Monday, September 1, 2008

Family First, No Matter What

Bristol Palin, the 17-year-old daughter of Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, is pregnant. And unmarried. And keeping the baby. And marrying the father. Life doesn't get more real than this, and the Palins know this. And they are prepared. And supportive of their daughter.

We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us,” the Palins said in the statement. “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." The Palins asked the media to respect their family’s privacy.

The situation is messy. The circumstances far from ideal. But the Palins are a real family, facing real issues that affect millions of families. Except now they are doing it in the public spotlight. It will be hard for Bristol these next few months. It will be hard for Sarah, and her entire family. But they seem to have a strong family, one that doesn't get going when the going gets tough. They put their family first, no matter what, and hold strong to one another. They are a family that sticks together, that presses on during the hard times. Sarah and Todd are parents that set a great example of how important it is to love and support your children, even when they make a bad choice or fall into trouble. Barack Obama on the other hand, has a different idea of family support should one of their daughters "make a mistake".

I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. - Barack Obama

And I couldn't have said it better myself.

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