Dorothy Said:

When will the USA stop lowering the bar for the Palin family?

We Answered:

With the election of Obama prove that America gave up on excellence when we pass on a man who has served this country with more honor and endure more that we can ever imagine.
To pick a the most liberal senator we had at the time.

What Bristol does on Dancing with the Stars has nothing to do with politics as under age drinking is worth a 911 call because some one didn't like Bush.

Now as far as Palin goes she is more she has better record of getting people elected than does Obama.

Palin was governor of a state.
Obama never had a position of leadership so Palin is far better than Obama.

Joanne Said:

What volunteer work/work experience can i do before applying to be a probation officer?

We Answered:

Social Service/probation type services vary in different areas, but I have one idea to give you some court room experience. In most areas it is called a CASA = Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA is an advocate for a child involved in social services, usually abuse cases involving families where the parents have been reported/investigated for child abuse/neglect. The CASA is the voice for the CHILD, to work w/the child and advocate for what is in the best interest of the child, ie, if they should be placed in foster care, remain in foster care, or reunited w/thier family, etc. Circumstances vary from case to case. this would provide an excellent opportinuty to get a foot into the legal system, get to know people, while providing a great service to children/famiies. Most areas are in great need of CASAs. You can get more info from your local courts or Division of Family Services.

Also, many probation officers end up working w/substance abusers, or people who are required to participate in outpatient programs. So you might want to check out some local residential chemical dependency treatment centers and see what volunteer work you could do there, like public speaking on DUI, or whatever your knowledgable about.

I have worked in these fields, so just by getting out the and getting involved w/whatever your area offers will help you get a feel for the clintel and what type of job you might be most intersted in.

Good luck!