McCain and Palin Recklessness All Around Palin becoming pregnant at 44 was reckless. Her chances of having a healthy child are very diminished at that age. Then flaunting a Down Syndrome child as a badge of solidarity with the religious right is a new low in politics. Now we are treated to the reality of what happens when dogma trumps biological facts. A choice for the daughter?? In your dreams !!! Her fate not her choice was dictated to her by her family. Her choice went like this---You tart, you will marry that rotter, you will not bring a bastard into this family. -- God works in mysterious ways, for your penance, you will now be the main caretaker for your Down Syndrome brother while your mother is busy governing the little people.