Soul’s Code

Why it’s a wedge issue: Republicans believe that everyone ought to live a moral life — and Democrats believe that, in reality, many of us don’t

BY DAVID RICKEY — News that the unmarried, 17-year-old daughter of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is 5-months pregnant adds yet another dimension to her selection by Republican candidate John McCain. Immediately, we are reminded that even presidential candidates are, first and foremost, human beings facing the same life choices the rest of us face.We are told that Bristol will marry the father of the child, and that is intended to make it “all right.” And for the child’s sake, especially, we hope it does. The family announced:

“Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family.”