Bristol Palin, 17, is pregnant, and her Governor mom, Sarah Palin, supports her decision to keep the baby

Easily the talk of the day was an upcoming labor day, that of the oldest daughter of Sarah Palin, Bristol, who is five-months along, the world learned today. Part of the shocker was that Sarah would marry the infant's father, fellow high schooler Levi Johnston.

For the most part, the readers of the story page were civil in their comments, but not very impressed with the presumptive Vice President nominee or her stance on sex education, abstinence, or the woman's right to choose (or lack thereof).

PBJ felt sad: The Palins are not just poster children for pro-life family values, but have shown equally that abstinence-only education doesn't work. Can you imagine being stuck marrying some 17 year-old footnote from high school? That's a sad situation.

Mel agreed: I guess Sarah's gotta work on her abstinence talk with her kids. Or maybe cede the fact that condoms aren't the Devil's gardening gloves after all...

Jimmy ties John McCain in: My prayers go out to the Palin family. While Gov. Palin may be a fine woman and public servant, it is painfully clear that she should not be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Her selection demonstrates McCain’s serious lack of sound judgment, to say nothing of his recklessness and failure to put "country first." His choice of Palin looks like an ill-conceived political stunt aimed at grabbing headlines, energizing evangelicals, and appealing to women and disaffected Clinton supporters. I don’t know the John McCain who has emerged in this election, and I certainly cannot and will not vote for him.

it could be your family wrote: As a conservative Christian, I think a lot of those who are writing comments are probably a hair's breath from an embarrassing family situation... we all are. I'm sure the Palin's taught their kids and lived before them a lifestyle that reflected their strong Christian values, but virtually every family has someone who make choices that for whatever reason are not reflective of those of the parents. As I have watched some families I know struggle with those hard situations, I know it is by the grace of God that it's not me. He who haas not sinned may cast the first stone.....

CaroleS thinks she should quit: Palin needs to resign from the ticket, since her presence is required at home: an infant with severe diabilities, a pregnant teenage daughter, and a young son about to experience who knows what in the military. And what about hubby? Clearly Palin's ambition trumps her "family values," showing her to be just the kind of hypocrite we don't need on the national stage.

Catgirl blames the media: Juno has become a reality.  Perhaps it should be remade as 'Juneau'.  Still think that movie sends a 'good' message?

--  Tony Pierce

In this Feb. 28, 2008 file photo, Bristol Palin, daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is seen as a member of the Juneau-Douglas High School junior varsity basketball team, in Juneau, Alaska. Gov. Palin said Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter Bristol is five months pregnant. (AP Photo/Juneau Empire, Brian Wallace, File)

Comments

[Carriage]

The Times should take a hint from Senator Obama and close this discussion down before it leads to the story of his own Mother's teenage pregnancy and marriage. When he spoke out so forcefully today I would think some of the Obama supporters in the Press would have realized that he had a reason.

[Maurice P]

Conservative Family Values??

[Steve Rodriguez]

I could care less about Sarah Palin's daughter.
I like the fact that Sarah has more leadership
experience than Obama!

[Steve Rodriguez]

Is Obama sueaky clean? According to the Times he is!
Forget Rev. Wright, Bill Ayres and the Weather Underground!
the Times never raises the issue of Obama shady past. The Times
has become the Sen. Obama Marching and Chowder Society!

[Knudsen Charlie]

ABC news just uncovered a story about Palin formerly being a member of an Alaska-first secessionist party that wants Alaska to break off from the U.S. Apparently she only left the party to become mayor of her home town, but she sent a video message to the party's convention just last year.

Who cares about the daughter being pregnant. That's no one's business but the family's. But wanting to break away from the U.S. is a serious matter for someone who is applying for the job of VP, don't you think?

[Bob Morein]

As a devoutly religious Christian, and proud of it, I cannot vote for a woman and mother who the Bible says should be at home, raising the children. It's clear she's neglected her children, with one of them fornicating and now pregnant out of grace.

This is why no woman can properly be in politics. They should be tending their wifely duties. I cannot vote for John McCain as he is violating God's law.

[BillTerror]

You punks. I don't believe this! You've gone too far Liberal Media! You'll pay for this. You are SCUM!!!

[Alberto]

While I feel for the Palin family, who never asked to be put on the spotlight, although they should have expected it, the right-wing as a whole is only getting a taste of its own medicine. They love her for family values, hows this for family values?

[Adam]

Why do you always have to have two lousy choice's it was democrat and republican, now its Between Barak's experience and Palin's experience and all the issues you were debating is not an issue any more.The whole world has to suffer with the consequence of your luck of focus on what is good for you and the world.

[John Williams]

Interesting. Were there any crimes committed, like sex with a minor, or carnal knowledge? How old is the father? It seems like the Republicans have thrown family values out with the bath water. I am disappointed with McCain's decision making abilities.

[LaShawn]

OMG - John McCain is a joke. I can't believe he's really serious about his selection. If the polls are so close - why is his only mission to obtain Hilary's undecided women voters, when in fact, he just insulted the intelligence of all women by selecting this inexperienced woman - She doesn't even measure even close to Hilary Clinton - The United States has begun to make politics a joke and our Allies are laughing harder once again, just like they were laughing at that clown of a president George W. Bush - WOW "Just Amazing"

[Fred Evans]

Who cares that Bristol Pallen is pregnant? What does that have to do with Sarrah's ability as a leader for Alaska and our country? Why do we as Americans have to judge every candidate's ability to do a job based the actions of other people? I know a lot of teen age girls that have had children out of wedlock and their parents did not lose their jobs or were not demoted because of their childs decisions to engage in unprotected sex. I know a former preacher whose daughter became pregnant out of wedlock and that child is now a productive part of society and the mother and father are successful parents and members of society. Quit judging people on the actions of their families and choices that are made that they have no control over.

[Chris W]

I've had a little extra time the past couple of months to absorb mainstream and cable media and the internet for information about a very important presidential election. I have 3 areas I feel compelled to comment on, without playing favorites among candidates:

1. Blogs are out of control and there needs to be a way of holding persons accountable for spreading hateful untruths that should have no bearing on the election! Whether it's Senator Obama being a muslim, or Gov. Palin's downs syndrome baby being secretly her daughters' (Desperate Housewifes?) there is a tremendous amount of misinformation and HATE being spread across the internet. Unfortunately, if someone GOOGLES a name the wrong way, they could easily be sent to a site that has no basis in truth. The internet has allowed people who would never say things like this to someone's face, the ability to hide behind a blog name and say whatever they want, knowing they will not be found or held accountable. THIS HAS TO BE CONTROLLED!

2. Mainstream broadcast media has a responsibility to focus on the issues, qualifications, and policies, not the character assassinations. I don't need to endure another loop of Reverend Wright. I also was very disappointed with CNN (and maybe others) yesterday for their persistence in questioning person after person about the "shocking" news on Bristol Palin's pregnancy, despite the fact that virtually everyone they talked to said it wasn't appropriate or relevent to the race (including a strong statement from Senator Obama). Anchors on at least 3 network channels questioned Gov. Palin's judgement in entering into the race with the knowledge that the pregnancy may become public. When it was suggested that there was a hope the media would understand the personal, non-relevant nature of the issue, the answers (Katie Couric, Campbell Brown, etc.) were essentially that we all know how the media is and it cannot be controlled. That's bull! You ARE the media and you ARE ACCOUNTABLE for the decisions you make in covering the news. If you feel it's inappropriate to spotlight a 17 year old girl going through a challenging time, then MAKE A DECISION NOT TO AIR IT! Over the course of the last few months, I've actually gravitated more to the LA Times because I feel you've been among the most fair in representing the facts. In general, the print media has had far more credibility in my mind than broadcast, but we can all strive to be better.

3. I appreciate the candidates most when they tell me what their policies and positions are and how they may differ from today, without misrepresenting their opponent's views. Every week, I go to websites like factcheck.org and get a list of misrepresentations from both campaigns. I don't want John McCain telling me about what Barrack Obama will do, I want Barrack to tell me about his plan. I also don't want Barrack to speak for John McCain (or tell me that he's George Bush when he clearly is not). What is YOUR focus as a leader and how will it help our country achieve different results. It's fine and appropriate to ask questions for clarification (how will you pay for that? what specific changes are you advocating in our education system?, etc.) but let's stop misrepresenting our opponents and let them speak for themselves.

Sorry for being so longwinded, but I hope there is something in here that can facilate at least some discussion on true change we need in our political process. Thanks for your time.

[Edwin G]

Teen age pregnancy is a sad phenomenon that happens to many families. It can only be avoided if the kids are raised responsibly and aware of the consequences of pregnancy before marriage. Sometimes, in extreme situations boyfriend/girlfriend relationship have stronger ties than child/parent relationship. Is it possible that her daughter got pregnant due to parents absence at the time they are needed most in the adolescent period? With five kids plus being active in community and politics, it is possible that Gov. Palin or perhaps, Mayor at that time, neglected her parental responsibilities. Unless Sarah Palin is really an exceptional person, I believe she would be more needed by the family than serving the office of the Vice President. There will always be time in the future when she could serve the country, family first before advancing her career. There is nothing inadequate for being a Governor of Alaska. A graceful exit is timely during the convention and she mainains also her standing with the Republican Party.

[karen kaddison]

WHO CARES IF PALLEN'S 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH HER MOTHER? THE GIRL IS GOING TO GET MARRIED TO THE FATHER ANYWAY!
THE REAL INSULT HERE IS THE BIG DEAL THAT THE SO-CALLED DEMOCRATS ARE MAKING OF IT. DO THEY NOT REALIZE HOW MANY PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, ECT HAVE HAD UNEXPECTED PREGNANCIES IN THEIR FAMILIES. MY CHRISTIAN GRANDPARENTS WERE GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT PARENTS, STRONG RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS. MY GRANDPARENTS ALSO HAD TWO OF THEIR FIVE CHILDREN MARRY BECAUSE OF UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES. IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT THAT THEIR CHILDREN GOT PREGNANT AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT AS COMMON 45 YRS AGO AS IT IS TODAY!
IF THE LIBERALS WANT SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT GO AFTER THE UNFAITHFUL MARRIED POLITICIANS CHEATING ON THEIR WIFE WHILE IN OFFICE. I AM NOT INTERESTED IN SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TWENTY YEARS AGO BEFORE ONE WAS IN OFFICE. LETS TALK ABOUT SOMEONE LIKE THE CREEP JOHN EDWARDS, HIS MISTRESS, AND THEIR BABY THAT HE HAS TRIED TO KEEP SECRET! NOW THAT IS A REAL STORY!

[karen kaddison]

I AM A INDEPENDENT VOTER. I COULDN'T DECIDE WHO I WAS GOING TO VOTE FOR UNTIL LAST NIGHT. I WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR HILLARY IF SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING. I WOULD NOT HAVE VOTED FOR HER IF SHE WAS RUNNING WITH OBAMA SINCE I SEE ONLY TRAUMA FOR OUR COUNTRY IF OBAMA IS ELECTED. I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN AND PALLEN. SHE IS A TRUE INSPIRATION AND I BELIEVE SHE WILL BE A GREAT LEADER.

[karen kaddison]

AS A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN I WILL VOTE FOR PALLEN. SHE IS NOT JUDGED FOR THE SINS HER DAUGHTER COMMITTED. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR ANY ONE TO JUDGE WHAT IS MORAL OR CONSIDERED SINFUL. HOW MANY POLITICIANS HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS PREGNANT BEFORE MARRIAGE?

TO JUDGE PALLEN ONE WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER OBAMA'S OWN ATHIEST UNWED MOTHER!

IT IS NO ONES BUSINESS! TRUE CHRISTIANS POSTING HATRED NEED TO GO BACK AND READ THEIR BIBLES ABOUT FORGIVENESS OF SIN!

[uncle_vito]

I picked up my LA Times this morning and almost every article it seems was out to throw dirt on the Republicans.

I know the media are liberals, but slanted journalism like this is totally INSANE.

Is the media so afraid that McCain is going to trounce Obama that they have to resort to this kind of reporting. I almost thought I was reading the National Enquirer.

The outcome of the November election will likely be determined by how the people vote in the 'flyover' states. These are generally conservative voters who can see a cheap shot when there is one. Just like Michael Moore and Fahrenheit 911 likely cost Kerry the 2004 election, low brow reporting on the part of the media, may help Obama lose the election.

Seems there is also a lot of resentment on the part of liberals with respect to the religious right. The media is falling all over itself trying to rub in the details of unwed motherhood. I really wonder what is the point since moderate voters do not care and religiously conservative voters would NEVER vote for Obama. Seems to be just spite that the media is printing stories on this subject. Undecided voters will notice and there could be a backlash.

Also seems the media is taking their hatred of George Bush out on McCain. McCain and Bush couldn't be more different. They just belong to the same political party. In fact Obama and McCain are very similar. It is just that Obama is a smooth talker and pays no heed to tradition and McCain is less polished and supports tradition in Washington.

Vito

[jdi]

Statutory rape

Doesn’t Alaska have statutory rape laws?

A seventeen year old gets pregnant and it’s perfectly ok with the family values set.

In Georgia, a seventeen year-old kid is sentenced to life in prison for having consensual sex with a minor. Thankfully the sentence was reduced.

In Alaska, if you get a seventeen year old pregnant, you get an all expenses paid trip to St. Paul, Minnesota.

[Puciret]

I was hiding in a bunker and playing cards with Dick Cheney/

[georgia koonuk]

i think the papers need to stop writing about her pregnant daughter..imagine how that makes the young lady feel. sure its not 'good' but we all make mistakes and go a little over our limits. and yeah her mothers a republican but everything happens for a reason...just let God guide this through and stop talking about it like you can make a d^^^ difference. buy a diary 'homie'.