The subject of the first scandalous, off the point discussion regarding John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin is the unexpected pregnancy of her 17 year-old daughter, Bristol. 

Some Democrats have brought this issue up as another indication of the hypocrisy of the GOP.  Although many actually don't really think the unplanned pregnancy of Bristol Palin is an issue to determine the election, their reason for harping on it is to point out the way Republicans flaunt a flawed "I'm better than you" perspective when it comes to teenage pregnancy. 

One calling card for the Republican Party's
"Family Values" campaign has been a policy of avoiding the teaching of safe sex in schools, while advocating abstinence programs that have been proven to be largely ineffective.  When young women do make mistakes and become pregnant, the parents are blamed for their childrens' desire to have sex if they didn't preach complete and utter abstinence.  They are painted as irresponsible mothers and fathers, looking to depend on abortion as a cop out if or when the unplanned happens.  Looks like it happens in the "family values" households, too!! 

The bottom line is that NO ONE ADVOCATES ABORTION.  No one thinks its a great thing, but many Pro-Life supporters label Pro-Choice Americans as evil baby killers.  Nothing separates good people like a good old fashioned good guy vs. bad guy scenario.  And the GOP is always the good guy with perfect children that never falter.  

Prominent Evangelical leaders such as James Dobson and Richard Land have come out performing instant damage control in hopes of spinning the criticism of the situation to benefit their candidate.  Instead of noticing that people from all walks of life, from both ends of the political spectrum sometimes have to deal with unplanned pregnancies, they take it straight to the issue of abortion. 

Dobson noted, "We have always encouraged the parents to love and support their children and always advised the girls to see their pregnancies through, even though there will of course be challenges along the way. That is what the Palins are doing, and they should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out even in the midst of trying circumstances."

No one is demanding the head of this unborn child, with evil dreams of another aborted baby.  But maybe responsibly educating teenagers about the dangers and consequences of unprotected sex will keep them from ever having to be faced with such a challenging point in their young lives.  Stop looking down on and condemning those that find themselves there and start trying to keep them from ever getting there. 

--JJJ




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