Political Punch

Dr. Dobson -
Your theocratic agenda and power mongering goal has been thwarted by the good and wise voters of the USA. By a system put in place by the Founding Fathers who looked forward and backward through time and saw bigots like yourself trying to control people via strong-arming fear, propaganda and the most vile exploitation of religion. There are so many glaring ironies and hypocrisies we've all witnessed, such as your prayer warriors being ignored... may your "ministry" proceed to the wilderness of Fred Phelps and Westboro Church where you can share TULIP petals... and "God Hates America" signs... so we can make sure to bring them up in the next election. Your "manifest destiny" is being realized for what it is... while Providence has taken up a Bob Dylan tune.

I listened to audio of a conversation between Palin and Dobson that was very disconcerting. In my opinion Dobson twists everything around to make himself out to be a man oozing with love and sincerity, milking every type of small emotion that will make him look angelic or something. Palin has a worldview that she is ordained by God to win at politics. People like this alienate a lot of people because they are so full of themselves and see themselves as walking around with halos.

Everyone is tip-toeing around the issue of Alaska Governor Palin’s 17 year old daughter Bristol becoming pregnant by her 18 year old boyfriend. We are being told “it’s a family matter that shouldn’t be in the press and that the couple plans to be married”.

Well, let me bring this issue to the fore front.

The majority of states in America today have laws / statues where consensual sex with a minor result in a statutory rape conviction, usually by that states Attorney General. A conviction is followed by a minimum of ten years living as a registered sex offender.

Is this not the law in Alaska? If so, how has Alaska avoided making it so?

If it is the law in Alaska then why hasn’t the Alaska Attorney General filed charges against Bristol’s boyfriend? Perhaps, it’s because it’s the governor’s daughter who’s pregnant?

I’ll ask the same question in regards to Britney Spears little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears. Why was her boyfriend not charged with rape resulting in prison time and the requirement that he register as a sex-offender for the next ten years?

There is a double standard that celebrities and political families get special legal treatment but regular Americans are being stigmatized and persecuted for the rest of their lives for the very same acts.

Americans need to take a close look at the current sex-offender qualifications. Should an 18 year old who has consensual sex with their 17, 16 or 15 year old partner face the stigma of being a registered sex-offender?

In America the majority of people believe if you are a registered sex-offender then you are a child molester, a pedophile and a pervert.

There are thousands of innocent people who are being forced to become a registered sex-offender every year.

Public urination and “mooning” are both convictions that will also land you on the registry for a minimum of ten years.

When you are a registered sex-offender, you struggle to find and keep housing, employment and your family because of the stress and humiliation that the registry creates within yourself, your neighbors, your co-workers and vigilantes looking for justice for a victim they don’t even know.

In some states like Virginia the accusation of being “touched” is sufficient for prosecution with a sentence of life plus 20 years in prison. The state does not require physical evidence, a witness or that the accuser be mentally evaluated and it doesn’t matter if the accuser has a history of lying, that’s “inadmissible” Virginia even enters the “accusation” as evidence in court!

In Virginia, they prosecute every accusation which means a conviction every time and jail time is highly likely unless you plead “guilty”.

I am not supporting these current laws, statues or the existence of the sex-offender registry,

I want all Americans to know what laws are in existence today, how unfair and appalling they are and stand up and say “No more”.

Maybe if a few celebrities and political families have to endure the demonization of being a registered sex-offender, these ridiculous laws would be eliminated.

Everyone is tip-toeing around the issue of Alaska Governor Palin’s 17 year old daughter Bristol becoming pregnant by her 18 year old boyfriend. We are being told “it’s a family matter that shouldn’t be in the press and that the couple plans to be married”.

Well, let me bring this issue to the fore front.

The majority of states in America today have laws / statues where consensual sex with a minor result in a statutory rape conviction, usually by that states Attorney General. A conviction is followed by a minimum of ten years living as a registered sex offender.

Is this not the law in Alaska? If so, how has Alaska avoided making it so?

If it is the law in Alaska then why hasn’t the Alaska Attorney General filed charges against Bristol’s boyfriend? Perhaps, it’s because it’s the governor’s daughter who’s pregnant?

I’ll ask the same question in regards to Britney Spears little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears. Why was her boyfriend not charged with rape resulting in prison time and the requirement that he register as a sex-offender for the next ten years?

There is a double standard that celebrities and political families get special legal treatment but regular Americans are being stigmatized and persecuted for the rest of their lives for the very same acts.

Americans need to take a close look at the current sex-offender qualifications. Should an 18 year old who has consensual sex with their 17, 16 or 15 year old partner face the stigma of being a registered sex-offender?

In America the majority of people believe if you are a registered sex-offender then you are a child molester, a pedophile and a pervert.

There are thousands of innocent people who are being forced to become a registered sex-offender every year.

Public urination and “mooning” are both convictions that will also land you on the registry for a minimum of ten years.

When you are a registered sex-offender, you struggle to find and keep housing, employment and your family because of the stress and humiliation that the registry creates within yourself, your neighbors, your co-workers and vigilantes looking for justice for a victim they don’t even know.

In some states like Virginia the accusation of being “touched” is sufficient for prosecution with a sentence of life plus 20 years in prison. The state does not require physical evidence, a witness or that the accuser be mentally evaluated and it doesn’t matter if the accuser has a history of lying, that’s “inadmissible” Virginia even enters the “accusation” as evidence in court!

In Virginia, they prosecute every accusation which means a conviction every time and jail time is highly likely unless you plead “guilty”.

I am not supporting these current laws, statues or the existence of the sex-offender registry,

I want all Americans to know what laws are in existence today, how unfair and appalling they are and stand up and say “No more”.

Maybe if a few celebrities and political families have to endure the demonization of being a registered sex-offender, these ridiculous laws would be eliminated.

I was a 17 year old pregnant teenager and my mother didn't hide me away. It is possible to have a child and still have a life. I am now 27 with a beautiful 8 year old.

Raising a child isn't the only option here people, unborn babies should have rights too. Although it is challenging, teen pregnancy does not mean life is over, it also does not make Mrs. Palin any less ready for running for VP. I would be so proud of my mother if she were in this historic position.

I would also be very proud knowing my mother was sticking to her beliefs and values and not being swayed by those around her. At least she is open about where she stands.

The minute we take God out of this country completely is when God will stop looking out for our country. We will have completely shut ourselves off to receiving any Blessing He has for us.

If you don't take your beliefs into the voting booth what else do you take with you? Your values should absolutely be your guide for who to vote for.

I am not a mud slinger, all I can say is I don't trust Obama or his "rhetoric" I haven't heard one real response from him on one side of any issue, he plays the fence so much and I can not pull the lever for someone who I have no idea what they stand for or against.

I know what I am getting with McCain.

And to be more honest I don't like John McCain, I don't fully agree with him either and I felt the same way Mr Dobson did when I knew John McCain was the Republican nominee, that is until I found out who the Democratic Nominee was.

Shame on everyone here who is being judgemental of their family situation.

Vote your conscience and stick to the issues.

I am so glad to see some christians speaking out about this Sarah Palin VP choice. I am a chrisitian but I don't bring my belief in Christ into the voting booth. I am so tired of James Dobson and his mind-less, one issue, hypocrites ruining the direction of this nation. We cannot and should not attempt to legislate morality in this nation. People are generally good and don't just walk around vaccuming babies out of wombs!! I believe that the church should spend it's time trying to help pregnant woman who don't want their child carry to term and give up for adoption. That should be it's role. That should be a christian's role. Instead, because of one issue, (well, 2 if you count gay marriage, another misguided position held by christians) albeit important, these christians align themselves with a political party who continue to destroy the middle class and it's ability to raise children in a fair society. Why don't christians fight to make poverty illegal, thal might help eliminate abortions, ya think. it is time for christians to stop this stifling, devisive behavior. who do you think you are. Was this the message of christ? align with the romans and persecute the sinners? absolutely not!!! the religious leaders of the time were condemned for doing just that. I am ashamed to call myself a christian and am looking for another term to asoc myself with christ and disassoc with you psychos.

I think Obama said it well...judging others is above our pay grades. I believe God is the only one who can judge what is in a persons heart and soul.
Something in the bible about judge not least you be judged.

Those who have been throwing stones from their glass houses for years cannot expect the folks who have been pelted with the stones to sit on their hands when one of the glass houses has shattered.

One last comment:

Insistence on absitnence followed with parental absence is nonsense- and ineffective, as well.

The issue is simple: Sarah Palin was offered to the Christian Right to mollify and pander to those values held dearest. But instead of bolstering sacred beliefs, the GOP put forth a candidate that has those who once championed traditional values now sounding like free-thinking Liberals.

Shame on anyone who falls for this. Mrs. Palin is nothing like the real mothers of the movment who sacrifice everything for their family in the quest for healthy children.

Bristol's decision making is being extolled by those who should at least question it-out loud and in a forum that would hope to TEACH our children.

I really do not quite understand just what Palins pro family values are.

As a mother I find it very problematic to cast your own daughter into the national spotlight for scrutiny over your own political aspirations.

She has slashed funding in her home state for teen moms and special needs children.

There are too many mixed messages here.

what ever happened to the separation of religion and politics? more importantly, i truly feel bad for the christian conservatives of this nation. i respect them living the way they choose as this freedom is what makes america a great nation. however, it is laughable at what feeble minds they can possess. (granted, to follow a god requires an innate ability to be allowed to be told what to think.)

back to topic, i'm not posting to poke fun at those who believe in organized religion. i'm posting my sincere sympathy for being sold off to the republican party by their preaching leaders like dobson and co. Republicans use this vote as a pawn - they pander to you every 4 years so you and your 37 children will vote republican as god wills. Then, they do nothing but make themselves richer and maybe throw you a supreme court justice along the way. Your TURNOUT is what wins elections, not that you have the prevalent societal beliefs and values.

Truth be told, the evengelical christian right wing conservative vote is actually a small, tiny, fraction of the true values and beliefs of the united states of america. The republicans have chosen wisely to court a group who already shows a propensity to mindlessly believe and STAND UP FOR biblical rhetoric - they knew you'd show up on tuesday. It's like choosing the fastest runner to play running back or the best writer to work at a newspaper. The republicans have made you their army because you will do anything they tell you (as long as they cite god) and will do it with relentless vigor. They got the whole concept from this Darwin guy - it's call survival of the fittest.

The thing is, nothing ever gets done to support your causes because they are just too out of touch with modern society. If the GOP actually started pushing these initiatives (rather than promise them campaigning) then the other lazy assed 85% of the country would start voting them out of office.

And i'll throw this in just so my opinion will be totally disregarded: I'm an aetheist, pro choice, environmentalist, feminist, evolutionist, left winger. I'm sure you gauged that. But, as I've said before, christian conservatives are totally free to live and think as they might - it makes our country great. Just please realize that politics needs you to use your brain a little better! Stay independent - it opens you up to support who ACTUALLY meets some of your beliefs.

Already!!! Already!!!! One day after the RNC, Sarah has to take a few days off to see her son off to Iraq, while everyone else in the running will be out giving interviews on the campaign trail. My son went to Iraq too, and I completley understand that is a #1 priority. However, it only lends credence to those of us who are concerned about taking on a job as demanding as that of VP, and possibly the President of these United States, with so much on her plate. I am a woman with a degree who could be making close to six figures right now. But with a son of four years old I put my career on the back burner. There is no such thing as doing it all. You can not be in two places at one time. Sorry ladies but you know it as truth. You have either your career and everyone else raises your kids, or you raise your kids. Working a 40 hour week is one thing but I would think that being second in command of the most powerful nation on earth would require more than 40 hours per week. I can beleive that conservitives are so desparate to see a rep. in office that we are willing to be so hypocrytical on the values that we have stood for, for so long.

I applaud Bristol for her decision to have her baby. However; I have voted Repulican since I could vote based on the family values platform. Now that I have grown in maturity a little, my eyes have been opened to the hypocracy. I too find it ironic that the "family values" ticket consists of a man who had an affair on his first wife and left her for a much younger and richer millionaire. And now the VP choice is under investigation for abuse of power, and yes, made a choice of career over family, including a five month old baby with special needs. And sorry folks, because of the family values platform I think the fact that her teenage daughter is pregnant should come under scrutiny. Dr. Dobson I have listened to you for years, but I have seen you play out your own agenda during this election and will not be supporting you or listening to your program any longer. If this same situation was happening in Obama's family you would be all over it. WHAT A HYPORCRITE YOU ARE!!!! It is time for Christian conservitives to stand up and make our chosen leaders accountable or get out of the world of politics all together. Wow, let me see, Obama has a solid family, wife, no infidelity within their relationship and two well grounded and beautiful daughters and you all have made him out to be a monster. Wow!, while an adultrous man's camp is made out to be forgiven saints. Wow

How can anybody put the blame on Sarah? If you do, you must have never been a parent. I'm sure she did teach abstinence or maybe even birth control. But what we teach our children isn't always what they do. People are human and make mistakes. That doesn't mean that they'te hypocrites if they don't always "practice what they preach". I don't think any of us can say we've always done the right thing. That's why we all need the forgiveness of God that only comes by trusting his Son Jesus. And one other thing-- Why does everyone think that Sarah is parading her daughter and embarassing her? Maybe Bristol wanted to be a part of the family on their night of celebration. Maybe she's mature enough to just face the music and go on. Since her mother's already been in politics, I'm sure she know it's like living in a glass house-- everybody knows your business especially in a small town.

Great point!! So we can now assume that since Dr Dobson and his team have constantly spoken out against the "Hollywood" lifesyle of pregnancies before marriage, both he and his team are also sinless.

The Bible says let him that is without sin cast the first stone. So I am assuming all the people that posted on this sight are sinless..........

I am concerned about two things: First, the display of Bristol Palin and her boyfriend at the convention. Abstinence education needs to be reinforced with more practical means of birth control. So Mrs. Palin, in her capacity as governor, bears some of the responsibility for her daughter's pregnancy.

My second, and biggest concern is the baby with Downs Syndrome. A special needs child requires special attention. Many are highly sesceptible to infections, etc. These children should not be put on display and passed around like a cute toy.

If God has blessed a family with children, the children are the FIRST priority and should be properly parented. This is especially true of a special needs child. I know.

Will Dr Dobson or someone in leadership positions PLEASE send out an e-mail or SOMETHING to help prevent the explosion of teenage pregnancies that we will now be seeing. Bristol is being put up as a role model for Pro-life causes, but this is being confused with being a role model FOR teen pregnancies. Someone have some COURAGE!!

Personally, I love that the Palins came together as a family and Bristol was able to make the choice to have this baby. What concerns me is that if Sarah Palin is given the opportunity she will take that choice away from millions of other pregnant teenagers. Would the Palins have made the same decision if they lived in the Bronx and had no money? I'm not pro-abortion by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm also not for forcing women to give birth to children they are unwilling or unable to care for.

Valerie... I take it you work for the high school where Bristol and Levi attend? That is how you know so much about what they were taught and their level of maturity.

I know a few people that are in their 40's who are not YET mature or responsible enough to have children... yet they did.

SO... unless YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE AND HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM TO KNOW WHAT THEY WERE TAUGHT... TOLD.... AND WHAT THEY THINK...

Get off your high "school" horse.

GO SARAH.... We love you even more today after your speech last night. But be prepared.... "they" don't like to be TRUMPED... which is exactly what you did and they just can't HANDLE IT....