Sarah Palin: Detractors have it all wrong

I have been cruising the web, reading the stories, and shaking my head. It doesn't surprise me anymore, the vicious attacks against Sarah Palin and her family, although it does sadden me. With all the media coverage surrounding Sarah's book tour, a new sling of accusations against our former governor have emerged, once again focusing on her as a wife and mother.

I tend not to read the comments posted by readers of online articles, particularly those commenting on articles involving Sarah. There will be comments by supporters, but more often than not there will be comments by those who have nothing good to say, and pick apart those who do. Reading articles I have seen a common thread in recent days, attacking Sarah once again. These comments accuse her of using the kids as props, traveling with the kids, and even a comment about Trig not having shoes on in one video clip, asking "what kind of mother are you?" of Sarah.

Remember Princess Diana? I thought today of an article written years ago after Prince William, her oldest, was born. It said that Princess Diana would spend time playing music in Prince William's nursery, even standing over him with a camera, clicking away so that he could get used to the sound of the cameras that would flash his image and follow him everywhere he went. This is their reality, the reality of someone in the spotlight. Trig, who has Down Syndrome, seems to have adjusted very well to all the attention which might not have been the case had his family not gotten him used to the attention. Supporters are interested in seeing the children, because it is part of who Sarah is - she is a working mother - and many of us admire her for that. Her children are part of who she is, and it would be foolish and impossible to hide them away. I am certain that if she did hide them away, we would again be hearing from detractors, this time accusing her of not spending time with her children and keeping them shuddered.

I live in Wasilla (Sarah's home town) and have spent time with the family and I have to say this - this is one of the most well adjusted families I have seen. The kids are involved in sports, after school activities, and are very social. I've seen them running after school to go sledding, walking pets, and playing with family and friends. When asked how a trip went, often you get a quick "OK" and then a change of topic. They move on. Many, many children of those in politics and celebrity have traveled with their parents. Imagine the opportunities these kids have already had. They have met people and seen parts of the country most of us will never get a chance to see. These children are not hidden away. They are out there for us to see, but are supported, loved, and reminded of how blessed they are to have the opportunities they have. I have never seen any of them take it for granted.

And as far as Trig and his shoes - obviously this comment was not written by the mother of a young child. To that commentor I say this: When you invent a way to keep socks on little feet, let the rest of us know, ok?

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