Sarah Palin and the Unfair Exposure of Public Figures' Private Lives

It's a fact: If you are a public figure, you no longer have a private life. This is painfully obvious in the sheer number of "rag mags" that exist to cover every aspect of Hollywood stars. But this rule affects all public figures, including political candidates, and since being named as John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin has had every little piece of her history ripped to shreds and shoved to the forefront. In regards to all this dredging up of the past, I ask one question: So what?

While some of the negative press about Palin does actually have something to do with politics, a lot that I've seen has focused on her family, specifically her youngest child, who has Down's syndrome, and her unwed teenage daughter. Concerning the first, a baby with Down's is no one's fault and no one's choice. It certainly can't be blamed on anything that Palin has done, as a person or as a politician. I think it's a testament to her character that she loves and accepts a child with those kinds of disabilities. Some people have problems doing so, even when it comes to their own babies.

While this child has not been a huge issue in the press, I have seen it mentioned in a negative connotation. Of course, much more publicized is Palin's 17 year old, unwed, pregnant daughter. Boy, have they been ripped apart over that one!! Here, let me mention something that I didn't think was a secret anymore though. Children are rebellious, especially teens. Ask anybody who has one, and they'll quickly agree. Even the best, most attentive and understanding parents have faced a moment when their child has made bad or disappointing decisions. Some bad decisions simply have a lifetime period of repercussion. Would the situation be any less shocking for America if Palin asked her daughter to have an abortion? Hardly! She would be portrayed then not as a terrible mother, but as a heartless murderer. Again, acceptance is a hard thing, but Palin has shown it toward the people that matter most to her.

This article remains short, and probably seems to ramble, because my basic point is simple. The actions of someone's past, and most certainly the actions of their families, have no bearing on one's ability to run, or help run this country. This is true not only for Sarah Palin, but for John McCain, Barack Obama and Joe Biden as well. Focus on the campaign and the issues at hand and make an informed voting decision based on just that. This country, and its people, will thank you for it.