Presidential Debate in Our Home!

Joanna (13) has had the opportunity of doing her schoolwork with our homeschooling neighbors this year. Being the sociable creature that she is, she's always wanted to do school with other people in more of a group setting, so we are all happy for her chance to work together with a couple other girls around her age.
The other girls' mother, Julianna, does a great job of teaching them together and making school interesting. Back in October (yes, I'm a little late posting pictures!), she decided that they would have a presidential debate at our house. She assigned them each girl to be one of the presidential candidates and then the girls spent hours researching the platforms of the candidates and studying their mannerisms and pet words. Then (with some help from several speech writers) they wrote up their speeches and delivered them. Afterwards they took questions from the audience and attempted to out-do one another with their answers!

Joanna as Barack Obama, Azarina as Ralph Nader, and Julia as John McCain

Nader gets a bit of help from his presidential speechwriter.
Obama appears to be busy with his Blackberry in the background!

John McCain (left) is stumped for a minute on the economy and gets a bit of advice
from his chief policy adviser on how to answer the question.
Obama (right) appears to be confident of his next answer.

We didn't always agree with their positions on issues, but applauded when possible! : )

On Sarah Palin

I have had so many people ask me what I think of Sarah Palin. Although I haven't said much, I have plenty of opinions going in all directions!

I don't intend to tell who you should vote for on the presidential ticket. Honestly, I'm not sure what I will do myself.

But I have read probably close to a hundred articles on her since she appeared on the scene about a week ago. It seems that there are two reactions among the Christian community - either rip her to shreds because "she should be staying home with her babies and being a good mother" or people promoting her as though she is the Messiah and will completely turn our country around and stop every evil practice. I've been sad to see how rashly and harshly some people have responded with their opinions. Blogs have filled up with hundreds, even thousands of comments as people discuss every detail of her life and decide what is God's will for Sarah Palin and what isn't.

I found Douglas Wilson's piece on Sarah Palin to be a breath of fresh air. Not because I necessarily agree with every point he makes, but because he takes a thoughtful approach to the whole matter and doesn't declare to know God's will. He simply gives us all a lot of things to think about. Feel free to leave your thoughts on my blog, but please, let's keep the comments respectful!

You'll find Douglas Wilson's thoughts here.