The American Prospect ponders conservative ideology, pregnancy and the religious right – the convoluted illogical way they rationalize it all.
Call me crazy, but I can’t see how you can make logic out of cheering for the pregnancy and marriage of a 17 year old high school student.
Teen birth rates – by numbers, by state – all kinds of ways. Of interest:
In 2000, teenage birthrates were highest in Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico. The states with the lowest teenage birthrates were New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, North Dakota and Maine.
And Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico vote how?
Which brings me to something I’ve been thinking, and I actually had occasion today to bring it into conversation. A friend – a mother – was discussing Palin. Talking about Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy and her views on abortion. About how she was irresponsible with educating her about sex and birth control, etc. Very seriously – and this is exactly what I’ve been thinking – I said “How do you know she isn’t happy with her daughter’s pregnancy?” I went on, “It sure seemed last night that she was celebrating her pregnancy. Championing the whole thing. Maybe they really don’t have a problem with it at all? I mean – it sure looked like it. Looked like they were fine with the whole thing.” My friend raised her eyebrows. Didn’t know what to say. Not that I do either. I mean – as I said – I’ve been mulling that over.
Sure seems the Republicans are doing a bunch of double-talk. “Leave the children out of it” while championing an unmarried 16-year old’s pregnancy.
How does that work, exactly?
