As Governor Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, announced yesterday that their 17-year old daughter, Bristol, was pregnant I could see the stark contrast between their position and that of Barack Obama. See the Palin’s press release below:
“We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.
“Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates.”
Now consider what Senator Barack Obama said if confronted with one of his daughters facing an unplanned pregnancy:
“If my daughter makes a mistake, I don’t want her punished with a baby”
Wow. So is the child a blessing or a punishment? I think the Palins have the right attitude, and I’m glad that Bristol will have their love and support. They fully recognize the difficulties that Bristol and the father of the child will face, but they won’t be alone. I hope that other young people when facing a crisis pregnancy will see the same type of love and support – instead of pressure to go get an abortion in order not to be “punished with a baby.”
