Should Sarah Palin stay home with her kids?

[Selena_Kitt]

Is it even a legitimate question, to ask the possible future VP, "How are you going to juggle being the vice president of the United States AND being the mother to five small children - one with special needs - and soon-to-be grandmother?"

We don't ask these questions of the men who run for office, right? Is it fair to ask her? Because in the Republican world, where women are supposed to stay home with the babies and not have children out of wedlock... this woman would seem anathema. But they're championing her.

And it brings the whole philosophical question up... what's best for the kids? What's more important? Can women "do it all?" Should they? And does the fact that this question keeps coming up since she was announced as the VP candidate indicate that we're still stuck in a misogynistic world where women are always going to be paid and valued less and judged simply because they're the ones biologically capable of having and nursing babies... or is it really a value we're overlooking?

Just pondering... would love to hear your thoughts...

 

[rgraham666]

It's none of my business.

 

[sweetness6280]

When it comes to the position of VP, I think it is not only legitimate, but responsible to ask those kinds of questions. This is not an average job, and the means by which one is given the job is even more surreal.

I WOULD and think we as Americans SHOULD, ask these questions of candidates - male or female. VP is indeed "a heartbeat" away from the Presidency. The question then is, not can you handle everything on your plate and the job of Vice-President, but can you handle everything on your plate and the job of PRESIDENT. We tend to view the VP position as simply ceremonial, but the reality is that around 20 -25% of sitting VP's have stepped into the Presidential position.

While the Palins seem to have a wonderful family and a system that works very well for them while she is governor, that is in a localized area. I am in no way suggesting that she should not be governor, or pursue her dreams. I am, however, questioning the ability of ANYONE, male or female, to handle the job of President, and still juggle the family issues she currently has on her plate.

In the 70s, a very young Joe Biden considered resigning from a recently elected office, to attend to his family. He was persuaded to stay, mostly because he had geography on his side. He was able to commute daily from his home in Delaware to Washington, and thus keep his boys' life as stable as possible after the death of their mother and sister. But what resonates for me is his willingness to step down, and his warning that he could resign if he felt his position as Senator was threatening his family in any way. At the time he said (and this is a very loose quote) "Delaware can always get another Senator... but these boys only have one Dad."

History may prove that Sarah Palin made absolutely the right choice, and her family may not suffer at all from being thrust into the national arena and limelight at a difficult time. But I still believe we have the right, and the responsibility to ask the questions.

Many of you know that I have returned to school to complete my degree. I have 6 children in all, some of whom are now grown. Over the last 4 years, there have been times when my schooling was placed on the back burner, because my family had an issue that took precedence over my goals. Because, to misquote Steve Martin in a sappy Disney movie "It doesn't matter how successful I am at my job if I screw up as a Dad."

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

The question doesnt matter; the outcome matters.

Palin isnt the first mother to unload her kiddies with nannies and boarding schools.

Your comparison with men is as pointless as arguing that women need urinals, too. Or jock-straps. Or a rose should make delicious soup like beans.

 

[3113]

Of course not! That's what the oldest daughter and her-soon-to-be 17 year old husband are for! Taking care of the kids. If they weren't around it'd be a different story, but they need to be trained in caring for a family. Thus, the baby and all the other kids can be cared for by both a mother and a father, and there's no need for any sort of government assistance as Palin is sending back good money to Alaska.

Pro-family and Pro-American way of life.

And remember, Palin has a higher calling here, and that gets her off the hook when it comes to that work-or-be-a-stay-at-home mom delemma. If she were just working at a high powered job, it'd be wrong for her to leave the kids. But this is God's will. A mother can leave her kids or drag the along almost anywhere if she's working to make the world more moral and Christian...and probably more Capitalist place.

Besides, given that the VP doesn't do anything anyway, she can spend most of her time at home. Washington only needs her if there's a tie in the Senate or McCain croaks. And if he does croak, then all the kids, son-in-law and grandkid will be living in the White House.

See. Works out perfectly.

 

[Guest]

It is a legimate question to ask but has customarily only been asked of women pursing jobs in government.

If we aren't asking this of men we shouldn't be asking this of women.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

to misquote Steve Martin in a sappy Disney movie "It doesn't matter how successful I am at my job if I screw up as a Dad."

I think that's valid... and true. But is it possible to do both? Joe Biden did it. Right?

It is a legimate question to ask but has customarily only been asked of women pursing jobs in government.

If we aren't asking this of men we shouldn't be asking this of women.

And this is an interesting point... and one I wondered about... I keep hearing people talking about this question (whether it's their business or not, they seem to be making it theirs!) but I don't remember it ever coming up in this way before... and it's obviously a gender thing.

 

[cantdog]

Many Christians would take issue with the idea that an anti-science position such as creationism makes the world more Christian. Also, it was actually McCain who called her, and McCain, while old and out of touch, is still not God. Whether he has a Noodly Appendage or not, man, he is no deity.

So much for the cop-out that a divine calling supervened. She would be, then, much like any other woman or man on that spot.

As such, it's none of our business how she 'juggles' her responsibilities. The question is, can she deliver? Can she do the job?

And that one is moot. The job requires that she be elected to it. That isn't going to happen, so relax. Have a cuppa. Put your feet up. The lady's nomination is just a lovely symbolic gesture, risking nothing.

 

[Guest]

Many Christians would take issue with the idea that an anti-science position such as creationism makes the world more Christian. Also, it was actually McCain who called her, and McCain, while old and out of touch, is still not God. Whether he has a Noodly Appendage or not, man, he is no deity.

So much for the cop-out that a divine calling supervened. She would be, then, much like any other woman or man on that spot.

As such, it's none of our business how she 'juggles' her responsibilities. The question is, can she deliver? Can she do the job?

And that one is moot. The job requires that she be elected to it. That isn't going to happen, so relax. Have a cuppa. Put your feet up. The lady's nomination is just a lovely symbolic gesture, risking nothing.

Promise?

 

[sweetness6280]

Promise?

LOL... you beat me to it.

 

[Guest]

LOL... you beat me to it.

 

[CharleyH]

Is it even a legitimate question, to ask the possible future VP, "How are you going to juggle being the vice president of the United States AND being the mother to five small children - one with special needs - and soon-to-be grandmother?"

We don't ask these questions of the men who run for office, right? Is it fair to ask her? Because in the Republican world, where women are supposed to stay home with the babies and not have children out of wedlock... this woman would seem anathema. But they're championing her.

And it brings the whole philosophical question up... what's best for the kids? What's more important? Can women "do it all?" Should they? And does the fact that this question keeps coming up since she was announced as the VP candidate indicate that we're still stuck in a misogynistic world where women are always going to be paid and valued less and judged simply because they're the ones biologically capable of having and nursing babies... or is it really a value we're overlooking?

Just pondering... would love to hear your thoughts...

Well, I doubt it is a pertinent question to people interested in policy and politics. However, for voters in America, who vote on the basis of personal attributes similar to beauty contests? Yes. How she juggles being Vice-President and mother and Republican fuck hole (not saying anything else) is of interest.

 

[Belegon]

When I was married, we always had a deal on the table... if either of us ever procured a job that replaced BOTH our incomes, the other would quit their job.

What is Dad Palin going to do if Mom becomes VP? Because if he is going to be leaving his work to care for the kids, then I consider the question to be moot.

However, if he is unable to do so because of pride or ego or psychological stress... cause it ain't gonna be about money... then this question does become more legitimate, IMHO.

The Vice Presidency IS a full time job. President of the Senate, all those surrogate responsibilities.

But if Dad take care of the kids, I see no difference. He is a parent too, ya know.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

When I was married, we always had a deal on the table... if either of us ever procured a job that replaced BOTH our incomes, the other would quit their job.

What is Dad Palin going to do if Mom becomes VP? Because if he is going to be leaving his work to care for the kids, then I consider the question to be moot.

However, if he is unable to do so because of pride or ego or psychological stress... cause it ain't gonna be about money... then this question does become more legitimate, IMHO.

The Vice Presidency IS a full time job. President of the Senate, all those surrogate responsibilities.

But if Dad take care of the kids, I see no difference. He is a parent too, ya know.

And yet no one's said what dad's doing... it's all about her...

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Personally, I wonder what it says about her as a mother if she's comfortable leaving the rearing of her child to someone else as she goes off politicking.

I don't think it says much.

I'm wondering more and more if she really knows what's involved in campaigning for the vice presidency of the United States of America. She's stepping into a buzz saw.

 

[sweetness6280]

What is Dad Palin going to do if Mom becomes VP? Because if he is going to be leaving his work to care for the kids, then I consider the question to be moot.

The Vice Presidency IS a full time job. President of the Senate, all those surrogate responsibilities.

But if Dad take care of the kids, I see no difference. He is a parent too, ya know.

And yet no one's said what dad's doing... it's all about her...

It is my understanding, and I may be mistaken, that Dad is already staying at home, at least part-time. This is the arrangement to which I referred in my first post on this subject. This works well for them in Alaska. Which is one hell of a long way from the contiguous 48 in which she will be campaigning, and Washington, in which she would be living and working as VP.

For any other job, even for Senator or Congresswoman, this would not be an issue. But we are not talking about just any job. I reiterate that in order to consider her qualified and responsible to hold the position of VP, one must consider her qualified and responsible to hold the position of President. She seeks a higher position of authority, and IMHO, must be held to a higher degree of accountability.

Therefore, this question is relevant, and would be so if it was Todd Palin for VP instead of Sarah.

 

[Noor]

Personally, I wonder what it says about her as a mother if she's comfortable leaving the rearing of her child to someone else as she goes off politicking.

I don't think it says much.

I'm wondering more and more if she really knows what's involved in campaigning for the vice presidency of the United States of America. She's stepping into a buzz saw.

She is a politician, not a profession known for their great parenting skills.
Most male politicians leave the rearing of their child to someone else, what does this have to do with anything?

It doesn't say much that she (and her husband!) leave thier special needs child in the care of their 17 yr pregnant daughter but I suppose its better than leaving the child with a younger sibling.

 

[Guest]

No matter how far we have come, no matter what office position or rank a woman holds... that question will ALWAYS be relevant. Period.

Her first job is to take care of her family. As sad as this sounds.... I personally find her skill lacking in that regard.

 

[freshface]

No matter how far we have come, no matter what office position or rank a woman holds... that question will ALWAYS be relevant. Period.

Her first job is to take care of her family. As sad as this sounds.... I personally find her skill lacking in that regard.

But you haven't answered the most basic question. If she were a man would you hold the same opinion? Do you worry that Obama would not be able to raise his two daughters and be President? And if being a woman does make a difference, I'd like to know why. I know men who are much better domestically than their wives. Is it a problem if these men stay home with the kids while their wives earn a living?

I have a lot of things against Sarah Palin and her politics, but I hope that we are not still stuck in an era where a woman has no place outside the kitchen.

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

It's an extraordinary question. If Palin was a Dem and a Repub or a conservative asked the question the howls of outrage from the media and the political establishment would be deafening. I daresay that you would all be among the howlers, Selena, Subsarah, Mab, Bel, etc.

So after all these years how do you rationalize asking the question just at this moment and in this instance? You trot out the all purpose Straw Christian Conservative: "(Of course I would never suggest such a thing, but) in the Republican world, where women are supposed to stay home with the babies and not have children out of wedlock . . ."

I don't mean to pick on you, Selena - I suspect that you aren't explicitly aware of what you're doing here. It's happening everywhere in the media. It makes me think of the critical scene and line in the film A Time to Kill -"Now imagine she was white."

Let me remind everyone what the word for this is: Sexism. Put your lipstick away - it's still a pig.

Oh, and one more thing: You better be careful. It's really gone right over the top, and the result may be a massive backlash by the 60 percent of women who are neither hard left or hard right politically.

 

[sweetness6280]

But you haven't answered the most basic question. If she were a man would you hold the same opinion? Do you worry that Obama would not be able to raise his two daughters and be President? And if being a woman does make a difference, I'd like to know why. I know men who are much better domestically than their wives. Is it a problem if these men stay home with the kids while their wives earn a living?

I have a lot of things against Sarah Palin and her politics, but I hope that we are not still stuck in an era where a woman has no place outside the kitchen.

If the situation were reversed, and Obama had 5 children, one of whom was a special needs child not yet 5 months old, and a 17 year old daughter 5 months pregnant about to get married... I would question his ability to act responsibly as President. I would question his commitment to his family at what would be a pivotal and crucial time. And I would not vote for him.

This is NOT a gender issue. It is an issue of responsibility and priorities. IMHO, family trumps career, irrespective of gender.

I repeat... we are not talking about just any old job. These 4 individuals (McCain, Obama, Biden, and Palin) are seeking the job as President/VP. Each one must be deemed qualified and responsible, with the proper judgment to assume the duties of President.

I am more bothered by the idea that we should not ask the tough questions because she is a woman. IMHO, she is tough enough and intelligent enough to take it.

 

[Guest]

It's an extraordinary question. If Palin was a Dem and a Repub or a conservative asked the question the howls of outrage from the media and the political establishment would be deafening. I daresay that you would all be among the howlers, Selena, Subsarah, Mab, Bel, etc.

I don't mean to pick on you, Selena - I suspect that you aren't explicitly aware of what you're doing here. It's happening everywhere in the media. It makes me think of the critical scene and line in the film A Time to Kill -"Now imagine she was white.".

THREADJACK:

I will keep this comment short and to the point. If you wish to comment, fight and squabble try and do it without pointing your finger and sticking out your tongue and saying so and so is going to pick on me all the time and their friends are bullies. If your opinion has merit and you can back it up with logic, proof and other sources that support your thought great but don't throw down an idea and then whine that others are going to pick it apart in an effort to white wash your lack of a coherent and decisive argument.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

So after all these years how do you rationalize asking the question just at this moment and in this instance? You trot out the all purpose Straw Christian Conservative: "(Of course I would never suggest such a thing, but) in the Republican world, where women are supposed to stay home with the babies and not have children out of wedlock . . ."

I don't mean to pick on you, Selena - I suspect that you aren't explicitly aware of what you're doing here. It's happening everywhere in the media. It makes me think of the critical scene and line in the film A Time to Kill -"Now imagine she was white."

It's a question that's being asked...and you're right, it's being asked in the media...a lot...I didn't invent it, I just brought it here for discussion...you can shoot the messenger if you want *shrug* but I think it's an interesting topic...

 

[sweetness6280]

I don't mean to pick on you, Selena - I suspect that you aren't explicitly aware of what you're doing here. It's happening everywhere in the media. It makes me think of the critical scene and line in the film A Time to Kill -"Now imagine she was white."

I think Selena is quite aware of what she is doing by opening a dialog on an issue that is pertinent and important. We may not all agree on the answer, hell, we may not be sure of our own answer to the question... but I'm glad she opened the discussion. Healthy and respectful debate is never harmful.

 

[redpaint]

Personaly I think people are makeing to much out of this. as for as not being there for her family the same thing can be said about anyman that has the same job. Does not the man have the same responsibility as a Father as a Woman has as a Mother?

If a child of a single Mother gets in trouble doesn't always come back on the father for Not Being There....

Maybe I am just a simple man, but I just don't see what the whole big deal is all about. I'm a more inrested in what she stands for and what she planes to do to help get this country back on its feet.

She will have time for her Family, she will go home most nights and be with them.