Family Values

Two weeks out from the most momentous day in a guy's life, he drops everything to go be with his very sick Grandma because, well, it's the right thing to do. Friday night after last week "on the road" -- a week that would put most mortals to shame -- that same guy shows up at his kid's soccer match where Mom's saving him a seat, then keeps the little sister busy on the sidelines with an impromptu footrace, and keeps both children out of the limelight others seek. This is a guy who loves his wife, whose family spends their money wisely, and instead of talking about decency, lives it.

Finally! Barack and Michelle Obama demonstrate "family values" worth having!

Come to think of it, we haven't heard much about "family values" from the Republicans these days, now have we? Year after year after year of relentless, self-righteous preaching from the wrong-wing about "family values" leave me with neither the stamina nor the stomach to revisit their ongoing sex and corruption scandals. Headlines take care of that, betraying flagrant hypocrisies usually followed by cheesy, penitential apologies ... or bald-faced denials.

Apparently Republicans really do think we're stupid. Recklessness, uncontrolled anger, gambling and hanging out with unsavory lobbyists may be "family values" for Republican families, but not for mine.

Sarah Palin's $150,000 wardrobe? just like all the other "hockey moms." Can they really do this with a straight face? Apparently. This Republican candidate for Vice President is the same shameless individual who apparently thinks Alaskans should pay for her kids' vacations when the Governor's representing the State, a high ranking state official who then changes her vouchers when she thinks she might get caught. The same individual who deputized her husband to harass state officials. The same individual whose "executive experience" left her small town mired in debt, despite the earmarks. And, naturally, God is a Republican, but only recently, after having taken leave of the Alaskan Independence Party.

Not in my family.

Being a spendthrift doesn't cut it, either. Sure, Cindy McCain can "afford" to squander a fortune on her flashy duds (along with all those houses, cars and the airplane she bought John 'cause flying commercial was so inconvenient for him when he campaigned; along with the cell towers she insisted that companies with business before her husband's Senate committee should "donate"). Mrs. McCain's dad was favored with the liquor license (never mind the indictment) that's made multiple fortunes, and netted her a $4,200,000 income in 2007. Laura Bush married into a whole family of war profiteers, so in spite of her inept husband she flaunts designer-best. Even Richard Nixon had the sense to put Pat in a cloth coat, if only for show. Republicans' "family values" apparently come from a different planet than the aching one on which I live.

Give me a break. Please. No, better yet, give me REAL "family values." What a relief to have the possibility of a First Family worthy of the name.

You'll find a lot of people with worthy values -- family and otherwise -- among our Leading Edge Guests at PaulaGordon.com.

Comments

[strangerinthenight]

Beautiful children !!!!!!!!!!!

[Omidal]

Love it, but I thought it would be longer.

[ebanks84]

I want to see more family pictures. They are so soothing and comfortable. They make me feel at ease and relaxed. I need that after a day of McCain and his bloviators!

[notthistime]

BRAVO! Well written article.

[twiggy2writes]

family values are indeed needed in this hour. your point, obama lives them. his character is impeccable. the media has overlooked his integrity and compared it to that of mccain. black people have got to prove themselves a 1,0000 times more than whites, it is so sad.
this country has allowed a presidential candidate to be called a terrorist, a socialist , pals around with terrorist,communist people have shouted kill him, and yet there is no out rage at this course of behavior. cambell brown compared obama's negative words such as erratic, unstable etc... of mccain as the same as terrorist ? how ?
we live in a very racist society that the mainstream media is afraid to tackle. sean hannity, rush limbaugh, pat buchanan, lou dobbs{ask him about his waffles} oreilly, glenn beck, all professional racist paid big dollars to spread hatred and the media let's them. they need to be censored, it should be unconstitutional to spread hatred of any kind directed at any group of people - but especially a group of people who were victimized by the same society . and we call ourselves civilized.
obama will make a great president thanks to his ablities as a statesman and his ablity to surround himself with great people who will challenge and encourage his leadership. all of america should be proud and even prouder when he is elected .
great article - it actually speaks truth!

[margoharris]

Barack Obama came along just in time to purge the den of theives from their intrenched hole.
He is the real deal. The genuine article. I am so proud that i am working for him and voted for him in this election.
He will be a great president and Michelle will be a great first lady. It will be fun to have small children in the White House again.

[Resnic]

Paula, thank you for you awesome article. Have you written a book? I would like to purchase it!!!!!!

[MsDebate]

You are right on, and I hadn't thought of that before. Walking the walk, not just talking the talk is real family values. Not do as I say, and not what I do...You rock!!!!!!!