I want to clarify one point on the ongoing media shitshow that is the Sarah Palin story. The latest bit is that Levi Johnston, who nobody should be listening to, doesn't know if he'd vote for Sarah Palin if she were on a presidential ticket. Well good, at least HE is smarter than a fifth grader. This isn't the first comment that Levi has gotten way too much attention for but unlike his baby's grandmama, Levi's words tend to at least hint at more profound ideas.

The comment I have in mind is Levi's revelation that Sarah Palin knew he and Bristol were having sex. If what he's saying is true (and I'm pretty sure he is) this doesn't demonstrate Palin's unusual incompetence as a mother. Far from it. I know lots of parents who just try and ignore the signs that their children are having sex. They know, they just don't want to admit it.

I can only theorize on the inner workings here of these parents' brains --because a) I'll be damned if I'll have this talk with my parents and b) I don't want to upset the balance-- but I imagine it has something to do with an inkling if not a full fledged understanding that there's not much parents can do to stop teenagers from having sex. They can properly prepare them with a good understanding of the safety issues and the safe way to have sex, but they cannot do anything to stop it. For some parents, realizing powerlessness is too much to handle, better to ignore it. That's especially true for pro-abstinence parents. Ironically, those parents are actually doing more to encourage unsafe sex. Way to go Sarah.