From the Alaska Governor's office:
Governor Sarah Palin Welcomes Her First Grandchild
December 31, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin has welcomed her first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born to Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston on December 27.
“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Governor Palin said. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they’re very strong, and have faith they’ve made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority.”
Palin added, “When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair. Isn’t it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”
Bristol Palin said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and knows that plans she previously made for herself will now forever be changed. “Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with – this isn’t ideal. But I’m fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can’t imagine life without him now.”
Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she’ll get her last credit needed to graduate. She looks forward to continuing her record of good grades and high achievement. Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an electrical apprentice on the North Slope.
Bill McAllister, the governor’s office communications director, adds: "The governor's office previously declined to comment to honor the family's wishes that the event remain as private as possible. However, the high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement."
AP story here; Anchorage Daily News story here.
2 comments:
Thanks.
So little of what attempts to pass as news coverage has any positive value. That is, in whether or not it can be proven or disproven. Most of what attempts to pass as news coverage is normative. That is, in whether or not in the opinion of the writer, the words themselves have enough merit that they "ought" to be believed. Never a question of "true" versus "untrue". But, "ought" this be true.
It's a trap I find most news outlets making. Perhaps the most egregious examples eminate from O-Rielly's mouth. His, too, is a normative cant, ascribing to himself the good of the people, "looking out for the little guy". As he envisions himself. Not whether true or not true, but views that "ought" to be believed. Because he believes them.
Sad.
.
Associated Press writers seem particularly addicted to leaving false impressions, if not spreading downright falsehoods. Looking at the link to their article they admit:
"The AP reported in an October story that Johnston dropped out of high school to work on the North Slope oil fields. The wire service hasn't mentioned Bristol Palin's status in school."
So, though they didn't spread the falsehood regarding Bristol, they did not correct the false impression regarding Levi until forced to acknowledge it because of Governor Palin's press release.
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