Should this woman (and her husband) be prosecuted?

Question

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/1/18_KIDS?SITE=ILMOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
With the planet on the brink of environmental disaster I feel that this should be a crime.
18 kids!
Insane.
18 home schooled kids!
Criminal.
What the hell are these idiots thinking?

Answer 1

What an absurd question. Thank heavens you aren't in charge of passing such laws. I cannot believe there are people out there that have the audacity to say how many children a family should have! As if the initial act of their procreation is personally affecting YOU! If it does not affect you, then try complaining about something that does for a change.

Answer 2

Homeschooling kids is not criminal. In fact, homeschooled kids are far better educated and socialized in many cases than public or private schooled kids.



18 kids is something I'd never personally do. I had 5 and most of them are grown and on their own now, good productive members of society.



However strange I think it is for the Duggars to have 18 kids, as long as they can take care of them and don't have to use my taxes to be on welfare to feed their kids, it's none of my business.



They seem to be raising all the kids to be polite, respectful, considerate, and productive. A far cry from a lot of parents in this country and their kids. I'd give the Duggar kids a better chance at making the world a better place than a lot of kids these days.



I am not a Christian, and so I don't feel that I can judge their religion regarding to the issue of how many kids they have and how they are being raised.



Rather, I am looking at the kids themselves and how they are turning out.



So far, they seem to be doing very well. It doesn't seem like they will end up as criminals by any means, instead I think if they continue on as they are, the kids will grow up to be really productive, positive members of society. Again, that's a hell of a lot more than anyone can say about a LOT of kids nowadays.

Answer 3

Mr. Name,



IS this family on welfare? No~~ Are their children having troubles with academics? NO!!!! Does the family have a history of being a burden on the state? NO!!



So what is your problem really? In countries all over the world it is common to have large families and it is actually consider an honor.



I agree however that they have too many children after eight I wonder how can a human body endure so much.



I watched a special on this family and they are very loving and organized. Their children are bright and well loved. How many small families have you witnessed that had none of these qualities?



I say leave them a lone.

Answer 4

They are quite capable of taking care of a large family and if you read the complete story, you'll find that they teach their children respect and loving affection for each other. They are a marvelous example of how a Christian family should be.



To suggest they should be prosecuted for ANY reason is beyond judgmental. Are they harming you or anyone you know?



God bless!

Answer 5

Actually -- since fundagelicals have gone out of their way to tell us (again and again) that the reason heterosexual marriage is the only "legitimate" form of marriage is because heterosexuals can procreate, I think a law should be passed requiring heterosexual couples who marry to have a child within two years of their marriage, and then at least one child every two years after that until the wife (who, according to the Bible, is subject to the husband) reaches menopause.



The famous composer J.S. Bach had 32 children. Should we expect heterosexually-married fundagelicals to have any less?



Considering that it is their Godly DUTY to procreate, I think we should expect no less than 30 children from heterosexually-married fundagelical children -- and if they can't produce at least one child every two years, their marriage license should be revoked!



And don't worry about "environmental disaster" -- True Christians® have stated that fundagelicals are going to be "raptured" off the face of the earth before anything bad happens so they can relish watching the carnage happening below from their plush, overstuffed box seats in Heaven!

Answer 6

There aren't enough people like this to have any impact at all on the environment. I think you're not really concerned about the environment at all but you enjoy poking fun and belittling these people.



This is from someone who has the exact same reaction as you do to such a story. I just think maybe we all ought to look at ourselves and see what we can fix rather than going on about how everyone else needs fixing. Change starts at home.

Answer 7

Prosecuted? No! So what, they don't care for birth control? They are married and seem happy. They can reproduce until her uterus falls out for all I care.



The only thing that struck me was the part about the "chore swapping". I think they make girls to all the cleaning and cooking while the boys get to be outside getting dirty. That's kind of old fashioned, but it's their family, their choice.



*edit* I think I get what you're saying though. One day we're going to have to limit our child production like China. The world IS going to be overpopulated and resources will become scarse. Yeah, I agree :)

Answer 8

I'm not sure what business it is of yours. Having that many kids to feed and clothe, as these parents have done is remarkable. It's really a blessing. I personally come from a family of 13 and my parents kept us fed and clothe. We were loved and cared for. Without federal help!

Answer 9

the planet isn't on the brink of environmental disaster.



humanity is doomed, yes, but it's testament to our arrogant overuse of natural resources and our willful overpopulation.



the planet will still be here for at least 4 billion years, the planet certainly isn't doomed.

Answer 10

If these parents are providing for all the needs of their children, who are you to say whether or not their actions are criminal?



While it is true that the majority of people who breed in such a fashion are predominately stupid, stupidity is not a crime (though it should be) and you have no right to dictate your values and will onto others.

Answer 11

I dont see anything wrong they have the means to support and with that many tax deductions probably dont pay a lot for taxes. Kids look healthy. A kid is a kid no matter who has them. Would you rather they would have aborted them. Maybe someone should have aborted you.

Answer 12

What are you an idiot. There is nothing wrong with having 18 kids or home schooling them.

Answer 13

Some day soon our society will have to make hard choices about what freedom and liberty and fairness means when it comes to procreation. It's going to be a really tough problem to solve, with lots of argument and conflict and I don't think anyone has the answers yet.

Answer 14

They are great. I think it is wonderful. The planet is not on the brink of environmental disaster you are listening to Gore too much. Just remember he also invented the internet.

Answer 15

Do you REALLY want to have baby police?



This may not reflect you, but I find it ironic a lot of people claim to be for reproductive rights when it comes to abortion, but hold a stance similar to yours when it comes to having children, a very hypocritical gesture

Answer 16

One family this size doesn't really matter. What I am thinking is how in the hell do they manage all those kids?

Answer 17

Maybe in China, but in the USA it's none of anyone's damn business how many children someone else has. Where do you get the right to tell someone else how many kids they can have.

Answer 18

You're right. Clearly the answer is for people to apply to have children. The government should determine who can have them and how many they can have. Our freedom and right to live life according to our beliefs is not important.

Answer 19

Nothing wrong with this if they are loving good parents leave them be!



Environmental disaster NO!!!

Answer 20

I've watched the Christian couple on TV and to my knowledge, they're not on welfare. So what does it matter to you? (Even better, they're not using your tax dollars to educate their kids, even.)



It's not for everyone (or maybe, not even most), but if it works for them (and I think they're planning on another pregnancy), God bless them!

Answer 21

They are perfectly fine,responsible people, homeschooling children is a tough job.

Answer 22

i don't know but my stomach is like a bit of chewing gum after 3 so i wouldn't like to see it after 18. they must have some patience!

Answer 23

I saw them on the Discovery channel. I have to give them credit for trying to rear that many children. I wouldn't want to do it!

Answer 24

Prosecuted? No!



It does show a complete lack of common sense though.

Answer 25

Oh please. You should mind your own business. They are supporting their kids, and seems like their raising them good, so why is it your business?

I highly doubt this one family is really going to effect th environment that much.

Answer 26

They are religious and state that they will continue to have more if god wills it. It looks like the girls can't cut their hair.

With that many children you know there is at least one Atheist and one gay child. I wonder how they will deal with that?

Answer 27

Does it actually affect your life? Probably not. Live and let live.

Answer 28

Collect stamps! Go bowling!



"Love is no reason to procreate."

Answer 29

i didnt watch but 18 kids, yes i condiser that a crime because it is bringing about the end of humanity. we need couples who plan on replacing themselves and nothing else. stop with the babymaking

Answer 30

If they're good parents and are supporting them... to each his own.

Answer 31

omg... 18??? simply a crime.... i think that parents don't know the meaning of the word condoms

Answer 32

prosecuted for what? God did say "Go forth and multiply."

Answer 33

I don't see a problem.

Answer 34

Not prosecuted, just sterilized maybe. What do these people think they are bunny rabbits?

Answer 35

that's a lot of kids.. well no except..

they're ALL home schooled??!?!? PERSECUTE THEM!!!