Newton’s Notes

If you haven’t heard by now that Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant and unmarried, then you are probably in the minority.

I am not blogging to share my opinions on teen pregnancy, children born out of wedlock, or Palin’s mothering skills. 

I actually want to address another issue about this ”news story”. Is it actually news? Yeah, probably… will it affect the Presidential race? Perhaps… but should it, and is Bristol’s pregnancy anyone’s business?

After all, this 17-year-old girl is not a pubic figure. Bristol is not running for office. She did not ask to be put in the spotlight. Yet, she undeservedly has become the national poster child for teen pregnancy. Should her name, her personal decisions, or poor judgement be blanketed across the TV and newspapers?

Quite honestly, I feel sorry for her and for her 18-year-old boyfriend (who also did not ask for all the publicity). I think they are handling this situation with grace. Being a pregnant teenager would be hard enough, I could not imagine doing so in the national spotlight. 

I admire her for being strong, despite the judgement and ridicule she has and will inevitably face.