Even though, yes, the Palins’ infant has Down syndrome and floppy muscle tone, why does he appear to be asleep/inert in every single photo I’ve seen of him, no matter who’s holding him or how noisy the environs? Not crying, not looking around, not even messing with a bottle, pacifier, or toy? None of my three sons was remotely as non-responsive either as infants or later. Was he slipped a wee drop o’ Benadryl, or what’s suggested before long plane rides? Or perhaps the opium-laced “soothing syrups” from the Victorian era for which Sarah sighs?

My pediatrician once suggested a smidgen of Benadryl to be given to my eldest, then eleven months, before a thirteen-hour flight. Fortunately, I tested beforehand, at home, and oh my Lord, my son thought it was Mardi Gras! “Let’s par-tay!” was his response. Good thing I didn’t try that on the plane; instead, I took him to the playground on the way to the airport and he crawled and cruised around until he was exhausted.

So that’s the criticism-proof human shield the Palins employ: not the Semi-Disguised Baby Bump, but the Pass-Around Baby Lump… Alas, no similar shield will be available for Track in I-raq (or our other troops).

“My hunch is that the L&T one wouldn’t “find herself” in such a scrape.” You don’t know anything about those two kids: how do you know the condom didn’t break? How do you know she wasn’t on the pill, and the pill failed (that’s how I became a father). You weren’t there. You don’t even know what Bristol Palin’s feelings are about the whole situation: the national enquirer was reporting that her Sarah tried to marry the two off a few months back and the girl refused: you have no idea what she thinks of her mom, and as a minor she’s still largely under mom’s control.

Taking pot-shots at Bristol Palin and her boyfriend because the girl’s mother is a fundie wingnut kook is like blaming Jenna Bush for starting the war in Iraq.

“This is really all about judgment and decision-making, and the Palin clan, and their circle, seem to be pretty clue-free.”
Fascinating: Which of Sarah Palin’s decisions are Bristol and Levi responsible for? can you name some?

A few months back at dailykos, some guy was freaking out over Andrew Giuliani suing Duke University, and claimed “like father like son”. Except it’s a matter of record that none of the Giuliani kids even like their dad, wouldn’t campaign with him, and at least one kid supports Obama.

I think you’re treating these kids unfairly. they’re kids to begin with, and they can’t be held responsible for their parents’ actions. It’s not the equivalent of calling Jenna Bush a drunk: it more like calling chelsea clinton the family dog.

This is really all about judgment and decision-making, and the Palin clan, and their circle, seem to be pretty clue-free. What’s ironic about this is how the Alaska secessionists claim the lower 48 are degenerate and weak: the only place I can recall seeing a bigger projection is at a drive-in.

I have no love for Sarah Palin, but don’t make assumptions about her kids.
that dude’s in the military and going off to Iraq in a week or two. did you see him at the convention? he looked uncomfortable there and unhappy as hell.

his mom may be an unqualified, corrupt, vindictive nutcase but her kid isn’t running for office.

I also think the scorn being heaped on the poor SOB who knocked up sarah’s daughter is kind of unfair. Just imagine yourself on the wrong end of Sarah palin’s shotgun. from what i’ve read the kid sounds like everyone I went to high school with: a goofball teenager who drinks beer and probably puffs weed (he is from alaska after all).

imagine if TLATC found herself in such a scrape, would you be such blatant dicks then?

Who is the skinhead behind McCain?

I believe that his name is Tranny.

And who, dear Lord, is the bimbo with the bleached hair, the ready-for-a-blowjob-if-you-are puckered mouth and the red outfit that looked like it was given away for free at the end of the Miami Vice props sale in 1991?

Again, but with a lower-case T.

The very same way many prominent Republicans served their country during the Vietnam War, I believe.