. I would say more but the message would be deleted. "
Chigger wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:19 PM:
" Wow, it is amazing how quick the Republican talking points get out there. How much of this glowing stuff about women would be out there if Hillary was the Democratic nominee for vice president? I expect the Republicans would be singing another song. And ask yourself this--If Hillary were the nominee would Gov. Palin even be considered? Personally, I'm glad the Republicans gave a woman the chance to be the nominee, it's about time. "
Chigger wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:25 PM:
" Why do you keep calling Obama Nobama is that the new cute Republican answer to McBush? "
BCR! wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:26 PM:
" I will be voting for Obama!!!
Benton County's Republican Party has fallen apart!!
I will be voting Democratic! "
Benton County's Republican Party has fallen apart!!
I will be voting Democratic! "
adabell wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:35 PM:
" a vote for any democrat is a vote to block e verify and let companies hire illegals.
When you get your higher tax bill and members of your family, friends, or even yourself has lower wages or worse, no job, you can take responsibility for it. "
When you get your higher tax bill and members of your family, friends, or even yourself has lower wages or worse, no job, you can take responsibility for it. "
Twinkie wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:04 PM:
" adabell - McCain has had cancer at least once, and I know that I've read that it has been on three separate occasions. Cancer isn't a result of his Vietnam experience. McCain certainly does have health issues. "
adabell wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:21 PM:
" Twinkie, I am probably spelling this wrong, agin orange. It is something that was sprayed on our troups in Viet Nam, and yes, it did cause cancer.
My brother in laws brother died of cancer as a result of agin orange, as did many other vets. But I did not know about Mc Cain, God bless him. "
My brother in laws brother died of cancer as a result of agin orange, as did many other vets. But I did not know about Mc Cain, God bless him. "
Twinkie wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:53 PM:
" adabell - McCain was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Aug 2000. In his own words:
As part of my misspent youth I spent too much time in the sun and every few months I have to go and have some basal cell removed from my own craggy features."
He is unable to raise one of his arms abouve his shoulder as a result of his years in the Hanoi Hilton, but his cancer is not the type associated with exposure to Agent Orange. At least one lymphoma has been linked to exposure of the defoliant used to clear forested areas of Vietnam in order to expose 'enemy' camps and the like.
John McCain has health issues. Some of them may be related to Vietnam. His history of cancer - the most serious of his health issues imo - is not. "
As part of my misspent youth I spent too much time in the sun and every few months I have to go and have some basal cell removed from my own craggy features."
He is unable to raise one of his arms abouve his shoulder as a result of his years in the Hanoi Hilton, but his cancer is not the type associated with exposure to Agent Orange. At least one lymphoma has been linked to exposure of the defoliant used to clear forested areas of Vietnam in order to expose 'enemy' camps and the like.
John McCain has health issues. Some of them may be related to Vietnam. His history of cancer - the most serious of his health issues imo - is not. "
adabell wrote on Sep 1, 2008 12:10 AM:
" Twinkie, OK, I stand corrected, even the spelling, which I felt dumb for not remembering.
It doesn't change much though. "
It doesn't change much though. "
91151 wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:14 AM:
" Obama wants a socialist type country. I had an exchange student from Norway when I was a sr in high school. Do you know what their taxes are? And, they don't have drivers license for the most part. Yes, public transportation is of abundance, but, to get a drivers license 20+yrs ago for them was around $500. Eggs were a delicacy because they were so expensive. And, I am very happy that Palin is in McCains choice for vp. I read up on her as soon as I saw the news. She doesn't mind standing up to anyone, fellow republicans included. We need someone like that with a backbone, to stand up against those that don't have our best interest at heart. She has ousted fellow repub, and dems alike for not doing the right thing. Just think how she'll be able to stand up against our enemies within and outside our borders. Don't think she'll be "playing nice so they will", she be kicking butt and taking names if they aren't doing what's right for this country, and that's just the type person we need. Good choice McCain!
And, Chigger, if Hillary had the personal integrity Palin has, well, yes, we'd be singing her praises also, but, she doesn't. She's power hungry and is only for herself. "
And, Chigger, if Hillary had the personal integrity Palin has, well, yes, we'd be singing her praises also, but, she doesn't. She's power hungry and is only for herself. "
Chigger wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:19 AM:
" 91151 We already have the male version of what you have described, his name is George W. Bush. Remember "Mission Accomplished" and "Bring it on!"
Kicking butt and taking names? Are you serious? This woman has been the mayor of a tiny city in Alaska and governor for two years of a state that doesn't even have or need an income tax (and please don't give her credit for that)and has a population smaller than most big cities in the lower 48. Get real. Plus, do you really think that the power brokers in the Republican Party will even consult her after the election? And what does Norway have to do with anything? "
Kicking butt and taking names? Are you serious? This woman has been the mayor of a tiny city in Alaska and governor for two years of a state that doesn't even have or need an income tax (and please don't give her credit for that)and has a population smaller than most big cities in the lower 48. Get real. Plus, do you really think that the power brokers in the Republican Party will even consult her after the election? And what does Norway have to do with anything? "
adabell wrote on Sep 1, 2008 12:16 PM:
" Chigger, Palin has more executive experience then Obama, a junior senator, which is no considered executive experience at all. "
Twinkie wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:07 PM:
" I love family values. New meaning for "Northern Exposure" What a fun election this is turning into! "
91151 wrote on Sep 1, 2008 6:13 PM:
" Chigger....Norway is a socialist country, and that is the type of government Obama is spouting that he wants. No, he doesn't call it socialist, but, it is what it is. Free Healthcare for everyone sounds great, but, the taxes are outrages. I read Charlie Daniels soapbox, one article was on this type of govt. One member/blogger lives in Canada. He says it isn't as great as it sounds. And, as long as we have someone in office willing to stand up and fight, not go talk nicey nice to our enemies(who don't want to talk, they want to destroy), then we'll be free and safer longer. Give in to them, and we are sold out, which is what Obama will do. He leans toward a world govt, not the govt of the U.S.A "
adabell wrote on Sep 1, 2008 6:38 PM:
" 91151 is completely right. Obama even belonged to the socialist democratic party. He borrowed Castro's slogan. Yes we can. He is aware it is socialism. His mother was proudly a socialist. Bush is not running. This election is not about him. It is just as ridiculous to bring up Bush as it would be to be bringing up Bill Clinton instead of Obama himself. "
Chigger wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:03 PM:
" Democratic-Socialist Party? Wants us to be Norway? Used Castro's slogans? Palin would be a butt-kicking female Rambo? What a bunch of nuts. Forgive me ladies, I think I will go where sane people discuss things rationally. Please feel free to continue to talk nonsense to one another. I think my head is about to explode. I feel sorry for Joe Biden when he has to debate this kind of stuff. "
adabell wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:30 PM:
" So sorry your head might explode Chigger. What will we do without you? You are so inspiring and so much more intelligent than the rest of us. Too bad you can't debate in place of Joe Biden. When he comes face to face with Palin, he might run away with his head nearly exploding too. I expect he'll have enough class though, not to insult his opponent. Otherwise, that's when he loses "
Twinkie wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:56 PM:
" And the best thing is that it's just like all the rest of the elections in this great country of ours. Each registered voter gets one vote. "
hula wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:07 AM:
" This election has officially become stupid. I'm not voting for either of the major party candidates. Bob Barr just got his first vote. "
91151 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:35 AM:
" Hula..not voting is not the answer. If you don't vote, then, don't gripe about anything that happens during the next 4yrs. You would have no right to gripe about what the president has done, or the state of this country. I'm not totally thrilled with either candidate(except I am excited about Palin as VP), but, I will look and pick the lesser of 2 evils. McCain's stands for more what I believe than Obama who stands for nothing I believe. That's how you have to pick your vote. Which candidate is more on track with your views than the other. "
Twinkie wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:23 PM:
" 91151 - Read Hula's post again. Try and comprehend. Hula *is* voting, just not for McCain or Obama. there is a third candidate. Hula is voting for Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate. "
91151 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:37 PM:
" yes, but record shows those on a different ballot other than the 2 major(dems and repub) don't get elected. So, it's a throw away vote. "
Jones wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:56 PM:
" I find these very funny, McSame has no clue what he is doing, haha. My vote along with many others, will be voting for OBAMA! 08' OBAMA 08'! "
Twinkie wrote on Sep 2, 2008 1:15 PM:
" 91151 - a vote for Barr is perhaps a vote for Obama, but it's not a 'throw away vote.' I have voted Libertarian more than once because I prefer to vote *for* something rather than against. What matters is that people do vote. Accusing someone of not voting because he or she chooses to vote in a manner you find unworthy seems both arrogant and somewhat, well, almost unAmerican or something. Hula gets one vote, just as you and I get one vote apiece. Equivocating not voting with voting for a third party candidate? that mentality would limit the ballot to the two major parties. Perhaps you are in favor of such a move, but that's not the United States that I live in. "
hula wrote on Sep 2, 2008 2:27 PM:
" On the basis of principle, I refuse to vote for the "lesser of two evils." I think it's a terrible way to vote and is nothing more than peer pressure gone seriously wrong. I shouldn't be bullied into voting for a major party when I don't agree with the candidates. Everyone should do the same. "
adabell wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:42 PM:
" Hula, I understand how you feel. In the last election, not presidential, I encouraged a third party candidate and wrote an email to a candidate encouraging him. Much to my surprise I later found that he had had my email published in the paper. My comments were to the affect that it was time for a third party to rally and actually represent the people since both major parties seem to have their own agenda. Now I listened to Bob Bar this time, and could not support him. No candidate is the perfect choice. But someone is going to be president. I would not have picked McCain to run, but I truly prefer among the choices. It is very frustrating, that's true. Each party is like a club, and if they did not have to get votes, they could give a fig about the public. I really would like a third party to get momentum, if for nothing else, to put the other guys on their toes. The lesser of two evils could be reframed to the best amongst your choices. Follow your own heart. "
BigTex wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:55 PM:
" Oh please Ralphie Run! I'd love to see votes siphoned from Obama. "
justamom wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:28 AM:
" I don't understand how the candidate who supports family values can have an unmarried teenage daughter who is pregnant and no one thinks it's a bad thing. How does this 17 year old and her 18 year old hockey player boyfriend plan to support a baby? How can they possibly be good parents? Why are all the conservatives politicians falling all over themselves to pretend there's nothing wrong? It's like they're pretending this is some kind of immaculate conception. Maybe Palin should have supported real sex education in school? Or at least taught it to her own children? Maybe Palin should have spent less time fighting abortion and more time making sure her own daughter didn't need one? "
91151 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:10 AM:
" justamom...I was raised in a very conservative christian family, was taught abstinance. My parents and I had a great relationship(still do) but, I got pregnant out of wedlock. So, yes it can happen even in families that instill good honest christian family values! Christ was our perfect example when he walked on this earth. He was faced with every temptation we are and he passed, but do we always do the right thing? No. Does that mean he doesn't deserve to be God's Son, and sit on the right side of the Father? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Just because our children make mistakes doesn't mean all parents are unfit to be parents, or hold positions of high authority. It means they are human. What we should look at is how this family is handling this. They instilled enough that she isn't aborting this baby, she's taken responsibility for getting pregnant. THAT says alot. I would have raised an eyebrow had they tried to hide it, but instead, they came out and told the truth, yes, they told it knowing it would come out eventually, but, they took the high road and made it known before the media did, and didn't make excuses or blame anyone. Personal responsibility is what they've taken, and this country needs leaders that will do that, and not blame anyone or any bad circumstance on the bad decisions they make. "
adabell wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:26 PM:
" When Obama was questioned about Palin's daughter, he had enough class to say families are off limits and if anyone in his campaign made it an issue of it he would fire them. He said his mother was 18 when she got pregant. (His Dad married his Mom even though he was already married to a woman in Kenya at the time.) "
VHugo wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:32 PM:
" The baby daddy story is just the tip of the iceberg. News reports are coming out about Palin's whacko pastor who has said that anyone who criticizes George Bush will face eternal damnation. The same pastor has said that people who voted for Kerry may not be allowed into heaven. You really have to question McCain's sanity for choosing this woman. "
dragonfly wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:41 PM:
" Well, she seems like a woman with normal everyday problems like many moms out there.I respect that and admire her for what she is doing. I just think McCain could have picked some one with more experience and less baggage. I feel like he made a bad choice when there were better candidates out there just as qualified. I think this move will cost him the election.I am a woman and this may shock some of you, but if anything happened to McCain, I would not want her running this country. Running a country takes, nerves of steel and I feel women are too compassionate for those really hard decisions. War for instance. I think she has too many personal distractions to make a good vice president or president in the event anything happened to McCain. This is strictly my opinion and hope I did not offend any one. "
91151 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:49 PM:
" What better candidate than one that is more in touch with working Americans. She's a working mom, she hasn't been in DC to patronized by all these special interest groupds, and lobbyists. Sure, McCain could have picked someone already in DC that is so out of touch with reality it's scary. Palin has real life problems, which she handles with dignity and personal responsibility(no blame game). She's cut her budget when she became governor, she did away with pork barrel programs because they were wasting the taxpayers money. "
adabell wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:13 PM:
" VHugo, how could Palin's minister be worse the Obama's Rev Wright? That's got to be the pot calling the kettle black. "
ozarks wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:25 PM:
" One reason I have turned against politics and don't have any resepect for it is becasue it turns out to be like a in your face football game. It is a shame. I am not republican nor demorat but for any that sling mug about someone children should be assamed of themselves. It only tells me that you are one sided and you would say anything or hurt any one to get your side elected and it has nothing to do with intelligance. Now, to talk about values becase a teenage girl became pregnet is out of line. I will tell you all, I was conceved before my parents were married 55 years ago. They had a wonderful marriage until my father pasted 5 years ago. So, to say any mother is at fault is someone that lives in a glass house and just shows how stupid they are. Let's try to discuss what is important. Our country. Oh, I got a DUI in 1985. You might thing that makles me a loser too. So what. I have accomplishe pleanty and if my sweet daughter had gotten pregnet as a teen and I am sure it could have happened, then that too would have made me a loser to you that like to sling mud. I am sick of it all! "
VHugo wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:15 PM:
" Palin can't manage her own family much less the world's largest economy. Her daughter got knocked up by a thug loser (just check out his profanity-laced My Space page). If the rumors are true, McCain will dump her before she does too much damage to his campaign. "
adabell wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:29 PM:
" Vhugo, good thing you don't work for Obama, he'd have fired you for that statement. He says families are off limits and would not have anyone work for who made it part of the campaign. "
gmason wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:19 PM:
" Justamom wrote: I don't understand how the candidate who supports family values can have an unmarried teenage daughter who is pregnant and no one thinks it's a bad thing....
Parents can not help what their children do just as Obama couldn't help what his parents did when young. I was leaning towards Obama until Palin came along....This life long Republican is now back in the Rep. corner. Besides all those Clinton supporters wanted a woman....now they can have one....and better looking and nicer laugh to say the least! lol "
Parents can not help what their children do just as Obama couldn't help what his parents did when young. I was leaning towards Obama until Palin came along....This life long Republican is now back in the Rep. corner. Besides all those Clinton supporters wanted a woman....now they can have one....and better looking and nicer laugh to say the least! lol "
dragonfly wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:21 AM:
" justamom-- It seems you have never made a bad choice while you were growing up.Or are you still growing up?We as parents can teach & instill values and morals in our children but that is not a guarantee that they will make the right choice.I have seen preachers kids make the wrong decision and drug addicts kids make the right decision.I am sure she wasn't there when her daughter made the decision to have sex.I would bet my next paycheck that is not what happened.We as a society are to blame because we allow things like this to be okay in "today's society", because we are afraid to stand up for what is right for fear of being sued, taking someones rights away or being discriminated against.I heard something about her (the daughter) getting married to the father, I hope it is not because she is pregnant, because more than likely it will last only a short time and then once again we will have another divorce to add to the statistics.Let's just hope you are never confronted with your child (male or female) coming to you telling you they are going to be a parent.You may have to hide in your closet. We can't be with our kids 24-7.Even though we would like to protect them and help them make the right choices. It just isn't going to happen. "
justamom wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:00 AM:
" I have three young adult children and I know for a fact what kind of temptations are out there for them. I made mistakes as a young person and they've made mistakes too. No one is perfect, I agree. But at least I'm not raising any grandchildren!
I'm not at all surprised at the statement that even preacher's kids make wrong decisions because in my experience the parents who spend their time talking about family values are not in touch with what's happening in the local high school. You can't just preach to your kids and expect them to live by it. You have to involved. You have to see the world they're living in and help them do the right thing in their world. You may even have to make sure they have access to what they need to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
While I agree that the Palin's daughter should have the right to privacy, Palin made a choice to jump into the limelight. She's running for a major public office. It's kind of unrealistic to expect no one's going to notice her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. So let's talk about them taking responsiblity. Unless the girl and the hockey player boyfriend have a plan to support their new family, they're not taking responsibility. Just having the baby isn't enough. They need to take care of it. T "
I'm not at all surprised at the statement that even preacher's kids make wrong decisions because in my experience the parents who spend their time talking about family values are not in touch with what's happening in the local high school. You can't just preach to your kids and expect them to live by it. You have to involved. You have to see the world they're living in and help them do the right thing in their world. You may even have to make sure they have access to what they need to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
While I agree that the Palin's daughter should have the right to privacy, Palin made a choice to jump into the limelight. She's running for a major public office. It's kind of unrealistic to expect no one's going to notice her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. So let's talk about them taking responsiblity. Unless the girl and the hockey player boyfriend have a plan to support their new family, they're not taking responsibility. Just having the baby isn't enough. They need to take care of it. T "
ozarks wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:15 PM:
" You know justamom, you say out of one side of your mouth that Palin's daughter should have privacy then out of the other side of your mouth you talk about this young girl. Hmm, you should get into politics yourself. So, why are you trying to paint this lady as trailer trash? It is easy to hind behind your computer and act all high and mighty but here is the truth and you are part of this statement, "No one is perfect. Everyone and this includes your little angels, have done things in life they wish they hadn't and we all have things we are ashamed of". If you want to talk about something, how about Obama admiting cocain use 20 years ago (when we was 25)and not a teen. You thionk that is his mothers fault? You are just showing you are a democrat and looking to try and distry this woman. Go up and stop it. I think they are all good people and want to do the best. It just depends on who you think can do the best with the ideas. What is your candiates ideas? Do you know or are you just repeating what you hear on CNN? "
dragonfly wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:03 PM:
" justamom-- I have 2 grown children and I am not raising my grandchildren either.I am simply saying just because you are a politician or a preacher doesn't mean your children are above any other child.They are not above you or me.They are human beings with the same problems we face each and everyday, but the difference is if they mess up they make the news, if we mess up no one really knows.Like I said before we can't be with our children 24-7, neither can she or any one else.If they wanted to have sex they would find a way to make it happen. Whether it was 10:00 in the morning or 10:00 at night.It doesn't matter if you taught them right from wrong, they will always believe "it won't happen to me". "No one will ever find out", there are so many I could continue with but you get the picture.To me she is saying I taught my child better and now we will handle it publicly instead of privately, that their family is just as human as the next, that she faces the same problems we face day to day, that she is not above admitting mistakes. And where does it say anything about her supporting the child. My understanding is the kids will get married, I don't think they will be shacking up in the VP mansion. "
dragonfly wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:11 PM:
" I am sure she is asking herself where she went wrong.What she could have done differently.How could she have let this happen.Just like any other mom would.So if you think she has no family values or has not taught her kids morales, then I say you must have been her nanny and know much more than the rest of us.Many people out there teach and live good Christian lives, raise their kids to know they choices, good and bad. All we can do as parents is hope when our chlid is confronted with a temptation they make the right choice.But most of the time they eventually do what they want. They are kids.......... they don't think logically most of the time.
I will shut up now, but please quit pointing fingers. Unless you were there you don't know what her family values are or her morles either. "
I will shut up now, but please quit pointing fingers. Unless you were there you don't know what her family values are or her morles either. "
adabell wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:01 PM:
" God love her, Palin made a great last night. It appears that she and her husband raise their children as a team. As for the comment from Justamom saying you can't expect people not to notice her pregnant teen, they can notice, but it still none of their business. "
bitzi wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:16 PM:
" Proof that the "Bush abstinence only program" is a failure!
For the Palin lovers research how much money Palin accepted from the oil companies....she is no saint by any means. She is just the same as all the rest wanting to fatten her own pocketbook. "
For the Palin lovers research how much money Palin accepted from the oil companies....she is no saint by any means. She is just the same as all the rest wanting to fatten her own pocketbook. "
bitzi wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:28 PM:
" Facts about Palin:
In her earlier career as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin hired a lobbyist to help the tiny town secure at least 14 earmarks, worth $27 million between 2000-2003. McCain has touted Palin as a force in his long battle against earmarks.
Under her leadership this year, Alaska asked for almost $300 per person in requests for pet projects from Stevens, one of McCain's top adversaries. That's more than any other state received, per person, from Congress.
The head of the firm hired to defend Gov. Palin in a state ethics investigation was previously her family's lawyer and is permitted to bill the state up to $95,000 for work in the current case. It involves the dismissal of public safety commissioner Walt Monegan after he refused to fire a state trooper who had divorced the governor's sister.
Palin opposed the U.S. government's listing of a variety of animals as endangered, including the polar bear and the beluga whale, both of which inhabit areas also rich in oil and natural gas.
As Palin campaigned unsuccessfully in 2002 to become lieutenant governor, she received contributions from executives at VECO Corp., a powerful Alaska oil field services company. Company founder Bill Allen has admitted the company steers its donations through a "special bonus program" in which executives received money and the company instructed them to donate it to favored politicians.
Allen plead guilty to bribery and corruption charges.
Yeah...a stand up gal heh. "
In her earlier career as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin hired a lobbyist to help the tiny town secure at least 14 earmarks, worth $27 million between 2000-2003. McCain has touted Palin as a force in his long battle against earmarks.
Under her leadership this year, Alaska asked for almost $300 per person in requests for pet projects from Stevens, one of McCain's top adversaries. That's more than any other state received, per person, from Congress.
The head of the firm hired to defend Gov. Palin in a state ethics investigation was previously her family's lawyer and is permitted to bill the state up to $95,000 for work in the current case. It involves the dismissal of public safety commissioner Walt Monegan after he refused to fire a state trooper who had divorced the governor's sister.
Palin opposed the U.S. government's listing of a variety of animals as endangered, including the polar bear and the beluga whale, both of which inhabit areas also rich in oil and natural gas.
As Palin campaigned unsuccessfully in 2002 to become lieutenant governor, she received contributions from executives at VECO Corp., a powerful Alaska oil field services company. Company founder Bill Allen has admitted the company steers its donations through a "special bonus program" in which executives received money and the company instructed them to donate it to favored politicians.
Allen plead guilty to bribery and corruption charges.
Yeah...a stand up gal heh. "
bitzi wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:54 PM:
" adabell wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:35 PM:
" a vote for any democrat is a vote to block e verify and let companies hire illegals.
When you get your higher tax bill and members of your family, friends, or even yourself has lower wages or worse, no job, you can take responsibility for it. "
Last I checked the I-9 form is required for everyone. It is the business owners fault for not following the laws!
When all of our jobs are exported out of the country we can thank the Republicans for that. We need to increase taxes on imports period. Every other country in the world does it why don't we?
As far as our personal taxes Obama wants to cut taxes for all middle class Americans try again. Oh wait the rich people making more than 1 million a year might have to pay more. Whoops. Poor millionaires. "
" a vote for any democrat is a vote to block e verify and let companies hire illegals.
When you get your higher tax bill and members of your family, friends, or even yourself has lower wages or worse, no job, you can take responsibility for it. "
Last I checked the I-9 form is required for everyone. It is the business owners fault for not following the laws!
When all of our jobs are exported out of the country we can thank the Republicans for that. We need to increase taxes on imports period. Every other country in the world does it why don't we?
As far as our personal taxes Obama wants to cut taxes for all middle class Americans try again. Oh wait the rich people making more than 1 million a year might have to pay more. Whoops. Poor millionaires. "
VHugo wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:14 PM:
" Republicans will consistently vote against their own interests; They don't mind that their jobs have been shipped off to China as long as Terry Schaivo's lump of a brain stem is still getting oxygen.
Palin has been quoted as saying that Iraq was a "mission sent to us by God." If so, God forgot to send a check to help cover this $2 trillion military catastrophe. "
Palin has been quoted as saying that Iraq was a "mission sent to us by God." If so, God forgot to send a check to help cover this $2 trillion military catastrophe. "
BigTex wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:38 PM:
" Actually it's middle income Democrats that vote against their own self interest. Democrats have a long history of raising taxes on the middle class to pay for benefits for the poor. Additionally, Democrats have a worse record on immigration than Republicans. The Dems view illegals as potential voters and would love to see more come into our country. "
BigTex wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:45 PM:
" Bitzi, Barrack Hussein Obama voted against a cut in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). This tax was enacted in the 1970's to close a loophole that allowed a few wealthy individuals to avoid paying any taxes. The tax wasn't indexed to inflation and as nominal incomes rose more Americans were impacted by the AMT. It's to the point now that middle class Americans are paying the AMT. The Dems know this is a potential killer issue with the Soccer mom crowd how will be hit hard by the AMT in a few years. Watch BHO flip flop on this issue prior to the election. "
BigTex wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:52 PM:
" What Barrack Hussein Obama really believes:
Rated 8% by U.S. Border Control on immigration issues (Less than 30% indicates an open border position)
Wants to ban semi-automatic handguns -
Wants to provide benefits to same-sex "partners" of gov't employees - Co-sponser of Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (S.2521/H.R.4838) State Legislative National Political Awareness Test 1998
Rated 89% by the HRC indicating support for gay rights
Supports Affimative Action in colleges and goverment - State Legislative National Political Awareness Test 1998 "
Rated 8% by U.S. Border Control on immigration issues (Less than 30% indicates an open border position)
Wants to ban semi-automatic handguns -
Wants to provide benefits to same-sex "partners" of gov't employees - Co-sponser of Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (S.2521/H.R.4838) State Legislative National Political Awareness Test 1998
Rated 89% by the HRC indicating support for gay rights
Supports Affimative Action in colleges and goverment - State Legislative National Political Awareness Test 1998 "
bitzi wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:38 PM:
" Stating he supports gay rights and same-sex partner benefits makes me like him even more I agree with him on those issues. People are people and deserve benefits and recognition regardless of whether or not their sexual identity/lifestyle conforms to the bibles definition of what is "acceptable." The bible says to publicly stone women found to not be virgins on their wedding night, what are you waiting for? "
Not already registered?
tootsie wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:33 AM: