Robs' Blog: incoherencies from an american ex-pat in exotic beijing,
  or: how i learned to stop worrying and love bureaucracy

Two important events in my life happened around 25 years ago:

• I graduated from high school
• I became a parent

As with Palin's daughter, I was 17 when my child was conceived. And, as with Obama's mother, I was 18 when my son was born.

Although I wasn't brought-up in a family that preached abstinence, my parents weren't expecting to become grandparents in their early 40's.

I am grateful for the way that my son's mother raised him. I am beyond grateful to have him in my life. And, I can say without exception, that everyone involved is extremely proud of what he has accomplished.

I applaud Obama's stance that the affairs of one's family should be left out of politics.

That said, I am hopeful that this issue... which, it seems, has been used more for polarization (political and otherwise) than anything else... can now be spoken about in a manner more befitting of a society which truly understands the importance of supporting its future generations, no matter what choices they might make.