Thanks for the shout-out! I TRY to write about writing, anyway, but righting wrongs is good, too. King Arthur would be so proud.

(Oh, and I was a poli-sci major in college, am registered as an Independent, and generally vote almost 50/50 in either direction, depending on all sorts of factors … but, this year? Really no question! Although I’ll admit that Palin’s line about the pitbulls and lipstick was pretty funny.)

I usually keep my political views to myself but felt compelled to tell you that I mostly agree with you on this. It doesn’t really bother me that Sarah Palin doesn’t have a lot of experience. It doesn’t bother me that she’s a woman. Or that she has kids.

What does bother me is the age of her kids and fact that her youngest, at barely 4 months old, has a major health issue. In such situations, inho, mom belongs at home or at least as close to the child as possible and as often as possible. I can’t see her fulfilling that obligation well from clear across the country, in a position that really has no work “hours” and could potentially take her away to some other land at a moments notice.

While I’m thrilled that a woman has been chosen as a VP candidate, I don’t think Sarah Palin is the *right* woman.

And that’s all I’m going to say before I get myself in trouble! ;-)

~ Annie

I agree it’s hard to know what these feelings actually are…all I know is that I’m feeling them intensely…and I feel a bit scared. What I’m trying to do is focus on the positive - how it will feel when we have a fantastic and fair president that will fight hard to save our planet, our rights, our jobs, our homes, our health, our………

Thrilled to meet you…can’t wait to keep reading your stuff. People! Check it out: http://cleanerplateclub.wordpress.com/ Maybe Ali will even let me guest post…pretty please!

But still, Hillary’s daughter was also a grown woman, not 4 months old, and not special needs. And the truth is, most mothers who work full-time do feel like they’re doing one job badly, or the other job badly. Is there an opportunity for a different kind of mothering experience? Sure, if there are grandparents, or stay-at-home dads, or fantastic amazing loving nannies. But then maybe we should be more honest about what’s actually going on. For example, how long has it been since Palin actually attended a PTA meeting with any regularity? It’s okay if she hasn’t recently (I’ve heard it’s been over a decade, though I don’t know if that’s true). But is she actually a PTA mom, then?

On the other hand, I’ve got daughters, and I would very much like for them to have every door open to them. Although I agree with Palin on… hmmm…perhaps nothing…I do think it’s incredibly cool that we could have a woman VP.

(most of all, I think it’s amazing that we’ll either have an African-American president OR a woman veep. Even if I agree with that veep on…oh, that’s right. Nothing).

So. I don’t know. It’s so hard for me to sort through my feelings on this. This is great food for thought, though. Well said.

Also, these are my heartstrings being pulled…it is hard for me to go to work (albeit 20 feet away from my house in my little backyard office) and leave my children. I built my business so that I could be completely flexible and close to them when I need to be. But that isn’t 24/7. I have to work, I have to feed my family…but that doesn’t make it any easier when I hear them waking up from nap, crying and calling my name. I had a NICU baby who needed me desperately, and it’s hard for me not to project the needs of SP’s 4 month old son.

And, like I said before, I’m much more upset about her political positions than her momminess…choice, the environment, gay rights, separation of church and state, did I say environment…

Again, thanks for stopping by.
Julie