I’ve intentionally avoided the topics of politics, religion and abortion (a combination of religion and politics) in my blog. I’ve seen too many people become emotionally charged in the blogosphere where these two areas are concerned, and to create such an atmosphere on my blog would not serve my goal for blogging. This morning’s post may be the exception.

This morning on CNN.com, the Quick Vote question is: What do you think Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin should do with her future? The options are: Run for president; Stick to Alaska; Write a book; Host a TV show. Those were the only options available for her.

I have a fifth option. I think Governor Palin should take care of the situation within her own home. She has a teenage daughter who’s expecting a child, and a young son with Down ’s syndrome. I would think that her plate would be full, as it is. There are times when parents must put their children first, and either of those situations would call for more involved parenting—not the hiring of more help.

Yes, she has a husband who can tend to those issues while she’s busy with her career, but at the same time, both of those issues require a united front approach. Not that Govenor Palin and her husband should hover over these children night and day, but career endeavors that require less of their time might be more beneficial to their family.

Since I’ve already opened a can of worms, I’ll go ahead and empty that can. Research indicates that the first few years of life are critical for the development of any child, especially one that has Down’s syndrome, since that child is more likely to be developmentally delayed in all areas. I question how Gov. Palin’s attention can be effectively split between a high-powered political office and this child.

I further question her judgment in the area of her daughter. She appeared to be supporting the idea of her teenage daughter marrying the father of her unborn child. This whole scenario seemed to me to be nothing more than PR for the benefit of the conservative crowd at the expense of her daughter and her baby. Most seventeen year old girls can’t decide upon a prom date, much less make decent decision regarding lifetime commitments.

The days of Women’s Lib and ERA have given us options—options that I’m glad that we all have. Because we have those options, doesn’t mean that we should always put our children on the back burner in order to further our careers. There are times when the job of Mother needs to take precedence. My thoughts on the job of Father are just as strong.

I’ve weighed in. I’ve said it, and I own it.

Have a lovely day!