So let's compare. Sarah Palin has a 17 year old daughter who is pregnant. Does this mean that Sarah Palin is a hypocrite for championing family values? Does this make her a bad parent? Here is what Palin has to say about the matter: "We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart...Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of love and adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional support."
This to me is the true humble and Christian response. No one is perfect. And there are consequences for actions which people have to live with. Even so, parents can admire the young girl's decision not to take the easy way out and have an abortion. They love their daughter unconditionally, and accept the grandchild unreservedly. I predict that this will strengthen Palin's support both with evangelical Christians and with the American people.
Now let's contrast Palin's behavior with that of Barack Obama. Here is Obama, from his speech at the Democratic National Convention. "It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it." Obama faulted McCain for his cruel and insensitive philosophy, which he defined this way: "Out of work? Tough luck. No health care. The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your boot straps, even if you don't have boots. You're on your own."
Obama rejected the bootstraps philosophy in favor of a Christian alternative. In his interview with pastor Rick Warren, Obama said his favorite passage in the Bible is the one where Jesus says: whatever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me. Obama has actually used biblical language to make the point that we are our brothers' keeper. Obama insisted that these are the ideals that have guided his life and the ones that he would bring to the Oval Office.
Now how can Obama's self-description be reconciled with news reports that Obama's younger half-brother lives in a hut in a shanty town on the outskirts of Nairobi? Vanity Fair caught up with twenty six year old George Hussein Onyango Obama, and what he had to say is as shocking as it is pathetic. "No one knows who I am. I live here on less than a dollar a month." George's shack measures 6 feet by 10 feet, and yet he says that Barack Obama has done nothing to reach out to him or to help him. "I live like a recluse. If anyone says something about my surname, I say we are not related. I am ashamed." The two Obamas only met twice, once when George was five and then again in 2006 when Senator Obama visited Nairobi. "It was very brief," George says. "We spoke for just a few minutes. It was like meeting a complete stranger."
So far what has Obama said about his half-brother? Absolutely nothing. Yet the Obama campaign has not denied the story. And Obama's supporters, attempting to cover up for their man, have basically said that young George Obama is trying to benefit from Barack Obama's success. Their argument is that Obama owes his sibling nothing. So the Obama camp has a message for George: "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, even if you don't have boots. You're on your own." Obama's accusation against McCain turns out to be an accurate description of his own practical philosophy.
Could there be a more striking contrast between Palin's loving approach to her family and Obama's stern rejection of his own half-brother? The media seems to be implying that Palin is hypocritical because she stands for "family values" while her daughter is pregnant out of wedlock. But parents don't have full control over their teenagers' actions. Moreover, isn't Obama an even bigger hypocrite for championing aid to the down-and-out while his own sibling lives in an African hut on pennies a day? By the way the Obamas made several million dollars last year! They are certainly in a position to relieve George's condition if they cared enough.
The major newspapers and networks know about George, and they seem to recognize how damaging this story is for their favorite presidential candidate. So they are not reporting it, even though it is one of the most revealing stories about the candidate's character. And thus, with the GOP convention under way, we have the ridiculous spectacle of Obama getting credit for talking about compassion while Palin gets criticized for practicing it.
A slightly different version of this article appears in the online edition of National Review.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 46)
61. --So you want to return to being a British colony? Those were the good old days (Native American attacks along the frontier, disease, harsh winters? this is good?--
I suppose you find it easier to argue your position when you put words in your opponent's mouth. I never mentioned British rule, and I never said those other hardships were good. I said the "roots," specifically the work ethic, was good. Furthermore, I simply used a time period to demonstrate that incredible work ethic, which eventually helped to enable the existence of a great American nation.
If you prefer to not carefully read my arguments before responding to them, I recommend you concede the debate right now.
Troy at 2:04PM on Sep 2nd 2008
62. ABSTINENCE - A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE
http//abunchofwordsaintgonnaovercomethatoldadolescenthormonesurge.com
Just for you MM ;)
Pliny-the-in-between at 2:06PM on Sep 2nd 2008
63. There is a huge assumption that Sarah Palin did not discuss human sexuality with her daughter. It is possible they had this discussion numerous times and her daughter chose to disobey. My niece became pregnant at 14 and had my great-niece at 15! My sister who is 18 years older than me was devastated. Her daughter had been thoroughly educated about the dangers of premarital sex, but did it anyway. My mother said, “There will be no abortions. You will have the baby, finish school, and we will help you”. I was 13. The baby is now an RN working in a private hospital with geriatric patients. Her next goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner. She made straight A’s and B’s all through school and is the pride of our family. Having a baby out of wedlock is not the best decision, but it need not lead to a dim future.
janesophie1 at 2:12PM on Sep 2nd 2008
64. I TOLD YOU TO KEEP WATCHING THE NEWS DD YOU RIGHT WING MORON. IT WAS JUST REPORTED THAT YOUR PRINCESS AND HER NITWIT HUSBAND WERE MEMBERS OF AIP. AN ALASKAN RIGHT WING GROUP THAT WANT'S TO SEECED FROM THE UNION. GO ON THE ALASKA INDEPENDENCE PARTY WEBSITE AND READ ALL ABOUT THESE WACKJOBS.
Larry at 2:15PM on Sep 2nd 2008
65. --You don't have a clue what these girls and women go through before they make their decisions to abort.--
Alyssa,
I will concede that I cannot know the exact feelings and motive behind a woman's decision to have an abortion. I know women who have made this decision, and, for many of them, the decision was not an easy one. My use of the word "whim" simply reflects my perception (whether right or wrong) of the incredibly high frequency at which abortions occur. My overall point is that, regardless of how emotionally difficult the choice is, the choice is one of murder, no matter how you look at it. I find it difficult to feel compassion for a woman having an abortion, when she apparently feels that murdering her baby is the best choice. In fact, I find the decision to have an abortion downright selfish. Anyone who disagrees must defend murder!
Troy at 2:18PM on Sep 2nd 2008
66. The real point in all of this is that adolescents often make choices that they may regret later in life - assuming they survive. It's basic biology not theology that drives these rash behaviors. It's why adults, versed in what science has told us about impulse control in the young, need to educate kids about their range of options and provide them with education regarding safe practices should they proceed. Yes, sex in the teen years probably isn't the best course but we know that some of the kids will do it no matter what they are told. Teach them at least about condoms and birth control so that they have a fighting chance. And no, I don't buy the argument that sex education leads to promiscuity any more than I think that teaching kids to wear safety belts promotes reckless driving...
Pliny-the-in-between at 2:22PM on Sep 2nd 2008
67. Hey Troy?
You're a dork.
Love,
the fetus at 2:29PM on Sep 2nd 2008
68. GaryB,
I think it is a great idea and for some part this blog does offer many views on topics that are discussed, both logical and those fueled by fantasy.
Laws are indeed proposed and enacted to uphold a moral boundary that man has decided needs to be kept. Are they all valid? No. Do they change? Thankfully so. Is it always the majority that decides what laws are valid? Thankfully no.
Should we liken abortion with someone's right to plow up their wetland? Um... I don't even want to go there. Part of me thinks as a community of earth dwellers we need to have some preservation of our natural wet lands - I live in an area that this issue is always on the front burner so to speak - So mostly I'm torn on whether is should be legislated or not. I can see both sides and feel for the farmer whose land is less than what it might be in regards for planting or other utilization. Should the government compensate land owner for land lost to this type of law? Yes I think so.
TJ at 2:28PM on Sep 2nd 2008
69. Sarah Palin!
FINN at 2:39PM on Sep 2nd 2008
70. Concerned post 1 - In case y'all forget the race is between Obamanation and JM, although Palin has more experiece than BO, the race is between JM and BO.
Man_in_Wilderness at 2:42PM on Sep 2nd 2008
71. "In case y'all forget the race is between Obamanation and JM, although Palin has more experiece than BO, the race is between JM and BO."
Well no MIW, it's really not that simple. Statistically speaking, McCain has better odds of dying during his would-be first term than he does of surviving it. That's not hyperbole. It's just the life expectancy of a white male in the US today. Therefore his running mate is of paramount importance. She must be considered on her merits as if she were running for President, and not just the backup. Obama, being 47, doesn't have that problem. Sure, he could die tomorrow, but it's not likely, even if he is a smoker. Anybody who's going to vote for McCain sure as heck better evaluate whether they think Palin is equally capable, or it's just plain irresponsibility.
Alyssa at 3:16PM on Sep 2nd 2008
72. Anyone who disagrees must defend murder!
xxxxxxxx
The question that has to be asked is if you are consistent: do you favor capital punishment?, war fighting? What is your stance on 'collateral damage' (that repugnant term for killing of the innocent), euthanasia, death with dignity statutes, etc. Do you feel that it is ever reasonable to take a human life? I'm not trying to be objectionable merely curious.
Pliny-the-in-between at 2:47PM on Sep 2nd 2008
73. festus post 67 - You would not be saying that if your mom had aborted you. Nice to be able to sit on your stool of do nothing and say how great it is. huh? I agree with Troy, abortion is murder of innocent life. The decision these girls and women make is whether to murder a child or not. A very, very selfish act.
Man_in_Wilderness at 2:47PM on Sep 2nd 2008
74. "Wow, Botts, you have now been elevated to one who knows what is going on in someone else's heart & mind?"
As I said, "it seems to me". That wouldn't be fact, but my opinion. She had to have known, that this would get out. She had to. Therefore, the perception of this wouldn't be good for her Daughter. My concern is the daughter. She now is labeled as a slut and all kinds of crap from everyone. Mrs. Palin had to have known this might be the case by running for VP and being nationally known.
It is my opinion, that this is selfish.
"Where did this rare gift come from ?"
You're assuming that I claimed to have one.
"Please tell us all, it's the only "christian" think for you to do."
Well, putting ambition and public scrutiny over family in my opinion wouldn't be the Christian thing to do. As a Christian, what's your opinion?
"What was that old line about "judging" ?"
God judges. I don't. I simply see it for what it is. Mrs. Palin is free to do as she pleases. I will not condemn her or anyone else, but I will state my observations.
Judging and observing are two different things. And my observation on all of this, is that it is sad that her 17 year old Daughter's private life is now all over the place. And that Daughter is now being judged, condemned and all kinds of stuff. This might not have been the case, if Mrs. Palin didn't accept the Vice Presidency which she admittedly said she has no clue what it entails.
Botts at 2:48PM on Sep 2nd 2008
75. --67. Hey Troy? You're a dork.--
Impressive response dude...
Is it code for, "I don't know how to refute your arguments, and I don't want to admit defeat, so I'll just call you a name I learned in junior high."
Troy at 2:47PM on Sep 2nd 2008