ST. PAUL -- Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.
Those are the last words a 44-year-old woman with an infant wants to hear from a teenage daughter.
But Palin, John McCain's surprise pick for VP, is a real trouper.
"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," Sarah and Todd Palin said in a statement released Monday.
Malarkey.
When an unmarried 17-year-old girl comes up pregnant on the South Side of Chicago, Republicans don't make it sound like a beautiful thing.
They call it tragic and a moral failure, and they often blame the teen's parents.
There's no way to put a positive spin on a teen in this kind of trouble.
Indeed, teenage pregnancies rose by 3 percent between 2005 and 2006, the first increase since 1991, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unfortunately, leaders like Palin are part of the problem.
When she was running for governor in 2006, Palin said she would fund abstinence-only programs and that "explicit sex-ed programs" would not get her support.
But studies have proven that abstinence-only programs alone don't work.
Given her daughter's predicament, Palin might want to rethink her position.
Although it sounds nice that Bristol will be marrying the "young man" who fathered her child, the fact of the matter is marriage is hard work for adults, let alone a teenager.
And when 17-year-old girls decide to throw caution to the wind and risk their sexual health by having unprotected sex, then they haven't been paying attention to the messages adults have been sending.
But Palin, who is being touted as the down-to-earth candidate who can appeal to the working class, sounded like any other politician when she talked about her daughter's "news."
"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," Palin said.
More malarkey.
This is not good news, nor is it something the average woman wants to deal with, especially in the public arena.
Palin should have acknowledged the disappointment and pain any mother feels when she learns her teenage daughter has stumbled onto this tough road.
But Palin hid behind scripted words and blew the chance to have an honest dialogue about a problem that affects Republicans and Democrats alike.
Still, some good can come from all of this after all.
Conservatives like Palin have been hard on young, unwed, pregnant women in urban areas.
Maybe now that she is in the same boat, they'll show a little more compassion.
Mary Mitchell is a columnist for the 
It's "malarkey" that parents will stand behind their daughter after she makes a terrible mistake?
That's actually a perfect example of how this is different than what goes on today as an epidemic in the inner city (I assume that is the intent here...teen pregnancies happen to white people also...ok I get it. You'd have to be an idiot not to think her parents are disappointed in her).
This kid has a family structure behind her to try to help her through her mistake. I doubt seriously that she will depend on state and local dollars (MY DOLLARS) to raise her kid.
Also, can you reference examples of how conservatives like Palin have been hard on unwed mothers in the inner city? Where have they showed "lack of compassion"?
The only malarkey is the fact that on the south side of town as you mention, you and leaders in charge or say they are in charge, dont make much of a dent to keep those numbers down.
But alas its a race issue again.
If you ever decide to write real stories, go back to your college alumi and tell them you actually were listening...cause every thing is not about race.
The republicans are always trying to put their spin on everything. If one of the Democrats children were an unmarried person it would be used as a smear tactic. The republicans are trying to make some kind of hero of this crazy woman and her daughter. When Kerry was running for the Presidency the republicans made a big issue about his wife having money- fast forward to mccain- his wife has big money but that's not an issue because he's a republican. It seems that the Democrats are fair game for any kind of negative media but there's a hands-off policy when a republican is at the center of trashy behavior. What really bothers me is that because of the racist attitudes that still persist in this country, people will turn a blind eye to whatever the republicans do so they won't have to look at the fact that Barak Obama is the better candidate. I really hope that the rest of the world will get a birds eye view of how racist this country still is.
Raymond
I have been very selective and sensitive to forwarding email info to close friends and acquaintances. Your blog has, however, prompted me in the wee hours of the morning to share your comments with my family, church members, neighbors, friends, high school and college alumnus, fellow retirees, and current employees of my former employer. Your comments are "on point" and shared by many.
I am not judging the Palin family who, in my opinion, have been pimped by the Republican party to achieve some "at whatever cost" goal to gain access to the office of the President. I am not worthy to judge anyone, however, this unfolding drama leaves me wide-eyed and reduced to the simple emotion of "hmmmmmmm????"
May we all be aware of our vital priviledge to exercise our right to vote!
Funny how the same situation with Jamie Lynn Spears hails praise and idealized magazine covers in every grocery store across America. Sad that Bristol has to become a scape goat for the entire Republican Party just because her mom got selected as VP. Truth is, I'd probably handle it the same way Palin did if my child were in the same situation. The biggest difference is we'd handle it at home and we'd only be judged harshly by the immediate community instead of the entire nation. The truth is, we need values of compassion and holding judgement in our society, but that doesn't come from politics. It comes from good parents in the home.
Of course she’s putting her best face on this. It goes without saying that Palin is disappointed in her daughter – I’m guessing that few mothers would get on national TV and castigate their child. Do I REALLY CARE that Palin is disappointed in her daughter?? NO! Is this an election issue for me??? Absolutely not – there are more important things to talk about – like the economy and the never-ending war….Folks have been getting pregnant for ever – this child isn’t the first or last…..
Is Mary really this dumb? Historically, I haven’t appreciated much that she’s had to say – but she’s really reaching on this one – PARENTS need to PARENT their kids. Not a political party.
Palin’s daughter will get married because that is what she’s seen. She might get divorced within 3-5 years – but who knows??
The Conservative viewpoint (unfortunately they at large haven’t been proven wrong) is that Urban youth will depend upon the State/Federal government to assist in caring for the child, because more often than not they will remain SINGLE MOTHERS – because that is what they’ve seen! And then they go on to CONTINUE to have kids out of wedlock! So WHO gets to FEED, CLOTHE, provide HEALTH CARE and EDUCATE these kids??? It becomes EVERYONE’S problem (multiplied) when an urban youth gets pregnant because EVERYONE is supporting the child(ren)….
Don’t know what the solution is – but I’m tired of it being in my paycheck…..
Poor poor victim Mary - We all know Democrats don't get pregnant - not that you'd know anyway. Abortion on demand is the name of the game. At least the born alive have protection from the trash bin since Obama left the IL Senate.
No parent can control their child's behavior at all times--this goes for any race or class of citizen.
The difference between Palin and Obama--she actually has experience with reforming gov't - Obama protected the practice of patronage and nepotism in IL. Are the Chicago pols laughing their heads of when they hear him talk about reform...I'd guess they are.
I doubt they will show ANY compassion. They are trying their best to sweep their dirt under the rug but continue to ridicule others. Has anyone called Palin's daughter a "baby's mama" yet? Hmmm...
When I first heard of the Bristol Palin pregnancy, I was tempted to feel sad for her. But the truth is she is going to be just fine. She has a loving and supportive family that will provide her and the father with all the resources they will need to grow into being productive adults and good parents. Teen pregnancies are always difficult, but they are not nearly so fateful for young women lucky enough to have stable and economically secure families in their lives.
Young women in poor and working class families, whether urban or rural, are much less likely to have such advantages. The real hypocrisy is not just the political condemnation that conservatives derive so much traction from, but the fact that they have created a political culture that ensures most pregnant teens in marginalized positions will not receive the vital resources they need to make their difficult situations better. This is not just about rejecting abstinence education, it’s about providing teen mothers with in-school daycare while they finish school, offering parenting classes, ample counseling services, student loans for college, and other public assistance that will prevent the cycle of teen pregnancy from entrapping the next generation.
I agree that race is an important element of this discussion because of the way young black mothers in urban areas have been singled out as so detrimental to society, but really I think this is about social class. Teen pregnancy is not inherently a bad thing. I don’t think it’s malarkey that Sarah Palin is proud of her daughter’s decision to have this baby. I just hope she realizes that her daughter is among the privileged few that can look forward to both the rewards and the responsibilities of motherhood, and that she doesn’t forget that her party is responsible for the fact that most teen mothers cannot.
Your article rings true. The Conservatives at the Convention are talking out of both sides of their mouth. They make it sound like it is the most tolerable thing for a 17-year old to be pregnant. We all know that the evangelical factions within the Republican party are having quiet seizures over this. Another thing, did you notice the pallor of pretend among the denizens in the crowd in Minneapolis? The speakers words ring hollow and the response from the crowd could be best described as lukewarm and contrived. Obama is right, they don't have any issues to run on, but, boy oh boy are they giving it the old "college" try.
Mary from across the liberal divide, you need to do less liberal-speak and more honest reporting of the facts. For one, do we know what the young lady was actually taught.
Was it abstinence-only? Or was the abstinence msg. at home undermine by teachers or others with your approach ---whatever that may be you don't even say in attacking the Palins. Were the expecting parents given condoms and told condoms would protect them?
You don't seem to want any facts to get in the way of your bigoted view that all conservatives/Republicans are hypocrites and wrong-headed. Clearly, abstinence is 100% effective whenever used, unlike condoms or your approach. You also imply that abstinence programs are the cause of the 3 percent rise in teenage pregnancy, but offer no proof this is so.
It is only natural for couples whether politicians or not, to put the best light on their "problems" in public and in attempting to spare their daughter additional anguish. At least the Palins were attempting to handle it themselves, and are not going to burden taxpayers with their teenager--- the principal focus of conservative angst you fail to put into the mix. These are private matters for parents to decide and take responsibility. Liberals like you think they know what is best but want everybody else to take responsible for the outcome.
Mary Mary,
There are a few things I happen to disagree with you about, however this is not one of them! You hit the proverbial nail on it's head. The number one reason at home and abroad for the troubles, failings and problems this Nation has is the outright hypocrisy of the majority population.
Isn't this issue hitting a little too close to home for you?
I know it's not easy being a single mom with very little education...
the one thing nobody and i mean nobody is reporting is where the hell did rev meeks get 100 busses to transport all the people for his rally and who paid for the gas.mark brown at least let them in on the total amount of state money that the school they visited receives which is three percent the rest is on the taxpayers the people who work and contribute to the school system they have,,,,,,,if chicago wants a better public school system then these kids parents should contribute to the economy not drain it
why do we have to listen to a low key and low class speaker that gives a speache written by good writers.....why her dauther has big boobs? there must be a truth about the 5th child....can you go deeper into this issues, please ? common' people .....we have got to elect barack Obama........why are they keep talking about sarah palin having more experince than Barak by being Executive? If they think so She must have more experience than McCain.....
The republic party confirms their hypocrisy. Sarah Palin, should be ashamed of herself. She clearly doesn't understand what is going on in the world, and evidently doesn't know what is going on in her own household with her 17 year old daughter. I'm not a female chauvisnist, but she has 5 children and her youngest has down syndrome. She needs to be with her children.
All she delivered during her entire speech was one liners. Her speech had no substance.
If Barack's daughter were 17 and pregnant he would be considered morally bankrupt, and a disgrace to the American People. However, in regards to Bristol, the Sun-Times front page, and I quote "LIFE HAPPENS", that's a bunch of malarkey.
John McCain chose her because of her runner up beauty image. His choice was irresponsible. He clearly doesn't care about the American People. She is unable to run the country if needed. What is her experience with dealing with issues that concern urban areas. What's the worse thing that has happened in the Alaska? Give me a break.
Looking at the Republic Convention, it was not reflective of American. It was old people with old values. I would be very disappointed in the system, if they elect John MCcain and Sarah Palin to the White House. It would be a sad day indeed.
It's puzzling how you, an educated and successful woman, is focusing on Palin's reaction to her daughter's pregnancy and not on the blatant sexism that has been demonstrated toward her from those on the political left.
IF Palin's daughter was 16 years old when she had sex, and the young man was 18 years old. Isn't this "rape" in many states? Does it make a difference weather the parents make charges or not? Does this overturn R.J.Kelley's trail and the young man in Georgia, and many others' charged with "rape". Jus' wondering?????
blah blah blah
trash the republican
yawn...
and newspapers wonder why their ABC circ numbers continue to fall
Sarah Palin's speech was excellent, but as I watched and tried to picture her in a national or international situation, she fell short. She was good because she was in her element as a female, after all, no one is better with verbal comebacks than a woman.
Sarah Palin's speech was excellent, but when I tried to see her in a national or international situation, she falls short of the mark. She was good because she was in her element as a female.
After all, no one is better at verbal comebacks than a woman, and that's a fact. Beyond that, she showed us nothing else.
"Palin should have acknowledged the disappointment and pain any mother feels when she learns her teenage daughter has stumbled onto this tough road." That is one of the stupidest statements I've read in a long time.
Who are you to say this? You're comparing someone who is marrying the father with young pregnant girls where the father is nowhere to be seen. That's the "tragic and moral failure". That's the problem with "pregnant on the South Side of Chicago," Parents aren't raising their children right. Hey Mary, Sarah has actually done something with her life, she doesn't go around "writing about life", which is what you do. I'm a life long musician and have worked and played with blacks my entire life. I am so sick of the black mentality that you have. There is a big difference between folks who know right and wrong and whiners like you. Obama is an air bag. No substance, no record, just black and beautiful and he knows who ludacris is. That's enough for most blacks to want to vote for him. Let's dumb down our nation even more than it is. Go tell your young black men to pull their pants up and support the pregnant mothers instead of sending those gals to the abortion clinics.
palin has too many skeleton's in her closet if you are lying before getting into the white house your no better than what's in there now.
This was politics as usual for the Republican Party. I found it to be offensive on many levels. One there were NO policies articulated for the economy that American's are struggling with right now.
Two they did not acknowledge the Democrats by name which I found especially insulting and probably racist. As if Barack Obama was less than their equal.
It lacked direction and analysis for the country and support for McCain's policies,while it provided half-truths and some out and out lies about Obama and Biden.
They keep saying that Biden can't attack the girl well if she is a tough as she makes herself out to be she should be able to take it "like a woman." I think the Democrats need to exploit her every weakness. They do that by remaining focused on the things that the American people need right now.
In this speech the only way to show love and service for your country is to sign up for an illegitimate war and possibly die for a lie.
My brother who is looking forward to his 2nd tour of duty for the Army told me when GWB was up for his second term that if I didn't vote for Kerry he kill me personally. (Just a joke I am his favorite sister.)
Wake up America if you can't see that this Republican candidate and his running mate have no ideas on how to help the American economy get back on its feet...then you deserve every thing WE get.
Oh and by the way it was Right Winged Conservative Dr. Laura who said that she should be focusing on the needs of her 17 year old daughter and her 3 month old son.
My question for the Media is; are you going to run and hide because the Republicans said "They're picking on us."
Or are you going to "man up and woman up" and tell the American people the facts of the matter?
That is the problem affecting Americans now. We want instant success and we expect to be in the office with THE ON THE JOB TRAINING. Whatever happened to hard work ethic, office management experience tenure and wisdom of age.
Somebody asked me " Are you better off now than 8 years ago ? " and I proudly stated, "Yes, I am much better off than 8 years ago because I did not expect the government to hand me dole outs and I re-engineered my career. I saved for the future and I did not squander my money on stupid things. I have 2 assistants in my business now but if whoever wins the white house race decides to raise my taxes ( I am in the TARGETED category, Then I will let go of my 2 assistants since I cannot afford to pay them and I will decide to be a grasshopper since the ant is being TAXED unfairly for working hard. ) "
Bottomline, it does not matter if a Democrat or a Republican wins. It is the policies and the cabinet in place that really matters! I will still pay for my mortgage, my bills, send my family to school and still pay my taxes.
America, MAKE SURE YOU DO THE RIGHT CHOICE IN THIS ELECTION !
All I have to say is that I totally agree with your statement Mary. I just said the same thing to my husband. Had one of Obama's daughters been in the same situation everyone including McCain would not have been so understanding. I am so sick and tired of the double standards when we're dealing with races.
I applaud Senator Obama in the way he handled the reporters and the questions they posed. Palin should return to Alaska with her family and handle her business there. I applaud her for trying to be a woman of many hats and wear them well, but the Vice-President hat isn't looking to good.
Palin, you came out attacking Barack Obama hoping to win favor with your sarcasm and insults. You did win favor amongst some but for a person like myself who would rather you stick with the issues at hand and not the insults of individuals, all you did was show me how narrow minded you are and how uninformed, unintelligent, unprepared you are for this race.
Do you really believe there will be any compassion for the young unwed mothers by the Republican Party? No, we will just talk about "small town values".
Wow, I didn't know Mary was in the bedroom with them when they conceived this child! Maybe she has some other details about the wild romp we should know. I haven't heard anything about whether or not they used birth control, but Mary apparently knows they didn't, so she must have been there. Mary, I hate to break it to you, or maybe they didn't tell you in your sex ed class or when they gave you the free condoms, but birth control isn't 100% effective against pregnancy. One of my 4 beautiful girls is a testament to that. So if they used birth control and it didn't work, by your same argument, we should be spending more money on abstinence programs because your way failed miserably in this case. But we don't know, so don't pretend you do.
WOW - that bombshell just put a hurtin on Obama and his America-hatin wife!
Hooray for Sarah Palin for acknowledging her daughter's pregnancy. They are a normal family with normal problems all families have.
I too, became pregnant at 17. My family supported me and my decision to keep the baby and marry the father. Guess what? We went on and had 3 more children, who grew into decent, hardworking adults. And this October, we will be celebrating our 47th anniversary. I am so glad we made the correct decision because we would not have had our beautiful children and now our beautiful grandchildren.
Life is good.............
Well, well, well, with your reference to Gov. Palin's daughter and then your complaint about HER being too critcal you are now a confirmed member of the Two-Faced club.
Let's face it, Gov. Palin's experience, as the Vice-Presidential --not Presidential --candidate, outstrips "BO" Obama's.
Difference is, she comes right out and says what she means instead of trying to HIDE from accountability like BO. BO is finding out that he can only hide for so long.
Buy more Right Guard, keep the BO out of the White House!
Of course she’s putting her best face on this. It goes without saying that Palin is disappointed in her daughter – I’m guessing that few mothers would get on national TV and castigate their child. Do I REALLY CARE that Palin is disappointed in her daughter?? NO! Is this an election issue for me??? Absolutely not – there are more important things to talk about – like the economy and the never-ending war….Folks have been getting pregnant for ever – this child isn’t the first or last…..
Is Mary really this dumb? Historically, I haven’t appreciated much that she’s had to say – but she’s really reaching on this one – PARENTS need to PARENT their kids. Not a political party.
Palin’s daughter will get married because that is what she’s seen. She might get divorced within 3-5 years – but who knows??
The Conservative viewpoint (unfortunately they at large haven’t been proven wrong) is that Urban youth will depend upon the State/Federal government to assist in caring for the child, because more often than not they will remain SINGLE MOTHERS – because that is what they’ve seen! And then they go on to CONTINUE to have kids out of wedlock! So WHO gets to FEED, CLOTHE, provide HEALTH CARE and EDUCATE these kids??? It becomes EVERYONE’S problem (multiplied) when an urban youth gets pregnant because EVERYONE is supporting the child(ren)….
Don’t know what the solution is – but I’m tired of it being in my paycheck…..
Oh, same old same old racist remarks by Mary Mitchell. Bet this young woman won't be collecting welfare and lying about not knowing who the father of her child is to do so. And I'll bet she won't continue having babies out of wedlock to lead the lifestyle of others that you, Mary, defend.
Oh, same old same old racist remarks by Mary Mitchell. Bet this young woman won't be collecting welfare and lying about not knowing who the father of her child is to do so. And I'll bet she won't continue having babies out of wedlock to lead the lifestyle of others that you, Mary, defend.
Dear Mary,
As a retired 38 year employee of the CST [ad dept.]& a long time reader of your column, I feel a little uncomfortable about your objectivity regarding the upcoming Presidential election. While I'm leaning toward Sen. Obama myself, it still feels wrong for you to be so committed to his election. Guess I'm old fashioned in my belief in the separation of Advertising & Editorial. Those same feelings seem they should apply to columnists. I admire your opinions but think they belong on the Editorial pages.
Living in rural Wisconsin, I'm considered the local "LIBERAL" but still believe in editorial independence. Hope I haven't bored you.
Forever a loyal ST reader,
John Myers
Two commentaries by Mary Mitchell in early September focusing on Palin. In one she mentioned Palin maybe more compassionate about urban teen-age pregnancy now that she was dealing with the same issue. In the 2nd commentarie she amazlingly said that Palin's reference to her small town and not urban areas was apt to cause further divide between the races.
The commentaries were both bigoted and factless. Few people other than Mary Mitchell could find a racial story where none exists.
Sadly, her commentaries are actually printed and no matter how ignorant they are, some people will believe whatever they read. Mary Mitchell is spreading a cancer in our society and is not part of the solution, but she is most definitely part of the problem.
FINALLY!!! A bright, capabable, articulate, skillful female leader with solid experience and credentials... Sarah Palin - sounds pretty much like Hillary, doesn't she?
But, alas, there was no room for a capable female leader in the Democrat Good Old Boy Club.
To Sarah Palin, I say, "You Go Girl!"
To McCain & the GOP, I say, "Thanks!"
Mary, I DISTINCTLY recall your boy, Obama, saying that this subject was off limits, and that his own mother gave birth to him at age 18.
Obviously, you weren't listening.
I am struck by the fact that Bristol and her family was able to make the decision to keep the baby. Hence,
"We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents,"
In Gov. Palin's world no woman should have the right to choose. Plus for those of you who are complaining about your tax dollars being spent to take care of babies, How do you think elected officials are paid? I'm sure Gov. Palin would spend some of her tax payer paid salary on her Grandchild.
Of course Ms. Mitchell, you do realize for how critical you are of Palin, your boy Obama's mother was 18 when she had him out of wedlock. So maybe you should be a little less preachy and pompus and for once think prior to writing.
I am glad that you are out there, showing people who you really are. I think when it comes to sexism, racism and just general crap, you and your newspaper, show the people of chicago, just how bad you are. It is too bad that you don't see past the color of the skin when it comes to your articles. I was hoping that you could tone your crap down, so that you don't look like you are in osama, I mean obama's pocket.
Look I'm not white OR black. Frankly, I'm one of those who stands on the sidelines when it comes to these racial wars between black and white. I get to see/hear a lot from this angle. What I do see is MUCH accusation from both sides - as well as proof to back up BOTH sides of these accusations. Every situation is different and I have to say that I can usually tell if someone is generalizing from 'something they heard' (or misconstrued) - or whether they are relating something that has scarred them deeply (pertaining to 'race issues'). It gets dull when you're someone who can see the full picture of everyone around you - and even when you try to relate what you see, no one ever really gets it 'cause they're too busy being mad at 'the enemy'. What I’ve learned is that racism usually happens when too many of the same race are presently in the same vicinity or other races in lesser numbers. (Yeah, thus, that evil little word “minority”). Hey – white people can be the minority in certain neighborhoods and can be subject many ‘bad things’, too.
And to those that are commenting about black and latino girls having babies that they can’t support (I’m not of either race so don’t think this following insight is ‘race-tainted’)– well, you must live in a predominately black or latino neighborhood, because in my neck of the woods there are a whole heck of a lot of white girls who are collecting money from the government because they can’t support their 2+ kids (and their still going out to find more baby daddies!!) IN FACT, there is a whole bunch of teenage mothers in the town where I live that are all white and, by the way, living off the fruit of taxes. There are DUMB girls in every color. Then again maybe their not so dumb….I work my butt off to support my family, while I see other women collecting for their kids, whilst getting many other things for free (preschool, college, housing etc)…so maybe their not so dumb in knowing how to play the government.
To Mary: And I think you should be fired. Why don't you try watching the Maury show and see all the young girls who don't know who the father is of their baby. One woman had eight men tested. Get a grip.
Mary Mitchell you should be fired for the comments you made about Palin and her daughter. If you can't show respect for people quit the job. Obama has a reputation of associating with crooks and a terrorist. Palin doesn't have that republication and never went to a racist church. This election was not about race but about who could run the country and change the economy. I don't believe it will change even with Obama being elected. They need another Bill Clinton in the white house to balance the budget.
Mary Mitchell: I think you should get over the hate and jealousy you have for Palin and go on with you life. Rush L. told the story on radio about your hateful comments. I don't know why the Sun-Times don't take you out for counseling. This election was based on the fact that Obama wanted to make history first country last. Palin never had associates like Ayers who bombed this country. Obama didn't care who he associated with as long as they could do what he wanted. He learned to be a wheeler and dealer not only in college but working for Rezko and he knows all about his deals. This country never had a candidate with a reputation like Obama's. Plus the majority of the young girls on the Maury show are black and pregnant. When you discuss Palin's daughter take a walk on the southside of Chicago and get to see how the lower class lives.
cds: Being a church member you shouldn't judge her at all. I don't have daughter's but if I did and one became pregnant. So be it. Palin didn't make a big fuss over it. And neither should Mary Mitchell. She should start cleaning out her own backyard before cleaning out someone else's. Obama's backyard is no Mr. Clean so she should stay quiet. Palin has a loving family, raised her family well, loves all of them, devoted wife and has a devoted husband. Never pressured her daughter's boyfriend to marry her daughter, the right thing to do and what is the big deal. It is going on everyday and Mary Mitchell knows all about the southside of Chicago because she is black herself. Furthermore I don't think Obama can handle the Mideast leader's without the help of Emanuel whereas Bush and McCain would not need help. But whatever is in the dark about Obama God will bring to the light and it will all come out eventually. There are still things we don't know about him besides giving Acorn $880,000 to make sure he won Ohio and PA. We all know he bought the election.