Posted on 02/25/2009 11:35:33 AM PST by AJKauf
When I, a parent of a 17-year-old daughter due to graduate from high school this May, originally read about Bristol Palin’s pregnancy during the presidential campaign, I shared the same sense of indignant outrage expressed by many upon hearing the news. Why on earth is a girl that age having sex, particularly when she was raised by a mother who staunchly supports abstinence-only education? Didn’t she listen?
Yes, I’ll admit my first reaction upon learning of a pregnant teenage girl is to think that it really should be that simple: telling one’s child “don’t have sex until you’re married” should be enough. Never mind the whole virginity pledge thing; explaining the risk of STDs, AIDs and teenage pregnancy should be sufficient rationale. And, just in case it isn’t, then the threat of an angry parent with “a 12-gauge double-aught buckshot” should be enough incentive for teens to “keep their britches on.” And yet, obviously, it isn’t. The Bristol Palins and Jamie Lynn Spears are proof enough that “just say no” doesn’t always sink in....
(Excerpt) Read more at pajamasmedia.com ...
Palin is not for abstinance-only education. That simply isn’t true.
The reality of certain death at the hands of my father if I were to become pregnant was the “stimulus package” that kept me abstinate.
Thats all swell but to argue that it didn’t hurt her politically is wrong. The average voter saw it as hypocrisy, and right or wrong, they’re the ones who’s votes were needed to win.
That's not "abstinence-only," folks. Not even close.
we also have this thing inside called a brain. Some people actually try to use it instead of following every impulse.
Well I don’t like irrational support of politicians, not when its Obama, and not when it is Palin. Plus I don’t think near as good as some FReepers would have you believe.
The robots of Planned Parenthood don’t put much stock in the “human condition.” One of my complaints about these people is that they understand as much about humanity as “Data,” the robot in Startrek. To them even emotion is a “program.” Funny thing is that Science Fiction is really the only genre in this seculkar world that explores the nature of humanity. “BattleStar Galactica” and “Terminator” also explore this theme.
That’s very interesting because I would say I am pro-abstinence but contraception is another alternative that should be discussed with kids.
I disagree. I don’t think that hurt her much at all. Other factors were REALLY responsible.
An example of hypocrisy would be Mr. Obama telling the American people that his administration will be transparent.....and then said administration acts in the opposite manner.
Wait. The votes that were needed to win were denied to the McCain-Palin ticket because Bristol got pregnant? LOL!!!!!! Sure....
What an idiot this writer is.
No, no. The votes needed to salvage Palin’s national political career were denied because Bristol got pregnant.
“I don’t think that hurt her much at all.”
it certainly hurts the abstinence cause. Palin wouldn’t be able to promote the idea.
Well, I certainly agree with THAT!
Are you claiming the role of “exception that proves the rule” or just trying to be clever?
It’s it in a nutshell.
All one can do is repeat over and over again that abstinence is the only sure way to stay out of trouble.
I watched part of the review – she seems to regret to whole event, but fully acknowledges responsibility. Luckily, she has loving parents and great family to assist her as needed.
The article is just another cheap shot.
Well, like discussing the wearing of seatbelts and not driving fast. What about real questions, such as what happens when a girl/boy you want to be with doesn’t wear the seatbelt. How do you say no? More, how does one control the situation? Don’t see that in Palnned Parenthood lit.
I know lets turn back the clock and live back in the pretend world of the 50’s and early 60’s where nothing like this ever happened..
&&&
As someone who was young in the 1950s and 1960s, I can tell you that it was quite rare. A young woman was expected to be a virgin when she married and usually was. This was not pretend.
It did NOT hurt the abstinence cause. It may very well contribute to the improvement of abstinence programs. Promoting abstinence needs to be done with prudence....understanding how pervasive the current pop-cultural influence is. It IS the virtuous way to educate our young people.
No it did not. Since when does one condemn a parent for the actions of a child who is an adult? (even if you don’t think they are yet). We’ll be sure and hold you responsible for everything your children ever do.
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