Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, and her husband Todd have a new baby boy named Trig. Trig was born on on Friday, April 18th. The Palins knew before Trig’s birth that he would have “special challenges.” Until last night, it wasn’t widely known what those challenges were. Yesterday Governor Palin’s office confirmed that Trig has Down Syndrome.
Here is the story from the Anchorage Daily News:
Gov. Sarah Palin was back at work today, holding a meeting on the natural gas pipeline three days after giving birth to her fifth child.
Palin and her husband, Todd, showed the baby, Trig Paxson Van Palin, to a few reporters and talked about the sooner-than-expected delivery.
Trig arrived about a month early and has Down syndrome, the governor confirmed. Testing during early pregnancy revealed the condition. Palin said she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them. The couple has lots of family support, she said.
The story reminds me of the movie I saw the other day, “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter.”
I often hear “Faith Break” on the radio by Dr. Howard Olds, and this morning’s Faith Break was about the “eternal purpose” of each person. God has a purpose and a place for Trig. God bless the Palins and God bless Trig.
Sphere: Related Content
May 14th, 2008 at 7:47 am
God Bless Todd and Sarah Palin for their decision to love this child when so many would have chosen another route. May God richly bless them.
August 1st, 2008 at 5:02 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I have a 9 year old son with Down Syndrome and my wife and I feel blessed to be his parents. He is not a “Down Syndrome child” as your title states, he is a child with Down Syndrome.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:55 am
The post title was written to make it easier for search engines to find the post (as few words as possible and get the main topic in the title). I apologize if it was the incorrect way to express it. Thanks for commenting.
I have TREMENDOUS respect and admiration for you and for the Palins for choosing not to abort the baby simply because they knew the child had Down Syndrome. I’ve heard many stories of the blessings
August 29th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
A beautiful woma, a beautiful person, an honest politician and a wonderful mother.
May God bless her and let her help Sen McCain be elected.
She might well become the first female president after McCain’s term is up. She’d run against Biden and win.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Blogging Women Support McCain - Palin 2008…
The Cotillion is an online community of conservative women bloggers. We’ve been around the blogging world for a long time. We have having fun making McCain - Palin 2008 buttons this afternoon and are throwing our support behind the McCain - Palin…
August 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I have a son, who also was born in April (but in 1991) and happens to have Down Syndrome. He has delighted and tormented his 5 sisters as any teenage boy would. We are thrilled with your selection and acceptance as Senator McCain’s VP! Way to go! Can’t wait to see the impact your nomination will make. Ever want to visit Lakeport, Michigan, we have a place for you to stay.
August 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I admire this woman for her strength and work ethic, but I think that it is difficult enough with children without special needs to work full time. I can only imagine the time it takes to be VP, I hope she is not sorry to be missing out on the upbringing of her son.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I am so delighted that the Palin’s decided to bring Trig into this world and I am equally delighted to have read that she worked (and works) side-by-side with her children. I, too, had my last baby later in life, was told he would have Down Syndrome and I work from home while raising my children. I think it is the best of both worlds. I think presumptive Republican VP Palin is an inspiration.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Interesting … she gets so much credit for her pro-life stance and going forward with the pregancy, but she clearly had no intention of raising this child. She was back at work 3 days later and now while he is only 4 months old, she will be off on the campaign trail. I suppose she has “people” to help her with all of that … but I wouldn’t exactly give her much credit for it.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Cindy, your appalling sexism is showing. You would never consider it unusual or negative in any way for a man to be back at work soon after the birth of a child or to be running for office when the child is only a few months old. Get informed before you display your ignorance.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
CRAIGLIST!!!!!! You could be considered what YOU call a retard by being in an accident that leaves you brain damaged; would you or your family want you called such a degrading, insensitive, and untrue name. By the grace of God therefore go I. That baby is a beautiful child, would you have rather she MURDERED him before it was born??
August 29th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Carol, your appalling sense of “child rearing priorities” is showing, maybe you are child-less I don’t know.
For a just-born child to not have that intense 3-6 month period with it’s mother (especially due to natural breastfeeding) is such a loss.
The child is missing out on one of the most important bonding experiences it will have.
That Sarah Palin went back to work 3 days later is unconscionable.
That she has accepted the VP position however, is just optimistic.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
[...] wrote a post about Sarah Palin back in April of this year. Ever since then I’ve been hoping she’d be McCain’s pick. I was okay [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Actually I have two wonderful adult children and two beautiful and happy granddaughters. I work with children every day as a teacher. I see children with stay-at-home mothers who are emotional wrecks - just as I see children with stay-at-home mothers who are wonderfully happy and centered. I see children with working mothers who are emotional wrecks - just as I see children with working mothers who are wonderfully happy and centered. A mother going back to work soon after a baby’s birth has nothing to do with bonding and the well-being of that child. A loving mother will bond with a child without being with the child 24/7. If you see Sarah Palin with her children, you will see that she has a strong relationship with each of them. She is an inspiration to many many people.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
it is really shameful that john mccain is using that child’s disability to enhance his chances of getting elected.
i feel sorry for mr. and mrs. palin. i don’t think they had any idea how truly desperate john mccain is to become president.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
August 30th, 2008 at 3:53 am
I feel that a woman with a 4 month-old child, especially one with down syndrome has no business running for office. That child and her 7 year-old need her. To care for a down syndrome child requires parents who provide special care and love. I believe it is irresponsible to bring a child such as this into the world and not be there for them.
August 30th, 2008 at 4:10 am
August 30th, 2008 at 6:08 am
August 30th, 2008 at 7:09 am
From the little i have read so far, she did not “abandon” the baby. He went to work with her. And she does breastfeed. She will get everything organized, I am sure, for the few weeks of campaigning. And if they get elected, it’s not like she will never be able to spend quality time with her family. It’s a job, and I am absolutely positive that she will not be required to work 24/7; barring a disaster of course! I am truly saddened that folks will think her not candidate material simply because she has a baby. And that is exactly what I told a co-worker would happen as soon as we heard who the VP pick was. I just didn’t think the backlash would happen this fast! Everyone is definitely entitled to their opinions; however, it would behoove some people to stop and remember that everyone is not the same. Just because you don’t think you could do something, and do it well, does not mean that someone else is the same way. What if it was the other way around. The father was running? What’s the difference, other than gender?
August 30th, 2008 at 7:24 am
The McCain campaign isn’t using Trig’s “disability.” That is a fact of life that the Palins deal with every day. It IS a real life example of people who put action to their beliefs. pattyjames’ comment about feeling sorry for the Palins is insulting - as though they aren’t smart enough to know what they’re getting into. Sarah and Todd Palin are highly intelligent people, and Sarah Palin brings a refreshing spirit to the campaign.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Way too much attention being given to the fact that she and her husband made a PERSONAL choice to have this beautiful baby. What does it REALLY have to to with her being capable of the leadership role as VP? If she would have chosen to abort this child, would she have been picked as a running mate? My guess is no. Either way, I think that we pay far too much attention to the PERSONAL lives of our leaders, and not enough attention to the attributes that make them true leaders in, and our voice in the US.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I don’t trust the judgement of anyone who takes on a major new responsability when you have a new born Down syndrome baby. She is lucky this child will always love her no matter how many bad parenting decisions she makes. Like John McCain says “country First”. I guess that makes the baby somwhere down on the list.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I am from Alaska and most of use here believe that this is not her child at all. It is her daughter’s child.
Check out this pic of her taken when she was supposedly 7 months pregnant:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.adn.com/smedia/2008/03/09/01/815-3504039.highlight.prod_affiliate.7.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/339587.html&h=160&w=240&sz=8&hl=en&start=7&um=1&usg=__uyB-b2ILJVabtRP-I7gB9S9aaTU=&tbnid=g9ROGj8llH9nlM:&tbnh=73&tbnw=110&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsarah%2Bpalin%2Bfamily%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
It seems even her staff was shocked when she announced that she was six months pregnant.They said there wasn’t the slightest indication that she may be pregnant. Btw, her previous pregnancy was 7 years ago.
Also, her water supposedly broke when she was in Texas for a conference but she flew back to Alaska to have the baby.
Finally, her daughter missed school for several months this year and was not to be seen anywhere in public. She was supposed to be suffering from mono.
She was seen in public over a month after this baby was born.
What a big liar Sarah Pailin is!
August 30th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Having 5 children is irresponsible in the light of overpopulation.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
We have two sons. Our youngest son, Ray, has Down Syndrome. He is 4 years old and he is ON AGE LEVEL. Please go to IAHP.org. They have a different approach to stimulate your childs brain. The key is being a parent, putting in the time, and helping your child to reach his TRUE potential. I can tell you are the type of parent that is willing to help your child because you already made the right decision. Life. Take a look at their website. I know you get a lot of e-mails. If you need to talk about IAHP.org feel free to write.
You have our support (my wife and me)
Mike
August 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The pregnancy just the beginning. What’s impressive is people who choose to mother their special needs child. I’m not judging her for not being there for her child, but I am calling her on boasting that she chose to not abort the pregnancy. You can’t have it both ways.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
To “Stacy 5″ - Having 5 children is irresponsible ONLY if one isn’t able to raise them to be well-adjusted and responsible members of society. As one of seven siblings, I love my big family. All seven of us are employed and responsible citizens. My parents made sacrifices to raise us. Unlike the Chinese, we have freedom to make choices. You can choose to have no children, 1 child, 2 children, 5 children - whatever. It’s sad you feel the need to judge other people’s choices.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
To “Mary B” - You can’t have it both ways? What does that mean? I have heard no “boasting.” There is a difference between explaining or describing a choice and boasting about it. And she is choosing to mother her special needs child. Of course being Governor of Alaska or VP of the U.S. will take a lot of her time, but she will still be there for her children. They are fortunate that her husband is able to spend time with the children as well. I think your sexism is showing.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
To Debbie and the others who ridicule Sarah Palin for working when she has a child who happens to have down syndrome. Sarah Palin has a way to help her child and all children with down syndrome by influencing government policies and public perception of those with disabilities. Obviously, there is much work to to done in this area as evidenced by your reference to Sarah Palin’s baby as a “down syndrome child.” This terminology reflects your ignorance and insensitivity. I have a wonderful son who is 25 and happens to have down syndrome. Since the time he was born, I have been fighting for his rights and services. Sarah Palin has a chance to
make a difference. She is a remarkable woman who I support fully in all of her endeavors.
August 30th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hey, I have already apologized for putting “Down Syndrome child” in the title. It is attributed to ignorance - but certainly not to insensitivity.
Susan, you bring up an excellent point that Sarah Palin now has the opportunity to make a difference for all children with Down Syndrome.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I agree with others who believe that Trig needs his Mom NOW. That’s not sexist - it’s natural that babies bond with their MOTHERS especially when they are developmentally delayed. I had never heard of Gov. Palin before the McCain announcement so I have no opinion of her professionally, but what Mom is willing to leave her baby behind to campaign for 3+ months? That’s nearly half of his short life spent without her! Not a good move…….
August 30th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Is anyone paying attention to this?
sm Says:
Today at 11:10 am (9 hours ago)
I am from Alaska and most of use here believe that this is not her child at all. It is her daughter’s child.
Maybe that’s why she was able to go back to work 3 days after “giving birth”….
I think the woman is insane, myself.
August 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Trig HAS his mother. When PALIN was speaking today, Trig was taking a nap nearby with his sister babysitting. Yesterday, before being interviewed, Palin slipped off to change his diaper. You seem to have the equation of mom-working=neglected-baby. That simply isn’t true.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
are you kidding, that’s not sarah’s child, its her daughters!
August 31st, 2008 at 5:52 am
You know, ha!!!, if that’s the case, it will eventually come out. However, don’t you think that a person in a very high profile position would have a virtually impossible time carrying off something like that? There would be a doctor, a hospital, a nurse, someone somewhere that would blow the whistle on such a cover-up. I think that the most likely scenario is that you belong to a group of people who are distraught that the Palin is taking attention away from Obama, and so you’re grasping for anything to try and discredit Palin.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:14 am
I am full-time working mother with a 5-year old son with Down Syndrome. SO WHAT!!! He too is a blessing and joy every day. I have managed and so will Sarah Palin. In my opinion, Sarah has 5 children, PERIOD! No wonder society acts the way they do with special needs children and other individuals. Good luck, Sarah -you have my and my husband’s vote!!!!
August 31st, 2008 at 7:46 am
This is really a question because I’m ignorant and don’t know but how long was Trig in the hospital for after he was born. The article says he was a month early and with the complication of lung development any baby would be in ICU let alone a baby who has downs. Any body know? Was his Mom back at work before he was out of the hospital?
August 31st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Wow- a Lying Republican. That boy is not her child. Apparently she was so ashamed of her 16 year old daughter getting knocked up on her watch that she decided to lie to the world and say that baby is hers. Way to go, Ms. Family Values. Where were you when your daughter was in the backseat of some guy’s Ford F-150? Too busy? Not practicing what you preach? Good for you.
August 31st, 2008 at 4:56 pm
[...] This past Friday’’s fabulous announcement that Sarah Palin was John McCain’’s choice and her ringing acceptance speech and endorsement of him may turn out to be Palin’’s convention speech, but what a speech it was! It dazzled and it rang true of a woman who came up on her own, confronted corruption and beat it, raised children along with her mate and held to her pro-life beliefs when confronted by the news that her baby boy, Trig, would have an impairment. [...]
August 31st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
to the pig calling downs syndrome children Retards you ought to get Ovarian cancer. Besides that your a coward for not leaving your name under you comment.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:14 am
everyone be quiet, it’s not her kid.
stop saying she’s a good person, when she’s lying about something important, i know I wouldn’t want a lying vp in the office
who knows what else she could be lying about.
keep letting those skeltons out
September 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am
to Jayden
What proof do you have that Trig is not her child prove it. Even if it’s not her child she is a great person for taking a child that has downs syndrome knowing the extra care and help she has to give this child in the first place. Besides if you all are saying she went back to work so soon after giving birth to a child my wife was released the same day she gave birth to our baby.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Consider this. If you just gave birth to a child with Down’s Syndrome less than 4 months ago, what would be the first thing on your mind, the Vice Presidency of the United States. What kind of a parent does that?
September 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Follow the timeline idiots. Check the airline time of arrival the day before the “birth.” That is her grandchild. OH, and the daughter was out of school for 3 months with mono to cover months 6, 7 and 8 of pregnancy. But then I forgot … Born Agains don’t look for facts, because they just have faith.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hey Notta Indiot
you are an idiot they just announced on CNN that Trig is Sarah Palins Child and that her 18 year old daughter is currently 5 months pregnant now and Trig was born in April. Can’t have Kids that soon do the math loser. And lay off these people it’s none of any ones business whose kids belong to whom. That’s not part of politics as Obama just commented on.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I find it disappointing that Palin looked at her family and decided that running for VP was the *Best* decision at this moment in their lives. Her 17 year old daughter is pregnant and must now face that on a national stage, at the same time she has a 4 month old baby that will benefit from special care . . . the campaign trail is not a “work from home” kinda job, nor is VP of the USA. She could put her political career on hold for a bit to deal with these issues? Now is the best time to run for VP? This causes me to question her overall judgment.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I’m still amazed at all the sexist comments. As though a woman can’t work - even as VP or even President of the United States - and still be a good, caring and effective parent. Obama has two young children, and I have yet to hear folks worry about how being president might affect his ability to raise them. Folks, grow up!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:37 am
I am a feminist working mommy of two lovely little ones. I wish I could be home full time raising my children, but unfortunatly I have to work to support my family. I took four months off from work to be with each of my babies. Going back to work after three days when there is not a pressing financial need to is absolutely irresponsible. Sarah Palin obviously has her priorities wrong. Maybe if she had been at home raising her children, her teenage daughter wouldn’t have gotten knocked up. There is no substitute for a mother, even if you have a wonderful and supportive husband and family. Shame on McCain for thinking that this VP pick would help him get women to vote for him. It just solidifies the Republicans’ image as the party that doesn’t care about the well-being of American families.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Since Sarah Palin didn’t abstain or use a contraceptive I would like to know if she will continiue that practice? For all those who think she is such a hero, she could be an even bigger hero by subjecting more children to suffer life with Down Syndrome.
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
The Palin’s need to close their legs…
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I’m a stay at home mom of 2. I can’t believe what I’m reading. No one has said a thing about Obama and how a possible Presidancy (God forbid) will effect his 2 young children. You all are crazy if you think she doesn’t take that baby most everywhere with her (I read that she breastfeeds). And in response to Hannah who wrote that “she should be home raising her children” since one of her children got “knocked up”. Let me ask you “who was keeping an eye on John Edwards (who is a 50 yr old grown man vs. a 17 year old) when he “knocked” up Rielle Hunter? Issues people…focus on the issues!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
You are all missing the BIG PICTURE. Her family is not any of your business. How dare any of you sit and complain about how you think she should raise her children. First of all, it’s none of your business, second of all her kids are bad kids, so she must be doing something right….I personally would sit and laugh at every single one of you that is critizing her. She doesn’t even care what you have to say and more importantly, she isn’t going to change one thing about her personal life for little old you. I don’t think any of you would like it or sit silent while someone speaks of you the way you are speaking of her. Lot’s of women go back to work and further more a lot of women do NOT have a choice. They have to pay the way someone how. I m sure you all understand how functioning on your own works…takes a bit of something that runs our world….MONEY. Stay on course and focus on the political aspects of what she does and how it will affect YOU and stop arguing about how her family should be raised. It’s her choice, not yours and let’s be honest she isn’t going to stay at home because you think she should.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:15 pm
kerri k…..What are you 15???? I remember girls saying that when I was in high school. You are a complete idiot. You shouldn’t express comments like that, it’s makes you look uneducated and trashy.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:49 am
I wanted to hear Sarah Palin describe a bit how she has balanced family and career, because so many American women struggle with that and feel that both the children and the job suffer at times. (I know I do.) A few years back the “Mommy track” was used to describe how women make career choices for less demanding or more flexible jobs which are more family-friendly, rather than 70 hour/week jobs. But I think that the Republican Convention wants to paint her as a super-hero, not just an ordinary hockey mom. I could identify with a woman who sometimes has second thoughts more easily than with a woman who is perfect in every way. Shame on the Republicans for not letting Sarah Palin tell her story with the downs as well as the ups!
September 4th, 2008 at 10:11 am
All humans are blessings. I have many mental & physical challenges myself that is why I am so very disappointed with Mrs. Palin. If her family really did come first she would have declined the offer to run for the VP position. Both her son & pregnant daughter should come first. Running for office & God forbid winning is hard work. How can we trust her with our children when she won’t even do the right thing for her own family? It’s easier for rich people who can afford the best care & schools. If family & life were important she wouldn’t be running at this time.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I approach the position of Ms Palin “applying” for the job of v.p. from the position as a child advocate.
I am the Mother of a grown Down Syndrome son & have worked with special needs children & their familes for over 40 yrs.
I find it amazing that so many people are trying to protray the job of v.p. as an “ordinary” job and want to call anyone sexest who has an opinion about whether Ms. Palin should work or not.
It is not whether the parents will work or not. It the type job that will allow more flexability & more time to spend with their son.
My position is that both parents need to be very involved with a special needs child in the critical formative years to give the child the best opportunity for the rest of their lives.
Ms Palin is a heart beat away from the presidency given John McCain’s age & medical history.
In Ms. Palin’s case, neither the job nor the child are ordinary.
Sylvia
September 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
The “point” is that no one would ever question a man running for VP or for President, for that matter, if he had five children including one with Down Syndrome and one who is pregnant and unwed. It just simply wouldn’t be done. There is obviously a house full of loving family to nurture Trig - including his mother who will be on call 24/7, but who won’t be working 24/7. All the comments about how Sarah Palin will spend time with Trig and questioning her mothering skills are insulting and sexist.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am
To Mrs. Mary Costa: Are you concerned that Barack Obama isn’t doing the right thing for his two young daughters by running for President? They are at such a young and impressionable age, and he has thrust them into the spotlight. They had “no choice” in the matter, and isn’t he being unfair to them?
Really - I’m just amazed at the blatant sexism in these comments. Did you SEE her family last night during her speech? They aren’t being neglected. They are obviously a close and loving family. Join the modern age, please.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Many women HAVE to work. I HAD to go back to work in less than 4 weeks after my son was born. Was I happy about it? NO. Did I have to pay for diapers and bills? YES. I feel I have a wonderful relationship with him regardless. It’s not always HOW much time is spent with a child but HOW the time is spent.
Three days is quick, but it’s her job~ and what better job can she do for her family but to become Vice President and help change the coutnry FOR HER FAMILY and all of America.
I salute her!
People with familys can’t run for office? What BS.
And it’s true that if it had been a man going to work after three days there would be NO mention of it.
She obviously wants her family near. They could’ve left all of the kids back home with a sitter.
As a mother I’m insulted at how Palin is being treated.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Wake up Americans. Don’t be fooled by this self-serving holier-than-thou phoney baloney. That child isn’t Sarah’s. There are too many indications that the child is her grandson, starting with the classical excuse of Bristol missing 5 months of school with mono.
That is one big lie. My bet is that she lied again when she admitted Bristol is now 5 months pregnant. Since Bristol is 5 months pregnant, she couldn’t possibly be Trig’s mother.
Does anybody knows for sure Bristol’s pregnant? My guess is she isn’t. Something will happen to the baby: Bristol will ‘miscarry’ or the baby will be “stillborn”. In anycase, mark my words: there will be no baby.
By the way, there must have been people involved in this grotesque farce. Doctors, nurses, etc. that must have been generously paid. The truth will surface.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
What is so great about her decision? Baby with the Down syndrome will grow up becoming a person who is not normal and is not going to enjoy the normal life and suffer from so many things. I bet if the baby had a choice he wouldn’t want that life. No matter how good you are as parents you will not live for ever. Who is going to take care of your disable child! Well, at least she has enough money to support the child.
Our nation seems to care for a beautiful picture so much without understanding what is behind it! That is so sad! Our economy suffers from all the mess that republican caused within the past few years and you think McCain will changes everything!
Wake up! Be proud of being good human being instead of being republican or anything else. These people spend over $100 million dollar to make you believe them. They can spend this money for the health care. This is an advertisement and you fall for it just like maxed up credit cards you will spend your time and money and you will not go anywhere better than where you are!
September 4th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Down Syndrom children need daily training on how to eat, crawl, etc. It seems she could have been of more “service” to her country to refuse the offer, make it known she was asked, get her kids raised and then run with a few more years experience as a governor and then run for the pres.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I agree with you Jin and Liv. To answer other’s question “you are correct.it’s true that if it had been a man going to work after three days there would be NO mention of it.”
It is because the baby must be with her mother. That was proven by any study.
Now you have no money and you need to work is different from having it and no need to go to work.
Still no one will question her for that. That is just her personal life but using that trying to make Obama looks bad….! If we want to look at the detail then her decisions are not so great. All goes back to her! She is no Condoleezza Rice.No Education, No background. I am not sure what you see in her!!!!
Alaska and the town with 9000 people!!LOL!
September 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
i am a mother of a child with a brain disorder and i did not breast feed and i have help around the house but my child is lovbed and well taken care of …only liberals can sit there and say that her child “deserves better” let me remind you atleast she did not kill her own child she chose to keep and love it…. you people make me sick and i will be voting for mccain and i hope that special needs parents like myseldf do the samew
September 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
why dont you worry about raising your own children… she will worry about hers…it shows who the liberals are…always try to run your life.. and its sick how they are getting off on her daughter being pregnant and like its a bad thing …let me tell you i had a special needs child at 19 and i am a proud motherand am soo very blessed…i have a second on the way at 21 (i a a proud republican because i think goverment should stay out and taxes should be in our pockets not barack osamas…)
September 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
the more i read the comments thed more it makes me sick… her child will be fine forunatly she has a caring big family and a husband who can take the child to therapy …i have a nanny for my special needs child am i a bad mother????
September 4th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Victoria likes to pay extra money to republicans throught the gas prices and everything else. She does not like to pay extra taxes to Obama!hahahaha! Do you hear yourself? Do you even go shopping?
You are not a bad mother. That is a personal decision to keep a baby with down syndrome or to try for a healthy one. There is nothing special about it. Just the fact that she did not do anything great.These childs are ending up in the caring homes and nobody wants that for their family. I guess crying once will be easier than crying for years! This is just a privet matter.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Im only 16 and i can see the impotance of Sarah Palin’s descision as a mother, wife and a woman. To me shes not only a women but a leader in all senses of the word. After he speech at the Republican National Convention i was impressed. Sarah Palin’s speech really got me excited when she retaliated against the democrat party. After all, many were judging by the democrat statements and scrutiny. Sen. Obama has made many statements regarding her being able to handle larger decisions. I personally believe what she stands for and why she is behind Sen. McCain, not just for a position in the White House but for a good kind of change with ideas and improvements that seem reachable and not just in the “near” future.
There have been various attacks against Sarah Palin’s family, more specifically her seventeen year old daughter, her daughter’s marriage plans, Sarah’s own pregnancy with her special newborn, Trig (4 months). Even though, her personal life isnt anyones business the media and those who want to put her down and make her look as an incompetant VP nominee. Media and political leaders who don’t support the McCain/Palin Campaign say that she will not be able to fufill the duties of a Vice-President having 5 children and a family life. I think otherwise.
In the past historians have said that we should learn from the past and each time make new mistakes and not repeat old ones, well i think its time to make a choice, because there have been women in history books that have accomplished much more than a VP job now in days. those women have been queens and Prime Ministers, such as Queen Isabella and Indira Gandhi of India. Both of these women had children and cared for them even though they had resposibilites with their country and people.
Sarah is a prime example of women out there that are trying to get rid of the importance of gender in a position of power. As for her family being an obstacle, thats just nonsense. Like I said before, many other women have done it. Why can’t she?
Her daughter’s teenage pregnancy shouldn’t be a matter of shock. Why? Because she isn’t the only teenager in the United States to get pregnant without being married. The rate of 22 teenage births per 1000 girls in the U.S. was only in the year 2006. Now that we are in the year 2008 and about to enter 2009 those rates probably escalated higher than 25 births per 1000. That shouldn’t surprise American society. We have chosen this way of life as a culture and country. No one can deny that other countries have principles and morals that are taught from an early age and to which those children grow up and mold their characters and personalities with.
As for McCains choice for VP, I think that even though he is trying to pull the last strings available to him he made a smart choice. If Sarah accepted the nomination willingly and knowing her family needs, as well as, knowing herself and her abilities to cope with multi-tasking and spliting her between her personal life and job, then i think she is a worthy choice above all.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I just wanted to applaud the people on here who are voicing their concerns about the sexist remarks about Sarah Palin. It makes me wonder how women can complain about their inability to make as much as men, be as successful as men, and complain all the time when in fact Palin has conquered all of these stigmas to become a very successful woman. I think it is ignorant of so many people to assume she cannot fill the shoes of a man just because she has a child who happens to have Down Syndrome and a daughter who is pregnant… She is a loving mother and she obviously knows what she’s doing and I praise her for making such an impact not only in Alaska but also in showing so many mothers around the world that a career should not have to be sacrificed, just because she is a mother. I think she is a worthy choice and I feel a sense of compassion for those who cannot see past their ignorance. And Bob, I really hope you aren’t trying to make a serious point with your lack of grammatical skills.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I just wanted to applaud the people on here who are voicing their concerns about the sexist remarks about Sarah Palin. It makes me wonder how women can complain about their inability to make as much as men, be as successful as men, and complain all the time when in fact Palin has conquered all of these stigmas to become a very successful woman. I think it is ignorant of so many people to assume she cannot fill the shoes of a man just because she has a child who happens to have Down Syndrome and a daughter who is pregnant… She is a loving mother and she obviously knows what she’s doing and I praise her for making such an impact not only in Alaska but also in showing so many mothers around the world that a career should not have to be sacrificed, just because you are a mother. I think she is a worthy choice and I feel a sense of compassion for those who cannot see past their ignorance. And Bob, I really hope you aren’t trying to make a serious point with your lack of grammatical skills.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Alexa, you make me feel very optimistic about the youth of our country. What a reasoned response! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Kathy,
I am 63 and I am German. I don’t have any down syndrome and my brain works normal. I am very smart and I came here only 6 years ago and learned English to be able to live close to my son who is living here. If you think you make fun of me you are wrong. I bet you are so s….
that you couldn’t learn German even in 10 years. What is wrong with you people? Do you think if you were born here you are better than everybody else? This country has as many stupid people as you want. more than half of the college attendence are from other countries!So sad!!!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Sarah Palin spends more time with her children than many of us have been able to with only one or two children and trying to work to pay the bills. She is a strong woman, attachment parent, supports the family bed, breastfeeds, pumps her milk too, does many of her duties from home and is available to her family. I am sure it is a bit crazy right now, but if you will notice, her family is with her. I have seen many moms with only part time jobs or no jobs, leave their children with others to run around or party and just can’t seem to enjoy holding their children, let alone breastfeed them (and I don’t mean the mothers who had a real reason for not doing so but the ones who chose to not breastfeed for selfish reasons, so please don’t get into a whole guilt issue string here). Sarah has it together and is making it work and loving her family, she has the energy and smarts to help in other areas, not to be ‘only’ a homemaker or ‘only’ a career person. And 5 children is a beautiful thing, not something to shake your head about. Some of us love raising our children. It is not a chore. Sarah Palin is actually doing what the feminists have wanted for women for along time. You don’t have to just stay at home or just have a career, you can do both and do them VERY well!
September 5th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Relax everyone. Trig is not her child…it’s her daughetr’s son. Not even her staff knew of her pregnancy until one day she announced that she was seven months pregnant! Check the records, pictures, etc. You’ll see.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Thanks carol, i can assure you that its not only me that thinks in this way, many of my classmates agree with my point of view and if we could we would eagerly vote for the McCain/Palin campaign. We see it as change not only for us but for those who have special needs like her baby boy Trig.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
genius gas prices are high due to increase in use and value of dollar because they kept lowering the fed rate which made the dollar lose value and if it wasnt for your liberal congress we would not be sitting on our asses wondering why prices are so high. You obviously have not taken economics 101 and dont understand what a free market is… it drives me crazy how liberals have class envy and want to make the rich pay… let us not forget the top 5 percent of income pays almost 50 percent of ALL taxes and the top 50 pay 86.6 so while you sit there and complain about how they dont pay enough wait till obama takes office and the”Rich” wont have enough money to give you whining butt a job… all liberals want is to control everyone and make you depend on the goverment ….Im russian and let me tell you your communist obama wont help you. why should my taxes pay for some person who cant take responsibility and sit waiting for a handout. My family works very hard and i think we do our fair share of helping by donating money and time to help the less fortunate but it strikes a cord when some liberal comes along and tells me that the rich dont pay enough or that we owe it to everyone else to pay more… how is that fair???? if you make everyone equal nobody will want to work hard to make more because we will just have to give it up… its like liberals use a playbook and they read the same crap out of it…if you think liberals are there to help you think again they just want to control you….
September 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Alexa i am very impressed you have a good head on your shoulders and will go far in life
September 6th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
anyway, back to Palin.. I dont think anyone has a right to be “concerned” for her family… you just need to be worried about your family and how you can help them.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Bob, if OUR country is so bad, please feel free to return to Deutchland!!!!!!!!!!!
September 9th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
To Carol and those concerned about Sarah working with such small children: Human babies are born very immature compared with a host of other mammals. Therefore, they require constant nurturing during almost the first full year and for years after that. Human babies must be held, breastfed, and have skin-to-skin contact with another human (preferably mom) in order for them to grow into competent children and adults. If they do not get this from their mother, they will get it somewhere else, for instance, from a teacher or babysitter. Now, my question is, why would someone have children when she/he has no intention of being the person responsible for raising them?
September 9th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Jane, you are wrong about Sarah Palin. She went back to work 3 days after Trig was born, but she is fortunate enough that she is able to take Trig with her. She keeps him with her. She is still breastfeeding him, and on those occasions when she can’t breastfeed him, she pumps her milk for him. She is probably spending more time with him than most mothers who work. Additionally, Todd Palin is a full-time parent now. So when Sarah can’t be there holding and cuddling him, either Todd or someone else in the family is. From what I’ve seen and read about Sarah Palin, she and Todd are very hands-on in raising their children.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I am a Democrat. We all know that both parties can play the politics of life and experience to get their points across. I could care less if Sarah Palin is the nicest or nastiest person in America. I could care less about her Family. I care that the issues need to be addressed in this country. I could care less about women being called Supermoms, or men being called Superdads. Why do I state this?? Simply because at the gas station your choices are regular or premium. There is no Democrat or republican pump is there?? My concern is for those AMERICANS Democrat/Republican/Independent or Undecided/straight or gay/black or white/etc etc who are losing their homes and their jobs and their health care. That is why I am for Obama. I do not or cannot judge Mrs. Palins personal choices. I critique Both Parties if they do not stick to the issues. Right now I am seeing us veer way of track about Obama or Palin’s personal issues and family values. Can we just agree that Obama cares for his family as much as Palin cares for hers? But how does discussing their respective families lower those gas prices, or put more food on our tables, or give health care to ALL adults and ALL children, whether they have special need or Not?
September 14th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I applaud Sarah Palin for her decision to continue with her pregnancy and have her son. I have 2 children and have had the blessing of being able to “stay-home” with my first ’til he was 10 months, then I returned to work. I then took a break from work to stay with my youngest and now I have chosen to return to work with my youngest being 6 months old. I see nothing wrong with a woman returning to work shortly after her pregnancy. A parent will bond with their child every time they hold that baby and every time they feed them (bottle or breast). To say that she won’t bond with her son because she doesn’t breastfeed or stay home with him is just ludicrous. Would that be said of a new father? A man obviously can’t breastfeed, but he doesn’t love that baby any less than his wife who can. Her decision to return to work is no different than millions of mothers in the U.S. People need to stop their criticisms. Opinions are like “farts” your own smells great and everyone elses stinks!!! People need to stop their criticisms. It isn’t going to change Palin’s mind on her decisions, so people might as well stop adding wrinkles to their faces by getting angry over what other people do. It’s as simple as this…if you don’t like her, don’t vote for her, but you’d be a fool to vote for anyone else. She’s your average American mom, from sports practice to piano lessons, and everything in between.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
In addition to my previous post… I do realize that Sarah Palin brestfeeds her son, I wasn’t trying to say she didn’t, I was only trying to give an example. I have breastfed both of my children, but both have also been supplemented with formula (PS…They’re turning out just fine). And, millions of babies have been formula fed, and I bet a person cannot walk into an elementary school classroom and point out which children were brestfed and which had formula. So, whatever she chooses is between her and the pediatrician, not the American public.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I think it’s hilarious that you idiots can’t even spell let alone use grammar properly. Why don’t you get off your high horse and stop taking out your hatred on someone who has done, and will do, more good in just a few years than you ever will in your entire pathetic life. Grow up and open your eyes. This world is falling down around us, maybe it’s finally time to let ONE WOMAN step in and clean up the mess that ALL THE MEN are so good at making.
Your mommies took care of you then, your wives take care of you now, and your daughters will take care of you when your son is too busy for you. So step aside and let the woman do her job.
September 29th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Doesn’t anyone out there in the Christian Right Wing think it’s a bit hypocritcal to praise someone for making the choice to keep her baby when both the chooser and the praisers all agree that other women should be DENIED the right to make such a choice? Why did she even have a test in the first place? I thought the test was all about being able to make smart CHOICES. Sounds very PRO-CHOICE to me.
September 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
There is nothing hypocritical at all about it. Legally, women have the right to kill their babies via abortion. It is praise-worthy for a woman to choose not to kill a baby when she knows the baby will have special needs. My fight is for the babies. Women may choose to use contraception. They may choose to not have sexual intercourse. I am pro-choice for the baby. Once that baby is conceived, it has a right not to be killed simply the mother doesn’t want it. Pro-choice people ignore the fact that the baby who is being aborted has feelings - the abortion is painful for the baby - and an abortion ENDS A LIFE. The time to choose is in using contraception or in not having sex.
September 29th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I doubt she is doing any measurable ‘breastfeeding’. Being in ICU in the beginning, being preemie, and having downs where they have difficulty just keeping food down, and difficulty with low muscle tone/coordination not working right. Its hard to get started with breast feeding. I highly doubt there’s much going on in that department.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:13 am
To AD: And your point? She is doing at least some breastfeeding which is more than most babies get.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Some of the nasty comments and vile innuendo that people have posted here about Sarah Palin is simply appalling. What sick, twisted minds they possess. One has to believe that such people constitute a small minority of the populace. Otherwise, our world is lost.
God bless & protect the Palin family!
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Carol why do you think people are sexist when they express concern about a mother of 5 being the VP? I think it is a reasonable concern. People would question a male’s judgement if he decided to run with all of those family responsibilities. They would be saying “He needs to be there for his kids and his wife. I bet he’s an absent father, probably cheating on his wife and getting other women pregnant.” People probably wouldn’t express this much concern if Palin seemed more secure and experienced in both areas of parenting and running the country, but she seems to be weak in both.
Her teenager being pregnant is a big indicator that she is not getting the guidance she needs. Its a fact. My bet is that Palin is also so busy preaching abstinence that she never educated her kids about safe sex. Also how do you know Palin’s breast feeding business. Have you personally seen her do it? Do you watch her? Do you believe everything you read?
Stop defending Palin’s personal life and listen to her beliefs and concerns and promises she is making. Start defending those if you really think she is going to do such a great job. My guess is that you don’t even pay attention to that stuff, the stuff that actually matters if she is elected.
I’m a teacher too and I have seen what it does to the kids in the family when you uproot them and then not give them the support they need in their new environment. On top of that, they’re new lives will be nothing like they have experienced before. A lot of change requires a lot of attention.
If you are so set on calling people sexist, what would you call McCain for making the decision to choose her as his running mate. Do you really think he would have picked a woman had Hillary not been a part of this election?
BALANCE! ITS ALL ABOUT BALANCE! You seem to very one sided.
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Very interesting comment, Chris. Obama has two young children. John Edwards has two young children. Are you or were you concerned about how their being on a national ticket would affect their families? I don’t know about Palin’s breast feeding business other than what I’ve read. Do you know that she doesn’t breast feed? You are jumping to conclusions about whether or not she was “so busy preaching abstinence that she never educated her kids about safe sex.” Seems like you are not only believing what you read but making up new stuff as well. Unless you are as concerned about Obama’s ability to be POTUS while parenting young children as you are with Palin’s ability to be VP while parenting young children, then you are sexist.
Palin was the best choice for VP for McCain. I was personally hoping he’d pick her long before Obama ever picked Biden and before Hillary was out of the race.
I am continually amazed - but not surprised - at how people who preach women’s rights, equality and progressive thought are shown for the shallow bigots that they are.
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Here are two thoughtful websites that are collecting and publishing information on the question of “Who is Trig’s Mother”
http://www.geocities.com/palinbabyquestion
http://www.palindeception.com
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Oh for Pete’s sake, give me a break! So there are two “thoughtful” websites about the parentage of Trig. I guess idiotic thoughts are still technically “thoughtful.” I woulnd’t waste my time on such slimey sites and people.
October 5th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Bigots? No sorry you seem to be the sexist and the bigot, you are so blind Carol. While you were sitting in Alaska hoping McCain would pick Palin for Vp, no one knew who she was! That shows how great she is!
Who are you and where do you get your facts and opinions?
Please give me three reasons as to why you think she should be vp….reasons that have nothing to do with her personal life. Thanks.
October 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I wish I were sitting in Alaska. However, I live a very long flight away from Alaska. However, since I read a lot and keep up with news around the US and the world, I learned about Sarah Palin last spring - and have been impressed with what she has done in Alaska and what she can bring to national politics. The only people who didn’t know who she was were people who don’t keep up with Republican politics. She’s been a contender for the Republican VP slot for a long time.
I believe in women’s right - regardless of whether the woman is a Democrat or a Republican. Apparently, many Democrats feel that women’s rights apply to only Democratic women. Thus the cry of how Palin should be home taking care of her children instead of running for public office. Thus the attacks on her character - and all the outlandish claims of the baby really being her grandbaby.
I get my facts from the news - both broadcast and online. I form my opinions based on the news and my own belief system - which is that all people are created equal and should be treated as such, life begins at conception, and the “government” is the people.
October 5th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Carol you seem to answer questions like Palin….you don’t answer them. I still don’t know three reasons as to why she should be vp?
October 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
And, Chris, I don’t spend my time doing what people like you tell me to do. It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and I am spending it with my family outside. I also have not contracted into a debate with you. So stop with your silly little “gotcha” drama.
Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska - one of our fifty states. She has been a mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. For some reason, people such as yourself, dismiss these accomplishments. However, the act of governing and managing any of the fifty states is similar - regardless of size or population. Same thing with being a mayor. Some responsibilities might be scaled down because of the size/population of the state or city - but others remain the same. You also dismiss her because you hadn’t heard of her before - illustrating your own ignorance rather than hers. She has a unique knowledge of energy issues - something sorely needed at this time in American history.
She also has a belief system that I admire and that I think is what our country needs. She’s not driven by political loyalties - except to the people who elected her. She is a gifted speaker and communicator. She has demonstrated that she can meet with heads of state and be “vice presidential.” She speaks with knowledge and understanding of the issues. She’s been reading newspapers since she was in elementary school - from front to back - and I appreciate that she refused to play in with Katie Couric’s ridiculous questions about newspapers.
Now I’m headed outside for a hike.
October 5th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Thanks for leaving your reasons. You would have sounded a lot smarter a month ago had you been supporting her with these opinions and not defending her breast feeding schedule.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Lord knows I’ll sleep better tonight knowing you believe I could’ve “sounded a lot smarter” had I only done as you requested earlier. I don’t recall writing a post about Sarah Palin’s breastfeeding schedule - I only responded to someone’s comment about it. And I never said that the fact she breastfeeds qualifies her as anything other than a breastfeeding mother . . . but who knows. “Vote for Palin because she breastfeeds!” I guess that’s at least concrete and based more on a proven track record than “Vote for Obama because he’ll bring hope and change.”
October 11th, 2008 at 2:20 am
YOU GUYS CRACK ME UP. DONT YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO?? THIS IS RIDICULOUS. WHO CARES ABOUT ANY OF THIS EY……….SAD SAD LITTLE LIVES