Posted on 01/01/2009 6:21:26 PM PST by rhema
Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is speaking out for the first time on the birth of her new grandson. Palin's daughter Bristol disclosed her pregnancy shortly after she was named as John McCain's running mate and it sparked a national debate on abortion and teen pregnancy.
Palin says she welcomes her first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born to Bristol and her fiance' Levi Johnston on December 27.
“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Governor Palin said. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy."
"Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they're very strong, and have faith they've made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority," the governor said in a statement LifeNews.com obtained.
Palin also responded to criticism that somehow she or her daughter failed because of Bristol's teen pregnancy.
Instead of getting an abortion, Bristol and Levi decided to keep the baby and have been supported by Palin and her family.
“When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair. Isn't it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”
Bristol Palin also commented and said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and knows that plans she previously made for herself will now forever be changed.
“Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with – this isn't ideal. But I'm fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can't imagine life without him now," the young Palin said.
Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she'll get her last credit needed to graduate. She looks forward to continuing her record of good grades and high achievement.
Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an electrical apprentice on the North Slope.
Bill McAllister, the governor’s office communications director, talked about why the Palins decided to release a statement after initially declining media requests for comment following Tripp's birth.
"The governor's office previously declined to comment to honor the family's wishes that the event remain as private as possible. However, the high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement," he said.
Palin faces re-election in 2010 and is considered a top Republican presidential prospect in 2012 against Barack Obama when the pro-abortion incoming president is expected to run for re-election.
My understanding is that neither does he have a diploma. He is still studying for one. Army will not take him.
The Army is not a social services program.
A lot of you sound like John Kerry: If Levi Johnston can’t go to college, he must go in the Army. (Because that’s the only choice for people that can’t get into college?)
He’s an apprentice electrician in Alaska. Industrial electrician is a good career. If he’s careful, he can spend the rest of his life as an electrician (then master electrician>>electrical foreman>>electrical superintendent>>etc). There’s no shame in that.
I’m not the one that suggested the Army as an option. I find it annoying that so many see the military as some sort of social service program for people who’ve made mistakes or gotten in trouble. I prefer the military to be filled with energetic, talented men and women who choose it over their other options, not because they have no options.
He’ll be very successful as an electrician and you get paid to learn as opposed to shelling out huge bucks to a college for what amounts to little more than indoctrination these days.
I started out on this thread pointing out the the delay in getting married may have been an insurance based decision. He may not get insurance as a benefit until he gets his first certificate.
The classic liberal reply to social conservative arguments, a pure ad hominem intended to embarrass and shame the messenger instead of addressing the issues. And -- here's the hilarious part -- you're telling people they belong on DU, while using the standard leftist talking point on SoCon issues !!!
My good behavior or lack thereof has nothing to do with what constitutes good behavior, whether the behavior in question is sex outside marriage or bank robbery. It doesn't take a doctoral degree in ethical reasoning to understand that.
Thanks for sharing the story about your sister.
Many more need to hear about families that work through
a situation and move on through life successfully in
all ways.
Just a few to many Arrogant pious hypocrites on FR
Pot, kettle, black.
yeah, it would seem that it is better financially to have the baby on parent’s insurance that married w/no income, no insurance etc.
Cost of prenatal care and delivery upwards of $2500 these days and you have to be prepared for any unexpected complications. So maybe no marriage yet for med insurance purposes is probably a smart move.
Excellent point.
Congrats to Sarah and her family.
God Bless them!
I agree with you. Good post!
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