Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is a rising star in more ways than one.  She's leading a crusade to rid her state of corruption and give Alaskans the ethical leadership they deserve.  Her outstanding record as a pro-life woman leader has even lead some to promote her as a great vice presidential candidate for John McCain.

Palin embodies a message of reform, is young, energetic, and is dedicated to her wonderful family.  She is also a new mother to son Trig Paxton, born earlier this year. 

National Review Online editor Kathryn Lopez wrote a touching piece this week about how Sarah's loving dedication to her son Trig, who has Down Syndrome, could  positively influence our nation if she were to be named as the vice presidential nominee. 

After recounting messages of support sent to Governor Palin after Trig's birth, Lopez writes:

Not only are children with Down Syndrome people too, they inspire a deep love and enthusiastic appreciation. Especially in the face of a culture that wants to expunge them. According to a study cited in the New York Times last year, “About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion.” (Emphasis added.) Most American women are given prenatal tests.

At 44, Governor Palin is a bit young and relatively new to the political scene yet. These are no small considerations when electing someone who could assume the role of president (Democrats: Check out your nominee with that reservation . . . ). But if the youngest life she and her husband care for can wake up a nation that’s blind to the eugenics in its midst, a routine part of medicine today, she and John McCain would be offering human rights and dignity a great, honorable service. In contrast to Barack Obama, who would let the survivors of botched abortion attempts be killed, the Palins could serve as a great clarifier for voters this fall — and an education.

What a blessing indeed!!