当美国女总统/副总统的标准，家庭第一，政治第一，合二为一？ (图)

1,Conservatives rallied around Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, who is Senator
John McCainos choice for a running mate, after the disclosure that her unmarried
teenage daughter was pregnant. Jim Wilson/The New York Times

 2,Bristol Palin and her brother, Trig, in Dayton, Ohio, on Friday. Jim
Wilson/The New York Times

自共和党的女性副总统候选人公布后，她引起了很广泛的兴趣，据说共和党的政治
捐款很有起色。兴趣自然是围绕在这位女性州长佩林是否可以胜任号称是全世界最
重要的第二号工作，美国副总统，因它离总统的职务只差一步之遥，或是一个“心
跳”之遥。佩林是五个孩子的母亲，最小的孩子不但仅五个月，还有先天性智力障
碍的疾病，但是她作为阿拉斯加州长已两年了，尽管是个人口不多的州。

关于这位副总统候选人的更多私人情况陆续被暴光。周末，佩林本人及共和党发言
人公布，她的十七岁女儿已有五个月身孕在身，虽然据称会和过去曾声称不想要孩
子的男友结婚。有猜测，在热带风暴袭击美国之时做的这种公布，是为了降低消息
本身的新闻价值，也是为了“ 消除”关于州长自己的尚未满周岁的孩子实际上是她
女儿的孩子的谣言。所以，除了州长，骄傲的母亲的桂冠外，佩林现在又增加了祖
母的光环。这可以说是掀起了一场“风暴”。

昨天看了几个美国主要媒体的网上讨论，有些没想到的与作为母亲有关的“论点”
被网民们提出来作为佩林是否适合当副总统的争论要点。虽然不敢说在有生之年内
能见到中国大陆进行全国性的总统选举，但针对这位共和党副总统候选人的争辩，
对讨论民主政治倒是有可借鉴之处。

争论一，她是否是个成功的母亲

赞成的：
养育五个孩子说明她做母亲的能力；
尽管怀孕期间就知道婴儿有先天性智力障碍的疾病，仍然做出分娩、抚育孩子的选
择，其热爱生命之心可见一斑。
女儿未婚先孕，在美国不稀奇，说明她的家庭是和一般的美国家庭一样，面临各种
问题，而不是不食人间烟火；
对女儿的未婚先孕表示全力支持，而且将会组成家庭，这是值得称道的家庭观。

反对的：
没有做好计划生育，孩子数目超过美国家庭的平均人数；
在高龄的怀孕期间，仍不顾风险，乘飞机旅行；
在生了孩子后的三天内就上班，置新生儿于不顾，别说还有先天性疾病；
十七岁的女儿未婚先孕，没有尽到做母亲的教导、监督之责；
尽管女儿是未婚先孕，还来了个新闻通报，使天下人皆知，置女儿的隐私、脸面而
不顾；
做母亲的宣布她女儿“会”和男友结婚，有包办婚姻，施加压力之嫌；
因为美国未成年人婚姻失败的比例很高，不但有置这二位未成年人的生活于贫困之
中的可能性，也有增加社会负担的可能性；
给在美国学校进行的联邦政府支持的“无性生活”教育项目做了失败的注解，给青
少年树立了不良榜样。有父母在抱怨，自己的孩子已经在援引这位州长女儿的例子
做为成长过程中可能给父母的一种“惊喜”；
学校教师认为，这是典型的女不教，母之过的例子。她们不认为学校/教师有责任
“抚养”别人的这样的孩子；
有五个孩子，包括一个有先天性智力障碍疾病的婴儿，仍然做出竞选，甚至当副总
统的决定，是置子女抚养、教育、成长于不顾，这些应是做母亲的最重要的职责，
母爱是别人不能取代的。

争论二，她是否会成为成功的副总统/总统

赞成的：
先治家，后治国，家有五个孩子，还能做州长，说明很有能力；
佩林的丈夫可以负担起照顾孩子与家庭的职责，她可以投身于政治；
麦凯恩昨天称
''I just want to repeat again how excited I am to have Sarah Palin, the
great governor of Alaska, as my running mate.''

''America is excited and they're going to be even more excited once they
see her tomorrow night,'' he said. ''I'm very, very proud of the impression
she's made on all of America and I look forward to serving with her.''

反对的：
先治家，后治国，家里的子女都教育不好(未婚先孕)，何谈治国；
在学校推行联邦政府支持的“无性生活”教育项目不力，自己的女儿做了失败的注
解，树立了坏榜样，会误人子弟，有损于美国的形像；
对有先天性智力障碍疾病婴儿的妊娠，不寻求医疗措施，而服从宗教信仰，做出分
娩的决定，缺乏合理的判断能力；
作为五个孩子的母亲，分不清家庭和政治孰重孰清，缺乏合理的判断能力；
面对这样的家庭责任，置家庭于不顾，仍然选择参加全国竞选活动，说明对母亲职
责，家庭价值观的忽略，不符合美国一般人公认的价值观；
在宣布共和党的副总统候选人的发布会上，让已怀孕的女儿抱著自己的婴儿实际上
是为了掩盖女儿的妊娠，这是欺骗行为；
声称作为这样家庭的主妇仍可以用百分之百的精力做美国的副总统本身就是对美国
妇女的一种欺骗，职业妇女都要对家庭生活做出不同程度的牺牲。
曾代理麻州州长职务的Jane Swift在2001年时喜得一对双胞胎，但后来因让助手帮
助照顾孩子受到批判，下一年退出竞选，并写文章承认，作为一个母亲，身兼如此
二任几乎是不可能的；
女权主义的支持者曾用这样的“口号”劝导身兼二任(家庭与职业)的职业妇女，
Women, you can have it all - just not at the same time。
佩林及支持她的共和党是在牺牲她的家庭和美国的国家利益，这是及其不负责任的；
女性能否成为总统/副总统并不一定先要有自己的孩子，没有孩子的妇女同样可以担
此重任，关键在于她的判断与处理事务的能力。而佩林在处理自己家庭事务方面显
示她缺乏这两者。

都知道麦凯恩是想找一位女性做副总统的候选人，以策反曾支持希拉里的女性民主
党选民倒戈，并争取独立的选民。但共和党内几位资深的女性议员都以种种原因谢
绝了麦凯恩的建议。麦凯恩说这位女州长的人选使美国人很兴奋，看来是有一定的
道理，因为他的选择激怒了不少希拉里的支持者。佩林在第一次讲话中提到，自己
是在把希拉里未完成的事业(女性竞选总统)进行到底。希拉里的支持者们愤怒地指
出，佩林的做法对她们是一种侮辱。克林顿夫妇只有一个女儿，他们对她的关心照
顾是有目共睹的。佩林的价值观与判断能力和希拉里有天壤之别。这些希拉里的支
持者们现在反倒下定决心要投奥巴马的票，和保守派划清界限。

共和党人自己也承认，对佩林的人选最满意的，是党内那些保守的右翼分子以及反
对妇女有选择流产权力的宗教团体。但具有极大讽刺意义的是，这些组织与个人所
宣传的价值观，不但包括反对流产的合法性，也坚决反对在学校进行针对青少年的
性教育中包括避孕措施，安全性生活的知识，他们认为加入这些知识会摧毁美国社
会的道德观。网上有相当多的评论指出，现在对佩林的赞扬(支持女儿未婚而孕的行
为)是一种极大的虚伪。类似的情况如果发生在民主党候选人中，这些团体与个人必
定会以“道德”为题大做文章，其真正的是非观是有“党性”的。没有见到多少所
谓独立的无党派选民基于佩林的选择就表示支持共和党。

看来时代真是不同了，当年希拉里欲寻求在克林顿政府中扮演重要角色时说的一句
话，她不愿待在家里只做贤妻良母，得罪了不少“普通妇女”，这些妇女不认为自
己在家相夫教子的职责要比职业妇女轻松。当时把持国会的共和党人也极力反对她
参与医疗制度的改革，认为她“违反”了第一夫人一贯扮演的“无所事事”的传统
角色。如果希拉里真的作为民主党的总统候选人话，恐怕也完全不会得到这些团体
及个人的同情与支持。

现在，唯一清楚的是已经暴露出来的佩林的个人及家庭情况，不清楚的是还有多少
可能成为问题的情况有待揭露。虽然大多数人同情候选人的家属不应遭到如此的曝
光，但也有人指出，这是使美国人民做出正确选择，避免让更多的孩子面临潜在的
风险的唯一方式。另有女性耽心，如果佩林一旦有所“闪失”的话，将会使美国女
性寻求总统职位的努力倒退多少年。

绝大多数的网民同意，一个要成为总统/副总统的母亲(这里不能说是女性，因为不
能将没有孩子的女性除外)，必须先是个好的母亲，虽然对什么是“好母亲”的定义
仍有待确定。同时，大部分的人也都“认可”，女性是“当家的”，虽说不一定是
一家之长，但是家庭的核心人物，是成功家庭所不可缺少的。

话又说回来，这位佩林州长要说勇敢，恐怕可以说是够勇敢的，敢“不顾一切”地
做美国副总统的候选人，甚至将来的美国总统。但美国人民是否也勇敢到敢于接受
这样一位勇敢的候选人看来还是个问题，尤其是在布什总统的八年执政，包括五年
“抗战”之后。

Some example:
September 3, 2008
Letters
McCain and Palin, in a New Light

To the Editor:

Re：Palin Disclosures Spotlight McCainós Screening Processō (front page,
Sept. 2):

Ever since Gov. Sarah Palin was unveiled as John McCainós running mate,
the press has had a field day in uncovering her foibles, personal and political.
 The real story, however, is Mr. McCainós lack of judgment.

Mr. McCain has already caused concern by his appalling ignorance of world
geography and his tendency to oversimplify complex foreign policy issues.
His choice of Ms. Palin makes it plain that he is not in the least concerned
with Americaós stature in the world or the ability of the next vice president
to step into the role of commander of chief.

The American people deserve better from the Republican Party.

John Jeffries Martin

Durham, N.C., Sept. 2, 2008

To the Editor:

Although discussion about families of candidates may be off limits, as both
Barack Obama and John McCain have argued, the news that Bristol Palin, 17
and unmarried, is pregnant does raise two questions that should legitimately
be part of the conversation about the candidates.

First, what does it say about the judgment of a parent ù father or mother
ù who takes on tasks that will necessarily keep that parent away from family
and preoccupied (at least I would hope preoccupied) with the state of our
country, at a time when two of the five children in that family are in particular
and poignant need of special attention? What does this say about Sarah Palinós
raw ambition?

And second, what does it say about John McCainós judgment that he knowingly
asked a parent in this situation to be his running mate, without apparent
consideration for the effect that this would necessarily have on her family,
and particularly on those members of her family most in need? What does
this say about John McCainós cynicism?

What does all this say about the commitment to family values so loudly endorsed
by so many McCain supporters?

Ginny Blanford

Hartsdale, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2008


To the Editor:

It was good that Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska and her husband, Todd, issued
a statement that brought their daughterós pregnancy out in the open.

I am rather perturbed with those on the left who would try to use this information
to attack Governor Palin.

I believe that families ought to be off limits in political campaigns. The
reality is that all families face problems, including problems like teenage
pregnancy.

I praise Ms. Palin and her husband for their love and support of their daughter
in this difficult matter.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Glen Oaks Village, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2008


To the Editor:

I love how the pregnancy of Sarah Palinós daughter is, according to John
McCainós campaign, ǒa private family matter.ō This, after the Republican
Party has spent 30 years making policy on womenós bodies. Why canót Republicans
recognize that reproductive decisions are private for all American women?

Claire Bushey

Chicago, Sept. 2, 2008


To the Editor:

In John McCainós first major decision as a presidential candidate, instead
of appointing the running mate he wants, he caves in to the religious right
and appoints someone he doesnót know and barely vetted.

This is not the action of a ǒmaverick,ō this is toadyism plain and simple.

If this decision represents how he will run the country, it tells me all
I need to know about Mr. McCain. Pam Arnold

New York, Sept. 2, 2008


To the Editor:

Re ǒIn Political Realm, ūFamily Problemó Emerges as Test and Distractionō
(news analysis, Sept. 2):

I agree with Barack Obama and John McCain that the news that the daughter
of Gov. Sarah Palin is pregnant is not per se relevant to Governor Palinós
credentials to be vice president.

But her lack of significant qualifications and experience with respect to
national public policy, her relatively limited education, her lack of international
engagement and her rejection of science in various arenas are.

Given that Governor Palin is willing to impose her views on private family
matters on others, in terms of her opposition to abortion and her commitment
to abstinence-only sex education, it is legitimate to question such a parentós
responsibilities to her children.

In pursuing the vice-presidential nomination, was Ms. Palin willing to put
her ambitions ahead of the interests of her daughter? Surely she knew that
her nomination would bring worldwide attention to her daughterós pregnancy.

Is this a positive example of commitment to family values? Gayle Binion

Santa Barbara, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008

The writer is a professor of political science at the University of California,
 Santa Barbara.

To the Editor:

Re：A New Twist in the Debate Over Mothersō (front page, Sept. 2):

As a 74-year-old mother of five children, including a special-needs child,
I am uniquely qualified to evaluate Gov. Sarah Palinós ability to ǒdo it
all.ō

Ms. Palinós primary responsibility and moral obligation is to give all of
her children the attention they deserve and only a mother can provide.

It is my belief that running for vice president of the United States does
not serve this obligation well. I have read and listened to various political
pundits marvel at her ability to ǒdo it all.ō The honest truth is she canót.
Trust me, I know. Myrna Olsen

Garland, Tex., Sept. 2, 2008


To the Editor:

Mommy wars may seem like a hot story, but the media would serve us better
by focusing on the debate over what parents need to manage work and family.

How Gov. Sarah Palin and her family handle these matters is their business.
But itós the business of voters to know why Ms. Palin and Senator John McCain
oppose every measure that would help working families: guaranteeing paid
sick days, making family leave more accessible and affordable, ensuring
equal pay, financing health insurance for needy kids.

Yes, many families have to deal with teenage pregnancy. Fewer would if schools
provided comprehensive sex education.

Yet the McCain-Palin ticket supports abstinence-only education, despite
Congressional reports documenting its ineffectiveness. Nearly $180 million
in taxpayer dollars was wasted on such programs last year.

Our families and our country canót afford such extreme positions.

Ellen Bravo

Milwaukee, Sept. 2, 2008

The writer is an author and activist for working women.


To the Editor:

ǒA New Twist in the Debate Over Mothersō includes comments by women who
question Sarah Palinós ability to be an adequate mother of five children
while serving as vice president of the United States. Havenót we had presidents
and vice presidents before who raised children at the same time?

Bill Clinton was president while a parent of Chelsea, who was still young.
Richard Nixonós girls were still young in the White House. This is not a
rare event.

If Governor Palin is elected, her husband (a commercial fisherman) is unlikely
to hold a job and thus it seems that Vice President Palin would not need
to be an equal contributor to child care. Her husband could certainly be
the primary parent.

Kathleen A. Carlsson

Sayville, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2008

The writer is the author of ǒThe Case Against Women Raising Children: Why
the Mother Should Never Be the Primary Care-Giver.ō


To the Editor:

Re ǒPalin Daughterós Pregnancy Interrupts G.O.P. Convention Scriptō (news
article, Sept. 2):

Gov. Sarah Palin has said she decided to carry to term her child who has
Down syndrome. Of her daughterós premarital pregnancy, she also says, ǒWeóre
proud of Bristolós decision to have her baby.ō

But how can one claim to be anti-choice and twice speak about ǒdecisionsō?
A true pro-life candidate must believe that there is no choice but to bear
the child, and that the law should bar any such decisions to the contrary.

Indeed, if the governor learned of her own childós Down syndrome from prenatal
testing, is it not hypocrisy to ever have such a test since the fetus has
a right to life regardless?

Perhaps Governor Palin is, in fact, a proponent of choice after all.

Lawrence Rosen

Princeton, N.J., Sept. 2, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/opinion/l03gop.html?pagewanted=print