AP Interview with Levi Johnston

[asta]

as I said, we'll chalk it up to regional differences because where I come from we celebrate and applaud people who try to take responsibility.

The trash statement is just wrong and is name calling. I do take issue though with your statement that this situation is something to celebrate and applaud. There is nothing responsible about two unmarried teenagers having sex (unprotected or not) and producing a baby. And to further the irresponsiblilty of the situation by dropping out of high school. I still think that having at least a high school education will help him take care of that child better down the road. If you read the AP article, they even quote Gov Palin saying:



"There's no word on how his future mother-in-law feels about Johnston's decision to drop out of high school. Last year, she made a point of trying to turn around the high dropout rate in their hometown.

"I'd remind the kids that no matter where they are in life — (maybe) in circumstances that probably aren't ideal — that there is no circumstance that they're in that is insurmountable or would necessitate them just giving up," Palin said."




Our country may have regional differences but I think all regions value education. There may be small pockets of people who don't think that you need to be educated but I can't see that being a regional value. And I still think that the electricians that I have contact with at least have a high school degree.

 

[RitaE]

and again, some reporter got hold of the guy at the end of his driveway and got him to chat for 10 minutes. From that, we're now qualified to critique the next 70 years of his life?

My Father was an electrician and a machinist. I can assure you that he was educated well beyond the 11th grade.

 

[SteveInBrooklyn]

Your faux outrage is hysterical.

What outrage? That's FEAR!!!! I genuinely fear that a twit like Sarah Palin will become President if McCain wins in November. Will she usher in the age of American idiocy? Prolly. Also, with her children held up as an example, I think it will be acceptable for children to become pregnant, and teenage dropouts to make babies.

 

[Magic Mom]

The trash statement is just wrong and is name calling. I do take issue though with your statement that this situation is something to celebrate and applaud. There is nothing responsible about two unmarried teenagers having sex (unprotected or not) and producing a baby. And to further the irresponsiblilty of the situation by dropping out of high school. I still think that having at least a high school education will help him take care of that child better down the road. If you read the AP article, they even quote Gov Palin saying:



"There's no word on how his future mother-in-law feels about Johnston's decision to drop out of high school. Last year, she made a point of trying to turn around the high dropout rate in their hometown.

"I'd remind the kids that no matter where they are in life — (maybe) in circumstances that probably aren't ideal — that there is no circumstance that they're in that is insurmountable or would necessitate them just giving up," Palin said."




Our country may have regional differences but I think all regions value education. There may be small pockets of people who don't think that you need to be educated but I can't see that being a regional value. And I still think that the electricians that I have contact with at least have a high school degree.

Are we certain that he isn't going to night school or studying at home to get his GED? I realize the article said he dropped out, but there are other options he might be persuing.

 

[asta]

and again, some reporter got hold of the guy at the end of his driveway and got him to chat for 10 minutes. From that, we're now qualified to critique the next 70 years of his life?

My Father was an electrician and a machinist. I can assure you that he was educated well beyond the 11th grade.

I guess that I am not understanding your prior comments because I thought you were defending this kids choice to drop out of school. I agree with the above statement in the sense that every electrician that I have dealt with had much more on the ball than a high school drop out. I think it is a complicated and critical job. I would only want someone with at least the wisdom to get his high school diploma to be working on an electrical system that I rely on.

And to the other posters, what have you read in this article or other that says or even implies that this kid has graduated early or has his GED? If either of these were the case, I don't think they would be saying that he has dropped out of high school. Again, on what are you basing your assumptions?

 

[SwedishMeatball]

What outrage? That's FEAR!!!! I genuinely fear that a twit like Sarah Palin will become President if McCain wins in November. Will she usher in the age of American idiocy? Prolly. Also, with her children held up as an example, I think it will be acceptable for children to become pregnant, and teenage dropouts to make babies.

You poor soul. No wonder you're so agitated with such a mindset. Have you tried meditation to calm your nerves??

 

[Suzie Zoo]

ITA!!! Senior year in h.s. is just the best time. And both my DS' will tell you that as well as college. The amazing times, events and friendships they made and experienced in both h.s. and college will be with them forever. Kinda sad that Bristol or Levi will not have the opportunity to experience that for themselves.

We obviously went to different high schools. I don't have a single happy memory from my senior year of high school. It was the most miserable time of my life and I couldn't wait to get out. I haven't spoken to a single person I went to high school with in probably 17 years... and I graduated in 1990. I hated high school with every fiber of my being. You couldn't pay me to go back. They might not be missing as much as you think.

You are right, drop-out Levi and his baby-mama are both pretty sorry specimens, and Sarah parades them around with such pride. What a class act the Palins are.

Classy.

 

[castleview]

What outrage? , I think it will be acceptable for children to become pregnant, and teenage dropouts to make babies.

Become acceptable? We had Jamie Lynn Spears getting paid big bucks for appearing on the cover of a magazine with her newborn. We have a welfare system that will pay you for having children and not working. Rampant teen pregnancy is not the result of Bristol Palin. What is Sarah Palin supposed to do? Her daughter made an adult decision to have sex and now she and her boyfriend are making more adult decisions. Yes, it's sad to start off that way, but all her family can do is sit and support her decisions.

BTW, as a NYC native who some people would consider trash because of where I was from and what members of my family or neighborhood did...I find your prejudice beyond hateful.

 

[momrek06]

We obviously went to different high schools. I don't have a single happy memory from my senior year of high school. It was the most miserable time of my life and I couldn't wait to get out. I haven't spoken to a single person I went to high school with in probably 17 years... and I graduated in 1990. I hated high school with every fiber of my being. You couldn't pay me to go back. They might not be missing as much as you think.

I am so sorry your h.s. days were miserable.

Not only did my two DS' love h.s. and college...we (DH, me and my DS') are all going to our Reunions. I just attended my 35 h.s. reunion and it was amazing, absolutely amazing. I had the best time....and we are now all in the planning stages of our 40th!!!

BUT h.s. is not only about having an amazing time it is about getting an EDUCATION....I can't help but think despite the lack of interviews with Levi, I am going to guess that his family as well as Levi are probably very sad that he has to quit school and head to the oil fields to support a family at the very very very young age of 18yo.

 

[Magic Mom]

I guess that I am not understanding your prior comments because I thought you were defending this kids choice to drop out of school. I agree with the above statement in the sense that every electrician that I have dealt with had much more on the ball than a high school drop out. I think it is a complicated and critical job. I would only want someone with at least the wisdom to get his high school diploma to be working on an electrical system that I rely on.

And to the other posters, what have you read in this article or other that says or even implies that this kid has graduated early or has his GED? If either of these were the case, I don't think they would be saying that he has dropped out of high school. Again, on what are you basing your assumptions?

I didn't read anything about a ged, but we all know just because an article doesn't mention something doesn't mean it isn't there. I guess I'm willing to give the kid the benifit of the doubt that he will continue on with his education.
As far as his decisions in relation to SP, I'm not sure how his choice to drop out reflects on her. What happens now is really Bristols and the boy's decision (with hopefully guidance from parents). They can't make them choose abortion or adoption, and if they have decided to keep the child, it is right that they are stepping up to take responsibiliy for the situation they created.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with being an electrician but I would think that most people doing that type of work have a high school diploma. I have always thought that a diploma is the minimum you need to be considered for positions of responsibility. And you can forget about being an engineer without having a high school and college degree.

Perhaps being the sil of the Governor and a VP candidate gets you a few perks and another look at your qualifications even if they aren't an exact match.

It wouldn't be the first time she used the power of her office for family matters. Just sayin'

(just to add, I would also pull strings for my kids if I had connections)

 

[SteveInBrooklyn]

Become acceptable? We had Jamie Lynn Spears getting paid big bucks for appearing on the cover of a magazine with her newborn. We have a welfare system that will pay you for having children and not working. Rampant teen pregnancy is not the result of Bristol Palin. What is Sarah Palin supposed to do? Her daughter made an adult decision to have sex and now she and her boyfriend are making more adult decisions. Yes, it's sad to start off that way, but all her family can do is sit and support her decisions.

BTW, as a NYC native who some people would consider trash because of where I was from and what members of my family or neighborhood did...I find your prejudice beyond hateful.

Vitriol was heaped upon Jamie Lynn Spears, as it is upon teenage unwed welfare mothers. Bristol Palin and her baby-daddy are paraded around by the campaign...with PRIDE!!!! That's the difference.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Become acceptable? We had Jamie Lynn Spears getting paid big bucks for appearing on the cover of a magazine with her newborn. We have a welfare system that will pay you for having children and not working. Rampant teen pregnancy is not the result of Bristol Palin. What is Sarah Palin supposed to do? Her daughter made an adult decision to have sex and now she and her boyfriend are making more adult decisions. Yes, it's sad to start off that way, but all her family can do is sit and support her decisions.

BTW, as a NYC native who some people would consider trash because of where I was from and what members of my family or neighborhood did...I find your prejudice beyond hateful.

Read an article yesterday that the Enquirer is reporting that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant again.

 

[castleview]

Vitriol was heaped upon Jamie Lynn Spears, as it is upon teenage unwed welfare mothers. Bristol Palin and her baby-daddy are paraded around by the campaign...with PRIDE!!!! That's the difference.

No they're not. They came to the convention speech and that was it. A reporter showed up in this kid's driveway and he talked to him - your condemning the kid for being polite? I agree there was hypocrisy on the part of many Republicans, but most normal people realize that this happens. Sarah Palin made a simple, realistic statement saying that her kid was growing up now! We don't know if Bristol will be using govt. funding - if she does, I hope it is temporary. Unwed, teen mothers who live off the system deserve scorn.

 

[chisnpeke]

Sorry, but I know trash when I see it. The Palins are trash and the baby-daddy is trash. And the thought that this mindless trash is going to govern our country...TERRIFYING!!!

WOW. I cannot believe what I am reading! Trash? And you think the Republicans are hateful? If Obama gets elected, his plans are going to be supporting this so called "trash"...mothers without jobs, people who don't have a job and dropped out of high school.

 

[momrek06]

Read an article yesterday that the Enquirer is reporting that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant again.

I saw something about that as well...is there any truth to that though...

 

[Suzie Zoo]

I am so sorry your h.s. days were miserable.

Not only did my two DS' love h.s. and college...we (DH, me and my DS') are all going to our Reunions. I just attended my 35 h.s. reunion and it was amazing, absolutely amazing. I had the best time....and we are now all in the planning stages of our 40th!!!

BUT h.s. is not only about having an amazing time it is about getting an EDUCATION....I can't help but think despite the lack of interviews with Levi, I am going to guess that his family as well as Levi are probably very sad that he has to quit school and head to the oil fields to support a family at the very very very young age of 18yo.

Yeah, no chance that I'll ever go to a high school reunion! As for the education part, I can't say either way. There was talk on the Flyers thread about a tutor... maybe he's going that route. Maybe he took a lot of advanced classes in his earlier high school years... who knows.

I don't necessarily think it's "sad". Any time someone has a baby, I can't bring myself to bring the word sad into the discussion. The circumstances aren't ideal but they aren't the worst thing in the world, either. And I have a feeling that they might not have the same economy woes as Joe Average American might have. I don't know for sure, but I think the Palins are probably comfortable enough to make sure their grandchild won't suffer.

What bugs me is that someone felt it was okay to blindside this kid in his driveway and it infuriates me that it's now okay to call a teen girl "trash" because she's having a baby.

 

[SteveInBrooklyn]

Please, that is uncalled for and pretty trashy yourself.

And you are not doing the Obama supporters any favors when you spew such vitriole.

I'm more of a Palin-hater than an Obama supporter. And yeah, I can be pretty trashy, and I'm not that bright, but I'm not in danger of leading the free world any time soon.

 

[castleview]

I'm more of a Palin-hater than an Obama supporter. And yeah, I can be pretty trashy, and I'm not that bright, but I'm not in danger of ruling the free world any time soon.

Hate is so not good for you. Lighten up for your health, please.

 

[momrek06]

I am so sorry your h.s. days were miserable.

Not only did my two DS' love h.s. and college...we (DH, me and my DS') are all going to our Reunions. I just attended my 35 h.s. reunion and it was amazing, absolutely amazing. I had the best time....and we are now all in the planning stages of our 40th!!!

BUT h.s. is not only about having an amazing time it is about getting an EDUCATION....I can't help but think despite the lack of interviews with Levi, I am going to guess that his family as well as Levi are probably very sad that he has to quit school and head to the oil fields to support a family at the very very very young age of 18yo.

Yeah, no chance that I'll ever go to a high school reunion! As for the education part, I can't say either way. There was talk on the Flyers thread about a tutor... maybe he's going that route. Maybe he took a lot of advanced classes in his earlier high school years... who knows.

I don't necessarily think it's "sad". Any time someone has a baby, I can't bring myself to bring the word sad into the discussion. The circumstances aren't ideal but they aren't the worst thing in the world, either. And I have a feeling that they might not have the same economy woes as Joe Average American might have. I don't know for sure, but I think the Palins are probably comfortable enough to make sure their grandchild won't suffer.

If you read my post and if not, I quoted it again in this post....I did NOT say having a baby was sad....I said quitting school is sad.