I think it is a good thing.  Our society punishes mothers constantly.  Stay at home get flack for not having outside jobs; mothers of several get flack for having embraced children; working mothers get flack for not being at home AND for being “less there” at work even if it is only a perception and not the reality.

All of that has in common a rejection of the value of mothers. 

She is going to be VP and she is a mother.  I want to see her assistants making a bold effort to clear a quiet place for breast feeding, and a well trained nanny for handling the children when she is on stage.  I want to see people accepting that she went home for dinner with the family—same as fathers who want time with their families do.

I want to see a LOT more talk about how we can HELP mothers with an improved attitude toward them and moral support. 

I think most of us do our best work as stay at home mothers, but sometimes we must take on other roles and it ought to be to our credit.

I think there is a lot of potential here.

I’ve always wanted to get into local politics but I don’t have the gumption for it with homeschooling and raising 6 kids.  I think maybe when my kids are older, then it will be my time for that.  I think that Alaskans in general are a tougher bunch and that she really did see things that she could change for the better.  For some reason, it sure looks like God gave her the gift to be able to make those changes and stick to her principles.  Being a mom only gives her more ability to do the job she is being called upon to do.  I really believe that she’s gone into this whole thing with the full support of her family (the most important thing) and with both eyes open as to what this all means for all of them.  I am a little envious of all of the opportunity for learning this gives her and her family!  I don’t think this will interfere at all with her ability to parent her children as well as she could if she continued being the governer of Alaska.  It actually might be easier (more money/support/protection/opportunity for early learning for her son with disabilities)!  As far as TIIME…well, I think that campaigning is a little rough but she doesn’t have that much more to do and I’ll bet her family will be with her or near for most of it.

It is great to have a forum to talk about this, because I have such conflicting feelings and opinions. It IS indeed wonderful to see a woman of talent, of integrity, of accomplishment, appearing on the national stage, to better life for all of us. This particular woman is impressive in her willingness to battle for ethics and for her ability to turn around very bad economic realities in her state.

I feel that I have no right to criticize her for this choice, because I want all women to make their own decisions, based on their relationship with God, their families, & their situation and resources. All of those variables are endlessly different for each woman.

That said, I feel really badly that she chose to do this at THIS juncture in her life. To me, a 4 month old special needs child needs his mother. Period. I’m not one who really believes that the hired help is the same as a Mother. Fathers can be wonderful, but I need to be shown that a particular Dad is up to a challenge of this magnitude. Is he really going to be there for this baby, as much as his mother would have been?

Well, we can look at Joe Biden and his 2 boys, who survived the death of their mother and baby sister. Biden resigned from his seat initially, but was persuaded to take the oath of office from his severely injured son’s bedside. Today, that son is speaking of his father’s extreme devotion; and the son is a married dad and is the Attorney General of Delaware.

It can be done. It is very difficult. Sarah Palin is obviously an extraordinarily capable woman.

It is possible that she could bring her family to Washington and, once there, I am sure she would have very beefed-up help for this child and all of her children.

It does bother me, however, to see her 2 teenaged daughters, during her acceptance speech, taking care of the new 4-month old baby. If women - not teen girls - are going to have babies, then we should care for them. To pass them off to older siblings is unfair. It’s a matter of degree or hours, I know. I also know that those 2 daughters were clapping for their mother, but they were not smiling at all.

Bottom line: an open mind is a good thing to have. 

I was very pleased, and yet concerned for her family, when Palin was announced as VP. However, because she has shown such integrity and sticking to her morals from PTA to Mayor to Governor to VP hopeful, I trust that she wouldn’t make this kind of move if it would be to the detriment of her family. We’ve never seen this kind of politician—a real down-to-earth woman, a mom!—and look how successful she’s been at the state level! She didn’t just “get by” as Governor while juggling her family; she made major changes and got a lot of good work done that most male workaholic politicians don’t.

This is the first time I have ever felt so excited about a candidate. I think it is because I can relate to her so much—-same values most importantly, but also she’s a mother, and the same age as me. I really want to see her win, not only because I don’t want the other candidate to win, but she is such a great role model of what women can do! If she wins, she will have the hardest job of anyone—I hope she has lots of help!
How fabulous to see her teen daughter taking care of their baby….that’s what my family has looked like too!

I am really torn!  I’d love to see a capable pro-life mama in the whitehouse, but I’m very unsure about two things.  One, as others have already pointed out, her sweet little 4 month old baby is going to need his mom!  At only 4 months, I’m not sure she and her husband can even fully comprehend what it will mean to care for this special-needs child.  The lifestyle demanded of politicians at that level is not too conducive to family life, not to mention caring for an infant.

Second, though I agree with her basic stance on many issues, I’m not sure that she’s any more qualified than I am to take over as president should John McCain be incapacitated in any way.

I’m anxious to hear everyone’s thoughts!

I have a teenage daughter, the sour look is normal and the result of being a teen who is suddenly in the lime light and might not be comfortable with it; AND the fact that many teen girls get testy for a couple of years and I suspect it passes as they move into adulthood.

I have NO qualms about Sarah Palin, mother of five, running for the vice presidency. That is between Sarah and her husband and God. If she can handle this (and it looks like she can), it will be good for all of us.
The role of mother has been diminished and made to look like a necessary evil…  I think Sarah Palin embraces her motherhood and that her example will bring us all a good deal of respect for life, love and family. Why wouldn’t we want a great example of a funcioning family at the forefront of our nation. She makes me hopeful!

Without bestowing sainthood on her and without ignoring the great sacrifice she is making and how that will affect her family in the future, I think it is great. She is the right person to take on this challenge for these times. Not presuming to know what God wants, I do know that God equips those who are called. Many people have been praying for this election and to know how to cast their vote. I believe she is answered prayer. She has everything it takes to touch some of those die-hard feminists and maybe even change their hearts about marriage, children, and yes, life! Whether she is elected or not, she has the potential for becoming the “poster woman” for women everywhere: those who struggle with taking care of everything they are responsible for and then some, working moms, stay at home moms, career women, pro-life women, strong, determined women, and just regular folks!
She is a wonderful role model for young women everywhere. Yes, there will be nay sayers, but they will always be among us. I say give her a chance. Pray for her and her family. She is like a breath of fresh air, an open window in the dankness and darkness of politics!

I was ecstatic when I first heard the news!  I had read about her several months ago when she had just given birth to her baby, despite doctors’ suggestions to abort.  For various reasons, I truly think this is a gift from God, but she and her family will need lots of prayers.  Of course, like most well-meaning mothers, and after the initial excitement of the announcement had worn off, I began to think, “Oh, my, can she handle all of what is to come, especially the rigorous campaigning ahead over the next several weeks?  How will she really care for that precious little 4-month old son of hers with all that lies ahead?”  But God quickly brought to mind several “motherly” saints who were asked to give a large part of their lives to helping others outside their family, like St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Gianna Molla.  He provides all that is necessary to do the unexpected and impossible.  Sarah and her family will need our intense prayers, however.  I truly believe this selection may be a part of God’s magnificent plan for our country.  Let us right away, and over the next several weeks, offer up many prayers for this special mom and her family.

I am proud to see a wonderful, young, obviously strong, mother and wife nominated to the vice-prsidency. She certainly have challenges ahead in caring for all of her children, but she will be well guarded and have tons of time to simply snuggle her beautiful baby when she is not speaking or debating.  I don’t think her campaigning will negatively impact her care of her child.  Her unquestioning decision to “proceed” with her pregnancy, despite a Downs Syndrome diagnosis, speaks volumes to the world about the sanctity of every human life. She obviously is a very talented woman that has been called to public service.  God Bless Sarah Palin and her beautiful family.

My teens have helped with my babies for far less noble reasons! (Actually I think they must be prepared for the reality of babies so long as it is not a full job.)
There were plenty of times I didn’t think I could or should do more than be home but sometimes God calls us out of ourselves, and our famlies make it possible. Hillary Clinton was criticized for not baking cookies (back when Bill ran) and yet her daughter loves her and appears well adjusted.
For me, we have to deal with the reality. Abortion is a war with catastrophic casualties. Until ProLife woman sacrifice to the point of being in charge of this country nothing will change. When WE do this and only then will our daugters have role models that help them move this nation back toward God.
I Vote for McCain-Palin. Period.

I have to comment again because of the “teen daughter’s sour look” issue.

I am the oldest of 6 and took care of all of my sibs at some point.  Especially the youngest two.  I used to carry them around at sporting events in high school and I loved it when people thought they were “mine”.  I would correct them, of course but I thought it made me look more mature!  “Having” to take care of them at night occasionally as an older teen sure kept me away from parties and other unseemly events.  I am so happy my mom “made” me watch them and be responsible for them at times (sometimes they were my excuse for not being pressured to sneak out to the parties).  It was gooooood practice and I was much prepared to be the mother of 6 (plus more someday?).  I wasn’t always as pleased as punch to have those responsibilities but my parents knew what they were doing when they gave them to me.
I also wonder if they would have liked/trusted someone outside the family holding their precious, baby brother.  I know my oldest three wouldn’t have tolerated that for one heartbeat.

“How should we feel about a mom running for vice presidency?”  No differently than how we might feel about a man running for presidency, I think.  I will vote for the candidate that will do what I think is right for motherhood.  For some proLifers, it may mean voting McCain Palin. The motherhood issue I key in on is the lack of job security for mothers who need to take leaves after birth, or when kids are sick.  This is addressed in the Family and Medical Leave Act. Obama intends to expand upon it, since right now all women don’t have access to job protection after birth. I haven’t seen McCain’s thoughts on it, but he may have plans as well? Regardless of who is elected, Americans should encourage the administration to expand on the coverage in this Act.  It is a motherhood issue that is being ignored and can be addressed by a man or woman, Democrat, Republican or Independent.

Congrats to Faith and Family Live.  This is the most respectful discussion I have seen on this issue anywhere so far.

What a worthy discussion.

Go, Sarah, go! We are jubilant. Her husband is a prince. I sent an email on the State website congratulating baby Trig’s birth in April, and Todd Palin wrote back to me, thanking for the nice words. They are r-e-a-l. Upon becoming governor of our state, she eliminated positions like personal chef, chaffeur, etc., citing extravagance that just didn’t fit in with her family.

My own starstruck-ness aside, she is made of steel. Watch now, her joyful submission to God’s will in her life has brought her thus far, His grace will prevail. She’ll run against Hillary Clinton in 2017 ~ those are the debates we want to see.

Please follow the link if it interests you:
http://www1.gov.state.ak.us/bio.html

How do we feel about a mother VP ? DELIGHTED !  I am a mother of five, one of whom with special needs, and an Alaskan ( yippee ! ) and am here to tell you that Sarah IS quite qualified because she has the right personality and drive.  It’s been pounded out on many a Catholic Mom blog to Do What Works Best For Your Family so let’s support her !  Now to add because I want to, there are not “very bad economic realities” in Alaska ( It’s better here than most other states ), and babies being “passed off to older siblings ” is a joke ( I have to go looking for my little one and take him from one of the older siblings ! ).  Bristol is a great teen and perhaps her lack of a smile was due to the 12,000 people !

If John McCain is elected, it would be interesting to see if the plight of families and their often heroic efforts to take care of them will be mentioned more often in the press. I wonder if the influence of a working wife and mother of several children might change some minds about family policies in the various companies in the U.S.  Feminists have been discussing such issues for a long time, but might this particular woman be successful in actually influencing policy that supports families in meeting their responsibilities to their families and allows them to put in a good day’s work at the office?

It seems to me that so much effort has been made to discount the value of marriage and intact families in raising the next generation that it’s about time that someone like Sarah Palin, her husband, and family have stepped into the limelight as an example of a family who works together to meet their obligations to one another and to their country.  Perhaps the efforts of real women who are meeting the demands of family and community will be publicized at a national level and will positively influence national policies affecting families.

So much policy is made based on generalizations about people, their families, and how they live their lives without much thought about how those policies impact those families and their communities. I’m not sure what John McCain’s motivations were to ask Sarah Palin to be his VP (more votes from women dissatisfied with Barack Obama as a candidate???), but he chose her: a young woman with a fairly large family who is competent and has obviously been able to confront the status quo in politics successfully and without watering down her ethical standards.

I don’t worry too much about Sarah Palin doing a good job as VP and being a good wife and mom at the same time.  A woman’s life is one of sacrifice, anticipating and meeting everyones’ needs, accomplishing great feats of diplomacy, and having the super human energy to accomplish the impossible. These expectations whether they are fair or not can build great character and strength….why not put it to use as the vice-president of a country?

I thank God for Sarah Palin’s role in public life, and the opportunity she has been given to witness to pro-life and pro-family culture on behalf of those of us who are less visible.

For many years I was in school, pursuing an academic career, while raising my young children and adding a new baby to our family at the rate of one about every two years.  As our family grew, I was always grateful for the opportunity to surprise people with the fact that I was mom to a large brood.  It was a huge eye-opener for a lot of radical feminists, rabid atheists, and ivory tower elitists who liked and respected me before they knew I had a big family, or that I was pro-life, or Roman Catholic, to see that we are as normal, intelligent, and sometimes a great deal tougher than than they are.  I eventually came to a point where the needs of two of my kids had to come before my fellowship and grad school, but my kids actually felt a significant loss when I had to set aside that part of my life - our lives, really - that had made up part of their identity.  We were - and to some degree still are - an academic family.  The Palins are a political family, and I thank God that there is at least one family like that out there representing people like us.

Elizabeth Foss is absolutely right - look at the diversity in the lives of the saints.  As Catholics with a marital and parental vocation, most of us are called to live out our faith in a somewhat public context.  Palin’s witness of NOT sacrificing her baby, or her family, for the sake of worldly success is exactly what America needs to see.  She isn’t putting her kids in daycare.  She takes her baby with her to public speaking engagements and nurses him on the job!  This is the ultimate glass ceiling - sure, women can achieve anything - as long as they ditch the kids.  Sarah Palin stands against that prevailing notion.  If her husband weren’t able to make it possible, she probably wouldn’t do it.  Family, not government, is the true and rightful source of individual opportunity.

And, as most of us with large families know, not much of anything would be possible without A LOT of help from the older kids.  And that’s the way it should be.  The most valuable thing I ever did before becoming a mother was being the big sister in a large family.  There is nothing unfair about giving teens an opportunity to love and serve the little ones.  I actually cried when I saw that beautiful girl holding her baby brother.  What a perfect sign of contradiction to our society’s concept of the narcissistic teen.

There is a time for many of us, as Elizabeth Foss has also noted, to be “little and hidden.”  But, for some, there may be a call to witness on a grand scale, and it may not be easy, but it is also service.  None of us can see into her life and judge the degree of involvement she has with her children, but her remarkably counter-cultural choices should alert us that we should charitably give her the benefit of the doubt.  If any of us had the chance to positively affect a presidential election where Supreme Court appointments were at stake, at a time when Roe v. Wade could realistically be overturned, it seems to me that we would have a duty to do the hard thing.  Her kids will not be ruined over this, but rather, they may learn the importance of stepping up to bat when called upon and living their values even under difficult circumstances. 

Sorry so long.  You can tell I feel strongly about this.  A vote for McCain-Palin is a vote for life, family, and authentic femininity.

“How do I feel about a mother of young children running for VP?”

Absolutely disgusted.  My special needs baby is the same age as Sarah Palin’s and I held him all afternoon through a fit of colic while I watched the events of Palin become a running mate.

Sarah Palin’s husband may be a champ and happy to feed pumped breast milk (or pay for a sitter to do so) but he will never substitute for a mom.  Conservative / pro-life / blah blah blah;  there just are not enough hours in the day to be a VP and a mother (especially to 5 children).

Mrs. Palin is just further sending the message to mothers that our role is insignificant.  No thanks, Mrs. Conservative, I get that message enough from the liberal set.  I would hope better from you.

I was just about to vote for McCain until I heard this.  Now I’m completely confused and wishing I was Canadian.

With all due respect to Elizabeth Foss, there’s a MASSIVE difference between having a lacemaking business or being a doctor and being the Vice President of the United States!  Yes, moms are amazing and can do anything, but should Sarah really be stepping up to the VP plate with a five-month-old? 

And it’s not like this is a job that she already knows like the back of her hand ... there will be a lot to learn and a lot at stake for the country (and for her own family) while she does.  I have to say that it does make me question her judgment somewhat.

First of all, I was preparing myself mentally to sit the election out because I figured that McCain would select Gov. Romney or Sen. Lieberman.  I believe that Sen. McCain hit this one out of the park.  Above all, it was a very strong signal that the base is pro-life and that, for the first time in a presidential race, this voting block is being given the credence we are due.  I don’t believe that Gov. Palin would have been chosen if she were not so strongly pro-life.  She is a gift from God to all of us.  All this being said, many of my friends have already expressed reservations because of the demands of her role as mother of a large family. However, she is not signing on to a life long career.  At the most, this job will take eight years of her life, and there will be plenty of down time, too, as well as the all-nighters.  She will be able to live where she works, and there will be plenty of highly qualified help, and probably private tutors if she wants to go this route.  And what an experience for her children!  I’m quite sure that she will find a way to incorporate them into her life in Washington in many unique and creative ways.  Both she and her husband are young enough so that they will have the stamina they will surely need.  Indeed, they seem to be in top physical condition.  Women today who are in the military, or who serve as medical professionals, or who are in international business have schedules that are far more demanding and which require longer periods of separation and even the danger of being killed.  I am convinced that this tough cookie of a woman can handle this job.  I am so excited and energized.  Instead of sitting this one out, I’m planning on writing a hefty check!  I hope many others follow suit…

Whether or not we would choose the same path is really irrelevant. 

Lest we forget, we live in difficult times in a country that is steeped in a culture of death.
For the moment all eyes are on this woman—- a mother of five who is unequivocally pro-life.  That’s a very good thing!

How many queens of ages past have governed well while still mothering well?  Countless I would imagine.  And with Sarah Palin we’re not talking about a lifetime but really just a term or two (God willing!)

This woman has the potential to effect real change even if only through her public example and the awareness that her story will bring.

The real question we need to be asking her is how can we help?  What can we do to tangibly help Sarah Palin be both a good mother and a good VP? 

We need to pray.  Pray for her, her family and our country.  I really mean that.  Let’s ask God to send this woman the help she needs to fulfill this role.  If God has truly called her to it He will provide but as her brothers and sisters in Christ we need to do what we can to support her in it.

Most especially let’s not forget to ask Mary, our very own Queen and Mother to intercede with us in this very important time in our nation’s history.

I want to encourage all of us and our children to PRAY every day for all our elected officials as well as for those running for office.  They all need the graces necessary to know the will of God and the strength and courage to do the will of God!!!  If we do this, we can trust that the good Lord will bless ALL of them!!  Remember, “for those who love God, all things work together for good.”

I’m thrilled with this nomination.  I’m sure it will be a tough time for her family, but I firmly believe that she’s been given a task that will bless us all, if she’s allowed to carry it out.  Sometimes God calls us to stay home and take care of our sweet babies, and sometimes he calls us to take on the establishment for the good of millions of other babies.  We should pray for her protection and for her family’s well being.  Blessings on her.

I’m not surprised that as usual, I agree with Elizabeth Foss.  Sarah Palin is an excellent choice for VP.

Don’t we think that how she handles her personal affairs and family life is a decision for HER to make with her husband and our Lord?  With my own nine kids, home schooling, and circumstances in life, I can’t run a business, work on committees or be out much pursuing other interests.  But I have plenty of “sisters in the faith” who do all that with a pile of kids - like Danielle Bean and Eliz Foss, and many “real life” friends.

Our own limitations and choices should never decide how much or little another man or woman should choose.  I am so thrilled that John McCain chose a cultural conservative, and a woman to boot!  We may get some of the Hillary voters yet…...

When’s the last time you heard a politician talk about nitty gritty women’s issues - like pumping breast milk? A lactating VP? I love it!

I worked full-time from home for 1-1/2 yrs. when my first was little. Eventually I quit, and at this point, I can’t imagine how I ever did it! But, I find life is like that - the more you have to do, the more you get done. Somehow.

If she has the support of a husband full-time, older siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, as she says, and paid help, she should be able to handle it.

I don’t want to underestimate the importance of the position, but I imagine there is some down time and travel time that she can be with her children.

Ultimately, if she and her husband feel this is where God has called them, God bless them! They can be assured of my prayers.

Have we forgotten about baby-wearing?  She seems to be pretty handy with a sling.  Why are we assuming “Dad” would take over with the special needs child anyway?  Let her wear him all over the world!  What a witness to peace and families and joy and acceptance he would make! If world leaders can negotiate issues of war and peace, they can handle a little spit-up.

We had a female Governor here in Massachusetts several years back.  I did not agree at all with her choices.  She used her office staff to “babysit” and was chastised for it. With Sarah Palin, however, I find I am happy to see her on the ticket.  She seems to be balancing things well, she is tough as nails, and she puts her money where her mouth is.  I believe she balances out the Republican ticket, as well.  It was a breath of fresh air to have a politician talk about her husband’s job on the oil rig.  The Palin’s seem like real people.  I think that the next few years will be difficult on her family if John McCain is elected.  Maybe instead of criticizing her for her choies, though, we should be applauding her courage.  It takes courage to fight the status quo, and it appears that she has been fighting it for a while.  No matter who is elected, they need our prayers.

I agree with Elizabeth Foss. Frankly, when I was learning about St. Gianna’s life, I wondered how she could be a working doctor with the vocation to motherhood. But she was canonized a saint. I have also wondered how some married men become priests with the duty to support a family. But the Pope consents to these extraordinary vocations. I don’t know how Sarah Palin can do what she has done or what she is commencing. But I don’t see it as a coincidence that her 5th child and the aborted baby that Jill Stanek testified about in Barack Obama’s committee both had Down Syndrome. Her example is the antithesis to Obama’s “burden[ing] the original decision of the mother.”

I don’t know why God chooses some people to do extraordinary things, but He does. And He equips those people in ways that we who are not called to those positions cannot know. At least not in this life.

Sarah Palin sounds like a great woman.  It isn’t our place to judge whether or not a wife/mom should be VP or not.  I am sure she and her family prayerfully decided that God was calling them to this.  So, whether or not we could picture ourselves in her shoes (mother of baby), we are not there, she is, and our supporting her or voting for her supports her decision.

If instead of being chosen as VP she had spontaneously conceived triplets what would we say to her?  Something along the lines of “oh, I know this will be hard but if God brings you to it He will bring you through it!”.  If she had been conflicted with a disease, or her husband died, or any number of hardships befell her it would be *obvious* that God was calling her to more work and hardship than any of us would choose for ourselves, and we would pat her on the back and wish her well.

This country needs a culture change. They need a GOP that will break the mold of stuffy blue-suits enforcing patriarchal standards.  This country needs to see a respectable high-powered WOMAN stand up for the culture of life.  Why not assume that that person is Sarah Palin?  God has called people to stranger and harder things!

Also, I think it is clear from pictures and interviews that she is at least a lot more attachment oriented with her children than the average American woman.  She breastfeeds.  She carries her babies.  She slings!  A woman who makes those choices isn’t going to hand her baby to a nanny and never see it again. 

Dare I say it, but I think she could be the one to be a public example of authentic femininity.  She loves her family more than anything, she is clearly in love with her husband.  I am just enthralled with her!

I am thrilled for the country.  I struggle with feeling a little worried for her kids too.  My family will committ to praying for them.  I am grateful that there are those families that will make difficult choices like this for the betterment of our country.  In addition to the examples already mentioned, I was thinking of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who, as a widow, opened up a school for girls while caring for her own kids.  I have always wondered how she did it, but there are some who are given extraordinary graces from God to do extraordinary things.  Let’s be their prayer support!

I am thrilled by McCain’s choice. I too cannot imagine mothering my children with that kind of schedule, but my vocation is to be at home.
I agree with whoever said that maybe her children will sacrifice a little time with their mother to save millions of babies that would have been aborted. How many women saw the news and were pregnant with a Down’s Syndrome baby? At least a few, I’m sure. If even one decided not to abort, her time in the limelight is worth it. 90% of Down’s babies are aborted. If they were here, imagine the funding possibilities for research, the public awareness of the value of life, however it is formed. We have a real chance to reverse Roe vs. Wade if McCain is elected. We need to pray hard for this to happen. It may be our last chance for awhile.
We need to encourage others to vote for McCain/Palin, to vote for life!
I think that McCain may have won his election by picking her.

Comment #12 reminded me that the president of National Right to Life, Dr. Wanda Franz, taught at a university and was the president of NRL while she had very young children.  She also was strongly criticized from time to time for working while her children were young, but she felt God had called her to an important task.  Maybe there is a parallel.  If you can protect the unborn and/or provide great leadership to your country and family at the same time, then yes, you should.  (did anyone else think of today’s Gospel?  If God gave you these talents, you need to at least consider whether he wants you to use them this way at this time.)  Ms. Palin thinks this is how God wants her to act. I am sure I can’t judge better than she.

Some people are gifted to be able to accomplish many things without being stressed. It’s certainly not something that just ANY mom of 5 could do but as Sarah Palin has proven, she’s above average on her multi-tasking skills.

Besides, the hardest part will be the campaigning. Afterwards, it will be similar to what she’s already been doing.

To answer your question “Should a Mom be running for Vice President”, my answer
has to be “No”. I think Sarah Palin is a great role model, and I
applaud her for her strong pro-life beliefs. But, to move her entire
family from a place they have lived their entire life to Washington
DC, would not only be a culture shock, but would only pull her away
more from her family then she already is in her career as Governor. My
other concerns is that if something were to happen to John McCain, he
is 72 years old, and a cancer survivor, then she would be President! I
truly respect her, but she has no experience to be commander and chief
of our country.

What a Godly appointment!  For anyone in doubt please read Proverbs 31 v 10-31

Michelle Quigley-thanks for saying what I wanted to say.  It’s true that these days women are judged by other women for doing too much outside the home, too little outside the home, too much time with their kids, too little time with their kids.  When will we get it that God calls each of us to live out our vocation in different ways?  I’m thrilled for the world to see an authentically feminine woman!!  You go Sarah Palin!  We’ll be praying for you and your family!!  Thank you and your family for the sacrifices you are willing to make!!!

I am so excited about this! From my understanding of her so far, she seems to be a strong Christian woman who is Spirit led. I can see God’s handy work all over this. Yes it will be tough…but all things are possible with God. She seems to have an incredibly supportive husband and family…God bless each and everyone of them. I too will be keeping them in my prayers.

I’ve read some of the comments and skimmed the others. I am amazed at how quickly some are to judge her and say she’s isn’t a good enough mother. Aren’t we better then that? Shouldn’t we step up and support her?

Here is a woman, who is a mother, a devoted one at that (she takes Trig to work with her quite often and did so with Piper as well). She is pro-life and has proved it. She will understand that concerns mother’s have. She is someone we can relate to…someone who we should be proud to support.

But yet we tear her down because she has a family and a small infant. This conversation wouldn’t even be happening if it was the dad running for vice president. I think it’s shameful that we aren’t all cheering and supporting her.

I have also heard some people say they won’t vote at all. To me that is a huge mistake. If we don’t turn out to vote we are going to easily give this election to Obama.

Regardless, if we think a mother of 5 should be viice president do we really want to not vote for McCain/Palin and give the election to Obama?

A man who believes babies are punishment, that abortion -even partial birth abortions are okay? Who has said that his first bill to sign with be the Freedom of Choice, which will nullify any laws restricting abortion.

I urge everyone to go out and vote…don’t with hold your vote just because you don’t agree with a mother being vice president.

I think it was an exceptionally shrewd choice.  I think he may lose some far-right religious votes over it, for some of the reasons I’ve seen voiced here - that a woman with children should be at home raising them. 

Taking away the “motherhood” issues, however, I have to say that I’m a little disappointed in many of the attitudes I’ve seen that are very dismissive of fatherhood (in many different forums).  If her husband is able to be the primary care-giver to their children, then who are we to say that it won’t work simply because he’s the father, not the mother?  I think Palin as VP is an opportunity for American society to not only see that women are able to handle higher office positions, but that men are able to handle a job as important as parenting.  For too many years parenting has been seen as “women’s work,” when really it’s “parents’ work.”

Sarah Palin has been a member of one of my favorite pro-life organizations, FFL (http://www.feministsforlife.org) for at least two years, and I feel fantastic about having someone in office who is able to put family and women’s issues on the table without taking away the right to life.

Sarah, I give you a lot of credit for what you wrote and what I am thinking.  I cannot conceive the thought of anyone taking on such a difficult role with a 4 month old baby.  I stayed home for 20 years raising my babies.  I truly believe that is where I belonged.  I think a mother belongs with here babies at that age.  I’m sorry if other’s don’t agree.  Our society has become a society of “working outside the home Mom’s”.  As a teacher I am seeing the results of this. It is not a good thing.

Listen to the words of John Paul II the Great: (from the Letter to Women, written in June 1995)

“Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life—social, economic, cultural, artistic AND POLITICAL (emphasis mine). In this way you make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of “mystery,” to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity. . . . Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world’s understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.”

“Women’s dignity has often been unacknowledged and their prerogatives misrepresented; they have often been relegated to the margins of society and even reduced to servitude. This has prevented women from truly being themselves and it has resulted in a spiritual impoverishment of humanity.”

“Women will increasingly play a part in the solution of the serious problems of the future: leisure time, the quality of life, migration, social services, euthanasia, drugs, health care, the ecology, etc. In all these areas a greater presence of women in society will prove most valuable, for it will help to manifest the contradictions present when society is organized solely according to the criteria of efficiency and productivity, and it will force systems to be redesigned in a way which favors the processes of humanization which mark the “civilization of love.”

“It is thus my hope, dear sisters, that you will reflect carefully on what it means to speak of the “genius of women,” not only in order to be able to see in this phrase a specific part of God’s plan which needs to be accepted and appreciated, but also in order to let this genius be more fully expressed in the life of society as a whole, as well as the life of the Church.”

Read the whole thing here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_29061995_women_en.html

What more can be said?

I think that it is great that she is running.  Would I personally make that choice? No, but that’s me.  As much as I personally believe that children do benefit from mom at home, I still don’t think that it is a good solution for everyone.  Some mothers cannot be home for a multitude of reasons, not all of which are financial. 

Motherhood in a very public venue could be a wonderful witness.  Stay at home motherhood can be somewhat isolating.  It may be difficult for some women to see the beauties of having a child.  Therefore I am excited to see the possibilities that this nomination might present to those who otherwise might not even think of a mother of five kids “normal”.

I am so excited about the McCain/Palin ticket that I may put a sign on my front lawn.  I don’t have a calling for public life, but for those mothers who do - God bless you!  She is a smart and capable woman, and I’m sure she will manage and her baby will be fine.

I LOVE the idea of baby wearing and being VP! I am a breastfeeding and working mom of 4. I can get more done with a baby in the sling and my other three coloring/playing than most of my “single” friends period. With her husband, family support and a good nanny, I think she will be FANTASTIC! I am really happy with McCain’s pick!

As a christian I can’t understand why she’s running, she’s against abortion but she don’t seem to want to put the time she needs into her own infant, There’s no love like a mother’s love, but yet she’d put the baby’s care in the hands of someone else. I think Jesus would want her taking care of her baby instead of running for VP. But it seems fame means more to her, why else would she be running, McCain did have better choices, and I can’t vote for her, I’m going to vote against McCain so she can spend the time she needs with her baby.

As some have said, there have been plenty in the Catholic monarchy who did things that would make some in this crowd accuse me of lying.  Ever hear of a “wet nurse”?  They used them, throughout human history.  They had servants. They had governesses/tutors in the home for the very young and then they sent their sons away while still children to be educated at monasteries, and later, universities, often not seeing them for years at a time. They did not follow what some consider to be the “model Catholic family” guide.  And that’s not even what we’re talking about here, as Sarah has already proven.  There are MANY different paths to raising a family; just look at Catholic history.

But another thought:  If we do not go out in droves to vote McCain/Palin, it will be a big, clear signal to politicians:  See?  We got burned; we thought it would be a big invitation to the pro-life right of the country but…they didn’t go for it.  She was too conservative.  We’ve got to go more left next time. 

That’s the way these things work.  Even if you aren’t 100% sure (and really, you never will be…) we need to make it clear that we want: more of this type, please.

how should we feel about a mom running for the vice presidency?
I feel the same way as I do about a dad running for public office: it’s a vocation to which on eis called, similar in many ways to the call of parenthood. There are many ways to love, nurture, and parent a child beyond the idealized mother-only stereotype. One has only to look around at all the exemplary results of this broad approach to nurtuting. In th end, I am less concerned about Palin’s family circumstances than I am her ability to lead. That she is a woman is neither sufficient nor necessary to win my vote; she must prove she is capable of being president.

Do you ever feel like sometimes God talks to you through the events of the world?  Well, I’m returning to work this week after giving birth to my fifth child 3 months ago and my husband will be staying home with the 3 youngest of our children for 3 months. 

We both work at times and we both actively parent our children.  While it’s sometimes hard to strike a balance it’s been very healthy for our marriage and our children to see both of their parents actively involved in providing for our family—financially, emotionally, etc.  I do think each family has to evaluate the realities of life and make the best choice for their family.  We are not all the same.

I’ve never been so excited about a political candidate!  I hope God does great things with Sarah Palin and I’m thankful for her willingness to serve.

I love the idea of a dedicated mother of 5 helping to run our country.  But a politician who is pro-LIFE but is pro-death penalty worries me.

I am utterly thrilled at McCain’s choice of Governor Palin.  I have not been so inspired in a very long time.  While I always believed Senator McCain to be a good man, I was uneasy about his candidacy for many reasons.  With the choice of Palin, he has my vote.

As a mother, I am inspired.  I pray that McCain is elected, and the mother/Vice-President Sarah Palin is in my face for four or more years challenging my “woe is me,” home school mother of five pity party.

As a pro-life woman with two sisters (one living/one deceased) with down syndrome, I feel this can only be the amazing plan of God.  I hope that Americans get to see a lot of baby Trig.

I could not be more excited to see such a dynamic leader.  I am energized and very hopeful for my country, and I am looking forward to some change.

I am certain that God put her in this position at this time and will give her all the graces she and her family need to do whatever her mission on this earth is.  I think we should all pray for her and family to have the strength and unity to be good examples for the US at this trying time.

When we read the news on the internet, my husband and I were shocked.  Of course, we hadn’t seen this coming.  Was she on anyone’s radar?  The other front-runners that were being touted were much more politically pro-abortion, like Tom Ridge.  My husband was actually still holding out for Condi Rice, but admitted Palin was the best second choice.  And he was more pro-Hilary, actually, than McCain a few months ago.
Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t all be unsung heroes.  Someone like Palin needs to be in the spotlight, in the public eye, to show what a pro-life family is like.  One Culture of Death argument for aborting special needs babies is that it is a death sentence for the parents.  Their lives will be changed, and never in a positive way, they want us to believe.  Sarah Palin is proving to the world that Downs Syndrome, while it will change a family, does not condemn the family.  We need Sarah Palin out there so the rest of us can continue, quietly, and not be second-guessed by family, neighbors, doctors—whomever.  If she feels up for the job, and after five children she probably has a much better handle on how this all balances in her life, then Thank God for Sarah Palin.
St. Gianna, be her guide as she navigates this treacherous next step.  I’m sure being governor of Alaska is nothing compared to national campaign.

I am conficted on this matter. While I know that many women raise a family while excelling in a career I can’t help but think of the scripture that is often stated in regards to one reason why priests don’t marry.

“It is good for a man not to marry…An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs —how he can please the Lord.  But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—  and his interests are divided.”

With a small infant, and other children, how can her interests not be divided. Who or what will suffer, her children, the country, neither, both?

Her husband is obviously a caring involved father, but the roles of mothers and fathers are not interchangable. A mother’s calling is very special and God created and equipped us to meet the needs of our children and family in a way different than he did men.

Many things to ponder and pray about.

As a working mother of 6 children (and have breastfed them all for at least 12 months - not all stay-at-home moms can say that) I think it is great that she is doing this.  We can’t see into her private life or know her prayer life.  I know she has taken her babies on the job, in the office and to public appearances.  She even wore her infant on the job at a bill signing.

I’m very excited about this choice.  As I was reading the comments about working women I started thinking about the women and families living at the start of this country.  These mothers had large families, worked in the house and in the fields.  These women did all the work on the farms when their husbands were away fighting or hunting.  I’m sure the older children took care of the younger ones.  Isn’t this what we are called to do - to take care of others?

Sarah Palin is showing her family and now the world that a woman doesn’t have to give up her motherhood (love, nurture, teach) to in order to help others.  And what a wonderful example for all that large families don’t keep you from attaining your goals or dreams.  Most women who work outside the home will use that excuse to keep from having more than the accepted average of 1.5 kids per family.  I applaud her!

I think it will be a great testament for the pro-life and disabled people of this country and world.  How many down syndrome children will be saved by her example?  I believe that the world will begin to see the dignity of every human, from inside the womb to the disabled to the old and sick, if she does indeed become our VP.

God does have a plan and I believe this is part of His plan to bring this country back to the moral law.

If people can slam a mother of five, one of whom is young with special needs, why not a father of five in the same situation- or any father? Father’s are just as important as mothers, although their roles are slightly different. If there was a father of five with small children, one with special needs, would people comment neg. on HIM running or would they praise him for being a devoted father- even though we all know poltics can take him away for long periods?

If she can handle it- and we have to have faith and trust that she can- rock on. I’d rather see Sarah Palin hanging around the Oval Office with McCain than Obama and Biden ANY DAY. I think Palin is a much more positive influence on Washington than Obama will be- even with her small child with special needs, needs she will have to juggle with the needs of this county.

Besides, who is better at juggling two needy beings (her kids and this country, in her case) than a mom?!

Sarah Palin has never been VP so she is making the decision with her eyes as wide as they can be, without knowing quite what to expect.  In my opinion, the “test” that will no doubt come, between choosing between her role as mother and that of public leader has not yet come.  Will she step aside from her VP duties if and when she needs to?  I am sure that she and her husband have promised to themselves and their children that they will, and so I hope that they recognize that occasion when it arises.  Feeling “needed” is a terrible trap for all parents; when you can’t say no to work because it just seems too important. 

I am surprised that no one has mentioned Michelle Obama in this discussion.  She has worked very hard throughout the campaign to make sure her children have as steady and secure and routined a life as possible.  I read somewhere that she makes sure the girls go to bed on time every night and excuses herself from functions that she would be expected to attend so that SHE will be there for the children, and not a nanny.  This is admirable.

I think whichever of these two families ends up in Washington, they will have many challenges ahead of them in navigating social duty, parental duty, and how and where those two conflict with each other.
 
Few of us have to fret and wonder about how much, how little our children should be on stage, on TV, in front of cameras, and thank God for that!  I don’t wish that lifestyle on anyone, but I know that good can come from it, and will, for the parents and the children who act in humility and true service for the betterment of all of us in this country.  That is why they are doing what they are doing: for our sake.

I am a stay at home wife and mom. I LOVE SARAH PALIN!!! I cried through her whole speech when McCain introduced her, while breastfeeding my youngest, and I think she is exactly what our nation needs right now. Yes, she is a wife and mother….but sometimes God surprises us by who He chooses. Palin’s pro life stance is proved not just in what she says, but by what she DOES, and I feel she is a tremendous witness!!

Isn’t God amazing? He sets up leaders and deposes them.  I believe that God has called Sarah Palin to be a truly feminine role-model and leader for our country at this time when it is so needed.  I too cried through her whole speech when McCain introduced her.  I have no doubt that she will speak the truth and that truth is ALWAYS victorious, even when it does not seem so.  Not only does she speak the truth, she lives the truth.  She is living the gospel.  God calls each of us into different vocations.  I believe that with God’s grace on her and her family, her vocation as mother has qualified her to be a leader of our country at this time.  I am so inspired by these events, and I pray that she and her family continue to discern God’s will in their life, and that their courage will continue to inspire us all.

Why has womb or color disqualified a woman from a higher office. I too cried at her her new calling and will pray for her, her family, and for our corrupt nation.

God bless Sarah Palin, her understanding husband and her beautiful children!!!!

There has been many comments about Sarah’s husband being the primary care taker, etc.  It is my understanding that they have a nanny.  Thoughts on that?

She seems like the perfect choice to be John McCain’s running mate, but the idea of her having such a young special needs child to care for does trouble me.  But then again I wonder, would it be an issue we would be talking about at all if it had been her husband who had been chosen instead of her?

I am very impressed by Gov. Palin. I think she has incredible qualities all rolled up into one. Many of us including myself could not attain this position but God made us for many different roles and positions. I often look around wishing I could have this gift and that gift but then we would all be the same and there would be no achievements. I watched Gov. Palin closely during her speech. She is an incredible speaker and has many accomplishments but you can see her family is near and dear to her. She took a moment during all the clapping to listen to her 2nd to youngest child ask a question and she responded without hesitation or pushing her away. I remember John Edwards almost looking as if his children were a ploy. We need to support her in this new role and pray for her in her efforts to give her family what they need. I feel blessed to have a pro-life, mother of 5, (embracing a baby with Downs Syndrome) running for VP and look forward to watching her succeed in November and beyond.

McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin really put the wind back in the sails of his campaign. I have told my family for weeks that I was waiting to see who he would pick, if it was someone I could live with I would go down to Republican Party Headquarters and see what I can do to help with this campaign. I will do that tomorrow.
Let us pray for Gov. Palin, that our Lord continue to give her the grace to be the wife, mother, leader that she has been called to be. Of course we must pray for their entire family and all those who will assisting in all their needs as well.
May God be glorified through the life of this woman who so often tries to do the right thing-so rare in politics today.
She will have many challeges ahead in trying to balance motherhood and this campaign and hopefully office of VP.
God doesn’t necessarily call the qualified but He qualifies the called.

I just read in our local paper that a short bio on Sarah Palin was published in April of this year.  The author, Kaylene Johnson, said that she spoke with and emailed Palin while writing the bio.  After it was published, Johnson called Palin to get her response.  Palin told her she hadn’t read it - she felt it would be too strange to read about herself.  I find that extremely refreshing and reassuring. Sarah Palin is not all about herself - she has a strength and a confidence that will be a blessing to us all.  By the way, her parents and husband both told Johnson that the book portrayed Sarah accurately.  For anyone who is interested, the title of the book is,“Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska’s Political Establishment Upside Down,” published by Epicenter Press, Inc.  Better hurry, they are going fast!!!

Wow!  What a wonderful choice.  Any one who has been president of a PTA, city council member, mayor of a small town and now governor of the State of Alaska certainly has the executive skills to be vice president of the U.S.A.  If she has been able to balance family and political life, she should be congratulated.  Unfortunately, she only has a short window of opportunity to persuade the American people that a woman is capable of the number two position in government.  Because she has balanced her administration with members of both parties, I think as a mother and leader she would do likewise in a vice presidency situation. 
God is His Goodness can take the ordinary and make it extra ordinary.  What a role model for women!

It seems that Sarah Palin is a lovely, energetic young woman and a shot in the arm in many ways for women everywhere.  I’m all for women running for office but I do have a lot of “but’s”.
We can all find lots of helpers to care for our kids but they will miss out, in many ways, on the most important person in their young lives.  The job of VP entails a lot of traveling, being away from home, and being on the job 24/7.  Is she willing to give up her life for a job?  What about her husband?  Will he be happy relocating to DC…..hard to imagine after Alaska.  I’m sure it is a difficult choice.  Then there is the important question of qualification and experience.  Being mayor of a very small town - population 9,000 is not really a difficult job.  Being governor of a large state with a small population, while harder to accomplish, does not give her any expertise at all with foreign policies.
For me, altho I love politics, my family is far more important.

I worry about her children.  Given the recent announcement about her teenage daughter’s pregnancy by Palin herself, I wonder whether or not she really IS capable of juggling public office with her family life.  Evidence suggests not.

Embracing another child as a gift from God…not considering the child punishment as Obama said would be the case if one of his daughter’s faced the same type of situation.  God bless you Todd and Sarah Palin and your family.  We will especially keep your daughter, her unborn child, and the child’s father in our prayers.  God is teaching us and our country a lot through the life of this family.

Interestingly Obama has young children also—-but one one is worried about his children.  Todd Palin is taking a leave of absence from work—-he seems more than capable of doing a great job with the kids.
With regard to poster #72, her daughter is choosing life—-enough said.

To “anonymous” in #72, as Sheila pointed out, her daughter is choosing life.  Palin has said that her daughter will have to learn to grow up faster and that she will have the support of her family.  I have taught MANY young pregnant high-school girls and I can tell you that their moms came from many lines of work, including “homemaker.”  It’s not necessarily true that her daughter got pregnant because Mom wasn’t around enough.  WE cannot make that assumption.
We can, however, keep the young woman, her boyfriend, and their unborn child in our prayers.
And we must not judge.  We don’t know what is in their hearts.  It’s better to support than to judge.

Just to comment on the recent news of Gov. Palin’s daughter.  Not only does the entire state of Alaska now know that her daughter is pregnant, but the whole world does too.  That is a lot on a 17 year old pregnant girl.  Sarah had to know this was going to come out when she excepted the appointment last week.  I too question the family values here.  I do agree, all involved need prayers.

I’ve been reading a few different blog runs and almost chimed in on the new school year…we brought our son, our first, to college last week. A mother’s story lies therein!

The comment (#72) about Sarah Palin’s daughter struck me though, so here goes. It seems that sometimes “good Catholic or Christian families” forget the virtue of humility. It’s trite but “There but for the grace of God go I.”  Whether a mother works in or out of the home, we are all trying to instill in our children a sense of morality and character, the Palin family included. The other half of the equation is that we are putting it all into another unique human being. What that child does with this knowledge is not for us to control at all times. The point being that even a child raised in a Catholic and or Christian home can make a bad choice. Because this happened to the Palin family doesn’t mean Sarah Palin can’t control her family.  It means that our children are capable of being good people who mess up….and I say that with no intent on condoning sinful actions, obviously.  Our humilty should rise to the surface with the knowledge that one of our own children, born and bred on the truths of the Catholic faith could find themselves, and thus we as parents, in a similar situation. Pray for the Palin family as they weather this storm; and the media surly will turn it into one of annoying proportion.

Truely we will now see who the tolerant people are. 
The best of parents have children that make choices that they regret—to assume that the parents are not good parents is a tremendously unfair assumption. 
This is the sort of thinking that keeps really good people out of politics!

As a 50+ y/o homeschooling mom, I am thrilled to see Sarah Palin as V.P. on the Rebublican ticket. I actually had to dig out my McCain bumper sticker so I can put it on my car after the announcement.( I wasn’t sure I could vote this year.) We have been treated like non -citizens because we choose motherhood as our first career. I think God has called her to this position. Finally a woman who is representative of all of us who don’t reflect Hollywood and Washington women. I think we are in the majority. We have just been ignored. I think she can do so much as V.P. for her family and our families. Maybe she can be an example to show women that having a baby with Downs Syndrom is not a death sentence for the women or her family. It shows that strong women don’t have to sacrafice their children to gain respect and make a major contribution to our nation!
I have never been one to campaign for a women running for office, but this will be a first for me! I am so sick of having my children exposed to horrible things on billboards, tv, in schools because we have no rights to a civil and moral society!!! Perhaps, she will bring common sence to the crazy arguments that give vice more freedom than virtue in our country.Consider the alternative.And, wasn’t it something that the Gospel this Sunday was one in which Peter thought he knew God’s plan for Jesus? I think only Sarah Palin and God know the path He has for her. We would do well to keep her and her family in our prayers!

To those of you who are questioning Mrs. Palin’s ability to be a good mother (either here or quietly to yourself), do you have older teen kids?  Tell me how you get to control their will; I’d love to know. 

Teens, yes, even very good, devout Catholic teens, make mistakes and sometimes big ones.  They get drunk.  They cheat on tests.  And, yes, they even have sex.  And sex = life, no matter what the libs are crying now (“If Sarah were a good mother, she would’ve taught her daughter about contraception and abortion!”)  Is that what you want? 

The Catholic response is: what to do NOW, in response to the consequence of sin? That 17 yr old girl is doing the right thing. 

Anyone who dares say that a teen pregnancy is always the fault of the teen’s mother really needs a mirror (for when it’s your turn…might not be a teen pregnancy, but it’ll be something; Jesus guarantees it.)

Thank God that Bristol and her parents have a relationship that allowed her to be able to come to them with the news of her pregnancy. It’s times like these in a family when the foundation of high expectations must be laid on the bedrock of unconditional love. Everyone of us have failed to meet the expectations of those we love at many times in our lives. The feeling of being loved in spite of the disappointment and often anger allows us to face the challenges that we often bring upon ourselves. Our failings may not be so public or in this specific area but they are most definitely there…so let’s not cast stones, just offer prayers for fortitude and wisdom for the family.
I originally posted this thought on another blog but felt it was appropriate here too, especially considering some of the comments I’ve seen.

I am SO excited to see Sara Palin running as the VP candidate.  I have lived in Anchorage, AK for the last 4 1/2 years and have followed her work and story.  She is not your typical run-of-the mill politician but that is what makes her so intriguing.  She can relate on a much more personal level to most Americans!  She is a mother of five children and IS doing it all! I am active duty military and a mother of three small children under the age of five.  I work long hours and have many commitments at work that require a significant amount of my time and energy.  With that being said - I have never once neglected my children nor do I feel they are being “raised” by someone else.  I think that woman can create a balance - with the proper amount of time management.  With faith and family leading a woman’s life - if she is able to juggle a career also - more power and graces to her.  The Lord has a hand in the Palin’s life and I believe that she is receiving the right amount of support to run her family and bring her leadership and values into the spotlight.  Something that Americans need to be witnesses of now more than ever!  This election is crucial to both the Republican party and our nation.  John McCain and his advisers researched and thought through all the angles before they chose her.  I truly believe she will continue to bring the conservative values to the table and strengthen the Republican party’s stances that I am proud to associate myself with.

The way I see it, Sarah Palin has just become the mother of ten. In addition to her five biological children, she now has “adopted” several more who need her attention to varying degrees, including the Republican party, her “handlers/coachers”, the Democratic party, the American public and the media.

Oooo…the media might be equivalent to twins. Or even triplets.

Well, anyway, if a mom of ten or twelve can give all her kids the attention she needs, I think it’s acceptable to believe that a mother of five can be on the campaign trail with four of her kids in tow—the oldest preparing to ship to Iraq.

With regards to Bristol Palin—I used to teach junior high and high school, and I saw many, many teens from the “very good, very Christian” families conceive children before they were 18. It’s not the ideal, to be sure, but even the stay-at-home moms who worked hard to instill Christian values into their kids were sometimes disappointed in the results. What happens next is most revealing—the families who rally around their kids and help them become parents are a true testament to Christian values, as opposed to the ones who sought secret abortions, sent their girls off to live in other cities so “nobody would know” (ha!) or kicked their sons/daughters out and let them fend for themselves.

My kids are still little, but I know very well that I can’t choose FOR them when it comes to premarital sex. They have to choose for themselves. I hope by the time they are faced with that choice (which comes earlier and earlier, I’m afraid), they will have enough reasons to choose correctly. I have three…I know the odds are against me and that at least two of them will likely have sex before they are 18 and all three of them will probably have sex before marriage, but I’m doing my best.

Also, has every critic forgotten that 5 months old are relatively easy to care for? That little boy probably just wants to be held by his mama, sung to, nursed, played with, cuddled, diapered, etc., most of which can happen on those long bus journeys between whistle stops, and the big sisters are there, too, getting mama time.

Meanwhile, the Obama girls are home with Grandmother, while their parents are NOT around to help with homework, talk to about friend issues, teach them how to do chores, etc.

If we complain about the Palin kids losing out on time with their mother while they are on the road with her AND their dad, we sure as heck ought to be complaining about the Obama kids, who don’t have either parent home much.

Anything that we say here is speculation and only speculation.  We take our life and experiences and try to judge another’s based on them, but they may not be accurate judgments.  We have to admit to ourselves that what we believe is heavily influenced by what we want to believe.

The fact is that McCain/Palin combined have a pro-life record.  Obama/Biden do not.  If we want to save babies we have to take what we are given here and that is McCain/Palin. 

We don’t always understand things, but God wants us to do what is right and the one thing we KNOW is right is that babies shouldn’t be killed in the womb.  Don’t cloud the facts with speculation and worry about a family you don’t even know.  If you do that and refuse to vote against Obama, then Roe V. Wade will continue to stand.

I disagree.  For me it is God’s Word which tells women to be Keepers at Home, this may mean having a cottage industry or helping a husband with his work within the house doing accounting or something else but their main concern is to be for their children.  I am glad she is pro-life but I am one who am not voting for McCain or Obama I am leaning towards the Constitution Party for my choice and if not I am writing in Huckabee (who should have been McCain’s pick anyway)

I personally think Sarah Palin is cracked for trying to do so many things at once. We have a similar situation here where I live where a young mum is running for local government with two very little boys and her army husband over in Afghanistan as a military engineer. However in this case if she gets in then the husband will have to quit his job to mind the kids as there is no family help. With little kids one parent has to take primary responsibility for them and some men are not that driven to succeed whereas their wives are.

Sarah Palin has to be admired as at least she kept the Downs son many others would have aborted him. As for her 17 year old daughter being pregnant, many so called respectable families have irregularities but being out of public life can keep them hushed up. I wondered more about a 17 year old getting married because she is pregnant and I did wonder how long such a union can last. However maybe I will be proved wrong. What happened to adoption being a solution to out of wedlock pregnancies being a win win both for the baby scoring two parents and the girl being able to go on without having to care for a an infant alone.

I am just glad of once you seem to have a better option than McCain alone who due to his age did not look a good prospect compared with Obama. I was turned off Obama as he seem very eager to get rid of all those kids who are an inconvenience due to their accidental conception and saying that the US was not a Christian nation made me wonder what planet he occupied. Half the babies I have known seem to just happen along. With Sarah Plain as his running mate, McCain looks like he may give Obama run for his money at least.

Today as I listened to the “Troopergate” newsflash, I found one more reason to go out and buy another GOP bumper sticker. Anyone who has ever endured watching a sibling caught in the snare of domestic violence understands just how much restraint Governor Palin must have shown toward her former BIL. (For those who are interested, I posted about it today at Mommy Monsters: http://mommymonsters.blogspot.com.)

Mrs. Palin has demonstrated herself to be a woman of principle, even when it costs her dearly. Let this couple work out their domestic situation as they see fit—Lord knows, we need her in Washington!

I am very disturbed by the recent turn of events.  Not that Palin’s daughter got pregnant - everyone makes mistakes.  But that her mother would sacrifice her in this way.  She must have known that the media scrutiny would be intense, and that it would come out.  But she wanted to run for office.  It’s very sad.

In my experience as an adolescent and now as a teacher of adolescents, the young men and women from “good Christian families” who had pregnancies out of wedlock were the ones who made the difficult decision to continue the pregnancy and either give the child up for adoption or raise the child themselves.  In a few cases, the teenage parents decided to marry and parent their child.  Those marriages aren’t necessarily doomed to failure—some of my high school classmates celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversaries this year with their ten-year-old children.  People who think that parents of teenagers are somehow at fault for their children’s actions—well, they don’t know much about teenagers.  No parent of a teenager can or should control his or her child’s whereabouts and actions every hour of every day.  By the time a child is in his or her late teens, good parents give the child his or her freedom and trust that he or she will be able to make good decisions; they also love their children enough to support them if and when they make mistakes.

As to the question about can she be a good VP while carrying for her children: the only constitutional duties of a VP are presiding over the senate (which means she gets to call a break whenever she wants) and becoming President if necessary.

Traditionally VPs also go to foreign funerals.  Some presidents have given VPs additonal jobs - others have ignored their VPs for months at a time.

She’s going to have people to drive, clean, and cook for her. I think her job will be much less physically demanding than what many of our neighbors (and some of the readers) do.  I also think it’s her decision to make in consultation with her family.

If she becomes President it will be incrediblely stressful for her and her family. But it would be incredibly stressful for someone single too.

As for her daughter’s pregnancy - if they had stayed in Alaska, everyone there would have known about her daughter’s pregnancy - I’m not sure having the whole world know is any more embarassing than merely the whole state - either way it’s everyone you met and lots you never will. I give the family a lot of credit for not covering the matter up with an abortion - it may have been a harder decision than carrying her own son to term.

To me, the issue is not about Sarah Palin’s daughter getting pregnant (plenty of teens do, after all, even from religious families).  I wish the best to her and the young father.

To me, the issue is that Palin would accept the nomination knowing that—as mentioned above—it would expose her daughter to international (not just national!) scrutiny at a time when the girl is probably feeling vulnerable and in need of support.  It’s hard enough being a pregnant seventeen year old; how many of them also have to deal with the fact that their story is being discussed endlessly in blogs, on TV, and anywhere that anyone can look?  And now her mom is going to be on this grueling campaign trail for months, and if she wins the election, the family will be relocating to the other side of the country and leaving behind all of the supports of home and friends and what’s familiar .  Maybe Bristol and her family will stay in Alaska, but even so, how would it feel to be a young mom and have your own mom so far away? 

I was worried before about Palin’s judgment in accepting the job, given her baby son and his needs.  Now, it looks like her daughter needs her as much—if not more.  Palin is young and has plenty of time to run for national office.  The fact that she would take the nomination now makes me really wonder about where her priorities are.  I’d never do anything that would throw my daughter to the media lions—and, if it were my husband who were invited to run for office in these circumstances, he wouldn’t either. 

I have to say, I’m seriously questioning her values.

It seems to me that the question with Sarah Palin should not be “Should a mother of 5 children with some special needs be a V.P.?”, but, “Is Sarah Palin qualified for the position of V.P. of the United States?”  I am inclined to think that if the Governor of Alaska was male and his only other experience with politics was mayor of a small town and PTA, he would not have received a second glance from John McCain’s campaign managers.  And for this reason, it seems that Sarah Palin is a purely political move for the republican pary - and she is achieving exactly what they were hoping for - overwhelming support from women voters and picking up some of Hilary’s supporters.  Of course I would like to see a woman in office - it would be fantastic.  I just want to make sure it is the right woman.  Is S.P. the right woman to take over the office of President, if need be?  Does she have the experience to be Commander and Chief, let alone enough experience to be V.P.  I just don’t want to be a pawn in a political game because I’m a woman and I’d like to see a woman in office.

It seems to me the question for US is NOT should a mother of five, needy or not, run for office! The question for us should be about her qualifications for the office, her pro-life stance as a politician being on top, but also her other conservative credentials. The question of whether or not she should be at home with them is HER question. The needs of her family are HER responsibility and not one of us can walk in her shoes or her husband’s. Do I think most women should be home with their children if possible…YES. Do I think every woman who chooses a career by default is neglecting her children? NO!! We forget that modern life offers us an opportunity to be present to our children at home in a way that previous generations were incapable of.
Lets stop being snarky and judgemental about how much time we THINK Sarah Palin is spending with her children and support her for her pro-life, conservative views which will be good for this country when she is elected.
Given his views on infanticide alone, an Obama presidency would be an abomination!!!

Seems to me that those who pass judgment on Gov. Palin haven’t thought much about all the single moms who HAVE to work, and who don’t have the support systems in place that a sitting governor or VP would.  Do we just dismiss all these hard-working moms as harming their children?  Seems to me Gov. Palin might, just might, be in a position to advocate for some of these moms, the ones who chose to have their babies anyway and who’ve chosen to do their best for their children when life situations go bad.

I am very sad that Gov. Palin’s daughter has found herself in this predicament, regardless of circumstances.  I would venture a guess that the Palin family made the decision to commit to the Governor’s VP candidacy together, knowing that media intrusion would be extreme.  It’s their decision, and they made it.  Let’s honor it.

Finally, now we’ll see just how far the media REALLY will go to get a story.  Rather than castigizating Gov. Palin for her political decisions, let’s use this announcement as a means of determining just how crazed our media has become.  Think about it.  Watch Wolf Blitzer’s interview with Bill Bennett (hat tip: Creative Minority Report) to see how, IMHO, things will go.  Then decide about media coverage, and how you’ll let it affect your voting choices.

Growing up I knew a number of girls who got pregnant.  I don’t recall any but one having parents who were not doing their best to instill good morality into their children.  Not all those girls had chosen to have sex, at least one was foolish at a party and let the crowd talk her into drinking, and another was forced.  I also knew that a couple snuck off to a town were the pregnancy could be “taken care of”  but the one I most admired was the girl who was in college and she chose to work with a lawyer who specialized in adoption and was able to meet the parents.  She faced ridicule on campus for being pro-life, but those parents considered her a gift from God because they so badly wanted to be parents.

Palin’s daughter is pro life and should be applauded for that no matter how anyone feels about her choice to have sex.

Politically, every bit of dirt comes out.  It will always happen and no matter who is running, they will either cover up and fess up.  I admire the Palin family for being willing to do their best to help S. Palin to serve our country.

This is a live family.  Dynamic and normal.

We NEED a decently pro-life ticket.  S. Palin gives us that pro life ticket and being a major party ticket, that pro life ticket has a strong shot at the white house.

She managed to do some good for Alaska.  Perhaps she can do some good for values for the rest of our country.

Has anyone recently re-read the encyclicals by John Paul II on the dignity of women?  He was not against women in work situations, even mothers, because of the examples of the Saints and the graces they received in order to do what God called them to do.

Our US Bishops conference put out a wonderful piece on the collaboration of men and women.

Maybe most of us are called to be mothers at home.  I know that my children were very much unhappy when I dropped out of college and spent more time at home.  They now, as young adults, tell me that they got more quality time when I was a student.  I’m not sure why, but apparently I was happier while studying and thus more fun as a mom.  I also think it was because their father made a bigger effort to be home with them more in order to avoid day care costs, so they were getting more of his focused attention too.

I had a friend who insisted she got more time to talk one on one with her mother AFTER her mom went back to work.  Some women apparently do everything better when they have the outside challenge of work or school.

There is no reason to think that S. Palin is not such a person.

I think Elizabeth Foss hit the nail on the head. It really depends on the person. I can’t imagine doing everything Sarah Palin does. I know if I tried, I’d be a terrible mother. But it looks like she can handle it just fine. Some people are just high-energy and super-organized like that. Not me.

Actually, for that matter, I can’t imagine being a homeschooling mother of nine, like Elizabeth Foss. Or homeschooling, period.

I think some women are happier if they work outside the home. I know that’s definitely not the case for me, though. For me, a job is just one more thing I have to do. It just adds more stress to my life. I’ve worked full-time since my daughter was born 4 years ago, not because I felt “called” but because we couldn’t pay the mortgage otherwise. I’m expecting baby #2 in January, and while we can’t afford to have me quit altogether, I’m going to cut back to 20 hours a week, which will be great. I think I’m a better, more patient, and less stressed-out mother the less I work. I know not everyone is like that, though, and I certainly wouldn’t say that every working mother is sinning.

When a mom works outside the home, she is giving her time attention to those other than her husband,home, and children.  SOmewhere, somehow, the family will suffer.  I am disturbed at the degree to which conservatives have compromised their values on the value of a stay at home mom.  When we say that a mom can “do at all”, we are really saying that moms who don’t work aren’t doing as much.  This attitude is pervasive even in the Catholic media, who always seem to be profiling Catholic moms who “do something” ( pro-life work, evangelizing,etc) instead of moms who “just” take care of their children.

Ellen:
“When a mom works outside the home, she is giving her time attention to those other than her husband,home, and children.”

Perhaps you should pray to St. Gianna Molla, who not only worked, as a professional physician, outside her home, but did so while pregnant with her fourth child?

Do not judge others; we are not all called to follow the exact same path, the exact same way, thank God for that.

As a Catholic and an Alaskan, I am more than excited about the choice of Sarah for VP.  I think the debate over stay at home moms and working moms is an important one to have in our society.  I think by supporting Palin, you will find that you are supporting the Hockey Mom, the PTA mom.  And this is what moves me so much- that the woman who will possibly be in one of the most influential and in the limelight positions in our country is a true woman- not feminism gone wrong in its attempt to be a man.  But, a feminism that embraces femininity- being open to life and committed to marriage and family- in addition to all the unique qualities of womanhood.  Our country, our western society, needs Sarah Palin.  We need the example of a woman being a true woman as God designed.  Young women and girls in our country need to see someone who is well adjusted and intelligent who has given birth to 5 children and is still married to her first husband.  The family is under mighty attack in this country and it’s instability is the source of most (if not all) of the problems in our society.  It is undeniably both a sacrifice and a reward for her family to be thrown into this place - but, it is a worthwhile one- and one that will come with the needed graces.  We should thank the Lord that such a positive example of faith and family has risen to such a place of notoriety in our country and should daily pray for her and her family.

“America First” or “Family First”  Which will it be?

Governor Palin may be able to take her baby to work with her and nurse during a meeting as Governor of Alaska - a state with a population of 626,000 people. It is a different story being the VP of the United States. No CEO in any corporation would do such a thing. I think a woman with children is certainly capable of being the VP or president of the US, but I do question the judgment and “family first” priority of a new mother with a newborn having special needs.

When it comes down to it, where will her allegiance be? With the MILLIONS of people relying upon her to lead the country, or with her children, whether they be pregnant, sick or whatever the issue? Will she be in the Middle East brokering a peace deal and suddenly have to fly home to attend to the health care needs of her infant son? She would be a cruel, heartless mother if she did no less, but she will be an ineffective, laughable joke of a world leader if she places her family priorities ahead of her country.

Jack…Where will Barack Obama’s or Joe Biden’s or John McCain’s allegiance be????  Will they be cruel, heartless fathers or ineffective, laughable jokes of world leaders if they have a child need them and they attend to that need?

Jack: You copied and pasted the same tiresome comment on “Extraordinary Moms.” Since Maureen addressed your comments very well here, I’m going to delete them on my site!

I would never suggest that the roles of mothers and fathers are interchangeable—children need both. The gifts and strengths of men and women are complementary, whether at home or in the world.

Overall, I think Sarah Palin is a wonderful choice in running mate.  The question of whether or not “a mother of five, including a special-needs infant” should work is irrelevant.  Sometimes, women (including mothers) need to work.  The decision to work while raising a family is never easy, but it is HER decision, along with the family.  Think about all the other professional women out there who also raise families: doctors and other healthcare providers, lawyers, couselors, etc.  Most women PREFER to have a female doctor, or counselor, or whatever.  And having women in these roles helps to service the greater good and to also be an important witness in authentic femininity.  Do children need their mother?  Yes.  They also need their father and siblings and other family members too.  If Gov. Palin becomes VP, perhaps this will be a blessing to her family (think of the nearly limitless opportunities for care her youngest may not otherwise have access to).  Just as important, think of what a beautiful witness she and her family will be to the rest of the world.  Clearly pro-life, clearly concerned about those with disabilities, clearly promoting the familiy unit.  In my opinion, the whole world can learn a great deal from this family.  Besides, it’s about time that the Executive Branch of American government had a mom involved: already an expert at multi-tasking (carpools and doctors appointments), crisis management (the teenage years), finding a peaceful resolution to iminent war (fighting siblings), pollution containment (spit-up and diapers), balancing a budget (groceris and gas cost how much?), international negotiations (bargaining for curfews), etc…  Heck, if a mother of 5 isn’t qualified for this job, I don’t know who is!

One other point… Many point out that being governor of Alaska “isn’t that hard” compared to running other states.  While it is true that Alaska is one of the least populated states, I submit that it is also by far the largest state (about half the geographic size of the lower 48) AND it borders 2 countries with international waters on 3 sides.  What is lacks in population it more than compensates for in international and geographic exposure.

There it is!  “When we say that a mom can ‘do at all’, we are really saying that moms who don’t work aren’t doing as much.”  I think this is the basis for all of the SAHM Moms’ opinion on our potential new VP.  As moms, we are all self-conscious of our decisions to either work or stay home.  This is not about you or me.  It’s about a woman who has made a decision for what is right for her family.  Isn’t that we we really want?  If so, why is it so hard to accept Mrs. Palin as our nominee for VP?  Why?  Because we are insecure with our own decisions, no matter how well they are working for us, because we are always hearing how someone is “doing it better.”  However, in reality, they are not doing it better, just differently.

I am shocked that the selection of Sarah Palin is being hailed as an example of “family values.” Are we talking mere ideology here? What we value becomes our priority. To return to work just three days after giving birth to a premature infant with Down’s interrupts the bonding process when it is most critical. To leave teenage children unsupervised invites trouble. Sarah Palin has abandoned her children when they need her the most in pursuit of this VP nomination. Her baby needs her; her pregnant daughter needs her; her younger daughters need her. Her priorities are wrong here. How can you say that she really values her family?

I too have felt very concerned about Sarah Palin’s ability to raise a young family and run our country at the same time. Then I step back and think about it….how often does an opportunity like this arise in a person’s life? Everything that she stands for, believes in, prays her children will come to embrace is now on center stage for the whole world to see. She has the chance to share this set of values with all the children of the world, not only her 5. She has the once in a lifetime opportunity to tell children around the world they are beautiful no matter what their ability, that they are worthy no matter their life story. When looked at from that perspective, I too would choose to accept the nomination. I am sure she is torn too about making good choices for the sake of her family. I’m sure she sat up all night talking with her husband about what this meant for their family. No wife or mother that I know jumps ahead without careful scutiny of where exactly they will be landing. What Sarah Palin means for our country is that the feminism fought for so many years ago by the suffragists is finally being realized. She embodies what is means to be a woman in power. She can choose to be both a mother and in a place of societal influence. She is a prime example of the kind of country I want to live in. A place where women can be supported in their decisions, not scrutinized and ridiculed.

I wish all concerned well. I will keep them in prayer.

I think she will do a good job as vice-president, but you are right, this is not the time for her. Her priority should be her family, how will she tend to them properly when she has a nation to run.

Those who write comparing the job of VP to a corporate job don’t know the reality of day to day operations in Washington. As President of the Senate, the Vice President has two primary duties: to cast a vote in the event of a Senate deadlock (while acting as President of the Senate) and to preside over and certify the official vote count of the U.S. Electoral College. In 2006, the Senate convened only about 133 times (no corporate job is like that!) (check out http://www.gpoaccess.gov/calendars/dailysenate/2007/sc04ja.html)

I 100% agree with the comments made by Leah.  For me personally, I finally see in this race a candidate (regardless of gender) who represents me and my family.  Someone who I would like sitting at the table discussing policy and issues so that my family and values will be represented.  Through some tough financial times early in my marriage, I somehow emerged as the primary breadwinner in my family.  It is a mixed blessing.  My work is interesting and challenging, yet allows me to balance my home life, but it is still a burden to feel conflicted about my role as wife and mother vs. the role I have in the workplace.  The key to what has worked for my family is the support of my husband and extended family.  I feel strongly that it isn’t for anyone to judge whether Sarah Palin has her family’s best interests at heart.  If anything, she will probably have more resources at her fingertips as VP to provide for her family than most of us can even imagine.  As long as those children have a strong father and family support, all of us will benefit from her role in politics, including her children and grandchildren and generations to come.  How great to have a mother’s point of view at the table, especially one that I feel (from what I know so far) really has it right!!  Although I would describe myself as a conservative, there are many issues that I think the conservative right has wrong, especially in the social justice areas of Catholic teaching.  It will be exciting to see what the McCain/Palin ticket offers.  I hope that they can provide an administration that will finally match the values that I hold dear.  This is my 6th presidential election that I can vote in and by far it is shaping up to be the first one where I can really feel passionate about the choice I have to make here as I head to the voting booth!!

In reading some of the comments, I think it is important to point out that there is nothing in the Catholic faith that prohibits mothers from working—-in fact, many Saints were working mothers—-St. Gianna Molla (1922-1962) was a doctor and mother of 4 small children when she died.
It is the parents job to decide what is appropriate for their families, not the media’s job to tell us that she needs to be home.

I’m a little confused by the comments about Palin leaving her baby. I’m not sure what she did on day 4, but given the pictures of Palin wearing her baby in a sling while on the job, my guess is that she didn’t just leave the four day old in daycare while she happily trotted off to her regular 8 hour work day.

I agree with post #106.  This nomination does not reflect family values.  And, I am disturbed by the continuing use of Bristol in media sources - particularly by the photo op today showing the Palin family greeting McCain, with Bristol and Levi hand in hand.  They deserve privacy and support right now, NOT to be used as a prop for their mother’s campaign.  These are not MY family values, not by a long shot. 

I also read today that her husband has accepted a full-time job.  Honestly, WITH full support it would be very hard to manage.  And while some men are okay with being stay at home dads, most are not.  Who will take care of her children? 

Additionally, I am very disturbed by the potential ethics violations.  I’ll wait to see what is concluded, but the potential abuse of power is something that seems very scary to me, and that is definitely something I am keeping an eye on.

I am very sad.  The more this race progresses, the more I think we have here another example of empty words, promises, and naked ambition overshadowing what is right.

I find it sad that Palin is hailed as a pro-life candidate when she supports capital punishment and is a member of the NRA.  I wonder about the judgment of a mother who would cast her 17 year old daughter in the spotlight at a time in her life she is so vulnerable.  Palin does not represent my values.

I believe a lot of our problems today is not staying home and careing for our own children. When my daughter had her first baby she worked for a short time and she and her husband decided they wanted their seven children to learn their vaules from them and not at a day care. Six of these children have all gone to college as will the list child. I stayed home and raised my five children which were the best years of my life.  As i am 75 years old I know times have changed but the Bible never will change.

Holy cow, Mrs. Foss!  We have come to an identical conclusion independent of one another ~ and I feel honored to be in your company, as you stated my opinion (as you always do!) better than I could have, myself.  Above all things, charity.  God doesn’t lead us ALL down the same path, men or women. I pray for the Palin family as they are, and will continue to be, “chewed up and spit out” by both the liberal and ultra conservative among us. Along with my prayers, they have my admiration for their courage in agreeing to take this difficult road, and their graceful handling of the slurs being thrown out in front of them so far.

Re: #116 Delores “As i am 75 years old I know times have changed but the Bible never will change.”

Amen. And this is why I will not vote for McCain/Palin (or any other ticket with a female candidate).

Many commenters above united the roles of governmental leadership and spiritual leadership in their responses and endorsements.

Yet - God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers, or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership – in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3-5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This logically would include women serving as spiritual leaders. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with how God has gifted them.

References: 1 Timothy 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 11:5; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Titus 2:3-5.

I feel compelled to offer a few observations:
1. The “Obamessiah” camp has gotten a lot of mockery (for good reason), so while I am enthusiastic about Palin, I hesitate to place too much faith in a VP choice as an automatic fixing of what ails America.  I mean, I think Obama would pretty well ruin the country, but I doubt that McCain/Palin can “doublehandedly” save it.
2. Going along with that, there are some “non-negotiables” with political candidates which Catholic Answers lays out well in their voter’s guide, as does Priests for Life in theirs.  I am happy if I can vote for a candidate who will support any restrictions possible on abortion, who will support good Supreme Court nominees, and who will put the kibosh on same-sex “marriage” and funding for abortion and embryonic stem-cell research.  Beyond that, I would be astounded and overjoyed to agree with that candidate on the death penalty, immigration, health care, and any other issue you care to name.  But this is both politics and real life and the only person with whom I am likely to agree on all issues is myself and I’m not running.  So I take the top priorities and hope against hope on the rest.  That’s all we can do.  If we wait for the “perfect” candidate, well, the court of the only perfect Ruler is described in the book of Revelation.
3. Also going along with that, of course choosing her is a political decision, full of photo ops, not a perfectly and Catholic-ly weighed moral decision.  This is politics.  She wasn’t chosen because now he’ll get all the pro-life votes he would have gotten anyway assuming he had chosen any decently pro-life running mate; she was chosen to pull in the Hillary-ites, the working moms, the folks who like the “change” message, etc. 
4. Palin’s not perfect, but no one is.  To refuse to support a candidate based on a differing prudential decision rather than on moral non-negotiables when those non-negotiables are a major factor in the race is naive and ignores the danger we face with the next round of Supreme Court nominees.

McCain and Palin have my vote for sure!  I believe this is the right choice for the hour.

I have been watching Sarah Palin very closely and with a lot of interest.  Something everyone should keep in mind is that she never makes a career decision without consulting her entire family and if even one of the children is not onboard she does not go through with it.  I also liked that the first question she asked was exactly what does the VP do and what kind of hours is she expected to keep.  This was obviously done so that she could make an informed decision about whether or not she felt that she could perform her duties as a mother.

As governor she had a bassinet in her office and kept baby Trig with her everyday.  I am sure that she will make similar accomodations as VP.  If you listened to her speech last night she talked of all the spending she cut from her office by firing the cook, the driver, etc.  She did whatever she could to be as normal as possible and to give her children as normal a life as possible.

If anyone is capable of balancing family and career it is Sarah Palin and we should be thrilled to have a pro-life, pro-family, pro-God, candidate.

Ms. Unpopular Gal -
Your point would be good were it not so ... misinformed. What about Miriam, who served as a prophetess? Or Deborah, one of Israel’s Judges? or Esther, whose boldness saved Israel? or Bathsheba, whom Solomon set up as the queen of Israel? or the myriad of women in the New Testament who exercise leadership and influence - Phoebe, Priscilla, the Marys, especially Our Lord’s Mother, Lydia…???

So - unfortunately your point gets utterly lost for being poorly founded.

Sorry.

Re: Laura #121

Poorly founded? A few facts for your consideration.

None of the women you mention (from the Bible) were in positions of spiritual leadership, In relation to Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Phoebe, etc. - women who held positions of leadership in the Bible.

Your objection fails to note some significant factors. In relation to Deborah, she was the only female judge amongst 13 male judges. Ever.

In relation to Huldah, she was the only female prophet amongst dozens of male prophets mentioned in the Bible. Ever.

Miriam’s only connection to leadership was due to her being the sister of Moses and Aaron.

The two most prominent women in the times of the Kings were Athaliah and Jezebel - hardly examples of godly female leadership.

In the Book of Acts, chapter 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, likely indicating that she was more “prominent” in ministry than her husband. However, Priscilla is nowhere described as participating in a ministry activity that is in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11-14. Priscilla and Aquila brought Apollos into their home and they both discipled him, explaining the Word of God to him more accurately (Acts 18:26).

In Romans 16:1, even if Phoebe is considered a “deaconess” instead of a “servant” - that does not indicate that Phoebe was a teacher in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). Elders / bishops / deacons are described as “husband of one wife,” “a man whose children believe,” and “men worthy of respect.” In addition, in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9, masculine pronouns are used exclusively to refer to elders / bishops / deacons.

Esther was not in a position of spiritual leadership. She was in a position of influence, which many women are and continue to be to this day. She was filled with God’s grace and used her gift of influence as God directed.

Bathsheba - also not in a position of spiritual leadership. David seduced Bathsheba. Let’s not forget she was a married woman when David decided he wanted her. She committed adultry.

The king, while walking on the roof of his house, saw Bathsheba, who was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, taking a bath. He immediately desired her. David then committed adultery with her and she conceived.

In an effort to cover up his sin, David summoned Uriah from the army (with whom he was on campaign) in the hopes that Uriah would sleep with Bathsheba, and thus the child could be passed off as his. However, Uriah was unwilling to violate the ancient kingdom rule applying to warriors in active service (see Robertson Smith, “Religion of the Semites,” pp. 455, 488). Rather than go home to his own bed, he preferred to remain with the palace troops.

After repeated efforts to get Uriah to lie with Bathsheba, the king gave the order to his general, Joab, that Uriah should be abandoned during a heated battle, and left to the hands of the enemy. Ironically, David had Uriah himself unknowingly carry the message that ordered his death. After Uriah was gone, David made the now widowed Bathsheba his wife.

According to the account in Samuel, David’s action was displeasing to the Lord, who accordingly sent Nathan the prophet to reprove the king.

After relating the parable of the rich man who took away the one little ewe lamb of his poor neighbor (II Samuel 12:1-6), and exciting the king’s anger against the unrighteous act, the prophet applied the case directly to David’s action with regard to Bathsheba.

The king at once confessed his sin and expressed sincere repentance. Bathsheba’s child by David was smitten with a severe illness and died at a few days old, which the king accepted as his punishment.

However, Nathan also noted that David’s house would be cursed with turmoil because of this murder. This came to pass years later when one of David’s much-loved sons, Absalom, led an insurrection that plunged the kingdom into civil war. Moreover, to manifest his claim to be the new King, Absalom had sex in public with ten of his father’s concubines - which could be considered a direct, tenfold Divine retribution for David’s taking away the woman of another man.

In David’s old age Bathsheba secures the succession of her son Solomon instead of David’s eldest surviving son, Adonijah. (I Kings 1:11-31). Her position as “Queen of Israel” is twofold - one, as an honorific bestowment from her son, and two, prophecy for the birth of Jesus.

As the Mother of our Lord, Mary is without a doubt an excellent example of what women should aspire to become. However - she is an example for WOMEN, not for men. She provided guidance and instruction to her Son - who while God, was also man and at one time, a boy. She did not exercise spiritual or physical leadership, nor did Mary step outside the hierarchy Jesus put into place for his Church.

Thanks for your response. However, you are mistaken on several points, I believe.

First of all, Bathsheba WAS set up by her SON, Solomon, with throne and all the rights and privileges of being queen - see I Kings 2:19. It wasn’t a matter of being convenient - it’s a ceremonial “setting on his throne.”

Also, Mary IS an example for men, who as the children of God by adoption must assume the feminine role of “Bride of Christ.”

Ms Unpopular Gal,

Let me get this right, are you saying that Sarah Palin is a spiritual leader?  Because the last I knew, the USA is a republic, not a religious dictatorship like Iran.  There are many example of holy women throughout history who were also queens and political leaders.  Queen Margaret of Scotland and Queen Elizabeth of Hungary come to my mind. 

Vote for Obama, vote for death.  Vote for McCain/Palin, vote your life.

I have no problem questioning Palin’s being a VP while having young children AS LONG AS all other full-time working mothers are questioned.

Just to clarify-in response to the suggestion above that Governor Palin gives all of her children a vote before making career decisions, this may have been true in the past, but was not with regard to her decision to accept the VP nomination. When it came to her decision to take on this huge responsibility, she first accepted, and then informed- not asked- her children about it. Her children were flown to Ohio for her acceptance speech believing that they were going to a celebration of their parents’ wedding anniversary, because of the politics of keeping the announcement a surprise. None of them, therefore- including her deeply vulnerable pregnant 17 year old- were given the chance to “veto” this frenzy that was about to overtake their lives.

Post 126, where did you get this information about how and when the Palin children were informed about their mother’s nomination to be McCain’s Vice President?

I am writing this as I watch my first grandchild sleep.  She is 17 days old. 

I have 3 daughters and now 1 granddaughter and I am thrilled with Governor Palin as choice for VP.  I have been both a working mom and a work at home mom.  I don’t know how she does it either, but I am thrilled she can.

As far as Bristol’s pregnancy, but for the grace of God go any of us… it has nothing to do with her mother working.  I worked outside the home for 18 years and none of my daughters ended up pregnant (well until married anyway). 

My SIL was a stay at home mom and her oldest daughter not only got pregnant, but ended up with 2 children she did not raise herself. 

C’mon Christian women, quit being so judgmental.  Just because you could not or would not choose Governor Palin’s life, it does not mean she is wrong in choosing to conduct her life the way she chooses.

And for the record, I was raised in a very religious strict home and was pregnant when I got married.  My husband and I are celebrating 30 years September 8th.  DH turns 50 tomorrow, I was 50 last December.  My daughters are fully aware of the above fact.

My youngest daughter is the mother of my granddaughter, and she turned 21 on August 24th.  Her husband is a United States Marine also 21 years old.  They have been married 2 years.  We are a committed Catholic Family and strongly Republican.  I totally support the McCain/Palin ticket.

P.S. I feel Bristol is not a prop, she is being included in the family the way she should be.

Hi- In response to post #128, the information about the announcement to her children came from multiple media sources- local and national news, both print and television.

Can we have more than rumors and innuendo about her children please, this is a Catholic site.  And if you are going to post personally disparaging things at least back them with accurate and verifiable sources…a general in the media is insufficient as that can mean anything from C-Span to National Enquirer depending on your standards.

I removed the most disparaging and unsubstantiated comment, Maureen.

Everyone, these are real people we are talking about here. Please stick to facts with sources and/or thoughtful, charitable statements of opinion. —Danielle Bean

Regarding the comment from the person who questioned how pro-life Sarah is because she supports the death penalty and is a member of the NRA - what does the NRA have to do with the pro life movement????  And the Catholic Church says we can support the death penalty .  Check it out in the Catechism.

Thankyou Danielle

I grew up in Alaska and my parents still live there. My good father, heavily involved in Alaska politics and AK Right to Life says Sarah Palin is a tremendous, self-giving, woman devoted to the will of God and the common good. I think that’s pretty clear from her acceptance speech.

It is not for us to decide whether Sarah is serving our Lord according to His will for her vocation. It IS for us to assume her actions charitably, with the love of Christ, and to realize that God provides abundant grace to fulfill His plan on earth. And even more grace is bestowed when we ask for it.

So let’s pray together, for Sarah Palin, for her husband and children, for John McCain, for all political parties and for God’s will to be accomplished in our beautiful country.

And, if you don’t mind, “Woo hoo!! Go, Sarah Palin!”

I have felt “judged” for my decision to be a work at home mom (while homeschooling) enough to believe that there is no way we can assess whether Sarah Palin “has any business seeking the vice presidency”.

But I join those of you calling for us to cover her and her family in prayer, even as we pray fervently for the outcome of this critical election.

In response to #131, I said nothing disparaging about Governor Palin or her children. I stated a fact as to the announcement to her children as reported in the NY Times,  on CNN and on my local Fox News. The details of that announcement were cited by those reputable news sources merely as an example of the efforts gone to maintain confidentiality surrounding the VP pick. There has never been any denial by the campaign that things occurred in that fashion. Given that there are multiple pro-Palin posts above presented as facts without sources-for example, the incorrect statement to which I responded- I find it interesting that my post was criticized for its failure to provide citations. This was my first time posting on this magazine’s blog,and as a fellow Catholic wife and mother,  I thought that it was a forum that welcomed facts, even if they might not be welcome news. I won’t make that mistake again.

Facts are welcome. Charitable, thoughtful statements of opinion are welcome. There is no problem with sharing information about how/when the Palin children were informed of their mother’s announcement (though I would love to see a link if you have one—I’ve done some searching and can’t find that information published anywhere). The comment in question was removed because it contained rumors and conjecture concerning intimate details of the Palin family’s personal life and history that could not possibly be substantiated. We won’t allow that here about anyone’s family.—Danielle Bean

Being a VP is more than just being pro-life.  If they are so pro-life, why are they supporting wars?  Don’t wars kill?  I would think killing in any fashion is not pro-life.  How does she stand on other issues - say like saving jobs, reducing the cost of gasoline, etc. so working moms might have an opportunity to be a SAHM?  How about making it easier to be a single mom because that single mom is pro-life.  Maybe it is time for everyone to read all about her flip-flops and how she is not as “stellar” as everyone would like to believe.  She is after all, a politician and has been caught in bold faced lies.  Gotta look at everything about her - not just pick and choose what you like because it fits your religious convictions.  Look at McCain - how do you feel about his affairs while still married to Carol?  He’s pro-life and yet he abandoned his young family that stood by and waited for him for all the years he was a POW.  Not very Christian behavior.  Can’t always judge a book by it’s cover.

Re: post 137
I call myself pro-life yet I would say the American Revolution was a just war and I would have supported it.  Would that make me any less pro-life?

Unlike abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, etc. war and it’s justification, is a subject that remains open to debate among Catholics and pro-lifers.

For me, Sarah Palin’s stand on other issues, such as national security, oil independence, and 1st Amendment Rights are very much in line with what I would agree with. I’m sure there are issues she supports that I would not. I do have to say, her stance on abortion trumps all.

As far as the statements regarding John McCain, I believe he is sincere in his regrets over his first marriage as expressed at Saddleback.  None of us are perfect and all of us are guilty of unchristian behavior.  If John McCain is truly contrite, and there is no credible evidence this pattern of behavior continued or continues, who am I to hold it over him and use his past personal behavior as a reason to disqualify him for president?

Megan,
No, we can’t judge a book by it’s cover.  But we can judge a party by it’s platform and the Democratic platform states on page 50 under the heading of CHOICE -“The Democratic party strongly and unequiovocally supports Roe v.Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of abilility to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.”  http://s3.amazonaws.com/apache.3cdn.net/8a738445026d1d5f0f_bcm6b5l7a.pdf
So I think I don’t want anymore of my tax dollars being used to exterminate life in the womb and definitely want Roev. Wade overturned.  Thus, the democratic party doesn’t speak for me and states it won’t work towards my goals.

Palin’s husband is committed to being the children’s full time caregiver.  I still think a mother is best suited to this role but fathers, the right kind, can do it, too.  Mainly, I think the circumstances at this particular time in history for this particular woman make a difference.  We all know what’s at stake where the Supreme Court is concerned. An Obama presidency will undermine the long hard battle to restore the court . We’ve never been closer to overturning Roe.  One can say that is not sufficient reason for her to be “sacrificing her children”. I think it is. For one, she won’t be. They will be with her plenty. The duties of VP are not the same as president and hey, even the president works from home. So will she.  And their father will be there every step of the way.It comes down to this.  It is never desirable to have either parent away from home but sometimes it is necessary. Men leave home to find jobs to feed their families and sometimes women have to work for the same reason. Men go off to war, sometimes for years at a time. It isn’t ideal but it serves the greater good.  I believe she is serving a greater good and she is also making sure her children are well cared for.
I think of her as a modern day Joan of Arc, called on at a particular time to do a particular job. 40 million children have been crying out for an end to the injustice of abortion. A loving mother has heard their cry.

There is much we could say here, and much has already been said. But isn’t the bottom line this:  finally, it isn’t anyone else’s business how one set of parents manages and cares for their family (except in cases of abuse…are we going to accuse her of abuse?). It’s a private matter. I think that is true even normally. But especially with this much at stake we should not be criticizing this woman. Some of these comments remind me of liberals saying people should not have large families because they can’t possibly care for them. Why is that anyone’s business except for the individual family?

If we don’t understand why exceptions can be made to full-on stay-at-home motherhood, what do we do with St. Gianna Molla? Really. Should she not have been a doctor? Why did the Church canonize her?

God bless America, and God bless Sarah Palin and her family.

God Bless Sarah Palin, her family and John McCain.  GOD BLESS AMERICA!

She can handle it and I have the utmost confidence in her and her family.  She has a great support group at home.  God sent women judges to straighten out what men refused to do.  Maybe its time again.

Again GOD BLESS SARAH PALIN and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Hope you dont mind someone from the UK making a comment! or two…
firstly Queen Victoria and our current Head of State Queen Elizabeth have managed to have babies and a pretty hands on role!
secondly How can Mrs Palin be pro life and kill things for fun?
thirdly Who on earth thought Bristol was a girls name ? Its a large and not at all glamourous English City and the expression” Bristols” is slightly old fashioned slang for a womans breasts!! No one here would dream of calling a girl that.

It is just as sexist to vote for a woman because she is a woman as it is not to vote for her because she is a woman.  What matters are her qualifications; and there have been very serious questions raised about those qualifications.  I don’t care how many children she has, I care how she runs her state.  And from what I hear, her methods are suspect.  She turns on people who aren’t totally in her corner (rather than attempting compromise); she fires people she doesn’t know well and puts new people in their place, people who are then totally dependent on her; she seems to rely on her charisma rather than on reasoned argument and bipartisanship to get her job done.  These are the reasons I won’t vote for her.

Justice Alito himself has said that Roe v Wade will not be overturned.  It doesn’t matter how many Justices McCain (who I like very much) gets to replace.  And really, isn’t the pro-life movement kinder and gentler with Roe v Wade in existence?  Before the ruling, there weren’t all these pregnancy crisis centers available for women with an unexpected pregnancy.  Instead, they were shunned, sent off to have the baby in secret, and then not given the option of keeping it.  Now there is support and help everywhere you turn.  Abortion is repugnant to me also; but you won’t get rid of it totally by legislation.  We’ll get rid of it by our examples and our love and our willingness to help mothers in need. 

In addition there are other serious issues facing our country.  Are women not fit to think about any issues not involving babies?

Really suburbancorrespondent and “who” did you hear these tidbits from?  People who actually know her and live in Alaska?  She has an 80% approval rating or something like that.  Do you seriously think that would happen if the “revelations about her” you stated are true?

Sorry if I sound snippy, but I woke up with a headache this morning.  I am truly interested in sources.

Suburbancorrespondent,
Please reread the previous comments - I don’t believe the fact that Gov.Palin is a woman is why many on this board support her, it’s simply a neat and historical bonus to her stands on issues.

<<<And really, isn’t the pro-life movement kinder and gentler with Roe v Wade in existence?  >>>

Wow.
I have trouble coming up with words to respond to this, but I’ll try.
It is neither kind nor gentle to be violently ripped or cut from your own mother’s womb. Nothing we do can change that. Roe vs. Wade is evil, pure and simple. It doesn’t make anything better, and it certainly doesn’t help the pro-life movement or ANY woman on Earth.
After reading this, I am understanding more and more how America is indoctrinated in a culture of death. It HAS to stop.

There’s just something about Gov Pailn (I believe we should a address a person w/their proper title, we don’t know this woman personally) she rubs me the wrong way.  I don’t like McCain either.  I can’t imagine electing someone into office I don’t like.  And I don’t like Obama either.  So I will be one of the MANY not voting this year.  I can’t vote for someone I don’t believe in.  And leaving a THREE day old infant w/down syndrome, i don’t call a good mother, to return to office is just wrong.  If people agree that’s ok, more power to you.  I can’t.

I can’t believe the democrat and republican party chose these two people.  How sad!

Victoria, I’m not a liberal by any means, but I don’t think it’s God will to have a huge family if you can’t afford one. 
I’m tired of having to pay for families using the welfare system or WIC, because they have more than enough children. 
Taxpayers have to pay for these people.  So in essence I’m paying for paying for people to have all the children they want.  I don’t have a problem w/people having a large family as long as they can pay for them.

Let’s be fair here.  Governor Palin returned to work with the baby.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/04/alaska_governor_balances_babys_needs_official_duties/

From paragraph 18:
“Three days after giving birth, Palin returned to work in her Anchorage office, accompanied by Trig and her husband.”

Personally, I “returned” to work 6 days after my youngest was born.  My work was brought to me and I worked at home for a few weeks and then took her to work with me for the next few months.

I have so much respect for Senator McCain and his wife.  I voted for him in 2000.  I do not agree with everything, but I understand the need to compromise and he seems to be able to work with all sides which is what we need in the US.  What’s not to like about Governor Palin? 

I’m sure I would probably like Senator Obama if I met him, I just don’t agree with his policies or vision for America.

First, I have to state that reguardless of our feelings of Sarah Palin, we all have a Catholic duty to vote to preserve life. As for those who state that they may not vote due to Palin not staying at home or for any other reason is silly. I don’t believe the Church has ever stated that a mother working is intrisically evil, yet abortion is!

Second, I am a stay-at-home mom, and I feel that all mothers that are able to should stay home with their kids. This is not always an option, some must work for financial reasons, while others are not able to handle it mentally or emotionally. Stay-at-home mothers have the most draining (physically, emotionally, mentally) job out there, also most rewardding. As for Palin, we are called not to judge others. God and only God will decide whether this is what she was called to. As for those making comments about whether her husband is capable of taking care of the children. My brother is a stay-at-home-dad, my sister-in-law is the bread winner. I would say that my brother is just as capable, if not more than my sister-in-law. So, as far as those statements, I feel they are judgemental also, we don’t know how capable he is or not,he may even be better at it than his wife.

Lastly, let us drop all the conservative, liberal, republican, democratic, ect. We are Catholics! We should be following the teachings of the Church that should be first and foremost in our lives. This means the protection of innocent. As far as my vote, I vote for life: Macain/Palin!!!!!!

I started reading some of the posts, and I am cross-eyed.  I am going to give you the perspective of an African-American Catholic.  I think that being a mother is the most tiring job, whether or not you stay at home.  Since I am a teacher, I can speak on behalf of the children that come to my class.  I have taught in schools where all the mothers worked, and I am now teaching at a school where the mothers don’t work.  I admit, I like the stay at home mom thing because it does make my job easier.  If I forget something or need something done, I have someone to call, but that is for my benefit.  The children are fine either way.

I think that if a stay at home mom is defining there job as the most strenuous, I would beg to differ.  While the other mothers are working, you all are at tennis lessons or having play dates.  Come on, don’t deny it.  Working mothers do not have that freedom during the week.  I am all for staying at home until you kid can talk, but then they need to go to school.  I honestly cringe at the k students who have never been in school.  They have been so babied, it drives me insane.  No teacher will ever tell you to your face, but we can always pick out a kid that has stayed at home with mommy.

Now, I commend women who choose to stay at home, but please make sure that our whole life does not revolve around you children.  These kids grow up spoiled.  The think that I am there to cater to them, when it should be the other way around (I went to Catholic School, that is what I learned from the nuns).

Either way all moms have an important job, and all moms have to figure out how they are going to juggle theeir lives.  My mother worked.  She really isn’t the type to watch kids all day.  I think things would be a lot worse for me if she did stay at home.  I do admit I was jealous of my other friends.  They got to do Brownies during the week and I didn’t, but then as awesome as my mother was, she started the very first weekend troop in San Deigo, and only the kids of working mothers were allowed to attend.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT.

It is all about balance and corporations today are working hard to make this easier for both working moms and dads.

As for Palin, the problem is not that she works, it is that she is a complete idiot.  Yes, I said it.  maybe five kids prevents her from doing her homework, I don’t know, but that Couric interview was ridiculuous.  I just hope by now that comments like “I have foreign experience because Alaska is close to Russia”, make all Palin supporters sick to their stomaches.  Go watch this and then tell me what you think of her now.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/27/tina-fey-as-sarah-palin-k_n_129956.html

Kate,

I once believed as you do.  Knew my Bible very well, and listened to non-catholics and ex-catholics say nasty things about the Catholic Church, and then I began to wonder—what DO Catholics believe—if they believe what is taught to them by the Catholic Church?

Well, the new Catechism of the Catholic Church is a marvelous resource.  Nothing like going directly to the books that are supposed to be used by the teachers of children and adults.  What I found was a more deeply Biblical faith than ANY of the people who had been telling me how awful the Catholic Church is had known.

Legalistic is hardly a word I would use for Catholicism.  Everything is a logical outgrowth from Scripture applied to life.  There is a reasoned flexibility to it that I found refreshing. No rule is without foundation, all there to help one live according to scripture well, and none there simply to condemn.

The Bible Church I came out of was wonderful but when I found Catholicism, it is like the Gemstone of the Bible found the most beautiful of settings and all made sense in a way that is not there anywhere else—and that is in spite of being full of quite ordinary sinful human beings.

No Catholic “worships” Mary.  We honor her in imitation of Christ who fulfilled every commandment, including “honor thy Father and Thy Mother.”

When older writings are pointed out, please note the linguistic shift.  There was a time when the word we use today to reflect only the honor, love and praise due to God at one time was a more general term and used to reflect the honor we were to give to MANY different people.  But even then, it was not correct to give to Mary or the Saints the same response we give to the Holy Trinity.

Have you ever read any of the books by Scott Hahn or David Currie?  They do a nice job putting into modern language the correct beliefs of the Catholic Church.  I especially like Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic.