Massachusetts Governor

Setting Bad Example

By Allan Saxe, WBAP Political Analyst

 Elected official sends wrong signals by taking maternity leave from governor's post.

    Several weeks ago, Governor Swift of Massachusetts, a woman and a Republican, decided to take two months off to be with her newborn children. It is a fine thing for a man or a woman to stay home with young children. Children prosper from mommy and daddy at home. However, Governor Swift's decision to stay home and away from direct contact with the governor's office for several months raises serious questions about work and parenthood.

       Her decision to stay home for a time was a hot topic of conversation in Massachusetts. However, citizens of the state seem to be taking a wait and see attitude on how she will perform in the office, now and after her return.

       Those in defense of her absence from the governor's office asked what would happen if a man became ill and took a leave? Should she be treated any different from a male officeholder who became ill? Also, what if a woman of lesser means and not an officeholder wished time off to be with her new children? Would she be treated differently? Perhaps the federal Family Leave Act could be utilized in all of these cases. But aside from the Family Leave Act, how should we regard those who have work responsibilities and choose to forego them temporarily?

          Pregnancy is not the same as other illnesses. It is not a disease. It is a condition that one enters into voluntarily. It is not a condition out of our human control. If the governor of a state, male or female, wishes to start a family, let them do so on their own time and not present a hindrance to state workings.

          If a female college student became pregnant at final exam time what would the professor say? "Well, take a few months off, rest and relax and be with your child, and take the exam when you are ready to return." This comment would not likely be forthcoming. There are consequences to our actions and too many are abandoning responsibility.

          Did not Governor Swift know about actions and responses? Did she not understand about consequences?  Would she let one of her constituents use childbirth as an excuse not to pay state taxes? "Oops, I forgot, I was too busy at home with my child?" Not a likely excuse for the governor.

          The head of a state, of all people, should set a standard of work responsibility. If her priority was to have a child that is fine, but she should have put aside her political aspirations not to conflict with child
rearing.

          All too often having children these days is done with little thought of responsibility, both for the child and the broader society. Men and women must think of what it means to bring a new life into this world. It should not be a casual act.

          We must say strongly, "No! You cannot have it all. You cannot be a governor and stay home for several months. No! You cannot be a college student and bring your child to class with you. No! You cannot be a full time worker and bring your child to work." There are consequences to actions.

         The Governor of Massachusetts has set a bad example.

Allan Saxe serves as political analyst for WBAP News/Talk 820 and writes an opinion column for the Star-Telegram.