My reasons for this are that while immigrants are welcomed and encouraged here in the U.S., as that’s the American way, doing it legally should be a no-brainer.  Legal immigrants are basically temporary guests until such time as they go back to their original home or apply for a U.S. citizenship.  While they are here, they have rules and regulations to follow.  Just as citizens who are born here in American.  Why should illegal immigrants who flaunt their disregard of the rules be rewarded for doing so; when many legal immigrants, who do things by the book, honor our system?  That isn’t right to reward illegals by giving them a free ride when our own citizens don’t get that same level of benefits.

The thing is, not only will they get private scholarships to go to college…but, they have to have money to live on.  How will they get food and money to pay for other necessities? So while they may get private scholarships to go to school…they must turn to the public to meet their other needs.  Already the state of California is struggling financially to meet it’s obligations to those who live there; you know, people that legally have the right to live there.  What about medical care?  What if those illegal immigrants have children while they are here? Those children will be U.S. citizens…but, then the parents have the ability to try to petition the courts to try to stay here as well.  Who picks up the tab in the meantime?  We all know the answer to that…residents of the United States who pay their taxes are stuck picking up the tab to provide for them.  It just isn’t right.

There are some individuals who think that by educating the illegals that it will help our country by causing them to pay taxes.  Yeah right, first of all, illegals don’t want to be noticed by government agencies.  They don’t want to be sent back to the countries that they came from.  Truthfully, why would they?  They can live here…find jobs that will pay them under the table, keep Uncle Sam’s portion for themselves, go to college…often have babies here in America for free, and send money back home where it is worth much more than it is here…and be doing quite well, all things considered.

I happen to think that it is outrageous that Governor Jerry Brown would slap Americans in the face by taking this action. It is what I call poor leadership that will have a negative impact on our nation.  As the head politicians, he should be enforcing the laws of his country, not creating ways around the laws of the nation.  This country is experiencing a time-bomb regarding our ceiling of debt that has the potential to paralyze our country financially; and, he dares to spread out the welcome mat to people that he feels we need to invest in.  The illegal immigrants shouldn’t be America’s obligation financially.

What are your thoughts on this matter?  Oh and before you jot down your opinion…just know that there is another bill being considered in the legislature for public scholarships to be extended to illegal immigrants in the United States as well.  That would squarely place the brunt of the cost, of sending ILLEGAL immigrants, directly onto the American taxpayer who may or may not be able to afford to send their own family members to college.  Is this fair?  Tell me what you think!

He’s stated that he has not met them in real life.  His credibility is being called into question because of the lies he initially told regarding the scandal.  His judgment is part of that controversy in regards to his career. Many people are wondering whether someone who would lie to his constituents, his family, his friends, and the media could do his job with honesty and integrity.

Anthony says that he admitted to his wife of 11 months, before they got married, of his inappropriate online relationships that took place before his marriage; but it appears, that she was not aware of his recent interactions.  His wife, Huma Abedin works for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  Media reports say she is consulting with the Clintons about how to save Anthony’s job in the shadow of the scandal.

Questions abound in our world about the role that social media plays in the lives of everyday people and people who are famous, public figures, or people in roles of leadership.  How people conduct themselves online has a direct affect on their work, their reputations and in their relationships both online and off.

Whether Mr. Weiner is able to retain his position as a lawmaker will depend on what information is garnered through the ethics investigation that Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has asked for.  If he has violated the rules of conduct or has used government resources in these circumstances…he could lose his standing among his fellow lawmakers not to mention other repercussions if any laws were broken.  His marital relationship has to be addressed as well; counseling would probably be advised for the best possible outcome, if they wish to heal the damage.  The pressure has to be tremendous as many people are calling for him to resign; which at this point, he has refused to do.  One would hope that in his quest to save his job, that he doesn’t sweep the issues under the rug that allowed him to make choices that were so potentially detrimental to his well-being.

It is human nature to try to avoid consequences when we screw up…however, the responsibility of a person in the position that he holds requires that he hold himself to a higher standard than most.  I am sure that he wishes he could go back and undo what he says he has done regarding posting those pictures and writing allegedly sexually charged exchanges with those women.  His actions supposedly goes back a few years…so this is not new behavior.  Yet, it was unchecked because he has continued to reach out through digital means & through the phone to women who are not his spouse to interact with racy exchanges.  It is said that these types of relationships can become addictive.  We know that they can be destructive.  It will take a lot of work to regain trust and respect of those people in his life that he had those things from, before this behavior came to light.

The whole situation goes beyond Democrat/Republican politics…because it doesn’t matter what a person’s political stance…this issue is a human issue.  I hope it doesn’t get turned into that kind of a discussion…because outside of his particular offense… both political parties struggle with individuals who have made serious mistakes in their behavior regarding sexual boundaries and values.  Immoral behavior is immoral behavior…no matter what party you belong to; in my opinion.

In any case, Anthony Weiner will have to show true remorse and take steps to correct the mind-set that allowed him to place himself in such a position as to lose ground as a lawmaker, and as a new husband.  In America we do believe in second chances and the opportunity to turn your life around…whether he will deserve that opportunity to go back and restore his reputation will depend on what they find out from the investigation, how he handles that information; and, whether he reforms how he conducts himself in the future.

Trust, dependability, integrity, honesty = a person’s reputation…the value of those attributes are immeasurable.  A person’s name and reputation is important.  There were so many plays on Anthony Weiner’s name in the last few days in the news headlines…but, truthfully, all that kept running through my mind was a little advertising commercial jingle that Oscar Mayer had on television, years ago, as I grew up.

IF I remember right, it goes like this.  “oh I wish I was an Oscar Mayer wiener, that is what I truly want to be; cause, If I was an Oscar Mayer wiener, everyone would be in love with me”.   Right about now, I would imagine that Anthony Weiner wishes his first name was Oscar, so that he too could have the love and support of all the American people, much like the kind of relationship the company Oscar Mayer has been able to forge over the years with the public.  Then again, to the best of my knowledge, that company has never been involved in any kind of scandalous behavior…

What is your opinion on the situation with Anthony Weiner…should he remain in office?

          However, if they become disillusioned/free of that belief or stand; they have in other words switched sides and are convinced that they were wrong in their original position of belief.  For every argument or discussion, they have a response to their opposition’s point of view because they have defended or stood up for each point of discussion on the other side.   It is sort of like arguing with yourself, inside your head when you are weighing a decision.    When you finally decide what is the correct point of view, it becomes the one that you most effectively communicate to others because you have DECIDED the issue in your own mind first! 

          So, for those who have been a strong, vocal voice say in the realm of spiritual discussions such as atheism over a belief in God and have switched sides; they are much more persuasive in their discussions with other atheists.   Or, say for example a political representative for one party over another suddenly switches sides…they become a powerful tool to their former political opponents because they have inside information on how the other party approached certain issues or subjects and even how they operated as an organization.   Even the media sits up and takes notice if a politician switches sides on an issue or political affiliation.

         Now this morning I read, with interest, a news item about a woman who worked for eight years as a director for a Planned Parenthood clinic.  She for years defended the right of women to seek services at her clinic and to even have abortions if it was the decision that they made that was considered to be in their best interest.  She was a very strong voice for pro-choice issues.    She hinted that while Planned Parenthood is a multi-service organization which helps families to handle their reproductive health and educates them, there is not much money in the education portion of the business.

         The lucrative side of the business comes from performing abortions, according to Abby Johnson’s statements.  She said she was getting internal, personal pressure to increase the clinics profitability.   What seemed to change her opinion on pro-choice beliefs to one of  a vocal stance of  pro-life  is when she witnessed, for the first time the actual death of a fetus on an ultra sound monitor as the baby was vacuumed out of it’s mother’s body. 

        It doesn’t get any more real than watching a baby’s body dissolve into pieces when it was moments before a connected living creature inside of it’s mother’s womb.  Abortion is destructive to the life of the child as well as potentially destructive to the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the mother.  Often the opinion of fathers of babies who lives hang in the balance while a woman considers her “option” of abortion, are not considered because the child is encased inside of the woman’s body.  It is somehow “her decision”.   The decision to abort a fetus/child is one that will impact the individuals involved for the rest of their lives.  Relationships can be forever destroyed by the decision to abort a baby.  Trust, respect and responsibility are all tightly woven into people’s opinions on the subject.

         Abby Johnson now stands outside of the very clinic and protests with an anti-abortion group.  To me, this kind of critic is way more powerful than a person who has always believed that it was wrong.  It is not to say that those people aren’t as convicted about their beliefs because obviously they are if they live their lives supporting that belief; however, a person who now stands toe- to -toe against their formally declared opinion or stance is what I call an effective critic. 

          When they declare that they have decided that their previous belief was wrong and take action to correct their actions from before…I find that persuasive and potentially, life changing for their circle of influence. 

           I would like to add a link, with permission granted, to an interesting article written by @mommyperks from my Twitter stream.  I think she has written a wonderful article with an interesting personal interview with a young woman, regarding her regret over having an abortion.  Please read:  http://www.mommyperks.com/vip/?p=3427 .  Thank you!

        Jenny Sanford has said that she asked her husband to leave.  She wanted him to stop talking to her for a couple of weeks so that she could find a way to preserve her personal dignity.   This is something that she felt that she needed to happen to cope; who is anyone to tell her different.   I read somewhere that she said she wanted/needed to be able to look her sons in the eye.  She wanted to be able to hold on to her sense of right and wrong as well as, her own self-respect.   She appears to have achieved this by asking him to leave during that time; before he made his announcement.

         The media was all over the fact that the Govenor couldn’t be found last week.    His staff allegedly made statements that the Govenor was hiking…others, said they didn’t know where he was.  He was in fact, in Argentina, allegedly. 

           From the sounds of it, the Govenor and his wife have been dealing with the issue of his affair for months privately;  after his wife discovered personal correspondence between her husband and the other woman.  Jenny Sanford has said publicly, that she forbade his relationship with this woman.  Mrs. Sanford is a woman of faith and as such, she believes in marriage and family.  Some news articles say that the Sanfords have been going through what is being termed as a spiritual boot camp along with some other couples.  They have worked on the issue in their marriage with their spiritual advisor since January. 

         I think most women who have a knowledge of an alleged affair in their marriage and have worked with a spouse on repairing that marriage would feel her own self esteem damaged or destroyed.   As far as the Govenor’s trip to Argentina this time around, no one is saying whether he was there to continue his affair, or end it.   I would suspect it is the latter; as it sounds as if the family is still trying to find some way of going forward, as a unit.   Personally, I find it admirable that Jenny Sanford worked privately for these months on her marriage when surely, emotionally she felt betrayed.  Trying to heal the marriage after a physical, spiritual, and emotional betrayal was a testament to her faith and her commitment to her marriage vows.

       The Bible says, in Proverbs 31 verses 10-12      10) A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  11) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  12) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

        For his part, the Govenor says that he wants to reconcile with his wife.  No one is super human…we all make mistakes.  If his wife somehow finds it humanly possible to forgive him then it is likely to take time.  There are always consequences when we sin and make mistakes.  Will this cost him his job?  Who knows.  For her part, Jenny says…that his career is not a concern of mine.  She is focussed on her family.   She said that by the statement that the Govenor made publically regarding the affair…that he has earned a chance at rebuilding their marriage.

          There is a cost for each person’s choices in life.  The other woman; what will happen with her?  Who knows what the future holds.  But, if the Sanfords can somehow find a way to rebuild their marriage…hopefully they can strengthen the area of weakness that allowed this situation to occur.  Healing can happen for all of the parties if they truly try to make things right with one another and are sincere in asking for forgiveness and in giving it. 

           Not to say that in this situation that all of the problems that occured were all one person’s fault and not the other’s…we all know that isn’t how life works.  However, I want to continue with part of the scripture passage.  These verses pick up in Proverbs 31 at verse 29) Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  31) Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

         It is hard to be in a position of power or leadership and not be corrupted by it or by those who are lurking in the background to corrupt them.  Sometimes to become victorious we must lose that which we think we have earned a right to have…whether it be a job, a reward, a position of power or adulation from others.   Let’s hope that this family only had to come close to losing that which is most precious to them…their relationship with one another and with God.

Now don’t ya know, Peta had to voice a statement saying that they support, “compassion even for the curious, smallest, and least sympathetic animals”.  Wow…that takes some doing when a fly is in your face…in my opinion.  Well, Peta is going to send the President a Katcha Bug Human Bug Catcher.  Lucky man, our President!

I don’t know about you…but, I believe in treating animals in a loving and compassionate way; however, there are certain animals that i do not have a natural affection for.  For instance, snakes, mosquitos, rats, or anything that wants to eat me, annoy, or harm me.    What about you…do you think that President should have given that fly a Presidential pardon?   You don’t think that the fly had political aspirations do you?  hahaha

       Your mother is drop dead gorgeous, talented and very feminine.  Your father a one time musician who ventured into politics and was known for his conservatism.  How do you “come out”?  If you are Chastity Bono…you are outed.  Over twenty years ago that was the exact scenerio that played out in Chastity’s life and in the media.

         If you are age 45 or older, you probably remember a dainty, blonde haired angel who made appearances on the Sonny and Cher entertainment television show.  America fell in love with their only child together.  When they divorced and Cher began a romance with Greg Allman and had another child…she became a big sister to her brother.  Her father later remarried also.   How does a parent reconcile their hopes, dreams and expectations for their only child when something this drastic happens in your family?

         It got complicated.  Her father apparently took the news of Chastity’s sexual orientation better than her mother did when they were both informed.  And yet, Sonny was into politics and didn’t support same sex rights.  Still, he loved his daughter.  Cher had a hard time accepting this part of her child’s life, according to old news stories…in her words…she freaked.  Time has gone a long way towards reconciling their relationships.  Sonny is gone now…having died in a freak skiing accident in 1998. 

          Chastity has become a gay activist over the years.  But she has not been in the media in an attention seeking way.  She has tried to live a quiet life; until now that is.

           Today, the news was inundated with the news that Chastity has decided to become transgendered.  She, from this point on, chooses to live her life as a man.  She will no longer go by the name of Chastity.  She will now be known as Chaz.  Whether she will actually have a surgery meant to change her physique…is not really being clarified.

            I am more interested in the emotional and spiritual transitioning that took place for her/him to arrive at this decision.  How unhappy and disoriented does a person have to be in the body they were born with, to decide to cause such upheaval in their life both publically and privately?  Chastity’s appearance has changed over the years; does this show her inability to accept herself as she was born?  If she/he goes through with this transgendered lifestyle…will the appearance match what he/she feels inside?     I mean surgery or no surgery, to go about making an announcement to the world, that you are for the rest of your life; the second half of your life (she is near 40 years old), that you are going to live  an identity, totally opposite from the  sexual identity with which you were born.

          Cher (if she chooses to support and accept it) will now have two sons…instead of a son and a daughter.   How does a parent flip the switch in their head when they consider all that this announcement will change?   Chastity/Chaz has asked for privacy during this transitioning time.  I don’t know if the media will allow it to happen that way.    I think that they will chew on this “story” for quite some time…wanting to wring every little detail out of it that they can.

            Whether there is surgery or not…trying to change such a major portion of your life is not going to be easy.  I am sure this has taken years to get to this place…this decision.  Some reports say that many who consider themselves transgendered dont actually have surgery…still they often feel trapped in a body that is in conflict with who they feel, they were meant to be. 

              I myself am conflicted about my thoughts and feelings.  I think that people need to be able to accept themselves to be happy; and yet, my faith says homosexuality is wrong.   I’ve been taught that God doesn’t make mistakes; some people in this situation would say that they were born with the wrong body.  I have to admit, I don’t know what to believe in this area.  I do know that no matter what…those who are in this situation, are created by God.  God loves them, just as he loves all of his children.   I know too, that many gay/lesbian people struggle in life with their identity and how they fit in our society.    Often they struggle with drug/alcohol/food addictions because they dont feel comfortable in their own skins.   It is hard to feel and live differently than most of the people around you.   I know that my faith says that God loves everyone; but, he  also says that homosexuality is wrong.  

            I think that gay bashing is wrong…and people who choose to harrass anyone for any reason is wrong.  People need love and support.  Hate crimes are illegal and immoral.   Some say that gay/lesbian people are born that way…others say that they have chosen that lifestyle; that they can change it.  Others will try to say that some traumatic experience “caused” the homosexual identification.  Some say it is a way of life and they do not have to act on those feelings.   Personally, I think having a compassionate heart is important in this situation.   What do you think?

           I would hope that Chastity/Chaz is in, or has been in, counseling to sort through all of the thoughts, feelings and circumstances that will find it’s way into their life.  In my heart, I guess that I would wish a path that was less of a variance from what is considered traditional male/female roles.  I understand that no matter what…there are those on both sides of the fence pro/con gay and lesbian lifestyle who will use this story to further their cause. 

         I would caution those who do, to remember that those who struggle with their sexual identity have emotions and feelings just like everyone else…they can be vulnerable to the reactions of those around them.  Morally, I leave it between them and God to work out.   God considers homosexuality a sin according to my Bible.  Yet, even so…he says love the sinner (we all are sinners) and hate the sin. 

            The first 40 years of her life Chastity lived as a woman; albeit an unconventional woman.  The second half of her life she plans to live it as a male.  Is this truly possible without self destructing?  Spiritually, anyone on this path must search their hearts and minds to try and make sense of their identity in the world and in their relationship with the creator of Heaven and Earth.    What are your thoughts on this subject?

         David “joked” about Sarah going to Bloomingdales to pick up makeup to update her “slutty flight attendant” look.  First off, that is disrespect not only to Sarah but also, to flight attendants who have struggled over the years to fight for respect for the job that they do.  I can’t imagine that this statement has made him very popular with the aviation industry.  I know from the news stories flying back and forth…he isn’t very popular with the Palin family.  That previous statement about the flight attendant wasn’t the worst of his “jokes” I am afraid to say.

          The most offensive “joke” that he made had to do with Sarah and Todd Palin’s daughter.  David said, An awkward moment at the Yankee’s game, during the 7th inning, her daughter was “knocked up” by Alex Rodriquez.  Whoa!  Say what?  How not funny is that?  That implies that her daughter was having sex or was forced to have sex by Alex Rodriquez.  Now, number 1, Sarah’s daughter is 14 years old.  She should not have been made the subject of a sexual joke…in any way!  #2 i doubt that Alex Rodriquez was thrilled to be included in such an insensitive remark.  #3 I am sure that the management and ownership of the Yankee’s was definately not happy about that particular “joke”.  After all, baseball is associated with a family imagine…all American, mom and apple pie….not sex on the field with a minor and one of their ball players. 

         The thing about comedians is that sometimes a joke “works” and sometimes it does not; however, there should be some guidelines that a comedian doesn’t cross; no matter how “big” you are in the industry.  I personally think it is reprehensible that David Letterman would say such a thing.  It wasn’t long ago when a comment was made by another celebrity that included sexual references about Miley Cyrus….that too was not appropriate or funny.   There was a big backlash of public opinion about those comments as well.   Come on entertainers….let’s have some sensitivity training about what is and what is not appropriate to say about young girls and women in general.   Every day on the news we have stories partaining to the fact that some “adult” somewhere has “victimized” a child in a sexual way…these kinds of comments and jokes do not help people to understand what is appropriate behavior between adults and children.  The line is becoming blurred and that is not acceptable. 

         There has to be a call to action for our culture to demand that those in the public eye hold themselves to a high standard of values when it comes to these issues.  It should be a matter of common sense…but, as the bar gets lowered and things happen…the next incident desensitizes the public to tolerate even more degrading things to be said and done all in the guise of entertainment; because…really; we know the intent behind them…it was all in fun…right?  Wrong!   It is a matter of accountability.

        It is no wonder that some females of this generation are struggling with self-esteem issues and body consciousness.   It is no wonder that some males of this generation are confused about what is appropriate conduct at work, at school, at home and on the streets.   Truly, have we NOT gotten past the idea that it is ok to belittle women and girls by defining them in a sexualized manner?  We all have daughters, mothers, sisters, or female friends or co-workers that we care about…try to imagine them in these situations and conduct ourselves accordingly.

         The Palins have made known their extreme displeasure and frustration over the matter regarding their daughter Willow.  David made a half hearted attempt to gloss the issue over by inviting them to his show to work it out.  The Palins have appropriately refused to do so.  Today, in an attempt to apologize, David said that he wasn’t referring to Willow the Palin’s 14 year old minor…he was referring to Bristol their 18 daughter. 

           Does that make his “joke” ok, because she is an adult who did in fact become an unwed mother?  No, I think not.  Not only that…but, from what i have been able to glean out of the news reports…Sarah was with her daughter Willow at that game…not Bristol; not that it should matter!   Making comments about sexual activity involving the Palin’s daughters (or anyone’s sons or daughters) is a bit over the top, in my opinion.   Dave admits that he was guilty of poor taste…but, he doesn’t come across as truly feeling sorry for these comments that he made.

          I myself , have a problem with comedy when it chooses to go in the mean-spirited direction, or in a way that puts someone else down to get a laugh.  Life is funny enough…we dont have to look for ways to humiliate anyone to be funny.  Self deprecating humor is usually the way to go if you are going to try to underscore someone looking like a fool or to show them with egg on their face to get a laugh.  Cruelty in the guise of humor doesn’t work for me personally, just my opinion.

          Hello Dave, here is a clue….the joke wasn’t funny!  It was not only rude, insensitive, and demeaning to women; but also to the baseball industry, professional ball players, flight attendants and to parents because it goes against everything that parents try to instill in their (sons) & daughters in this world.   Our society has become highly over-focussed on sexualizing our daughters from the time they come out of the womb.  You are definately old enough to know better…and, I would hope that you would truly and sincerely be ashamed of your words and your actions for trying to justify the situation.   After all, you have a child…would use want someone to use him in such a way, publically or privately?  I know you pride yourself on playing things close to the vest on a personal level…but for real, let your human side show on this subject. 

            How do you feel about these types of “jokes”?  Does Dave have carte blanche to say such things?  If he chooses to say them…will it influence whether you watch his show or not?   Do you think that his sponsors or powerful people in New York should express their displeasure?   Do you think that it hurts him professionally to go to this level when performing on stage?  I know that the late night entertainment shows have been going through some changes recently with Conan O’Brien, and Jay Leno changing things up…but, will Dave’s viewership be affected by incidents such as this?  What is your opinion?

        Bristol experienced a teen pregnancy, that resulted in the birth of her son Tripp, during Sarah’s campaign.  Bristol has been questioned as  a controversial role model because of her pregnancy.  She has been used as an example for both sides of the issue concerning teen pregnancy.  She is a Christian and of course, having premarital sex goes against traditional teachings.  She did, in fact, become pregnant and has been in the public limelight during that time.   She herself was not a public figure…her mother was; but, the family was put on stage during the campaign.   

           People have felt comfortable commenting on her situation; both pro and con.   Those who have supported Bristol have touted the fact that she chose to give birth to her son, as opposed to an abortion.  I too applaude that fact.  I also think that she is dealing with the reality of being a young, single mother.  She is lucky in the fact that both her parents, Sarah and Todd Palin are willing to help her out by supporting her and her son.  This is part of the equasion for many families who experience an unexpected teen pregnancy. 

          The realities are that not every teenager who finds themselves in the position of becoming a parent, at such a young age, has a stable home life; with parents who are willing to help them out and support them financially, or emotionally…let alone, enabling them to continue pursuing their education.  Many have to drop out of school to work to support their child or having to apply for financial aid through tax payer dollars.  It is a struggle in a variety of ways.   Not only are there educational concerns, financial, health, but also the social consequences; teen miss out on the carefree lifestyles that their friends are able to enjoy in their high school years once a child is born to them.

          Bristol has taken on the responsibility as a teen parent, while trying to complete her education.   During the campaign both she and her son’s father Levi Johnston were planning on getting married; they have since broken up.  In recent weeks, he has been giving interviews about private aspects of their relationship.    Bristol has said in interviews that it is best to abstain from having sex as a teen…however, she also said that it isn’t realistic.  On Good Morning America with Chris Cuomo today, she said that last comment was taken out of context.   While it is difficult to abstain, she said that there is no other way to 100% prevent pregnancy other than waiting to have sex.

        Since Bristol and Levi are no longer together, they are still trying to sort out how their relationship with one another and with their child will work.  Levi has taken his concerns and his complaints about visitation to the media.  Bristol’s family has set some guidelines about how that should happen; such as visiting with Tripp at the Palin’s home.  Levi has allegedly struggled with continuing his education and with employment issues as well as some potential legal issues regarding his mother-allegedly being arrested for drug charges. 

        As tragic as this family drama appears to be in some ways, they will find their way.  People around the world struggle with the same issues of visitation, custody, support, education, living conditions, financial stability…and developing and maintaining relationships. 

        While life conditions continue to change, as is normal in the life of a person coming out of their teen years into adulthood, they will have to adjust their expectations and responsibilities while they attempt to meet their own needs and that of their child.  Sometimes teen parents stay together and form a family that lives and grows together…others seperate and form lives seperate from each other.    New romantic and personal relationships are formed and must be adjusted to as potential parental figures come into the life of a child of teen parents.  These difficulties can be overcome and can be turned into a good solid foundational family system that works…but, it is something that must be continually encouraged for the well- being of everyone involved.  Of course, if teen pregnancy can be prevented this would be better for everyone involved.

          The Candies Foundation was formed back in June 2001.  They have used ambassadors who are popular and in the public eye.  I do think that they should make deliberate choices of people who dont promote sensual or sexualized images in their work outside of the Candies Foundation, since it is working towards preventing teen pregnancies.  To me, using people who have careers in the public eye who use some form of sensual/sexual appeal, such as in the music industry, movies or television, comes across as sending mixed messages.    The persuasive power that celebrity role models have on the teen population has a big impact on the behaviors of teens as they are growing up.

         I am sure there will continue to be controversy surrounding Bristol Palin’s choices, as she puts herself in this platform for public discussion on preventing teen pregnancies.   I hope that people remember not to try to politicize this issue; as the goal to prevent teen pregnancy should be across the board no matter what someone’s political views are.    I do think that it is admirable that she is tying to make something positive happen from her situation.   The real issue is though; whether teens will listen to and respect her viewpoint regarding their own choices about becoming sexually active.   What do you think?

     Now, if you were a person who was thinking of a stand up guy as someone you knew, trusted, depended on and respected as honorable…imagine that person going on television and slamming your family, criticizing your co-parenting when it comes to sharing time and experiences with your child, and talking about your previous  relationship and sex life on national television.  

         I am trying to imagine how Bristol Palin felt when that happened to her twice, in the last week.  Her ex-fiancee and the father of her infant son, Levi Johnston, went on television twice in the last week to give interviews, about his relationship with the Palin family, along with his sister.  Part of the issues discussed were the basic fact of whether Levi lived or stayed at the Palin home around the time of the conception of his son.  He says that they are lying by saying that he didn’t “live there”….he says his stuff was there and that no matter what you want to call it…he stayed there.  He feels that Sarah Palin had to know that they were sexually active. 

        On the interview with Tyra Banks, Levi says they practiced safe sex every time…then, he changed it when Tyra humorously challenged his answer about when baby Tripp was conceived…and Levi smiled and said, most every time.  The thing is, that regardless of how it happened (none of us need to know that much information); there is a child who was born and is going to need both of his parents and grandparents for the rest of his life.  Doing these interviews and putting it into the public domain is not going to help his son in the long run, by knowing of the strains in Levi’s relationship with the Palins.  For the good of the child, they will all need to work on their relationship for his  future emotional well- being.  Children who grow up in the middle of animosity struggle with issues of loyalty and acceptance.  Parents and grandparents are exactly that for life…you dont get a redo in this area of life…so everyone needs to work on this relationship and concentrate on what is most important.

       Teenaged parenting is no joke.  It is hard and it is full of responsibility both emotional, physical, spiritual and financial.  Even though Bristol and Levi had a consensual relationship; in most areas of the country Bristol was under  what is considered the legal age of consent in many parts of the country, the age of 18.  Both young men and young women have had legal repercussions for statuatory rape when they entered into a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 18. 

       On the news the other day, an article stated that new records are being set by children being born out of wedlock.  That being the case, there are many children who are being born into the same kind of circumstances that Levi and Bristol’s son Tripp was born into…parents who are not married and don’t live together.   Eventually, one or both of the parents in those relationships move on and become involved with another romantic relationship…bringing other “parental” people into the child’s life.  This can be complicated for future personal interaction if problems are not worked out in the beginning when parents realize that they are not going to live together as a family for life.   

       Now is as good a time as any for building a positive relationship in these families instead of a negative one.   It is important to remember that this is not a political issue…it is about the child.  The media needs to remember that this child will grow up and read one day.  He is a real person who will be affected by these words and actions.  The parents of  Tripp cared about each other at one time…let’s not allow a “good story” to get in the way of this child’s relationships with the most important people in his life.    Tripp needs his dad to be a stand up guy…someone he can look up to and be proud of as a person just as he needs to look up to his mother in the same way.  Good parenting begins with love, respect and responsibility…loving your child makes you want to give the best parts of yourself!

       Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a good thing if you have the space, the time and the energy.  I think it will be nice for the Obama’s family.  For those people who say, what about all of the taxpayers money for their food…understand…Presidents and their families pay for their own personal groceries.  Sasha and Malia will be able to see the food growing process and take joy in it.  It is a learning experience growing your own food, and the Obama’s will know where some of their food is coming from and how it is grown.

         How cool would it be to have the girls do a blog about growing the fruits and vegetables?  There really is so much to learn and the opportunities to share that information would be plentiful.  After all, anyone who has ever grown produce knows that much of your success comes from planning your garden, making a commitment to nurture it with water, sunshine and fertilizer…and then, learning how long it will take and how to go about harvesting what you have grown. 

          In previous generations, it the lessons would also include how to preserve the produce to last throughout a long winter; thereby, adding to the family’s food supply.   Back then, growing a garden wasn’t just for the priviledged…it was a necessity.   With our country going through these difficult times financially, I suspect many families will be getting back to the basics and planting their first gardens out of necessity.  The cost of grocery shopping has risen substantially; so planting a garden can help reduce the cost of putting meals on the table for some.

        For those who live in cities, there are community gardens that people can share or you can do container gardening.  Gardening isn’t just for farmers or people who live in the country.  You can even plant herb seeds in small containers in your window sill. 

        I think it is a  White House garden project is a wonderful thing that may just inspire others to plant, grow and enjoy flowers, fruits and or vegetables.  Stop taking time to pick a fight and go plant something !   You might find out that you enjoy it.