Not sure why you highlighted only the part that you did, (well, actually, I'm pretty sure I know why) but that phrase is worded exactly the same as the next phrase referring to STDs. Two sentences in a row worded the exact same way usually are referring to the same idea. In this case, condoms. I'm also impressed that Palin is supporting her daughter having this baby. I'm not so convinced, however, that she's living out her convictions that "abstinence only" is the best method of educating kids.

I appreciate your making this statement because it does help me see things from a different perspective. Personally, were I the 17-year-old girl, I would feel humiliated if the entire state of Alaska knew about this situation. (That's assuming, of course, that she is humiliated at all about it.) But that doesn't compare to the mortification I would feel if the entire country were abuzz about it and pictures of me and my belly were being plastered everywhere. I was making an assumption that everyone felt that way, so it's good to be able to see it from a different angle. Indeed, if 100 people knowing is as humiliating as 1000 to some, I understand where the people who are saying that it would have happened regardless of her mother's candidacy are coming from a little better now.

I want to echo Abbeyej's concerns. I'm in NO way throwing stones at the mom for what happened to the daughter. BUT, if she knew her underage daughter was pregnant out of wedlock, then she made the decision to accept the VP candidacy knowing the negative attention it would bring to her daughter. Regardless of any decision, wise or poor, that my daughter may make, I would never do something that would further shine a spotlight on a huge struggle in her life. I find it ironic that the people saying, "She was already governor, this would have made it in the media anyway," are also the ones who have been saying, "She's hardly been in the media's attention long enough to have much information about her." Which is it? These two statements, in my opinion, clearly delineate the difference between being a governor and being a VP candidate. I am amazed that so many people are trying to compare the position of Vice President of the Unites States to any other career woman's occupation. I support the right of any woman to choose a career, but VP of the USA is so far and beyond, say, CEO of a large corporation. It just doesn't compare. I'm also not saying that women can't or shouldn't hold high office positions. Just that possibly one with this many personal family issues right now might be better served by tending to those issues. She's still very young, and has many years in the political spotlight ahead of her. I'm not seeing this happen. If any fingers are being pointed, it's not at Palin as a value judgment, but possibly as indictment against her "abstinence only" stance, which has most obviously not been successful with her daughter. I know teens have a mind of their own, and that's precisely why I think they should be educated from all sides, not just the ones that their parents hold. Because children don't always choose the path of their parents, no matter how sincere the parents are in their attemtps to instill their morals in their children. I have to say I find this curious myself. Great point! Yes, the "rumors" were very well-known in Alaska long before her VP announcement. If indeed Palin and McCain knew about this, it would have been VERY wise to have made this announcement upfront, as soon as the family was thrust into the national spotlight. They certainly couldn't have been so confident as to think the rumors wouldn't be unearthed. The scenario bothers me. Why would they not tell the children about this ahead of time, and in fact lie to them about the event? As a surprise? If this is true, it's unfathomable for me to imagine springing something like that on my unprepared children. Again, I don't get the comparison of governor to VP. And for as much as many would like this to "be put to bed", for a lot of people, this does speak to Palin's committment to her family. Everyone here was so excited when she was announced because of the "family values" she represents. I'm trying, but I can't find very many values that I share with her. She's a career woman, and I have no problem with that. But I do not relate to her priorities. At all. Good point. They do have the right to make their own decisions, and they have. But when you are a public official, much like a celebrity, you make those decisions knowing they will be front page news. She has placed herself in a position to be judged on many levels, far more than she ever was as a governor. In the end, that's what each of our votes comes down to. Our judgment of who is best for the position. Obviously people vary on the amount that a candidate's personal life impacts their political abilities. But for many voters, it is a strong qualifier. In your devastation if your son brought that news, would you elect to make the situation magnified by changing your life in a way that would cause more stress on your son? No one says she should put her life on hold. In fact, I think many are saying quite the opposite. Keep her life just as it was five months ago when she was about to give birth herself and her daughter became pregnant. I haven't seen anyone suggest she should just up and quit her career. I also feel so sorry for the young couple, because a huge percentage of the attention they are receiving right could have been avoided by a decision of her mother. No, not all of it could have been avoided. But undoubtedly a HUGE percentage. It's an unfortunate situation for her family. She has made decisions that I cannot begin to understand. But I can't say that any of this effects my vote in any way, at least not at this early date.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Serenity, and in January, Dollhouse. It's okay. I still love ya! :D

It's a sci-fi western. Tech and cowboy all at one time. Chock full of one-liners that will make you laugh just reading them years later.

Have you watched any of Joss Whedon's shows?

Oh, anj, you MUST watch Firefly!!! Simply must.

Oh my! I'd be running to the polls to vote in THAT one! :D

One of my most favorite, smartest friends in the world is a big fan of Pickens. He noted that this guy is already extremely wealthy; he's not just doing this to make money. It's a change he believes would be beneficial not only to the environment, but to our economic standing in the world market. It's amazing the technological advances they are making in the field of wind power. I'd love to see this become a reality.

It's my understanding that the rumor has been discussed in Alaska for months, and that when polled, a majority of Alaskans said they believed the rumor was true. This was long before she was announced as the VP candidate. (Not that any of that makes it true.)

It's not impossible, that's for sure. It's just one more "Hmmmm..." factor.

I don't know if it's just a rumor or not, but nothing surprises me in the world of politics. I've read that the daughter was out of school for anywhere from 5 to 8 months for mono during the same time period. If that's true, it certainly adds fuel to the rumor fire.

Not to stick my nose where it doesn't belong... BUT... ;) I can't count the number of times I've seen regular posters here call new posters on board rules that maybe they didn't realize they were breaking. Now everyone may have our own opinion of what constitutes an "inflammatory" link, but I don't think the comment Bill made was anything out of the ordinary from what I've seen for years on these boards. In fact, even over on the "hunky movie star" thread, a couple people complained that pics of women were being posted, yet doing so is not even remotely against board rules. So, like I said, one poster letting another poster know they don't appreciate certain things is not far from the norm here, and certainly not deserving of a public scolding. :tongue_smilie: (withdrawing nose)

Seems that gray is the lowest so far. :lol:

As long as people quote part of the post they're replying to, it's all good. Even when they don't I can usually figure it out. But occasionally I have to slip into hybrid mode to figure something out. That only seems to happen maybe once every two weeks. What I can't figure out is how you keep up with all the new posts in Hybrid view on looooooong threads. I'd so much rather just scroll down and read all the new posts in a row instead of having to hop from place to place. But maybe I'm the weird one. :tongue_smilie:

:lol: Firefox is a browser, like Internet Explorer, only better. :D Hybrid view is one of the three ways you can view threads. With this thread open, look to the top right above the first post. You'll see an option called Display Modes. I use Linear View, which lists the posts in the order they occurred. Hybrid and Threaded are views that put the reply under the post replied to. Only weirdos prefer this method, but we love them anyway. ;)

::whispering so no one else hears:: (In our little online world here, we're allowed to pretend to be perfectly beeeeeeeeautiful!)

That's the one and only movie of his that I've been forever curious to see. In fact, I've purposely only seen one movie he's been in, but I must admit I disliked him much less than I thought I would. So I've allowed myself to think that maybe, just maybe, I could watch A Beautiful Mind. If only his eyes weren't so contemptuous.

I'm a lover, not a fighter! :001_wub:

Okay, now you guys are just fishing for my disagreement rep. :glare: :lol::lol::lol:

Don't we already?? :w00t:

Oh, I definitely still do! My husband's not too keen on the idea, though. :glare: Maybe one day, if we ever get around to finishing our basement, I'll be able to have my genie bottle room. I'd be happy with the interior of Inara's shuttle, too. (From Firefly) I tried to find a good picture, but this was the best I found.

I know, right?? Just the other day someone was singing the praises of Russell Crowe, and I repped her anyway! ;) Even foolish people need love. :D:lol:

Usually it means there are people who love it, and people who hate it. Politics, religion, and rep. The three topics that can divide this board in seconds flat. :D:lol::D