Motherhood And Politics

These are dangerous waters that I rarely get into for several reasons: I'm not very political. I'm not heated about my views. I don't have all the information. I absolutely hate angry and emotional and irrational debates about politics--especially among people who know each other. It's not worth it and many times, it's not an appropriate subject if it's causing angst. That's just my personal opinion.

THAT SAID....(and this isn't an invitation TO a political debate. I've no desire for that. Just making an observation): this line in an article--this question asked--caught my eye. Speaking about vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin: "Does the fact that she's a woman and mother affect her abilities as a politician." I would think it couldn't NOT affect one's abilities, but that to me wasn't as big an issue as the fact that her being a politician, without a doubt, affects her abilities as a mother. She has young children and even more, a special needs baby, and there is NO way being a politician allows her the time needed to be there for her children. Period. I'm not saying every mom MUST STAY HOME ALL DAY WITH THE CHILDREN. Let's not get into that debate. It's a complicated issue in many ways. I have my personal feelings about it, but I know that nothing is ever black and white. But I do know that children require time and effort and attention. Being a politician requires time and effort and attention. Just as much. There are only so many hours in a day. I'm not saying I couldn't be convinced otherwise about this; it's just that the math doesn't add up for me.

Beyond the young children, my thoughts were especially on the child with special needs. My two youngest boys are deaf and while they're doing excellently today at 10 and 12, I can tell you that those early years, those first four years or so, required exhaustive care and attention and time and more time and even more time. The thought of being a leader of a state, let alone a country, while being a parent of small children and the parent of a special needs child, makes me want to laugh hysterically. Sure, she could run circles---mega circles---around me. Of that, I have no doubt. But there are still only 24 hours in a day. In my world. In her world. Perhaps the children are minding the children and maybe that works. Maybe it's a stellar plan for them. I find it doubtful and unlikely myself.

SO. I'll probably regret bringing this up, but that's what I wanted to say about that.