Saturday, November 22, 2008

Congress Will Have The First Unwed Mother

First Lady, Laura Bush, made a stop in Panama Thursday on her two day visit in the region to promote breast cancer research. She helped launch a program to aid and encourage local doctors to share information with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2007. Did you read about that? No. I'm here for you.

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is a world renowned medical facility for cutting edge cancer research and treatment. Houston is very honored to host such a facility.

Laura Bush is going down in history as an activist First Lady in the fields of women's health care and education. She should receive recognition for this yet we'll not hold our breath.

Laura Bush is a wonderful example for young women.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, D-CA? Not so much. Rep. Sanchez, divorced woman and childless, is now announcing that she is pregnant with her first child. OK. Normally, not a big deal. However, in her case, Sanchez is the first woman congressperson to be an unwed parent. This is not a good role model for young women.

Before you claim I am a narrow minded person, please know that I have friends who are single mothers, by choice. One of my bridesmaids, back 25 years ago, was a single mom by her own choice. I don't judge.

However, in public service, as far as moral decisions go, I think judgement is justified. Sanchez, dating a man who is referred to as her 'unofficial' fiance, apparently felt the ticking of her biological clock and decided to go for it. Peachy. However, as a person in the public spotlight, she is a role model for young women, whether she likes that or not.

Remember the firestorm in the media about Sarah Palin's pregnant unwed daughter? Does the fact that Congresswoman Sanchez is 39 years old make a difference? She is a divorced woman without children. Does that warrant turning a blind eye to morality? Is morality dead? I ponder.

Sanchez allowed a public announcement. That is more than the Palin young woman was allowed. As a proud Latina woman, is this the best example to set for young women? She claims this is a "teachable moment". What is she teaching, exactly?

Her "unofficial fiance" told the press, "We have the rest of our lives to get engaged and married -- we don't have the rest of our lives' for Sanchez to become pregnant." Wow. Selfishness on display?

I am a pro-choice Republican woman. I don't have a problem with ordinary women having children without the benefit of marriage, if that is their choice. However, once the woman is in the public arena, and holds herself up as a role model for young women coming up, then judgement is warranted. This is just wrong - Representative Sanchez will become the first unmarried woman to give birth while in federal office. I do not think that is a good thing.

Some ceilings are not meant to be broken.

1 comment:

Nikki said...

I agree with you. Where is the pouncing of the left of this womans ability to take care of this child? She certainly is not the beacon of family values. Am I being judgmental? yep, as much as Sarah Palin was crucified for her choice of child-bearing. Payback stinks. :)N