We know that McCain described the flag of Southern secession as a "symbol of heritage" that should be left to the state's to decide whether or not to fly it above their capitol.  He later admitted that this position was an "was an act of cowardice" and that he had "broke[n] [his] promise to always tell the truth" in order to try to "win the South Carolina primary" in 2000.

We also know that one of the key speakers at his convention, Mike Huckabee, said, "If somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we would tell them where to put the pole; that's what we'd do."

What we don't know is how the Palin family feels about the issue.  We know that one member of her family considers himself a "f-ckin' redneck," while her husband twice registered for a political party espousing the secession of Alaska from the Union.

So where do McCain and Sarah Palin stand on the issue of the allowing states to fly the "rebel" flag?  I'm sure future equivocation will only endear the ticket to the conservative base, but I'm genuinely curious.

In an Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire filled out during the 2006 gubernatorial race, Palin said she would fund abstinence-only education programs in schools.

"The explicit sex-ed programs," she wrote, "will not find my support."

The position prompted a local paper, the Juneau Empire, to respond.

"Abstinence may be a laudable goal, but failing to educate teenagers about how to protect themselves from disease or unintended pregnancy is tragically misguided. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, abstinence-only programs do not reduce sexual activity, teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.

"Every day 10,000 U.S. teens contract a sexually transmitted disease, 2,400 get pregnant and 55 contract HIV. Unintended pregnancies happen to Republicans, Democrats and people of all faiths."

This all comes as it was revealed that the Governor of Alaska said she would not support an abortion for her own daughter even if she had been raped.

"I would choose life," said Palin.

What is implicit in her statement is that she would not allow her daughter to choose at all.  Or anyone's daughter.  Or anyone, period.

It is tragic that Palin's daughter has been caught up in national politics, and I recommend that we keep her out of the picture, but it is an even more pressing reminder of the millions of daughters who would find themselves caught up even deeper in politics should McCain change the balance of the Supreme Court.