Sarah Palin and Todd in office?   Could you even imagine the reality tv show this country would be forced to watch if the Palin family was the VP family?  Sarah, how could you be second in command of the most powerful country if you are going to buckle and take issue with a late night joke?!   Was the joke in bad taste?  Probably. I will give her that.  Was it fair, it is my personal position that jokes about innocent children are never fair.  But that’s not the issue in this blog.  The issue for me is that this tells me that Sarah Palin doesn’t know how to pick her battles.  Are our children important and therefore worthy of a battle?  Yes of course they are!  But if Sarah Palin was the VP she would have faced mammoth battles that involved the livelihood of all Americans.  I, for one, am relieved that she was not elected to such a high position.  To watch her lose her composure on national television when defending this issue was uncomfortable enough without imagining how she would handle herself with a leader from a foreign country when aired?

Again, let me set the table here; Sarah Palin trotted those children out and exposed their personal lives for all to see.  You can’t control the general public and their comments.  Isn’t there anything else going on in Alaska that requires Gov. Palin’s attention right now?  Now she is claiming that David Letterman is contributing to the male perversity of young women!  If this was a heartfelt  issue for her to begin with, where was it on the campaign trail?  Where was this cause when she was a beauty queen and had the forum to speak out about sexual imaging and degradation of women?

I continue to see Sarah Palin as a politician who continues to play the media to her advantage and choosing her battles based on what gets her more face time.  If this was an issue she brought to the campaign trail, she would have had a huge audience and garnered so much attention.  Women are mistreated in many countries and this mistreatment is causing our world to suffer a loss of HUMANITY.

As a mother, I understand her hurt.  As a mother, I would have suffered a great deal if my child were humiliated.  Like a mother bear, I would have protected my cub; by keeping her in the cave while she was vulnerable… not trotting her out in front of hunters!

As an American woman and mother of daughters, I would have loved for Sarah Palin to have defended women when it was a concern for all of us, not just when she felt it was knocking at her door.

It is time for Miley to get out of the lime light and take all those other gals with her.  Our daughters need to focus on favorite subjects, not a favorite Jonas Brother.  Our girls need to learn what they can do for their communities and work towards global awareness.  Our girls need to learn how to dress to impress and not to arouse!  I remember hearing Dr. Laura’s radio program and a mom called about her daughter copying all these young role models like Miley Cyrus.  She insisted on wearing clothes that were tight and showing off her bra straps, thong underwear and having t shirts with suggestive slogans.  My first thought is how can your kid wear these unless the parent is buying them.   Dr. Laura asked to speak with the girl and I will never forget what she said to her.   Dr.  Laura simply said, “When you wear these clothes and boys see you, it makes their penis erect.”  You could hear this girl just wince and they say, “….ewww”.   This young girl got it!  When Dr. Laura hung up, she went on to say that these young girls also entice older men when they dress like that.

Right on Dr. Laura for setting this girl straight and telling her the truth.

Sasha and Malia Obama are being placed into social situations, on an international level, and handled it with so much grace and style.   They dress so beautifully and carry themselves like young ladies.  They even dance in a way that is in the moment and so fun and cool.  (Need I go into how Miley Cyrus gyrates on stage?)   The Obama girls are so proud of their parents and they in turn show pride when they are with thier girls.

I look forward to learning more about being an effective parent from the President and First Lady Obama.

My daughter will learn about coming of age gracefully as she sees the First Daughters grow and represent a new fresh face of girlhood.

Finally, the new year is here!  I headlined 2 shows on New Year’s Eve and the audience members were more than ready to say good riddance to 2008!  No one I know had anything good to say about last year!  Most of us think we can get hit by a tow truck, dragged 3 miles and left in front of a closed-due -to-the economy soup kitchen and when you came to would utter, “At least it is better than last year!”

The country was in such an awful state, personal finances were at an all time low, hope was all but gone.  We had a president that seemed to not only  care less about our well being, but to keep that arrogant smile on his face while he assured us all was OK!

I seemed to have fallen apart so easily during 2008.  I was easily agitated, stressed and in a constant state of worry.  I had FOX  and CNN constantly; God forbid I miss some current or upcoming crisis!  I unloaded all my acquired knowledge to my husband while he tried to unwind and relax after a long day at work.  I made sure he was kept abreast of the election, the floods, tornadoes, housing problems and whether Lindsay Lohan was straight or gay that particular day.

Before he laid his head down for bed, I would ask him if he thought our governor in order to clean up California’s economic bankruptcy would  really be taxing me when I go to my salon and have my roots touched up?!  And at the rate I was worrying, my roots were coming in fast and furious.  I was a Chicken Little claiming the sky was falling and dragging my family under the umbrella with me.

2008 came.  2008 went.  And do you know what? The sky never fell.  Sure we saw some catastrophes through out the world.  There was job loss and stock markets crashed.   Our president made speeches that made us wince with embarrassment and did little for us.  There were fires, floods and earthquakes.  Crazy mothers killed their babies and insane fathers murdered  their families.   But, the sky never fell.  The sun came up each and every morning.  The stars came out each night.  My daughter had her birthday, complete with a rain and lightening storm…her favorite weather ever!  My other daughter was able to update an ancient school library as an internship and enjoyed every minute of it.  My son completed his first year of college.  My husband got a chance to put his writing on it’s feet and realized how talented he is.  A position opened for him to showcase his music.  He is well on his way to his journey as an artist.

We had some loss.  My uncle’s partner of over 30 years passed away.  But we as a family realized so much about love, acceptance, patience and tolerance from this relationship.  My brother in law suffered a stroke and we saw the beauty of a devoted wife in my sister and dedication of family towards him and his recovery.

Yes, the sky never fell.  It was never even close.  Not for me and mine.  We were there for others in need which reminded me how safe and sound we are.  We had some financial struggles, but always found money to help someone less fortunate. We had some illness,  but had family and friends to help us out when we needed them; and when we were well, we offered cash, casseroles and carpools for them.

I realize now, I was safe, loved and blessed in 2008.  I never focused on the positive until a few days after that year left.

I embrace 2009 and take with me the lessons I learned from 2008.

No more Geraldo, Hannity or Jon and Ken for me.  I will indulge in Rachael Ray’s talk show and dance with Ellen.  I will tune in to the news to check in a few times a day.  The real important stuff happens right here at home and in my heart and soul.

Bless You in 2009.

Sarah Palin, during your campaign trail, with the responsibilities of mothering five children, you have time to attend a table read, rehearsal and performance of a SNL show?  REALLY?

Sarah Palin, while you can’t make time for any  interviews after the debacle  with Katie Couric, and while you ignore any requests from  any other news networks, you will go on  a show that publicly humiliated you, and throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care? REALLY?  HUH?  REALLY?

Sarah Palin, your sense of humor is NOT what is at stake here.  We are terribly concerned about a number of issues about your experience, ideas on foreign policy,  your revoking rights of women, and the recent charge of abusing your power as a United States Governor.

I don’t care if you can laugh at yourself and roll with the punches on SNL!  In my opinion, you have already displayed “your sense of humor” and it is snarky, sarcastic, and a word I have NEVER used about another woman, Bitchy.

I have an idea.  Since you seem to be able to include network tv time scheduled at the last minute into  your campaign trail, may be you can schedule a hard core news interview to discuss why Colin Powell has announced to support the Obama-Biden ticket, voting against his party and his friend of 25 years, John McCain.

Maybe you can get someone to write you a clever rap about that.

There is another big difference, a pit-bull mother will protect her litter. God help the person who tries to lay a hand on her puppies, the unfortunate person will withdraw a bloody stump! Not so with Sarah Palin! She is willing to sacrifice the happiness and safety of her children for her country. In Palin’s world, Country First, children are much further down the ladder. Apparently Sarah Palin disagrees with President Bush and believes some children should be left behind.

Her daughter’s future and happiness is at stake.
No one knows much about the engagement of her minor daughter and and her boyfriend, an 18 year old. We don’t know if he was convinced or if he stepped up to the plate. I do know that most mothers I have spoken to, don’t believe marriage is the answer to an unwed pregnancy. 50% of marriages end in divorce, I am sure the percentage goes up if you factor in teens, unwed pregnancy, lack of college education, and let’s throw this in, Bristol Palin’s life, the birth of her child and her marriage is going to be splashed across the media. Preach all you want about children being off limits, the fact is, her young life and all it entails is everyday conversation.

Her son’s safety is at stake.
Sarah Palin proudly announces the fact that her son is heading into the Army and the date he is leaving, (Sept 11th ,orchestrated?) for Iraq. How will this soldier be protected? Surely, as the son of the VP nominee of the U.S. Republican party, there will be a price on this soldier’s head. Why are putting his life and the lives of those in his platoon in even greater danger? Oh, I forgot, Country First.

Her special needs baby is at stake.
I have interviewed many parents regarding their special needs children. Not one parent I talked to ever talked about how to incorporate MORE work into their lives. They all spoke about constructing a career which would be more conducive to their child’s special needs. During her acceptance speech, that poor baby was passed down the aisle like cracker jacks at a Dodgers game! If her husband was stepping up to the plate, like everyone in the Palin camp says he is, why didn’t he hold his child for 30 minutes? A Down’s Syndrome baby can by hyper sensitive to noise and strangers; why are you allowing everyone, including a small child, to hold him? Photo op? Or maybe they are getting this baby used to all the different arms that he will be passed on while his mommy is putting Country First.

Would we be bringing all this up if Sarah Palin was a man? I would! The type of parent a person is reflects his or her character! I believe Sarah Palin is sacrificing her children’s safety, comforts and needs behind her own desire to be the VP.

So Sarah Palin, the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull may be lipstick, but the difference between you and a pit bull is that a pit bull even raised in the wild, would respond to her mother’s instinct and protect her puppies. You, on the other hand, with all your education and experience, are willing to allow them to be exposed to unsafe situations.

Hmmmm, let’s $ee, what could po$$ibly change thi$ boy’$ mind? How did he propose? Based on her positions on book banning, pro life, stem cell research and gay rights, I knew Sarah Palin was going to set women’s rights back 100 years, but really Sarah, to bring back the SHOT GUN WEDDING!

Bristol Palin, a 17 year old from a small town, unmarried and pregnant, which is an unbearable situation in the first place, has been thrust into the limelight and now is going to marry a recently “convinced” boyfriend.

If I were Bristol’s mother, I would ask her if she was ready for this baby. There are options besides abortion. This baby could have been adopted out to a wonderful family who was ready and willing to accept this child. But, an adoption would not fit into Sarah Palin’s overall plan to become VP. You see, because Sarah Palin puts country first, not family.

If I were Bristol’s mother, I would ask her if she loved this boy. I would ask her if she wanted to marry this boy. I would ask her if she knew that this was a life long commitment. But Sarah Palin is busy attaining her life long goals, you know, Country First!

If I were Bristol’s mother, I would ask myself if my daughter, at the tender age of 17, is ready for this very stressful pregnancy. The pregnancy of an unwed teen is full of stress and chaos, but this pregnancy situation is unprecedented. Truly, I couldn’t think of anything more complicated than living this through the unforgiving and relentless views of the press. But, we must remember Bristol, Country First! So, we need to put you, your unborn baby, your boyfriend and your unhappy manipulated marriage second.

If I were Bristol’s mother, I would step down and stand by my daughter’s side and protect her with all the mother bear instincts I had. I would put my daughter first. I love my daughter. My daughter is my flesh and blood. She is my gift. I never knew what unconditional love was until I had my first child, my daughter. How could I put my job, YES SARAH, A JOB, NOT COUNTRY first.

If you are willing to pawn your daughter off into a unhealthy marriage and unplanned and unwanted pregnancy (certainly we know the father feels this way) so you can pursue your job, then you are not the person I want in office.

You are willing to sacrifice some one you love for your own political gain, what would you be willing to do to me and my children?

Sarah Palin is a mother, and in four months she will be a grandmother. Even if I didn’t think her lack of experience and some of her positions regarding the rights of women were enough of a red flag, now we see that this hockey mom with such high moral standards, raised a daughter who had sex and got pregnant on her watch. That’s where I have the problem. How can Sarah Palin be the second in command of our country, or worse yet, the president of our United States of America, when she can’t keep and eye on her daughter at home, in her bedroom or a car? Look, I’m no Govenor of an entire state, but when my kids lived at home, I knew where they were and what they were doing. I made sure that any question they had regarding sexuality was answered, and if I didn’t have the answers, we found out together. They understood the seriousness and consequences of premarital sex and conducted themselves into adulthood with this vital information.

Am I saying that this girl who got pregnant underage and out of wedlock a reflection on her mother. You bet I am! It is her job to raise these children. If she has such high moral standards and is ready to impart them on me, why didn’t she do a better job imparting them on her own daughter.

Am I saying you should be held responsible for the actions of your minor child? Again, You bet I am! As long as those children are under 18, and not considered an adult, their actions and the consequences are my responsibility. It is my moral and legal duty to make sure my child adheres to the law. And what some people fail to remember, sex between minors is against the law.

This self proclaimed hockey mom needs to put her children first now. She has no business running for office, especially the second most important office in our country, while her daughter, a minor child, is going to give birth just a few months from now.

Please step down Gov. Palin and grant your daughter the peace and privacy she needs at this time. I understand this is the most important time ever in your career and this opportunity may only come once. But your daughter is going to have a child, an experience that will change her life. You have 3 other minor children to raise and you are needed at home.

I know you were a prisoner of war. As the wife of a former Marine, a former Marine who flies his POW flag every Memorial Day, we are a family who remember them in our prayers often. The fact that you were a POW seems to be your platform and your answer to everything.

The biggest slap in the face to middle class of America came when you said you didn’t know how many houses you have! Americans are losing their one and only home on a daily basis and you don’t even know how many you own! Obviously you can’t relate to the American people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and a tank of gas to get to work to provide it all!

You are like a Catholic priest giving marital advice! You haven’t lived this life, how can you advise?

Even when you were asked to qualify days later about the homes you owned, you still danced around the issues talking about your blessings, and of course, your time without a home, a kitchen table, or a chair at all….

There are Americans who have nothing now! We are desperate for answers.

Here’s my question to you Senator McCain, do you fly the black POW flag with the silhouette of a captured soldier over ANY of your homes? Perhaps the homeowners association in those particular areas won’t allow it. It may “disrupt” the look of those perfect neighborhoods.

Just a thought.