Every life a wanted life

So Republican VP nominee and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her family get one more chance to prove they're pro-life. It's another chance to show America that this candidate has even more in common with Americans as she finds herself among thousands of parents who suddenly find themselves in this very same situation. The Palins are not letting the embarrassment of a teen-age, out of wedlock pregnancy on the cusp of mom's huge new career path as vice-president override the value of their newest family member. There may not have been a worse time for this to have occurred but the newest little Palin is here and is being warmly welcomed into what is obviously a remarkable family. I hope that the nation will do the same. A man wiser than I, who actually had to walk through this very scenario, said "There are no illegitimate children, only illegitimate parents". He was right. We welcome the child. We help the parents in their new situation.

It's disappointing when children make choices that we wish they hadn't. We always hope that they won't follow our own bad mistakes. However, sometimes they do and as parents our job is to love and support them and help them get back on track. Bristol Palin and her finance are following a path her parents took. Thankfully, they've lasted 20 years. There is a good chance Bristol and her fiance could also do as well. It'll be tough but it's possible.

I'm sure there are those on the left side of the political spectrum who will point their judgmental fingers at this family, cackle with glee and say the Palins' couldn't walk the talk regarding 'family values'. What they fail to understand is that family values isn't living life perfectly, because life never is perfect. It's how you handle life when it isn't perfect. The way the Palin's are handling this episode reveals that they are not the stereotype that the abortionists love to paint right-wing religious folks as being in order to further their own agenda. Instead of shunning her and throwing her out of the family for bringing shame on them all at this most public time of their lives the Palins have decided to handle this honestly, forthrightly and with love. I admire and respect that. I have no respect for what Obama would do:

"If my daughter makes a mistake, I do not want her punished with a baby."

Babies are not punishment.

It's my hope that McCain will not reconsider his choice of Sarah Palin as vice-president and hang tough. She's still the same Sarah Palin with even more perspective to add to McCain's administration.

Statement from Sarah and Todd Palin

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, Sarah and Todd Palin issued the following statement regarding today's Reuters story:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

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