Lord knows when it comes to politics I’m no fan of the Sarah Palin clan, but darn if they don’t keep earning my begrudging admiration in some way or another. I admit to having spent more than a few minutes in the past year or so snickering over the ever-juicy developments of the Bristol Palin / Levi Johnston made-for-reality-TV soap opera (Playgirl? An “acting debut” advocating teen abstinence? Who could make this stuff up?!)… but I’m cheering now for Bristol and her new gig on Dancing With The Stars.

“I’m not the first mom to participate on Dancing with the Stars … and like those who came before me, I want to set a good example for all of the amazing moms out there,” Bristol told RadarOnline.com. “Yes, we can balance work and family, and we can also take on a new and exciting challenge.”

Read Mean Betty on Bristol Palin, GlamaMama

Yes, we can! I was appalled by the criticism Kate Gosselin received for appearing on the show, and I’m sure Bristol is going to hear some of the same. And don’t even get me started on the notion that she’s somehow glamorizing teen pregnancy. What’s she supposed to do – stay home wearing a hair shirt and bare feet, bemoaning the ruination of her young life? No. She’s supposed to be doing exactly what she’s doing – making the most of what is a blessing in the end, and making the most of all the opportunities that she gets.