BEVOLASVEGAS:*If* John McCain had chosen a male running mate, who had a pregnant teenage daughter, & a child with down's syndrome would everyone react the same way?
I've asked myself that same question and yea I am pretty sure I would. I am equivocal about the down's syndrome infant as I suppose I think a baby that young with a serious handicap NEEDS their mother. If that child were older I would feel exactly the same with a male candidate. This isn't just a job and the first year of life should have some stability and a ton of interaction with the mom ( and dad).
I recently had a client that was a surgical specialist who was leaving private practice to work for a non-profit because they had a handicap son who needed more structure and time. Hired help can be great but they are not the parent. She took an extraordinary step to try and provide all that she could for her young son. She believes she'll go back into practice once he reaches 5.
As for a parent that has a 17 yo pregnant daughter that would choose to go into an international spotlight - well I don't think that parent has the 17 yo in their best interest. I say this as someone who has spent more than 10 yrs as a therapist for children and families (not private, state position so not an elitist clientele) A 17 yo may be physically mature enough to have babies - but in today's world - not 1950 - they aren't nearly emotionally mature enough to have babies, get married and play house. Having to do so under this magnifying glass complicates it tremendously.
My concern is for those children.
I think that one who espouses family values should live them and by that I mean put them first
"I think Karen should get a BC next time because she deserves a more mellow laid back dog! Or a Maremma because she needs a more clingy, biddable, easily trained dog." Brookcove 2008