In reference to “An Open Letter to Bristol Palin:”

To the editor:

In response to the numerous comments I have seen all over the Internet and especially in regards to those contained in “An Open Letter to Bristol Palin,” I must say that I am appalled that so many people seem to misunderstand the definition of the term, “not realistic.” I, along with thousands of others, watched Bristol Palin’s interview on Fox news, and I am not downplaying the fact that Bristol said about abstinence, it is “not realistic.” While this may not be how I would have chosen to answer that question, I will not choose to take her words and speak out of context.

I have no idea what was going through Bristol’s mind when she made the comment about abstinence, but I do know the meaning of the term, “not realistic.” According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “unrealistic” or to use Bristol’s words, “not realistic,” means inappropriate to reality. So, when Bristol said “abstinence is … not realistic,” we cannot take this statement and assume that she meant abstinence is not possible or practical, but we can agree with Bristol that abstinence is not reality in today’s world.

Sure, abstinence is ideal, and I have no doubt that Bristol Palin fully understands why it is not only ideal, but the best thing. However, we would be deceiving ourselves, and anyone else paying attention, if we thought abstinence was realistic or reality, because abstinence is not reality in today’s society. It is certainly the best idea, it is achievable, and it has benefits that far outweigh the consequences of a poor decision, but that does not mean that abstinence is realistic. To say that abstinence is not realistic is to recognize the condition of the world in which we live.

I am in no way trying to say that abstinence is something to be taken lightly or even to be forgotten, but rather that it is an ideal to strive for and something that I will always be in favor of.

Bristol, thank you for your boldness to speak out on national television in what must be a difficult, yet exciting time in your life. Although life may be somewhat challenging right now, let me encourage you to remain strong and confident in the midst of your circumstances. I wish you the best for the future.

Rebecca Sheldon

Goldsboro, N.C.