Family and Public Office
Mrs. Palin announced her daughter was indeed pregnant after the media ran the story. Not content, some journalists and pseudo-journalists announced that the Palin’s youngest son was actually the daughter’s child and that Mrs. Palin is somehow using this for some advantage by claiming the child as her own. The motivation? Unclear. Perhaps they were insinuating that this move would insulate the family from scandal. Perhaps it was a desperate ploy to catapult her into a position of prominance? I have no idea – and neither do the yellow journalists that peddled this story.
I find this story and the assault by those who call themselves ‘enlightened’ to be difficult to stomach. What newsworthy rationale lies in this story and the other, unsubstantiated slanders that are swirling around the blogosphere? This is an irresponsible journalistic practice. Even more importantly, it is a deliberate attempt to obfuscate the real issues that should be debated in public forums. Moreover, it is patently an attempt to hurt, humiliate, or intimidate Mrs. Palin. As her announcement on the subject clearly indicated, none of these tactics were efficacious.
As a man who believes in the sanctity of life, I find myself with no choice but to support McCain. Previous posts have clearly indicated why an Obama presidency is unacceptable to Roman Catholics. This story does not weaken my respect for Mrs. Palin – indeed, she handled an insulting, intrusive, and crass assault by the media with grace, poise, and conviction. As an attack, it was ineffectual.
I applaud Senator Obama for immediately denouncing this story and those who posted it. By doing so, he is not only continuing a long-standing tradition based in expediency and compassion, but he is protecting his own family. I cannot recall Chelsea Clinton coming under such a vicious attack. It simply hasn’t been done, and it is perhaps illuminating that a staunch liberal-democratic blog sunk to such tactics. Senator Obama has his work cut out for him. No longer can he preach his is the party of unity, of compassion, of dignity. His denunciation is not enough. The Daily Kos enjoyed a prominent position in the Democratic Convention, a distinction they should no longer enjoy. Otherwise, many will consider that this was a purposeful tactic – using an attack dog that is later denounced…after the damage has been done.
Let us argue the facts. Let us examine the policies. Let us allow the children some protection from the vicious political machinations that infest politics.
