mike omalley said:I think you will find that Ms. Palin's daughter is 17 years old, but I'm certain you already knew that. Do we assume the shock value of a "pregnant 7 year old" is just too good to pass up?
The woman has a 4 month old Down's syndrome baby and a pregnant 7 year old daughter . . .
BTW, before it becomes an issue here, the age of consent in Alaska is 16.
Happy (Truth in Advertising) RRing,
Jerry
Typo–thanks for catching it.
It’s interesting that the age of consent in AK is 16. I wonder if Palin wants to raise it? Surely if you are in favor of “abstinence only” sex ed you want a high age of consent? Maybe not–maybe you want people to marry young?
The daughter’s behavior is none of my business, but the Mother’s is, and so is McCain’s. She chose to run for VP knowing the poor 17 year old kid’s life would be exposed and she would have to be married to her oafish boyfriend in a cloud of media vultures. Let’s see–my personal ambition’s versus my kids well being…
McCain just didn’t do any vetting or background reading. Just what you want in a president.
I should add I’ve been following this and there is still no hard evidence that Palin was a member of the AIP. Her husband was, but she was consistently registered Republican. She may or may not have attended the group’s conventions. One of the three AIP members who says she was a member is now walking it back a little.
She has yet to denounce the AIP or the idea of Alaskan secession. Remember how Obama had to denounce Rev. Wright?
It seems Barack Obama spent years sitting in Reverend Wright’s ‘amen pew,’ raising money and giving large personal donations ($22,500 in 2006) to a guy who preaches extreme racism and hate for everything American, and especially hate for white folks. There was Obama, for something near 20 years, just sitting there soaking up and agreeing with the hate for everyone and everything not black. “Let me write you another check for that fine sermon Reverend Wright.”
Then it was presidential campaign time, and Obama claims he didn’t know what the good reverend was preaching. That makes Obama either awfully disingenuous, or awfully stupid. Obama is many things, but stupid I do not believe. Obama only very reluctantly rolled over on Wright when it became politically expedient and absolutely necessary.
I see a couple of wackos who are identified as being in the AIP, running off at the mouth, but the organization overall definitely does not espouse anything like the kind of hate and racism that Obama has subscribed to in time, money and support. From the AIP bylaws: “The Alaskan Independence Party’s goal is to let the people vote on the question they were entitled to but were denied in 1958.” OTH, I have listened to several of the Reverend Wright’s speeches, and I can confirm that he does not preach having a vote on anything: just hate whitey and everything else that comes with being an American!
Along with the above differences, there is absolutely no evidence that Ms. Palin has given anything in the way of financial support to the AIP. No one has come up with a membership roll where she is listed as a member or contributor. She apparently gave a speech, but I can’t find the text. Just a guess, but I would bet that it is really innocuous when compared to Obama’s spiritual leader’s rants.
I’ll go with the folks who believe in America for all races, and who would ask for a vote to get things done their way. But that’s just me.
Happy RRing,
Jerry
How many of Nancy’s kids are knocked up teenagers…
I love the shear hypocracy of all the delegates “praising” the Palins for their descision to keep the baby and to marry the boyfriend, give a f**** break, like the kids had any freakin choice in that decision, a shotgun marraige is still a shotgun marraige no matter how you spin it, and I want to know if the 18 year old father can be prosicuted for unlawful sex with a 17 year old minor, age of consent usually refers only to marraige age, and has nothing to do with underage sexual activity, ask any 40 year old anywhere in this country what would happen to him if he knocked up a 17 year old.
If this had happened to Chelsey Clinton when she was 17 the Repub’s would be screaming for a bloody crucifiction of the Clintons damming them for lousy parenting skill, but Oh its OUR candidate, therefore its OK we’ll just circle the wagons like we always do and protect our own behind a wall of shear hypocrasy…jeeezuzz.
Jerry Bowers said:and you would know this how? Have you attended Wright's church for a sermon or just working off a few, out of context, soundbytes you saw on television? I doubt he is my cup of tea either but I'm not quick to judge from what I see on the TV. Its a bit silly to condemn a guy for making donations to a protestant church.
It seems Barack Obama spent years sitting in Reverend Wright's 'amen pew,' raising money and giving large personal donations ($22,500 in 2006) to a guy who preaches extreme racism and hate for everything American, and especially hate for white folks.
-Brian
Vic, you do feel strongly about that, don’t you? It always amazes me why people are so absolutely surprised at what depth the politicos will sink to when it serves the cause of the moment.
Hey the other night they had American libertarian Matt Welch - strange species to be sure - on the CBC talking about his book “The Myth of a Maverick”. After listening to and reading the Dem and Rep comments, it was a most refreshing perspective from an unusual angle. 
The part which told it best was to what length the Reps would go to keep him as far from the “action” as humanly possible. Sounded like a “For Pete’s sake keep him away, he’s not supposed to know anything” damage prevention routine.
Victor Smith said:Sorry Vic, but unless the guy is over 20 years old, there isn't any legal violation. From [url=http://blog.laborlawtalk.com/2006/11/07/alaska-age-of-consent-laws//]The Labor Law Talk Blog (link)[/url]:
. . . I want to know if the 18 year old father can be prosicuted for unlawful sex with a 17 year old minor, age of consent usually refers only to marraige age, and has nothing to do with underage sexual activity, ask any 40 year old anywhere in this country what would happen to him if he knocked up a 17 year old.
“In Alaska, as in many other states, the laws on statutory rape depend, in part, on the age difference between the two partners. The law recognizes statutory rape only in cases involving an age difference of more than 3 years. A 20 year old man who has sex with a 15 year old girl, in Alaska, is guilty of statutory rape. A 17 year old male who has consensual sex with a 15 year old girl is not guilty of statutory rape, under Alaska law.”
I don’t remember the details of the sex lives of Nancy Pelosi’s children, Chelsa Clinton, nor most politicians families being shouted about by the Republicans, but the Democrats are really out in force on this one. It’s amazing how the focus of the campaign is suddenly directed to the families of the opponents. I can only guess that McCain has chosen a winner here, as there doesn’t seem to be any more discussion of the issues affecting our country. Just shouting about something that shouldn’t be on anyone’s screen, left or right.
Happy RRing,
Jerry
I’m a cynic first and foremost so all the fawning at the convention just makes me chuckle, its like the old saying, I used to be shocked, now I’m just amused.
I saw an interview with McCain where a reporter questioned his choice of VP and the famously angry side of Mickey-C came roaring out in the snap back at the reporter, I personaly dont care about it as I’m not voting for him, but I know Repubs at my work are privately appalled at these latest revelations, they keep saying ‘why on earth did he pick her?’ and 'didnt anyone do any background research?"
As Steve says, welcome to the Silly Season 
Did any of you hear Lieberman’s speech tonight? There’s one Liberal I could be happy with in the White House even if I disagree with him probably 80% of the time.
And yes, I watched almost all of the Democratic Convention and heard Hillary’s rousing speech too. Now I’m watching the Republican Convention. After all an Independent has to be ready to duck fire from both directions.
Victor Smith said:
I'm a cynic first and foremost so all the fawning at the convention just makes me chuckle, its like the old saying, I used to be shocked, now I'm just amused.I saw an interview with McCain where a reporter questioned his choice of VP and the famously angry side of Mickey-C came roaring out in the snap back at the reporter, I personaly dont care about it as I’m not voting for him, but I know Repubs at my work are privately appalled at these latest revelations, they keep saying ‘why on earth did he pick her?’ and 'didnt anyone do any background research?"
As Steve says, welcome to the Silly Season
Victor Smith said:Interesting how things are different in various parts of the same state. Among my circle of (fairly conservative) friends and business acquaintances, the comments are along the line of "I think McCain made a great choice" and just today from a guy who really studies these things and has followed Sarah Palin since her star came over the horizon, "I was hoping McCain would select her."
. . . I know Repubs at my work are privately appalled at these latest revelations, they keep saying 'why on earth did he pick her?' . . .
The only ones I hear from who are not happy with Ms. Palin are the liberals. That makes me suspect she is a good choice, but time will tell.
I just received a personal letter from Barack Obama and he has now outlined what he plans to change:
(Note: Four points above copied from a personal letter from Barack O’bama, received 8/30/08.)
I feel much better about his plans for change, as I am certain that if elected, someone will explain to him that items 1, 2, and 3 are already in existence, working pretty well, and that item 4 is in work. I had previously worried that he meant to change our country in some major and undefined way, but it now looks like things will remain about the same if he wins.
The ‘change’ that really gets my attention is his pledged cash payment to us. He didn’t mention it in his four page letter, but I still have his promise saved on TIVO, so I’m reasonably certain that given the chance, he will keep his word.
Happy RRing,
Jerry
I keep wondering what it is about the lady has the liberal media so scared? For the last 5-6 months they have cheerfully ignored the fact that a fellow by the name of John McCain was even running for president. Now he names this woman as his running mate and you get almost a mad dog response with the publishing of ANYTHING and EVERYTHING negative they could dig up on her… The lady must bring something to the table they fear, or it would be just more of the same.
Meanwhile, whay does the fact that Biden’s kid is being sued for something that could be considered an ethical lapse gets a total pass? Better yet, what did Biden bring to the Obama ticket that he didn’t already have? Well, besides an old white guy?
"Would anyone ever ask whether a male candidate was qualified for office because his daughter was pregnant?
Some also have questioned whether Palin, whose son Trig has Down syndrome, can be both a mother and a vice president? These questions aren’t coming from the right – so often accused of wanting to keep women barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen – but from the left.
Did someone switch the Kool-Aid?
Palin is everything liberals have always purported to want for women – freedom to choose, opportunities for both career and family, a shot at the top ranks of American political life. With five children and an impressive resume, Palin should be Miss July in the go-girl calendar."
by Kathleen Parker
Obama’s mother was 18 when he was born.
Brian Donovan said:
I did not mention poverty but just talking about the redistribution of tax dollars from wealthier areas to areas less so. The DC suburbs are among the wealthiest in the country with Montgomery and Howard counties in Md and Arlington, Fairfax and Loudon in Va. There is a major outflow of tax dollars. Yes, those areas are quite pretty but not a hotbed of high income jobs.-Brian
But the right way to stop this corporate influence isn’t (as Frank suggests) simply to replace crooked Republicans with righteous, dedicated Democrats: it’s to tame the federal monster that drew the lobbyists in the first place, as government grew under Democrats and Republicans alike. As long as corporations find their success or failure subject to the whim of federal policy, of course they’ll make every effort to influence those policies – and no amount of lobbying regulation can end those efforts.
Consider the U.S. Department of Agriculture – with 106,000 employees and a yearly budget of $94 billion (2006 figures). This monstrous bureaucracy grows only one crop: regulation and favors, for one agri-business interest or another. Can anyone blame farming companies or organizations from attempting to secure favorable treatment from such an idiotically over-grown endeavor?
Then there’s the U.S. Department of Education (established by the worthless Jimmy Carter in 1979), with 5,000 employees and a budget of $69 billion — an operation that doesn’t actually operate a single school (states and localities do that) but exists to send money to favored programs and regions. Is it any surprise that the education lobby (particularly the formidable teachers unions) has become one of the most fearsome forces in Washington?
The Department of Energy (another Carter era innovation) lists 16,100 federal employees and another 100,000 contract employees, with a budget of 23.4 billion – but never pumped a single barrel of oil.
In the thirty years that the Departments of Education and Energy have existed at the cabinet level, does anyone believe that the situation with either education or energy improved in the United States?
The challenge of battling special interests and corruption isn’t a separate issue from cutting federal spending and shrinking the government: they’re the same issue. "
Michael Medved
We can make the same argument about tax dollars going in THAT direction.
Richard Smith said:I watched Joe Lieberman last night and I believe he demonstrated he was as honorable as he always has been. I don't always agree with his politics, but I don't know if I have ever agreed with anybody all the time. His statements will be considered as I prepare to cast my vote.
Did any of you hear Lieberman's speech tonight? There's one Liberal I could be happy with in the White House even if I disagree with him probably 80% of the time.
Jerry Bowers said:You reckon? Then what's that queue behind you?
I'll go with the folks who believe in America for all races, and who would ask for a vote to get things done their way. But that's just me.
I think the answer to my question, if I correctly read the comments made since yesterday, is that the Palins’ daughter will keep the baby and marry the father.
I hope that works out. If both families pitch in to help, it could. In the only case I personally know of, that’s exactly what happened with a friend’s son 30+ years ago. It was stressful for all parties concerned, but everyone agreed the baby came first. The youngsters went on to have two more children.
Being judgmental about these very personal matters, including the impact the situation should or shouldn’t have on Mrs. Palin’s political future, is not I place I go. Something about stones and glass houses . . . .
Re secession, TY to Mike both for pointing out some of the facts surrounding this issue and keeping an objective stance on the degree of Mrs. Palin’s involvement. As far as I can tell, Mrs. Palin doesn’t echo the views of the bloke Mike quotes about hating the US and its institutions. If that’s actually the case, her affiliation with the Alaskan secessionist movement is unlikely to be a big deal.
Jerry’s comment about believing in an America for all races resonates with me. Personally, as a white American male who grew up having very little contact with African-Americans until his early 20s, I find it difficult to see America from the perspective of someone like Rev. Wright. However, I have tried to understand his point of view, because something that happened to me over forty years ago has stuck in my mind.
Working as a NYC taxi driver one summer, I picked up a well-dressed African-American couple downtown and began driving them to Harlem. On the way, the bloke (he’d been drinking) became very unpleasant. His wife remonstrated with him, but he kept on making disparaging comments about my driving, his economic status relative to mine and how I was never going to be the man he was.
I needed the money, so kept my mouth shut. When we finally reached their street, I found myself in a one-laner, cars parked on both sides, in a none-too-salubrious neighbourhood. The bloke started hassling me about the fare, and I wasn’t having any of it, when a fire truck pulled up behind the taxi, lights flashing, siren blaring, horns honking.
The bloke’s wife was screaming, telling him to pay up and get out. He literally threw some money at me as his wife pushed him through the door, following right on his heels. I beat it down the street without bothering to shut the cab doors properly.
I was mad and glad - mad at the bloke for being a jerk, and glad because he did (over)pay me. I can also remember shrugging it off and getting back to work, but not before it occurred to me that something pretty awful must have happened to him to treat another person that way.
I was young and naive then. Now I am old and naive. I still try to puzzle out the other person’s point of view, even if it doesn’t fit my prejudices. However, in the voting booth, I think I’m still more influenced by my prejudices than I’d like to admit.
Nobody’s scared of Palin, it’s McCain’s laziness and lack of groundwork that scares me. We’ve already had eight years of ll-considered decision and poorly run operations.
Ric Golding said:Ric,Richard Smith said:I watched Joe Lieberman last night and I believe he demonstrated he was as honorable as he always has been. I don't always agree with his politics, but I don't know if I have ever agreed with anybody all the time. His statements will be considered as I prepare to cast my vote.
Did any of you hear Lieberman's speech tonight? There's one Liberal I could be happy with in the White House even if I disagree with him probably 80% of the time.
Glad I’m not the only one watching and listening. I know that whichever way you vote it will be well thought out and not a lockstep march to the polls. If you ever make it out this far west we’ll have to have an operating session on the POC and I promise you can switch the cars either from the left or from the right…your choice.
While I am an Independent I am also definately to the right of center but to me such things as honor, integrity and love of country always trumps which side of the aisle someone’s on. This doesn’t mean that such a person is perfect but rather understands the need and has the desire to aspire to be.
To me Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air. I like her. I won’t claim that she’s perfect, I doubt even she would claim that. It is perplexing though when those on the left denounce her for having a pregnant 17 year old daughter and firing an inlaw while at the same time voting a Senator into office time after time that cheats on his wife, drives while drunk, crashes his car in the water with his girl friend beside him, saves himself and then runs off leaving the girl friend to drown. Not to mention extolling the virtues of a President that has his own concubine in the oval office complete with Presidential kneepads. This same group disowned Lieberman of course.
I’m sure they get their “news” from the LA Times while drinking their Koolaid!