tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post7986147458887988733..comments2024-03-10T19:16:41.170-04:00Comments on Dumb Things I Have Done Lately: Teen Pregnancy Cringe RadioJoelogonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889931738120460487noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post-61806847453938886322007-12-10T22:18:00.000-05:002007-12-10T22:18:00.000-05:00I can't argue with that! You are absolutely right ...I can't argue with that! You are absolutely right that better-paid entry-level jobs would probably do more to stop teen pregnancy than all the sex-ed in the world! (Though better sex ed is definitely a good idea.)Jamyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17328884172511150275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post-79972230494836006042007-12-10T18:12:00.000-05:002007-12-10T18:12:00.000-05:00I will have to defer to your judgment on this. I'd...I will have to defer to your judgment on this. I'd feel better about it if entry-level job wages had kept pace with inflation, or if there were still lots of good-paying manufacturing jobs for people without degrees, though.Joelogonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12889931738120460487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post-69430872033336800292007-12-10T17:52:00.000-05:002007-12-10T17:52:00.000-05:00BUT...there is really no evidence that "kids havin...BUT...there is really no evidence that "kids having kids" is 1) very common or 2) terrible for the next generation. Really, all it does for most people is delay access to work and education. They do get there, it just takes longer.<BR/><BR/>There is even some evidence (that I don't completely agree with) that these babies being born earlier in their mother's life is healthier.<BR/><BR/>Sure, the kids are somewhat more at risk for some bad outcomes, but it's just not the nightmare the popular press makes it out to be.Jamyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17328884172511150275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post-63492731866841372002007-12-10T17:30:00.000-05:002007-12-10T17:30:00.000-05:00While I agree that we need to address the root cau...While I agree that we need to address the root causes, we still do need to address the symptoms, because it's probably going to take a while (maybe even <B>weeks</B>) before we end the cycle of poverty, fix the DC school system, and give everyone a pony. Meanwhile, you have another generation of kids having kids...Joelogonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12889931738120460487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794430.post-41363064218949124332007-12-10T17:16:00.000-05:002007-12-10T17:16:00.000-05:00The argument against teen pregnancy is that it is ...The argument against teen pregnancy is that it is the culprit and causes all kinds of problems.<BR/><BR/>Quite the contrary. It is all the problems (poverty, lack of education, etc.) that cause teen pregnancy.<BR/><BR/>Go ahead and solve those things, and this is a non-issue.<BR/><BR/>Also, please keep in mind that we only care about this "crisis" for the group of unwed teen mothers. Married teen pregnancy is just fine.<BR/><BR/>In the case you mentioned, she's probably wise not to marry since the father is not a source of financial (or emotional) support. In order to get gvmt benefits, she'll need to be a single mom! Not saying it's right, it just is.Jamyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17328884172511150275noreply@blogger.com