Well, well, I guess my comments about teen mothers bringing their newborns to school to "show-off" to their friends not only "burned" somebody’s "biscuit", but apparently frosted their cookie as well!

I still find this practice (of bringing newborns to school to show-off) disruptive, disgusting, and counterproductive to efforts to curb teen pregnancy rates. You see, Ms. Lowry, there are other types of "envy" besides those discussed by Dr. Freud. What we have here is the creation of a "baby-envy" frenzy. I’ve overheard the comments, I’ve been told directly by students. I’ve found the notes on the hallway floors. I’ve seen the results. Girls huddled in the hall, around the newborn, saying such things as "I can’t wait to get pregnant!" or "I want a baby now!" It’s virtually the same type of reaction an elementary school student gets when they bring a young kitten to school. Everybody wants one! The unintentional teen pregnancies are, I’m sure, plenty to deal with, let alone these intentional pregnancies. It seems to me that in some segments of our population it’s even become "expected" for a young girl to give birth before she’s out of her teens.

I’ve never advocated denying these young parents the opportunity for an education. I’ve enjoyed having many of them, both male and female, as students over the years. Generally they have been well motivated towards their studies, or they wouldn’t have been there. But I refuse to accept the idea that we should encourage any practice that makes their unfortunate situation attractive to others!

I was pleased that Ms. Lowry (coordinator of our county Parenting and Family Resource Center) took the time to read my comments, and impressed that she took the time to write to the editor of her feelings. I personally have found it more effective however, when engaging in public discourse, to attack the logic of someone’s belief, rather than just the person. Of course, after attacking the logic, it’s best to go on and follow this up with the rationale as to why your belief is better. Isn’t that how minds are swayed? Now I’m wondering just what the logic would be making it a good practice to allow young parents to bring their newborns to school…

As to the "Captain" in front of my name… as Ms. Lowry nicely highlighted throughout her letter… I am quite proud to hold U.S. Coast Guard license number 254592. Anyone want to go for a boat ride?

Until next week, remember that usually people cause accidents, but sometimes accidents cause people! tomiswho@mindspring.com