Bristol Palin, the new face of abstinence?

[firsttoserve]

Now that she's a paid spokesperson.....

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/bristol-palin-moms-view-of-teen-abstinence-is-not-realistic

If it isn't realistic, what is she an Ambassador of? Safe sex?:confused:

http://www.candiesfoundation.org/history.html

[firsttoserve]

Bristol is as beautifull as her mother and has the most radiant skin. She is a bright, well spoken gal with no verbal tics like some folks. She is not the first woman to get pregnant and won't be the last. From the Link posted, looks like she is advocating postponement of pregnancy till twenty eight, at least. Nothing wrong with that and I firmly believe in folks learning from experience. Applaud her for NOT aborting her baby.

Skin? Oh my! If that's your input, radiant skin. I've proved my point. :crying:

[firsttoserve]

She has flip-flopped on this issue, first stating that it was unrealistic to expect complete abstinence, and now an 'ambassador' for it????? Bristol, please go home and raise your child.:sad:

[MaybytheBay]

Your disrespect and disdain for this young lady is unflattering to say the least.
She conveys great courage in the face of the (unfair) media scrutiny her family has received. And she casts a very fitting voice through experience to speak with teenagers about pregnancy.

[firsttoserve]

Your disrespect and disdain for this young lady is unflattering to say the least.
She conveys great courage in the face of the (unfair) media scrutiny her family has received. And she casts a very fitting voice through experience to speak with teenagers about pregnancy.

Your disregard for the truth sells you short. She has disrespected herself, her family and her child in public, for what? Her mom's political lost career, imo? A pregnant teen cast no voice on abstinence. Let alone, a single teen mom. So telling and sad.:sad:

[MaybytheBay]

Attacking an 18 year old young lady who has surely felt her own self dissappointment and shame doesn't strike me as mature. She has a great responsibility raising a child at such a young age. One would think the important issue here is the message she (and Hayden) can bring to teenagers about the repercussions of teenage pragnancy and consequences of unprotected sex.
I don't think there need to be any political propaganda of derisive name calling to something that seems necessary (look to teen stats on pregnancies), compassionate, responsible and quite probably beneficial.

[Abbie]

I think Bristol will make a wonderful spokesperson that teenagers will listen to- she has made the error in judgement by being a young unmarried mother. I applaud her for doing this, she could be out sitting on her butt doing nothing and living off her parents.

[firsttoserve]

Attacking an 18 year old young lady who has surely felt her own self dissappointment and shame doesn't strike me as mature. She has a great responsibility raising a child at such a young age. One would think the important issue here is the message she (and Hayden) can bring to teenagers about the repercussions of teenage pragnancy and consequences of unprotected sex.
I don't think there need to be any political propaganda of derisive name calling to something that seems necessary (look to teen stats on pregnancies), compassionate, responsible and quite probably beneficial.

Discussing her 'beautiful skin'??? She put herself out there, your feigned outrage doesn't impress me. The message is she said it ( abstinence) was not reality, and now she's an 'ambassador' for it? :rolleyes:

[firsttoserve]

I think Bristol will make a wonderful spokesperson that teenagers will listen to- she has made the error in judgement by being a young unmarried mother. I applaud her for doing this, she could be out sitting on her butt doing nothing and living off her parents.

She could be raising her child.:sad:

[firsttoserve]

She became pro-abstinence when the boyfriend broke up with her but when the boyfriend was around she was pro-safe sex. Soon, there will be a new boyfriend, and methinks the message will change again.

I wish she hadn't flown that sweet 4 month old baby across country during the swine flu pandemic.

I sincerely wish she wouldn't pander, and just go about raising her child. Changing her different msgs to teens every two/three months sends a negative, vice positive msg...imo....so SAD.

[lunchlady]

I wish all good luck to Bristol and her son, but I doubt she will be a compelling advocate for abstinence. That good looking young ex-fiancee, the attention for the pregnancy, the comfort and security of living with her famous parents, the attention for birth and the breakup, the purported photo money, and now the attention for being an abstinence advocate? Being on TV and so on?

Sorry, all these rewards for teen pregnancy don't send the right message, plus the fact that Bristol said abstinence isn't realistic a short time ago. I think a more typical teen mom would be a much better tonic for helping prevent teen pregnancy.

IMO the only reasons to advocate abstinence instead of birth control are 1) birth control doesn't always work and 2) there are other dangers of being sexually active such as disease and 3) many teens aren't psychologically prepared for sex.
Those are good reasons, but when teens think they are in love it all goes out the window.

[LisaM22]

She has flip-flopped on this issue, first stating that it was unrealistic to expect complete abstinence, and now an 'ambassador' for it????? Bristol, please go home and raise your child.:sad:

so she has turned to the do as I say not as I do....? is she saying she wished she would of abstained and never had her baby?

[CindR]

I think it's all about making money and not really about what she does or doesn't believe in.

[CindR]

Agree, Google " Unmarried birth rate", Birth Control does not work either. The unmarried birth rate has been rising for four decades and continues to skyrocket. In my opinion, its not an education issue.

Believe it or not, I agree with you.

[LisaM22]

Agree, Google " Unmarried birth rate", Birth Control does not work either. The unmarried birth rate has been rising for four decades and continues to skyrocket. In my opinion, its not an education issue.

yes, but education does help to prevent the spread of disease - teenagers are gonna do what teenagers are gonna do, educated or not, it's safer to be educated as what you do not know can hurt you

[LisaM22]

Unprecidented rise of STDs and Aids and the biggest rise of both is in teens. I don't think Safe sex is any more on the agenda then birth control and not from lack of education. Fifty years ago, the dose for Pen Vk for STD was 600,000 units. Now, its 4.8 million units which shows not only the resistence to the drugs but the strength the germs have acquired.

link? I did not think it got that bad during the last 8 years - resistance could be from overuse\misuse of the drug as they are antibiotics and we all know how fast those things evolve into knew strains if the antibiotics are not taken properly .... and Penicillin is not only prescribed for sexually transmitted deceases you know

[firsttoserve]

Agree, Google " Unmarried birth rate", Birth Control does not work either. The unmarried birth rate has been rising for four decades and continues to skyrocket. In my opinion, its not an education issue.

That is NOT the point. She's not the advocate for that platform. She's already spoken out against it, and has a baby....:rolleyes:

[firsttoserve]

Unprecidented rise of STDs and Aids and the biggest rise of both is in teens. I don't think Safe sex is any more on the agenda then birth control and not from lack of education. Fifty years ago, the dose for Pen Vk for STD was 600,000 units. Now, its 4.8 million units which shows not only the resistence to the drugs but the strength the germs have acquired.

Now I ask, what is your point?:sad:

[lunchlady]

Anyone know how much Bristol is getting paid to advocate abstinence?

Also, Candies (shoes and other apparel) is somehow involved in Bristol's campaign. Their ads are VERY racy and certainly don't promote abstinence or help prevent teen pregnancy. I'll try to come back with a link.

[lunchlady]

Here's a Candies ad. I showed it to my 14 year daughter and she was grossed out.

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/05/05/celebrating-mixed-messages/

[Tracian]

That is NOT the point. She's not the advocate for that platform. She's already spoken out against it, and has a baby....:rolleyes:

People's opinions change often with life experience.

She is a teen mother, so who better to reach out to teens and offer her experience, in order to promote abstinence?

At my kid's school, they had a guest speaker, a young man that while drinking and driving caused a serious accident, resulting in the severe injury of his friend---now he speaks to teens about drinking and driving.

Bristol, it seems is doing the same thing, she is offering her experience as an example, and supporting abstinence.

I personally think that teens should be made aware of all the options in regards to safe sexual practice, and also letting them know that it is also completely normal also if they choose abstinence.

[lunchlady]

Clearly, fourteen year olds is not their target group. How can Candies be criticized for supporting a group who advocates a "no teenage sex" program? I don't get it.

So what is their target group?
I find Candies' position hypocritical, given the suggestiveness of this and other ads. Their ads run in magazines read avidly by teens. So to say that they don't intend to sell merchandise by titillating teens seems disingenuous. The message I get from that ad is that the outfit will make guys think about sex, so if a girl buys Candies stuff guys will want to have sex with her.
I guess you could say that the models might be over 19, so they aren't promoting teenage sex, but I think that's really stretching the probable marketing intentions of this ad.
I guess you could then say that Candies is just trying to sell stuff and not necessarily to teens, but they are still guilty of using sex to sell their stuff and teens are a major market for Candies stuff.

[LisaM22]

Here's a Candies ad. I showed it to my 14 year daughter and she was grossed out.

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/05/05/celebrating-mixed-messages/

that is one of the groups advocating no sex until marriage with Bristol?

[LisaM22]

Anyone know how much Bristol is getting paid to advocate abstinence?

Also, Candies (shoes and other apparel) is somehow involved in Bristol's campaign. Their ads are VERY racy and certainly don't promote abstinence or help prevent teen pregnancy. I'll try to come back with a link.

weird? not sure why she would work with Candies

[lunchlady]

weird? not sure why she would work with Candies

Probably the money. And making Mom happy. She's living at home and getting all sorts of help, so she can't give Mom too much grief.

[LisaM22]

Probably the money.

my guess as well, that is what this is all about imo

[firsttoserve]

People's opinions change often with life experience.

She is a teen mother, so who better to reach out to teens and offer her experience, in order to promote abstinence?

At my kid's school, they had a guest speaker, a young man that while drinking and driving caused a serious accident, resulting in the severe injury of his friend---now he speaks to teens about drinking and driving.

Bristol, it seems is doing the same thing, she is offering her experience as an example, and supporting abstinence.

I personally think that teens should be made aware of all the options in regards to safe sexual practice, and also letting them know that it is also completely normal also if they choose abstinence.

She went on natinal tv saying it was unrealistic during the 'campaign'....what changed?:confused:

[Tracian]

She went on natinal tv saying it was unrealistic during the 'campaign'....what changed?:confused:


I don't know what changed. But people do change their views for several reasons, not many people are static, life experience, and other factors can make people change their views.

[firsttoserve]

If she is going to be a PAID spokesperson, urging our children what to do, she should tell us what changed.....:sad:

[Tracian]

If she is going to be a PAID spokesperson, urging our children what to do, she should tell us what changed.....:sad:


I really don't see a problem with her speaking on behalf of abstinence. She has a right to her opinion, paid or not.

I would hope that my children would consider abstinence, BC is not 100%, STDS could be a matter of life and death, so I think it should be presented as an option, not the only option but an option.

I remember when I was in school, in our sex ed class, we were taught about BC, STDs etc...but the one thing that really stuck with me was this simple statement:

"If you knew for a fact the person you were going to have sex with had an STD, would you have sex with that person, even if they (or you) used a condom"

[airportwoman]

If she is going to be a PAID spokesperson, urging our children what to do, she should tell us what changed.....:sad:

Because she no longer has a partner.

MHO.

[firsttoserve]

Because she no longer has a partner.

MHO.

How so?:confused:

[dref99]

I really don't see a problem with her speaking on behalf of abstinence. She has a right to her opinion, paid or not.

I would hope that my children would consider abstinence, BC is not 100%, STDS could be a matter of life and death, so I think it should be presented as an option, not the only option but an option.

I remember when I was in school, in our sex ed class, we were taught about BC, STDs etc...but the one thing that really stuck with me was this simple statement:

"If you knew for a fact the person you were going to have sex with had an STD, would you have sex with that person, even if they (or you) used a condom"


I find it all rather amusing that a teenage mother is speaking on behalf of abstinence. She was the child of parents who married very young and also engaged in pre marriage sex. It all seems to be the old case of "Do as I do, not as I say".

If women (or men) were concerned with STDs etc - we would have no sex - before or after marriage. Those who support "abstinence" use it in relation to single women - not married women, nor men of any persuasion that I can find. Young women get attacked from all sides - they should not have sex, they should not have abortions, they should forgo all life except motherhood if/when they give birth to a child.

The one thing this young couple did - which was a smart idea was to NOT marry. At least they have saved themselves the expense of a marriage and a divorce - but, the girl is left to raise a child - and the boy is left to find other pursuits, more suitable to teenagers. It may/may not be his choice in the matter - but the reality is teenage girls raise children, teenage boys do not. Perhaps the solution to unwanted pregnacy is equal parenting - then we could really talk about sex equality and may see a reduction in teenage pregnancy.

And as the topic is abstince - for those so concerned about government finances - to spend money flogging a dead horse and calling it sex education - is beyond any understanding by this poster. Fortunately, it appears to be over. Palin Jnr appears to be the dying breath of a lost cause.

jmo

[airportwoman]

The one thing this young couple did - which was a smart idea was to NOT marry. At least they have saved themselves the expense of a marriage and a divorce - but, the girl is left to raise a child - and the boy is left to find other pursuits, more suitable to teenagers. It may/may not be his choice in the matter - but the reality is teenage girls raise children, teenage boys do not. Perhaps the solution to unwanted pregnacy is equal parenting - then we could really talk about sex equality and may see a reduction in teenage pregnancy.

Good grief, lots of men in their 20s, 30s, and older don't raise their kids either! Neither do a lot of women of any age, if you think about it - they dump the kid(s) on their parents and run around like nothing happened.

A large proportion (the percentage varies according to the source) of babies born to teenage girls have fathers who are not teenagers; they are in their 20s or sometimes older.

[Carol25]

I think Bristol would be an excelent spokesperson for "waiting." However, none of us know what she will say, but if she says just what is in her heart and what affects most teenagers, it would be real and perhaps hit home with teenagers.

"I was duped by ads, tv and and insecurity. I wanted to be sure I would see him again. I thought it would last," anything that comes really from her heart, nothing that is written for her. And answers the questions directly.

The embarrassment, the fears, the decision to end her freedom of having a good time with friends, the telling her parents which was incredibly magnified in her case. The loss of her dignity.

The biggest mistake by far would be if this is a political ploy, written and the strings are pulled by others. If it lacks honesty, or an opportunity to dig her ex boyfirend or his family, she will come out even worse than a disrespected girl.

Warning mom, don't be behind this for your own political gain. Don't ruin your family.

[dref99]

:huh: Bristol had a baby. She is not in jail and now that women are liberated, we don't lock them up or hide them away any more when they get pregnant out of wedlock as was done to them until the last thirty years. I don't see any loss of dignity or anyones life being over cause they had a baby. What in the world have we been fighting for all these years if not freedom to choose our own destiny? BTW, where is NOW in carrying the banner for women? What a disappointment that crowd was to me. I stopped all donations to them and am now sending it to Team Sarah, who actually is a fine liberated female. I have great respect for Bristol in choosing to give her baby life, as did the Governor. And their familes have rallied around these fine women because they are all decent, loving and good people.


Choosing to give her baby life - has absolutely nothing to do with abstinence - and nothing to do with being in jail or liberated - it does have to do with choice - which those who insist on "abstinence only education" do not allow others. The choice should be whether or not to conceive - as opposed to whether or not to abstain or whether or not to terminate a pregnancy.

Any lass raising a child alone usually needs help from her family. It is always pleasing when they receive that help - but it still doesn't relate to being a spokesperson for "abstinence". The reality is - this family wants to remain in the public eye - whatever the reason.

jmo

[Narcissist71]

Choosing to give her baby life - has absolutely nothing to do with abstinence - and nothing to do with being in jail or liberated - it does have to do with choice - which those who insist on "abstinence only education" do not allow others. The choice should be whether or not to conceive - as opposed to whether or not to abstain or whether or not to terminate a pregnancy.

Any lass raising a child alone usually needs help from her family. It is always pleasing when they receive that help - but it still doesn't relate to being a spokesperson for "abstinence". The reality is - this family wants to remain in the public eye - whatever the reason.

jmo

Yes, and most young women in the same situation don't get to be a spokesperson which probably pays more than most of us here just because she is the daughter of a prominent politician.

I'm glad she had the baby, and she is fortunate enough to have the resources when most young women aren't as fortunate without hard work.

I wonder if the government was paying for her health care during the pregnancy.....no actually I would like to know if she was being covered under the same Health Care policy that was afforded to her mother provided by the people of Alaska, or the government provided health care that the average 17 year old got at the same time in Alaska while she was pregnant.

I've watched her on several occasions and she doesn't seem to really believe what she is saying. IMO

I wish her the best, and glad she had opportunities that most in her situation will never be given....but I don't think she is the best spokesperson for a cause such as abstinence.

[Narcissist71]

:huh: Bristol had a baby. She is not in jail and now that women are liberated, we don't lock them up or hide them away any more when they get pregnant out of wedlock as was done to them until the last thirty years. I don't see any loss of dignity or anyones life being over cause they had a baby. What in the world have we been fighting for all these years if not freedom to choose our own destiny? BTW, where is NOW in carrying the banner for women? What a disappointment that crowd was to me. I stopped all donations to them and am now sending it to Team Sarah, who actually is a fine liberated female. I have great respect for Bristol in choosing to give her baby life, as did the Governor. And their familes have rallied around these fine women because they are all decent, loving and good people.

You said their families have rallied around these fine women? I'm fairly certain that Sarah went after the baby's father.....not sure I would call that rallying around.

[RayStar]

I think it's all about making money and not really about what she does or doesn't believe in.I agree. This appears to be just a way to try to purify her actions and to get even with the Johnstons or Levi anyway. Glad the baby looks healthy.
I wonder if Willow, her teenage sister, is listening. Starting at home may be a good test to see if her message is worth listening to.
Does anyone know when she dropped out of high school?

[Carol25]

I agree. This appears to be just a way to try to purify her actions and to get even with the Johnstons or Levi anyway. Glad the baby looks healthy.
I wonder if Willow, her teenage sister, is listening. Starting at home may be a good test to see if her message is worth listening to.
Does anyone know when she dropped out of high school?
Her sister dropped out of school?

I suppose we should give Bristol a chance and listen to what she has to say before we condemn her message. But if she goes after the Levi or his parents, I would be the first to condemn her for it.

[Carol25]

I don't know what happened between Levi and Bristol or the two parents of those two, but I have my guesses. But I do know a couple of things.

The most important thing is the welfare of this child. The fighting between Bristol ans Levi and the grandparents is downright stupid and all should see family counselors to stop this ego aand pride thing they have going on. Let the past be the past. Levi will always be the father and has every right to see this child when he wants as will as his parents . The Palins should have no issues about this. They have no priority on this baby.

Obviously the time should be set up equally as best they can between the families and a room at each house for the baby. The child should have two loving parents and set of grandparents. It's not that difficult. A judge would order the same.

The longer the Palins do not allow this to happen, the harder it will be on the child. That is not taking the best interest of the child in mind. Is that what they really intend to do? Their fighting should not overshadow the welfare of the child.

She will be getting questions like this because it has to do with having a baby out of wedlock. She shouldn't duck them, either. What would she say? Is she grown up enough to handle questions like this? If not, don't bother with the tour.

[Narcissist71]

I am fairly certain that the sun will rise in the East tomorrow but not putting any money on it,

What does this have to do with my statement?.....is this your roundabout way of agreeing that Sarah launched an attack at the young man and didn't rally around this young family? :)

[Narcissist71]

I don't care what happened between Bristol and Levi. Their personal lives has absolutly no impact in my world . Their issues are between them and not between them and us. True Love" comes and goes for all of us and its a fact of life. They are eighteen and while a cute guy, maybe she found out he is no prize. In any event, they have lots of time to "get together" and it ain't over till its over. All babies should have two loving parents but sadly in the American culture we have vast amounts of unwed mother raising babies alone. Hope there is as much concern for them or is just Bristol and Jamie?
I am sure this beautiful, smart, articulate young lady is prepared for any and all questions, however, I doubt that to many folks will be asking her this stuff but if they have the ill manners to do so, I have no doubt Bristol can handle the issues..
Thankfully, we are no longer hiding unwed mothers away any longer. When I was in HS and a girl go pregnant, she would leave school and never be seen again. We have been liberated from that kind of thinking. All the best to everyone.

Aren't you glad that "progressives" ideas have done away with those old archaic "social conservative" ones in which they hid away pregnant women who were unwed to protect the "reputations" of families instead of dealing with the health and well-being of the women and children.

[Carol25]

Aren't you glad that "progressives" ideas have done away with those old archaic "social conservative" ones in which they hid away pregnant women who were unwed to protect the "reputations" of families instead of dealing with the health and well-being of the women and children.

So when are the "progressives" get in their head that there is a father in there who helped bring this child into being? And he has as much right to this child as the mother? Women and children...let's come of age here. Mom, dad and their child.

And I do not agree that Bristol is mature enough to make these things right without the help and direction of a counselor. She has had help and direction from her mother (and father) who may have had political strategies weighing into their motives. We don't really know. But an outsider such as a counselour would be a better judge and helpful that the parents at this point. And that is what she needs. I feel Bristol has to rise above the family feuds. And that will be very difficult.

[RayStar]

Her sister dropped out of school?

I suppose we should give Bristol a chance and listen to what she has to say before we condemn her message. But if she goes after the Levi or his parents, I would be the first to condemn her for it.Carol I was asking about Bristol, the dropout, not her sister. How long had she been a dropout before getting pregnant. Like the chicken and the egg. Which came first.

[airportwoman]

Aren't you glad that "progressives" ideas have done away with those old archaic "social conservative" ones in which they hid away pregnant women who were unwed to protect the "reputations" of families instead of dealing with the health and well-being of the women and children.

Or forced them into an unwanted marriage.

[LisaM22]

I think Bristol would be an excelent spokesperson for "waiting." However, none of us know what she will say, but if she says just what is in her heart and what affects most teenagers, it would be real and perhaps hit home with teenagers.

"I was duped by ads, tv and and insecurity. I wanted to be sure I would see him again. I thought it would last," anything that comes really from her heart, nothing that is written for her. And answers the questions directly.

The embarrassment, the fears, the decision to end her freedom of having a good time with friends, the telling her parents which was incredibly magnified in her case. The loss of her dignity.

The biggest mistake by far would be if this is a political ploy, written and the strings are pulled by others. If it lacks honesty, or an opportunity to dig her ex boyfirend or his family, she will come out even worse than a disrespected girl.

Warning mom, don't be behind this for your own political gain. Don't ruin your family.

thing is, does she tell teens how happy she is with her new baby or how sad she is that she had the baby and wishes she would of waited until she was 28?

[LisaM22]

Aren't you glad that "progressives" ideas have done away with those old archaic "social conservative" ones in which they hid away pregnant women who were unwed to protect the "reputations" of families instead of dealing with the health and well-being of the women and children.

yep, in the old days "social conservatives" would of called a child born out of wedlock a b-child, thank goodness that ridiculousness is done with

[Carol25]

Carol I was asking about Bristol, the dropout, not her sister. How long had she been a dropout before getting pregnant. Like the chicken and the egg. Which came first.
Gee, I didn't even know she dropped out of highschool! That is a real shame. Thanks Ray for answering. Guess I'm kind of behind things.

[firsttoserve]

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=7516975&page=1

Rocky start..... Now she's insisting that her words were taken out of context? It was pretty clear that she said abstinence wasn't realistic. What makes it so now?:shrug:

[Carol25]

thing is, does she tell teens how happy she is with her new baby or how sad she is that she had the baby and wishes she would of waited until she was 28?
Well, I know what the right answer is, but it has to be her answer, not mine....

[Carol25]

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=7516975&page=1

Rocky start..... Now she's insisting that her words were taken out of context? It was pretty clear that she said abstinence wasn't realistic. What makes it so now?:shrug:
Because she was truthful back then and now she's being told what to say? ... Or maybe now that she has experienced this, she has decided she could could be abstinent for some time because Mom and Dad are watching her like hawks anyway....

[firsttoserve]

Because she was truthful back then and now she's being told what to say? ... Or maybe now that she has experienced this, she has decided she could could be abstinent for some time because Mom and Dad are watching her like hawks anyway....

Then she should come and say that...Just like the teens in the article said, they're skeptical..The palin two step doesn't work, not for any kind of campaign...Reminds me of the gov and her feminist reversal....

[LisaM22]

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=7516975&page=1

Rocky start..... Now she's insisting that her words were taken out of context? It was pretty clear that she said abstinence wasn't realistic. What makes it so now?:shrug:

thanks for the links, seems people are seeing right through her and her "do as I say, not as I do" speech - when she was speaking her own mind she already said it was unrealistic, now that she is being paid to speak she is saying the opposite? maybe mom got her this job so she could support herself? don't know, but she is definitely being a hypocrite imo

[lunchlady]

Because she was truthful back then and now she's being told what to say? ... Or maybe now that she has experienced this, she has decided she could could be abstinent for some time because Mom and Dad are watching her like hawks anyway....

I find it ironic that teen pregnancy often puts a screeching halt to the fun that caused the pregnancy, because the couple usually breaks up and the mom has to focus on her baby and survival. Bristol is financially comfortable but she's living at her parents' house with a baby, probably living in her old room. I would have hated that, and I doubt my parents would have even allowed that to happen. They would probably have sheltered and fed us until I turned 18 and hopefully graduated from high school, but after that we would have probably gotten the big boot.
Meanwhile the teen mom's friends are entering adult life and getting to enjoy it for awhile without a baby to take care of.

[StarShine]

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=7516975&page=1

Rocky start..... Now she's insisting that her words were taken out of context? It was pretty clear that she said abstinence wasn't realistic. What makes it so now?:shrug:

Why isn't abstinence realistic for teenagers in this society anyway? Self control never really hurt anyone..as far as I am concerned.

The world has evolved in more ways than one and not for the better in my opinion. No wonder our society has so many problems. Lack of self control contributes to it immensely. My Opinion and I am not ashamed to say it is.

[firsttoserve]

Why isn't abstinence realistic for teenagers in this society anyway? Self control never really hurt anyone..as far as I am concerned.

The world has evolved in more ways than one and not for the better in my opinion. No wonder our society has so many problems. Lack of self control contributes to it immensely. My Opinion and I am not ashamed to say it is.

Didn't say it was or wasn't. I'm not the Candies Foundation ambassador.. she is.

[logbump]

She is barely more than a child herself. There is meanspiritedness from some on these boards.

[dref99]

Why isn't abstinence realistic for teenagers in this society anyway? Self control never really hurt anyone..as far as I am concerned.

The world has evolved in more ways than one and not for the better in my opinion. No wonder our society has so many problems. Lack of self control contributes to it immensely. My Opinion and I am not ashamed to say it is.


It was NEVER realistic in ANY society. Do some family history research and you will discover that in a large % of families in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries

1. the first child was conceived well before the marriage
2. Many Marriages took place when a pregnant woman was 15,16,17,18
3. Many single women gave birth to children. The "sins of the fathers" were directed by the church against the mother and the child.
4. Some parents and/or the church forced men to marry the mothers of their children
5. Some mothers were left alone - in the absence of any form of assistence their children were often brought up by the grandparents (& thought their mother was their sister.)

Despite parents, family, churches, society preaching ABSTINENCE to women - MEN have never accepted abstinence as an option. Current society is no different to past in relation to "abstinence" - we fortunately, treat women slightly better and no longer openly discriminate against their children - but we have these weird ideas that "dumb and ignorant" is good when the word sex is mentioned.

NO-ONE but NO-ONE should ever be an "ambassador for abstinence" - why not become

Ambassador for safe sex
Ambassador for equal parenting
Ambassador for truthful sex education
Ambassador for contraception
Ambassador for NO unwanted babies

or even Ambassador for single teenage mothers




jmo

[RayStar]

I find it ironic that teen pregnancy often puts a screeching halt to the fun that caused the pregnancy, because the couple usually breaks up and the mom has to focus on her baby and survival. Bristol is financially comfortable but she's living at her parents' house with a baby, probably living in her old room. I would have hated that, and I doubt my parents would have even allowed that to happen. They would probably have sheltered and fed us until I turned 18 and hopefully graduated from high school, but after that we would have probably gotten the big boot.
Meanwhile the teen mom's friends are entering adult life and getting to enjoy it for awhile without a baby to take care of.
The last sentence of your post sums it up completely. I know married couples who have delayed parenthood for the same reason to enjoy life.

[RayStar]

Dref99 your post at 10:14 pm today is AWESOME!

Best line- MEN have never accepted abstinence.

[LisaM22]

It was NEVER realistic in ANY society. Do some family history research and you will discover that in a large % of families in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries

1. the first child was conceived well before the marriage
2. Many Marriages took place when a pregnant woman was 15,16,17,18
3. Many single women gave birth to children. The "sins of the fathers" were directed by the church against the mother and the child.
4. Some parents and/or the church forced men to marry the mothers of their children
5. Some mothers were left alone - in the absence of any form of assistence their children were often brought up by the grandparents (& thought their mother was their sister.)

Despite parents, family, churches, society preaching ABSTINENCE to women - MEN have never accepted abstinence as an option. Current society is no different to past in relation to "abstinence" - we fortunately, treat women slightly better and no longer openly discriminate against their children - but we have these weird ideas that "dumb and ignorant" is good when the word sex is mentioned.

NO-ONE but NO-ONE should ever be an "ambassador for abstinence" - why not become

Ambassador for safe sex
Ambassador for equal parenting
Ambassador for truthful sex education
Ambassador for contraception
Ambassador for NO unwanted babies

or even Ambassador for single teenage mothers




jmo

exactly :patriot:

but I do not think Candies would pay her to be any of those things.... they needed a "ambassador for abstinence" and that is what she will pretend to be imo

[lunchlady]

Dref99 your post at 10:14 pm today is AWESOME!

Best line- MEN have never accepted abstinence.

LOL! So true. Women are still expected to be the gatekeepers of sexual propriety, and the double standard lives on.
This is one of the reasons I have a dim view of the "good old days", because women got way more than their share of the blame for rape incest illegitimacy and so on.

[firsttoserve]

She is barely more than a child herself. There is meanspiritedness from some on these boards.

Well, bump, she, or her parents, put her out there, and if she's gonna be talking to our children, trying to sway them one way or the other...you do the math:wink:

[firsttoserve]

Does anyone find the candies thing detrimental to the approach? Anyone research why the company is doing the abstinence tour in the first place? Hmmmmm.:rolleyes:

[airportwoman]

One thing I never see addressed, and this is actually my biggest problem with abstinence-only education, is that for many teenagers (and adults, too), abstinence is NOT an option because they couldn't find a partner if their lives depended on it.

Ask me how I know this.

[Tracian]

thanks for the links, seems people are seeing right through her and her "do as I say, not as I do" speech - when she was speaking her own mind she already said it was unrealistic, now that she is being paid to speak she is saying the opposite? maybe mom got her this job so she could support herself? don't know, but she is definitely being a hypocrite imo


I don't know if she is being a hypocrite. I have heard those convicted of DUIs speak at schools about their experience and tell students not to make the same mistakes. I have read about scared straight programs for troubled youth.

Time will tell in regards to this young woman, but IMO, the only real reason she is under such scrutiny is because she is Sara Palin's daughter.

[firsttoserve]

I don't know if she is being a hypocrite. I have heard those convicted of DUIs speak at schools about their experience and tell students not to make the same mistakes. I have read about scared straight programs for troubled youth.

Time will tell in regards to this young woman, but IMO, the only real reason she is under such scrutiny is because she is Sara Palin's daughter.

IMO, the only reason she is under scrutiny, is she has not stayed out of, but stepped into the media. Teens are already turning her off, read the above. She should be raising her son.

[Tracian]

IMO, the only reason she is under scrutiny, is she has not stayed out of, but stepped into the media. Teens are already turning her off, read the above. She should be raising her son.

Someone thought she would be a good spokeperson. Of course she should raise her son, but many women are in the public and have children.

[lunchlady]

IMO, the only reason she is under scrutiny, is she has not stayed out of, but stepped into the media. Teens are already turning her off, read the above. She should be raising her son.

I think today's teens are used to seeing opportunists of all sorts cashing in, not matter how hypocritical or unseemly it might be to do so. But that doesn't mean they're taken in by the hype.

[firsttoserve]

Someone thought she would be a good spokeperson. Of course she should raise her son, but many women are in the public and have children.

The same man that thought this? Possibly?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/408/story/715496.html

:rolleyes:

[Tracian]

The same man that thought this? Possibly?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/408/story/715496.html

:rolleyes:



Thanks for the link. It seems that Bristol is saying about what I expected, that being a teen mom is not a party.

[firsttoserve]

Thanks for the link. It seems that Bristol is saying about what I expected, that being a teen mom is not a party.

Hmmm, I got from the link ,that the man running this show had to do damage control for teen exploitation accusations.....Hmmmm. wow.

[Tracian]

Hmmm, I got from the link ,that the man running this show had to do damage control for teen exploitation accusations.....Hmmmm. wow.


I have no doubt about it. The Candies ads were rather explicit, sending a very sexual message to young teens.

It does not change that Bristol as a teen parent cannot offer her experience as an example.

[firsttoserve]

I have no doubt about it. The Candies ads were rather explicit, sending a very sexual message to young teens.

It does not change that Bristol as a teen parent cannot offer her experience as an example.

Attaching herself to this? Her experience is being laughed at. Look at my above link. Her experience a short bit ago was plausible......Abstinence is not realistic, I had a baby, taking' care of it, now the reversal....Ummm nope. Ask the teens, they aren't buying it....:rolleyes:

[Tracian]

Attaching herself to this? Her experience is being laughed at. Look at my above link. Her experience a short bit ago was plausible......Abstinence is not realistic, I had a baby, taking' care of it, now the reversal....Ummm nope. Ask the teens, they aren't buying it....:rolleyes:



Not everyone is going to choose abstinence, but some may. As I have posted a while back, all options should be explored with teens; if some choose abstinence, that is great, otherwise they should be taught to keep themselves protected.

Not everyone likes Bristol, but some may relate to her, and in that case what harm is she doing?

[firsttoserve]

Not everyone is going to choose abstinence, but some may. As I have posted a while back, all options should be explored with teens; if some choose abstinence, that is great, otherwise they should be taught to keep themselves protected.

Not everyone likes Bristol, but some may relate to her, and in that case what harm is she doing?

As I have stated from the beginning, reversal of field, with no explanation. As I have stated, double talk works in NO campaign....:confused:

[Tracian]

As I have stated from the beginning, reversal of field, with no explanation. As I have stated, double talk works in NO campaign....:confused:


I think she made herself fairly clear, that being a teen mother is not easy; that could be why she reversed her before statements.

Apparently, she and Levi used condoms..unless they didn't and played the odds game with getting pregnant.

Now, after having the responsiblity of a baby, she is promoting abstinence, due to her own experiences.

[firsttoserve]

I think she made herself fairly clear, that being a teen mother is not easy; that could be why she reversed her before statements.

Apparently, she and Levi used condoms..unless they didn't and played the odds game with getting pregnant.

Now, after having the responsiblity of a baby, she is promoting abstinence, due to her own experiences.

She has NEVER come out and stated why she thought it was unrealistic, and now it is!! Show me that? An unwed drop-out mom is going to preach to our kids, not imo, not without a valid message, she's not, not and be rcvd!

[Tracian]

She has NEVER come out and stated why she thought it was unrealistic, and now it is!! Show me that? An unwed drop-out mom is going to preach to our kids, not imo, not without a valid message, she's not, not and be rcvd!


One could guess she thought it was unrealistic because she was sexually active and pregnant at the time; but really that does not matter, IMO, because she really has never been asked that question, has she?

quote:

"Regardless of what I did personally, I just think that abstinence is the only way you can effectively, 100 percent foolproof way you can prevent pregnancy," the 19-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/06/bristol-palin-says-abstinence-best-choice-teens/


She is right, that is the only 100% way. Apparently, she and Levi were kinda hit and miss with BC, and their baby was the result.

From the same link, her former statement was:

I think abstinence is ... I don't know how to put it ... everyone should be abstinent or whatever, but it's not realistic at all," Palin said at the time.

She said it was unrealistic for everyone to be abstinent, not that being abstinent was unrealistic for everyone


Again, I think she is just drawing on her own experience to support her opinion. I don't understand why she is not allowed to change her position on an issue.

[firsttoserve]

One could guess she thought it was unrealistic because she was sexually active and pregnant at the time; but really that does not matter, IMO, because she really has never been asked that question, has she?

quote:

"Regardless of what I did personally, I just think that abstinence is the only way you can effectively, 100 percent foolproof way you can prevent pregnancy," the 19-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/06/bristol-palin-says-abstinence-best-choice-teens/


She is right, that is the only 100% way. Apparently, she and Levi were kinda hit and miss with BC, and their baby was the result.

From the same link, her former statement was:

I think abstinence is ... I don't know how to put it ... everyone should be abstinent or whatever, but it's not realistic at all," Palin said at the time.

She said it was unrealistic for everyone to be abstinent, not that being abstinent was unrealistic for everyone


Again, I think she is just drawing on her own experience to support her opinion. I don't understand why she is not allowed to change her position on an issue.


She was asked that question....
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/17/bristol.palin.interview/

[Tracian]

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1896815,00.html



We pay much more attention to the sermons of sinners, which is why schools invite former drug addicts to come talk to kids about peer pressure, and Arlen Specter, after 29 years as a Republican Senator, was welcomed with open arms into the enemy camp.

[Tracian]

She was asked that question....
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/17/bristol.palin.interview/



Thanks for the link, but I don't see where she was asked why she changed her position.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

One could guess she thought it was unrealistic because she was sexually active and pregnant at the time; but really that does not matter, IMO, because she really has never been asked that question, has she?

quote:

"Regardless of what I did personally, I just think that abstinence is the only way you can effectively, 100 percent foolproof way you can prevent pregnancy," the 19-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/06/bristol-palin-says-abstinence-best-choice-teens/


She is right, that is the only 100% way. Apparently, she and Levi were kinda hit and miss with BC, and their baby was the result.

From the same link, her former statement was:

I think abstinence is ... I don't know how to put it ... everyone should be abstinent or whatever, but it's not realistic at all," Palin said at the time.

She said it was unrealistic for everyone to be abstinent, not that being abstinent was unrealistic for everyone


Again, I think she is just drawing on her own experience to support her opinion. I don't understand why she is not allowed to change her position on an issue.

I do think that heinsight is always 100%...I dont blame her, even tho she has a wealth of support that most teenage birthmother's dont have.

It goes without saying Abstinence is a guarantee, but not always 100%. I have actually delivered baby's to a few "Virgin" mothers, hymen intact..Wonders never cease, eh?

LMS:ohmy:

[firsttoserve]

Thanks for the link, but I don't see where she was asked why she changed her position.

That is my exact point. Without stating why, she has no credibility. from that interview 'til now....:sad:

[LisaM22]

I don't know if she is being a hypocrite. I have heard those convicted of DUIs speak at schools about their experience and tell students not to make the same mistakes. I have read about scared straight programs for troubled youth.

Time will tell in regards to this young woman, but IMO, the only real reason she is under such scrutiny is because she is Sara Palin's daughter.

not sure having a baby compares to getting a dui though, one is legal, one is against the law and she herself said that abstinence was not reasonable, some teens are gonna have sex and they need to be educated on how to protect themselves from disease and unwanted pregnancy so they can make smart choices - is that not what bristol wish she would of done? made smart choices? is that not the message she wants to send to other teens like her that are having sex? is there a message she wants to send to single teen mothers like herself?

when you talk about DUI, the topic of taxi's comes up, will she be recommending birth control for those like her that choose to not abstain?

[dref99]

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1896815,00.html



We pay much more attention to the sermons of sinners, which is why schools invite former drug addicts to come talk to kids about peer pressure, and Arlen Specter, after 29 years as a Republican Senator, was welcomed with open arms into the enemy camp.

Saying the same thing in 10 different ways, which you appear to be doing, doesn't make it any more sensible. Sexual attraction is NOT against the law, sex between consenting adults is not against the law - although different states/countries have different laws as to the age of consent.

I find it repulsive that you equate Bristol Palin to "sinners", she may be uneducated in regard to sex, but I certainly would not call her a sinner, perhaps simply a misguided and confused teenager.

I find it strange beyond belief that Arlen Specter enters a discussion on abstinence :confused: :confused: Perhaps you could attempt to include Dijon mustard as well - that would make as much sense as DUI, drug addicts and Arlen Spector in relation to Ms Palin and her views on sex/birth control.


jmo

[Tracian]

Saying the same thing in 10 different ways, which you appear to be doing, doesn't make it any more sensible. Sexual attraction is NOT against the law, sex between consenting adults is not against the law - although different states/countries have different laws as to the age of consent.

I find it repulsive that you equate Bristol Palin to "sinners", she may be uneducated in regard to sex, but I certainly would not call her a sinner, perhaps simply a misguided and confused teenager.

I find it strange beyond belief that Arlen Specter enters a discussion on abstinence :confused: :confused: Perhaps you could attempt to include Dijon mustard as well - that would make as much sense as DUI, drug addicts and Arlen Spector in relation to Ms Palin and her views on sex/birth control.


jmo


Actually, that about sinners, and Arlen Spector was from the Time link I offered, not my words.

[Tracian]

not sure having a baby compares to getting a dui though, one is legal, one is against the law and she herself said that abstinence was not reasonable, some teens are gonna have sex and they need to be educated on how to protect themselves from disease and unwanted pregnancy so they can make smart choices - is that not what bristol wish she would of done? made smart choices? is that not the message she wants to send to other teens like her that are having sex? is there a message she wants to send to single teen mothers like herself?

when you talk about DUI, the topic of taxi's comes up, will she be recommending birth control for those like her that choose to not abstain?



The reason I brought up DUIs is that there is the thought that because Bristol had a baby, she is lacks credibilty to speak about abstinance, I say, that because she has 'run the gauntlet' she is very credible to speak about waiting to have sex, as she is facing the consequences of her choices. (and Yes, having a baby at 18, while a baby is a blessing, is very hard work, and you have to give up a lot of the fun of being young and without such a responsiblity)

Basically, IMO, the only reason there is such an uproar is because she is paying for being Sarah Palin's daughter...Just like the Bush daughters were poked at for their ways, Bristol is paying for the lack of popularity by some for her mother. (Oh yes, I know that some poke at the children of the Democrats children, which I think is equally wrong.)

As far as Bristol offering other options regarding BC, I don't think that is her current position. In one article, Levi stated that one of the reasons she got pregnant was because they got lazy with BC.

Personally, I do think that all options should be offered, but again, especially with young teens, abstinence should be offered as a reasonable choice, for both physical and emotion reasons.

[lunchlady]

I'm still annoyed about Candies being the sponsor for this abstinence campaign. I glanced at their merchandise at the mall and it all screams "Jailbait!" or "Teen hooker!" to me.
I guess I'm stodgy but I hate the fashions that even supposedly religious girls are wearing today.

[firsttoserve]

I'm still annoyed about Candies being the sponsor for this abstinence campaign. I glanced at their merchandise at the mall and it all screams "Jailbait!" or "Teen hooker!" to me.
I guess I'm stodgy but I hate the fashions that even supposedly religious girls are wearing today.

I agree. And I'd add to that, poor choice for a paid ambassador, also. Of course, the candies company guy isn't known for good choices, imo.

[dref99]

Actually, that about sinners, and Arlen Spector was from the Time link I offered, not my words.

Then obviously the link was rubbish and yet another poor excuse for your support of an 18 year old naive lass advertising her family - mainly for the benefit of her parent's political ambitions. Sad


jmo

[Tracian]

Then obviously the link was rubbish and yet another poor excuse for your support of an 18 year old naive lass advertising her family - mainly for the benefit of her parent's political ambitions. Sad


jmo


The link came from a Time Mag article. It was rather an interesting read, since so many are so eager to slam Bristol.

[firsttoserve]

So, on one side of the house, we have Britney posing in this photo for candies, and on ther other and abstinence tour with the paid ambassador being a teen HS drop-out mom who said abstinence was unrealistic......And they're speaking to our kids.....:thumbdown:

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/04/04/britney-spears-mugs-for-candie%E2%80%99s-clothing-line/

[dref99]

The link came from a Time Mag article. It was rather an interesting read, since so many are so eager to slam Bristol.


I haven't seen anyone "slamming" Bristol. That is your word not mine.

She is a young confused lass, a school dropout, a mother before she had a chance to do the things that young folks love to do & almost the last person on earth that teenagers would want to hear discussing what they should/should not do in regard to sex.

This is not "slamming" Bristol. This is being disgusted with the concept of referring to anyone as the "face of abstinence" - I hazard a guess - it will not last long.


jmo

[Tracian]

I haven't seen anyone "slamming" Bristol. That is your word not mine.

She is a young confused lass, a school dropout, a mother before she had a chance to do the things that young folks love to do & almost the last person on earth that teenagers would want to hear discussing what they should/should not do in regard to sex.

This is not "slamming" Bristol. This is being disgusted with the concept of referring to anyone as the "face of abstinence" - I hazard a guess - it will not last long.


jmo


Opinions vary. Many times someone who has made mistakes in the past tend to be more credible than someone who has not made such a mistake; as the Time article points out.

[firsttoserve]

Nonsense!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh::laugh:snipped

If anyone has 'slammed' Bristol, it started with herself.:wink:

[firsttoserve]

The lovely Ms Bristol??? Surely, you jest!!!! :laugh::laugh:

Nope, real serious. An unwed, single HS drop-out mom attaching herself to a company called 'candies' known for provocative teen girl's clothing, calling for something she said herself was unrealistic. Setting herself up. Doesn't matter if she's lovely, fat ugly, smart, stupid. Not a good move. :sad:

[firsttoserve]

Can't hurt. Bristol is beautiful. Clearly well educated and articulate. Has a loving, supportive family. Woman are free from wearing the Scarlet A . :thumbsup:

Hope they are. She's gonna need it, imo. LOL, well educated? Still hasn't finished her equivalency? Should that not have been a priority? Wow.:blink:

[joolz]

Can't hurt. Bristol is beautiful. Clearly well educated and articulate. Has a loving, supportive family. Woman are free from wearing the Scarlet A . :thumbsup:

The Scarlet A was for women who were adulteresses, so what on earth does that have to do with Bristol Palin?