Edwards kids on the campaign trail
I usually try to stay away from all the sensationalistic “Mommy Wars” stuff.
You know, “You work/stay home, you suck”, “Daycare is the devil”, “I’m busier than you are”, “Why did you even have kids if you’re just gonna let someone else raise them?” (My personal favorite. Note to whomever else is “raising my kids”: Busy Girl wants a new iPod AND a new digital camera for her birthday. Get on that, will ya’?)
Anyway, I’m going to weigh in on all the Elizabeth and John Edwards taking their young children on the campaign trail hoopla.
If you’re unfamiliar with what’s going on, Rebecca Eisenberg of Silicon Valley Moms Blog wrote a controversial post in response to the New York Times article about Presidential hopeful John Edwards, and, his wife Elizabeth taking their young kids on the road with them during the Presidential campaign.
In her post, Eisenberg disagrees with the Edwards’ decision, and, she feels that they are using their children for political purposes.
Furthermore she called Elizabeth Edwards a “terrible mother” (though she later edited her post after “changing her mind”). Elizabeth Edwards herself commented in response, and, very eloquently, at that.
Good Morning America even picked up on it.
Know what? Have an opinion, don’t have an opinion, I don’t really care. Sure, pull the “public figure” card, “subject to more intense scrutiny”, “free speech”, whatever.
But, what I do care about is how a mother(s) were treating another mother over there, and, that’s not OK with me.
I don’t know Elizabeth Edwards, but, I did have the pleasure of hearing her speak at BlogHer. I don’t share all of her political views, and, I likely won’t vote for her husband.
I think she’s probably cool with that, I don’t know for sure, but, it’s just a hunch.
But, you will notice I didn’t call her out on her beliefs (or, anything else for that matter). As a matter of fact, I’m free to disagree with her, but, I really have no place asserting that my beliefs are superior to hers in some way, especially when it comes to something such as their family life, that is, by nature, none of my business.
For the record, I’d probably take my kids out on the trail, too.
Maybe it’s just my polite Southern upbringing talking, but, there’s a way to conduct spirited discourse, and, that wasn’t it.
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POSTED IN: Raising Kids, Schedules, Work and Life
5 opinions for Edwards kids on the campaign trail
Jennifer
Aug 30, 2007 at 2:07 pm
At my pregnancy and baby blog I talk about mamas who dis other mamas all the time. To me, that is seriously one of the worst sins. It’s a shame on the community of mamas as a whole and never helps. I do another seires about annoying mamas — but it’s actually about mamas who do lame stuff to other mamas. I just can’t belive when I hear stuff like this it makes me so angry.
Also, for the record I’d say taking your kids to work with you; or staying home with them; or traveling with them, is the best possible way to raise healthy, happy, knowledgeable kids. you can do. People belong with their children — if that’s on the road than so be it. Should they leave the kids at home with a nanny for months on end. How stupid would that be.
Mamas have a hard enough time without our own coming down on us. You know. Good post.
Jennifer
Aug 30, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Wow, typed so fast I spelled everything incorrectly; please excuse that folks :)
Nancy
Aug 30, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I’m with you. I had no problem with the type of analysis that blog post author was going for — but her approach was horrible. I don’t see why it should be so hard to make an argument without dissolving into incredibly personal attacks.
I always say just because you’re “free” to say something doesn’t mean you SHOULD say it.
PunditMom
Aug 30, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I totally agree with you. It’s fine to have an opinion, but once we start invoking the Mommy Wars thing on topics like this, the media descend like buzzards around carrion. I, also, got to hear Elizabeth Edwards at BlogHer and was incredible impressed with her intellect and poise and warmth. Even if you disagree with her decisions, they’re still hers and not someone else’s. Let’s keep the mommy mudslinging to a minimum.
lcreekmo
Aug 30, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I had to post a comment over there. She really made me mad!!
Seriously, who are we to say someone else’s choice is so wrong? I failed to see how these children are being abused, neglected or in any other way maltreated.
I just don’t understand the outrage.
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