Head On

It was announced today that Sarah Palins oldest daughter, Bristol, is 5 months pregnant, and that she intends to keep the baby and marry the father.

The Palins released the following statement: "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, respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates," the statement concluded.

In addition they stated:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us," the Palins' statement said.

"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. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support," the Palins said.

Now, I understand that this is going to be a difficult thing for a lot Christians who have been very excited about Governor Palin, and they may feel like this throws a wet blanket over the whole thing, but I don't think so.

First, let it be said that John McCain was aware of this at the time, lest anyone suppose that Gov. Palin pulled a fast one on him.

Now, more to the point. I don't think that any of us know anyone who hasn't made a mistake at some point. I have to think that if the Palins had their preference, they would not have their 17 year old daughter now with child, nor having been engaging the activity that lead to it, but clearly it did happen, and I think you can tell a lot about a person by how they respond to the news. On that front, the Palins have responded with love, concern and support, and I certainly can't fault them for that.

As a parent with a daughter I have given some thought to this over the years, although I've got awhile yet before it becomes a pressing concern, but it's not something to be ignored, and it's not something that you can say, well, my child would never do that, because, how many have?

What is most important here, I think, is that everyone involved seems to be doing the right thing, now that it has already happened, and heading it off at the pass is not an option.

For my part, I am still excited and energized by Sarah Palin and her being the Republican nominee for Vice President. I hope that others will realize that this in no way should cast doubt on her Conservative, family oriented credentials (if anything, it should strengthen that feeling), or her ability to handle the office of the Vice President.