Here's the deal. I know that everyone is gung-ho about Sarah Palin possibly being our Vice President and I am the first person to say that a woman can do everything she wants to, but after the last 4 months, I am also the first to say that something has to give for every new thing a mother ads. I think she could be a great great leader for America, but I am forced to ask myself how ready her family is for her to be incredibly incredibly busy for the next 4 years. Her son is Jonah's age...and he has Downs Syndrome. I can't imagine trying to be Vice-President with my baby at home. Daddy's can do a great great job at home, but as Jonah can attest to, sometimes babies just want mommy. I was a great nanny for the last 6 years. Casey and Cameron love me as much as any little boys can love anyone, but I am not mommy for them and as soon as mommy walked in, thats who they wanted. I worry about her missing the first four years of her babies life and feeling extreme guilt about it. I feel guilty every day when I leave Jonah and I, for the most part, leave my job there. I know the Vice Presidency is the oppurtunity of a lifetime, but her baby should be the most important thing in the world. How is she going to help her daughter learn how to be a mommy when she'll be knee deep in politics when her mommy needs her. What happens if her daughter goes into labor the night of the election, which does she choose? I'm not saying a mother can never be a great great leader, I'm just saying that I don't think the time to do that is when the vast majority of your children are still at home, let alonea few still in diapers
Comments (7)
I understand, but I don't think that should influence people's decision to vote for her. That's her choice that she'll have to deal with. Many women return to just as busy jobs after having babies. If we are going to pull that card against her I think it's taking steps back for all women who have fought hard to be able to have a career and be a Mommy.
@jbjcox - The Vice Presidency isn't a career though, it's a life basically. Her job will be around the clock for four years. I have every intention on having a career and a baby and I don't think that it's asking anyone to take a step back. There's a time for everything and I just can't agree with her leading a country with a 4 month old who definitely definitely needs her. I may very well vote for her ticket, but it's just something I feel I have to consider for myself.
I agree, Valerie. I think that she may indeed be great for the country, but I don't see how this job can be great for her family. Just think of all the intrusion the family has had to endure already. And the baby definitely needs his mommy. Personally, I don't feel that it is taking a step back to be a stay-at-home mom. Mothers are supposed to be there for their children, it is what's natural. I know some moms feel that they have to work or have careers to complete themselves and maybe those people do. But for those of us that choose to stay home with our babies, it is definitely NOT a step back...it is a step into the future!
@Celticmama36 - I agree... I definitely dont feel like women should have to feel like they need to stay home either...I think both types of mommy's are effective if that's what works best for their families...I just can't imagine any mommy being OK with being able to care for a special needs baby and a country at the same time.
I don't think staying home is a step back. I think for us to judge her and make an issue out of this is. I would love to stay home if I could, and I agree that it's best for the kiddos. I just don't think we should make this an issue with regards to the election.
Thankfully, most of us don't have to choose between a country and our babies :) If your little guy is sick, you can get time off from work. If mine get sick, I'm always around anyway (they go to work with me). But, I'm sure it will be a little harder to call in sick if you're the VP of a country. All we can do is pray that everything works out for the best for their family, whether that is for her to be the VP or not. Heaven help us all no matter who wins...this country sure needs it!
Wow.. if it's all about HER choice and not anything about her baby... then why not just abort it. What is really the difference? Bringing a beautiful special baby into this world and CHOOSING to be VP instead (and yes, it is "instead") -- VERSUS -- aborting the child and pretending like it never existed. Seems to be that the two are pretty much one and the same.
It really isn't about passing judgement on Sarah Palin. The water has run under the bridge as far as the election goes anyway. Honestly though, we do sit in judgement over our politicians and national leaders. Each one of us does it. Ronald Reagan was judged based on his wife's propensity for seances in the white house and mixing up the storylines from movies he was in with reality when he would make speeches, George Bush Sr was judged on the way he dealt with, or should I say, did not deal with economic issues so many blamed his personal wealth for being the rose colored glasses, Bill Clinton was never judged on his contributions, instead on his dirty little secrets, and GW, well he was judged on his propensity to invent stories of WMD. Everyone judges our politicians. Everyone is ready to throw down the gauntlet.
But in the case of Sarah Palin, I don't see her as a poster child for showing that women can do it all and do it all well. I think other women are saying that there is reason for concern.
Just my humble opinion. Sorry for the oh so late response.