Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: Please respond to my letter right away because I want people to know what I think before they make a mistake in the upcoming presidential election.

I think it is a shame that the Republicans' vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, put her pregnant, unmarried teenage daughter on display for the world to poke fun at. She should have not accepted the job and stayed home.

I can tell by many of your responses that you are a very traditional person. Do you agree with me? What message is Sarah Palin trying to give? — Another Sarah

Dear Another Sarah: No, I don't agree with you. I think Sarah Palin has every right to run for office, regardless of whether there's a teen pregnancy in her family. I don't know of any parent who has said, in effect, "I am going to quit my job because my daughter is pregnant."

Sarah Palin is trying to give this message: Do not abort your child; get married; shoulder the responsibility; hold your head up high; and the baby's grandparents should be there if needed.

Dear Larry: I am a 24-year-old black woman, and for the first time in my life, I feel as if I am in love. This man, who happens to be a 35-year-old white man, treats me like a queen. Every day, he tells me he loves me, and he is always there to help out around the house. We almost immediately started living together.

Financially we are in a tight spot. My boyfriend does not have a job.

I am the one working, trying to hold together the household for the both of us and my 6-year-old son.

All of the financial stress is starting to get to me. We are trying to cut expenses. I started using public transportation, watching purchases, and not going out.

My boyfriend, short of working, has been happy to help out. From the very beginning, he was willing to baby-sit my child. The two are always together. They are even together when they watch television.

I grew up without a father, and I am not sure what a father-son relationship should be like. I have a concern and don't know what to think, plus I don't want to do something wrong because of a gut feeling.

My son does not laugh or smile as he used to. He used to be feisty. Now he is quiet and somber. He also has started wetting the bed. My boyfriend says this is just normal behavior when a new person comes to a house and disrupts someone's routine.

Larry, I have talked to my son, and he tells me everything is all right, but I feel funny. What should I do? — Worried Mom

Dear Mom: Trust your instincts. Talk with your son's school counselor immediately, and tell the counselor your concerns. I believe the counselor will examine your son immediately and reach an informed conclusion.

What do you know about your boyfriend's background? Don't just accept what he tells you; check him out. A famous president once said, "Trust, but verify."

Please write me again and let me know what you found. I feel uneasy, too.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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