Several times today I've heard this justification of the attacks on Sarah Palin's family: She is using her family for political benefit so they are "fair game." An NPR commentator said today that her family became a legitimate subject for scrutiny because they appeared with her on stage when her selection was announced. A radio talk show host named Stephanie Miller accused Palin of "using them as props" and whined about a double-standard. So their appearance in public justifies media discussion of Todd Palin's DUI in 1986? And it justifies the investigations into the father of Bristol Palin's child? And it justifies the fanning of rumors about whether Palin was the father of her fifth child? Imagine what these same people would be saying if Palin had not appeared with her family.