So why would he pay child support?
Well because it is the law. And it is part of the civil process which makes parties be accountable for their personal responsibilities.
I would rather the child's father be forced to pay child support than have the mother go on welfare and I end up paying for it.
Yes seriously... Men have ZERO rights when it comes to kids in today's society and I find it appalling.
So YES, I am dead serious... If a dad gets no say, then he shouldn't have to pay. It's completely different if he's trying to run out, but if he's trying to be involved, as Levi says he is, then I don't think he should have to pay a dime.
If they want to keep the baby away from him, then fuck them.
He should sue the shit out of them for everything those neo-cooks have.
Actually in some states, if both parties agree to this they can go before the judge and request a judgement based on the mutual agreement that the mother (or the father depending on what they both agree with.) will forego any and all future child support in exchange for the other parent giving up all parental rights to the child. This basically renders the parent giving up the rights to the status of a passerby on the street in the childs life.
I have a very very close friend who went through this. (this is why I have an insight to this and the process because I basically researched this with him and acted as a witness to all parties and papers.) The mother gave up all parental rights to the child in exchange for not having to pay child support.
That means she has no visitation rights whatsoever. None. No every other weekend. No summer weeks. No Mother's Day, Xmas, birthdays, etc.. (Although he allows her to visit openly and freely whenever she wants but he doesn't have to. he can say fuck off and there is nothing she can do outside of getting an attorney and filing an appeal) He makes all decisions on the childs upbringing. School, religion, etc.. He does not have to ask her permission or even notify her if he wanted to move to another state or country. He could just pack up and go, not even required to leave as much as a Post It note behind to notify her where they went. In the event of a mortal situation where a life or death decision must be made, (like deciding to take the child off life support, organ donation, etc..) she has absolutely no say whatsoever.
Now. That being said, which is in agreement with your view about a father not having to be involved if he isn't sticking around... I don't share your view about Levi's circumstance. You see, he can be hit with child support no matter what. He can actually be forced to pay child support and still have no legal visitation rights to the child. The Palins are actually doing the right thing by allowing him to visit at their home under supervision. Yes, it is not exactly fair to him as a father, but in eyes of the law and court, they are going way beyond what they are required to do and showing the extension of goodwill towards him.
You know my feelings on the entire Palin clan so don't think this is a knock on you my friend, it simply is an accurate observation from the side of the law and the courts.Also, one could argue that a child that young (under 6 months right?) really doesn't NEED to be away from it's mother overnight. Yes, Levi should be given adequate time for the child to bond with him as a father and it seems the Palins are giving him that opportunity. Which makes me wonder why he would go on tv and knock them for things if he really was interested in sticking around in the baby's life long term. When someone has the legal power to prevail in court over you, you might want to tend to keep them on your good side.
The part I have
bolded in your quote, I agree 150%. Not just them, but anyone that does this. This is very common with teen pregnancies. The mother tends to live under her parents roof and her parents see the baby's father in an unfavorable light and seek to protect their daughter from further damage and heartache. (after all, you would do the same for your daughter too if you thought her baby daddy was irresponsible, lazy, good for nothing, etc..)
However, once he goes through legitimation of the child and gets court ordered visitation rights, he can hold up the finger to Todd, Sarah, and Bristol face and go "fuck you. I am seeing my son and there is nothing you can do about it."