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Welcome to the Sound Off Discussion Board, where parents from all walks of life and all parts of the world come together in one place to share their opinions and thoughts about the question of the week. Please remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion and the freedom to express it. Obscene posts are unwelcome and shall be removed from the board. Please keep in mind that this is a public board. Never post personal information that you would be uncomfortable sharing with others. Comments about this board should be sent to iParenting's Webmaster. Thank you for contributing! If you have a suggestion for the question of the week, send it to feedback@iparenting.com.

David Letterman recently became a father at the age of 56. Are people who chose to have a child later in life being fair to that child?

For archived topics, click here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all the the folks living in the U.S.
Hope all the rest of you have a great Thursday too ;-)

What am I thankful for?

My daughter
My husband
The rest of my family
The roof over our heads
My friends
that God takes care of us when sometimes it looks like things are just impossible $$
My list could go on....
Margarita
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 20:08:43 (EST)
Hello all and Happy Thanksgiving. I surely dont get on here as much as I used to! Hope all are doing well!

Well, my husband is going to school to become an elementary school teacher, and he's been learning a lot about school ethics and such. It will be very tricky once he is working in the school system to balance having fun during the Holiday's, with need to refrain from bringing God/church/racial backgrounds into those social times. There will be no singing of Christmas songs, no Thanksgiving stories...nothing. I have to agree with both sides. While I think its important to respect people's values, and the need to keep Church/school seperate, I do feel bad for the kids who miss out on having a bit of fun during such an exciting time of year. Its just too bad that there cannot be a better balance of things.

On another note...I am more excited than words can say for Thanksgiving dinner. Being pregnant makes me appreciate it EVEN more. I'm looking forward to seeing my family and spending some time with hubby (we live a pretty crazy schedule right now). So, I would like to add a few things that I am thankful for:

1. My healthy baby that is growing inside me, and with whom I'm all ready deeply in love with.
2. My loving husband who always goes out of his way to make me feel like the sexiest pregnant lady around.
3. For my family - although they have their faults, who always tell me that they love me.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!!
A Goodwin
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 14:35:41 (EST)
I think that the idea behind Thanksgiving is to GIVE THANKS. Of course there is the history behind it and everything, but really, anyone despite their race or culture can take a day and be THANKFUL for everything that they have. Their freedom, rights, clothing, food, shelter, children, pets, the list goes on.

I am a Christian and I try to remember to thank God for all of these things on a regular basis, but to be able to get together with family and friends and celebrate all of our blessings on Thanksgiving Day is a great way to show appreciation for all we've been given.
SO to all of you in the United States, HAPPY THANKSGIVING..GOBBLE, GOBBLE!
SH
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 11:12:09 (EST)
Skipping a play because of something like that is ridiculous! I am sorry, but like Kerri was saying, it is bad enough the kids no longer sing Christmas songs or say the Pledge of Allegiance anymore (in California only right?). This country has gone way too far in the PC arena. Like SH said, it is probably because of the people bringing up these silly useless lawsuits, and the lawyers wasting the court's valuable time with them. If something is going on at school that goes against what a parent's personal philosophy is, then bring it up in private with your child and explain why you feel differently, but don't ruin it for all the other children!
And yes, I think public school education has gone down dramatically. My 10 year old doesn't know how to reduce fractions and she gets to use a calculator for her math homework (well not at home anyway, which makes me the terrible step-mother)! They teach them to use it! Does that sound logical? So what happens when these kids go off to take the SAT or ACT and can't get a good enough score to get into a good university because our own schools didn't prepare them adequately? I will tell you what will happen. We are going to have an ignorant society, that loses all the best US school placements to international students because it is only outside the US where the children are learning what they should be still. And remember, these are the ones who will be taking care of us in 40 years and running our country! VERY SCARY! We really need to vote for the school referendum and fast!
cameragirl
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 08:46:14 (EST)
Margarita...I doubt if you will feel any different when your child reaches school age...if not, the things you see and hear will only make you angrier!!! I agree with your post! The poor kids are being isolated and singled out! If mommy and daddy don't believe in God and want to raise their child in a God free world, then they should have the decency to either homeschool or leave it be and explain it to their child at home...but leave the other children alone! I say this because if you go complaining about every litle thing they teach your child in school or rules that have been set in place for years, your child WILL suffer for this at any age level! As I said before, let the children have their celebrations reguardless of what they are called! It is wrong to turn a simple celebration which is meant to be a joyous time into something politically correct and confusing for them! I hope the teachers realize what they are being asked to do and try to still make it fun for the kids as there is a time for seriousness and a time for joy! Just my thoughs tho...

Take care all and have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!
LH
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 07:38:08 (EST)
sc ~ I'm not trying to be argumentative - Lord knows I think it is crazy the lengths that have been gone to regarding religion in school and pc in school BUT basically the parents do make the decisions in the form of the lawsuits that are brought against the school districts. There are even lawsuits where the complaint IS that the child's options were to participate or leave the stage, not attend, etc. The parents bringing these lawsuits feel that it will make their child feel isolated from the rest of the kids and they shouldn't have to conform to beliefs they don't have to "conform". My opinion on this is that the parents are making a deal out of this when probably the kids don't care all that much and that really it is the parent making the kid feel isolated. I'm talking about things like the pledge of allegience, prayer at graduation, games, singing songs that mention God at school, etc. But these are just my opinions and my dd is not school age, might feel differently when she is in school.
Margarita
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 02:56:02 (EST)
Hi folks. Been away for a day or two. Let's see... about the 4-1-1:

Phil
Saskatchewan (next door to Alberta)
6 month old who has about 50 nicknames, but here we will call him Joseph-after his Grandpa
Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Currently work at a feed mill
Food? gotta be steak; born and raised on the prairies
2 tabby cats--Rocky(M) and Sprout(F) both neut. They don't smell either.
Fav. vacation--mountains and/or west coast always good. Most recently went camping in the redwoods in California. Awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving to you south-of-the-border folks. Drive safely if you're not on a plane.
Philbert
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 23:44:31 (EST)
This is for Kerri's post about getting to know everyone. (great idea)

*Sharon
*17 weeks pregnant w/ first child
*love to eat pizza, and I am craving tomato sauces and salt
*as far as pets go my dh and I have a few squirrels living in our trees and the neighborhood dogs come to visit every now and then
*I am not working right now (just resting up for the baby)

I think it is ridiculous that schools are canceling these holiday plays. Children look forward to performing and having a break from all the hard work they have been doing. Who makes these descisions anyway? Why not let the kids decide. If they don't want to participate or if their parent's don't want them to,let them stay home.


sc
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 21:14:44 (EST)
Yikes, dd is being YUCKY tonight - she has had a runny nose so maybe the cold she has been likely fighting finally decided to rear it's ugly head. You know the "mommy hold me" (I pick her up) "No hold me BIG (meaning both arms)" so I hold her with big arms. "No mommy *tears start and whining too* I wanna do it all by myelf" LOL I don't know if I should laugh at her or pull my hair out but for the life of me I can't make her happy ;-)

Kerri ~ I just did a presentation about a month ago in class on religion in schools. If you look at the Supreme and District Court Cases you will see why things have gotten to the point they have - lawsuits have pretty much forced the hand of the gov't.

Cherokee ~ thanks and good luck to you too! 3 of my classes are online so I know what you mean, unfotunately that won't be an option once I am a WSU student.

For Thanksgiving - we live within 2 hours of all of our immediate family and this year we are having Thanksgiving with my dh's mom and her family. I am making rosemary pinwheels and spinach dip with homemade bread (aka as appetizers lol). Tempted to make bread pudding as well so I know I will have a desert there that is not really high in sat fats and sugar - I substitute applesauce for fats and also use fructose or raw cane sugar in baking instead of processed sugars. Or maybe I'll take a day off from worrying about it ;-)

Margarita
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 21:01:00 (EST)
Is VANESSA on this board anymore?
Kerri
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 19:08:01 (EST)
Cherokee- I meant the history that truly happened. The books are written with only one view, and not always the truth. And quite often written from the view of white men who don't ever want to come off as the bad ones.

There are alot of groups out there who never go to tell their side of what happened in the past.
Riley's Mom
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 18:19:25 (EST)
Kerri-No kidding. :0) Ever since that apple got passed back and forth it has been downhill! LOL!
Cherokee
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 18:12:33 (EST)
Hi all! Wow, iparentings slow on this one!! :-(

Kerri...I agree with you on hoe PC our schools are becoming...these are just kids for goodness sakes! They have plent of time to learn of the injustices done to the American Idians...let them have their Thanksgiving play and celebrations...don't read too much into it as it really is a day to give thanks to God more than anythings! And the Christmas holiday becoming PC so that we no whave to call it a Winter holiday because someone thinks its wrong to add the word "Christ" in there...so sad! As I've stated before...take God out of the schools and tell him he is now longer wanted there and then ask why our children are coming to school with guns and killing each other! The writing is on the wall! Just my thoughts tho...
LH
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 18:10:21 (EST)
Cherokee-
I do agree that what was done to the Native Americans was wrong. It is wrong to force anyone out of their home. Especially since the white men had the advantage of guns... I just wish our history could have been nicer to everyone involved. I know...only in utopia!
Kerri
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 17:34:48 (EST)
Cherokee-wow your story makes me want to do more research. But the story of the first Thanksgiving was a "good" celebration between the Natives and the white men. I just find it sad that so much seems to be removed from our schools. I used to love singing Christmas songs every year...
Here is a website about Squanto. I hope it is "accurate".
http://www.joyfulheart.com/holiday/squanto.htm
Kerri
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 17:30:32 (EST)
Riley's Mom - I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'true history'? Could you please clarify?
Cherokee
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 15:33:14 (EST)
I just read your post Cherokee. It is a shame that true history seems to be forgotten, at a time when we could all learn from it.
Riley's Mom
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 15:15:46 (EST)
That is a little strange Kerri. I know that here we have the same thing with Christmas. My husbands work calls it their "Winter Celebration"
Makes you wonder if anybody knows why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
Riley's Mom
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 15:13:06 (EST)
Hi Kerri-

I understand what you are talking about. It is disappointing that kids can't even have Christmas pageants because schools want to keep religion and school separate.

However, because I am 3/4 Native American - I feel very compelled to say - that I have a little problem with the Thanksgiving play - it is usually based on the story of Squanto. That was pretty much the only time the pilgrims and the Natives were ever unified. These plays never tell the real story of what happened just a short year later - where Native women were captured and raped, and forced to become the property of white men and bear their children. Native men were promised payments to be guides for the whites and then were kidnapped against their will and put on boats and wagons to become property of whites. Alot of Americans aren't aware of the real History between the pilgrims and natives. It generally wasn't friendly. Otherwise reservations would never have been created to exile the natives so the pilgrims could take all the land. I want to be careful not to leap on the racial soap box - but all of this info is documented. Most Natives don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional sense. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our own way in our family. We are thankful to our Creator for our health, our babies, our jobs and our successes in life. This comment wasn't meant as a downer - but it is a documented piece of American History that isn't in most of the books we got in school. I'm very patriotic and support the country I live in no matter what. After all, it happened a long time ago. I'm sure my comment will invite comment from a troll or too (oh-by the way Philbert - I read that article-thanks!)but it's something I feel strongly about.
Cherokee
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 15:12:22 (EST)
I read an article today about a school in my area that for the first time in it's 29 year history decided to pull the "Thanksgiving Play" this year due to the fact that having the kids make and wear Indian hats out of construction paper was "politically incorrect". They state having the children dress up like pilgrims and Indians was teaching the kids that differences exist and that is not right.
UH, last I knew we ALL were different in some way or another. Isn't that what makes America unique?
Is this the new "public" education system? It is bad enough that they don't do Christmas plays anymore in school because of religious differences, but to not celebrate a real day in American history where everyone actually got along and became friends (Pilgrims and Indians) is bizarre to me. I honestly think our country is going down in education. I am appalled by this. Any comments from the board?
Kerri
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 14:33:34 (EST)
Sarah
Ontario
Evelyn 11 months
SAHM for now, Pet Groomer by profession
Pretty much anything home cooked
Basil (Shih-tzu), Oliver (Bichon Frise)
Vacation? HA! Wouldn't know.

OSCAR-My pets don't smell! :o)



SH
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 12:30:09 (EST)
Janelle
Paige 2, Step-daughter Allie 10
Currently IL, originally WA
job-freelance photographer, mom, wife
fav food-anything Italian
pets- Hershey the choc. lab
fav vacation- Hawaii
dream vacation- Fiji Islands
Cameragirl
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 08:53:12 (EST)
Does it usually take a while for iparenting to post new questions? Since I am fairly new to this forum I wasn't sure.

Margarita - best of luck to you! We ahve two teachers in our family and they love it!I'm only in school part time time and it is really hard, but I know what you mean - homework usually waits until the kids are in bed so it is always after 8pm when I get to it. I'm doing alot of my undergard stuff now, so it is mostly online which is great. I have to say I'm nervous for when my nursing curriculum starts. My oldest is 20 and she just received her massage therapy license and is already out on her own. The other two children I share with my ex-husband have a lot of activities (soccer and band, science club and baseball) but they spend a lot of time with my ex (who lives about 4 blocks away)so that helps. My husband is really good about helping out with our kids too (we have 2 children together)I really enjoy staying home with my kids - I'm not planning on going back into the medical field until they are much older.

Here's a question: WHAT IS EVERYONE DOING FOR THANKSGIVING?

We are going to Colorado for 5 days (leaving tonight as it is an 11 hour drive and the kids will sleep a lot of the way)so I will be M.I.A. for a while. Everybody take care and have a safe and wonderful holiday! TTFN!! (in the words of Tigger: Ta Ta For Now ! :0)
Cherokee
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 08:35:35 (EST)
Hi all!

I thought that the question was interesting so, I decided to post.

I don't think that Letterman's age should be a factor, but I am bias. My husband is 52 years old and our daughter Joyce is 33 months (will be 3years in Feb).

I like the yalls bio's.

Take Care for now.

Auf Wiedersehen (This is about as good as I've gotten in German :)

It's not as cold here as I would have imagined Europe would be. As a matter of fact, it's 57 degrees. According to the Germans, that's pretty unusual for this time of the year. I could have stayed at Mac Dill if I want a hot Christmas. :( (Just kidding-military don't have a choice as to where go)

Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Shawanda
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 03:00:13 (EST)
I think its great for anyone to have children regardless of their age!!!! Its a wonderful experience no matter how old/young you are. Im sure that child will never want for anything (not just materialistic things)!!!
Jennie
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 22:52:15 (EST)
Jennie, 31
Indiana-originally Illinois
Full time Medical assistant at a pediatric doctors office
Coty-13, stepson Nick-14, great nephew Caleb-18months
Chicken/broc. alfredo
Fish/Fish/and more fish (pets)
Dominican Republic
Jennie
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 22:49:22 (EST)
hi all, good idea with everyone giving their 4-1-1! i haven't been posting for a while cause i've just been crazy busy, and i must say, i do miss the board! hopefully things will calm down for me a bit and i can get back on here regularly..

ok i am..
jennifer
from bermuda
tiahna 2yrs, stepdaughter natasha (almost 12), stepson brian 13.
job? mommy/wife
fave food? lasagna! and ice cream!
no pets...
fave place to visit? vermont.
dream place to visit? tahiti...

bye for now!

j-mo
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 20:06:17 (EST)
Hi all! Good idea!

Angela

Iowa--I'm a native of Minnesota though--Go Vikes!

Maranda--8
Mason--2
Dayton Faith--5 months

Social Worker

I'm with Oscar--I love a good steak! I like just about any type of Mexican Food though too!

I've always wanted to go on a cruise...maybe someday!
angela
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 19:37:44 (EST)
M.C.
NY
Margot 4 years old
model/designer
pizza
Francesca-Siamese cat
Austrailia

Viewer
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 17:38:45 (EST)
Cherokee ~ I am going to be entering a teaching program offered by Washington State University this summer - in June. I am completing my pre-reqs to be eligible for the program. I just completed the state standardized test on Sat - I have to pass it prior to being accepted.
RN programs are hard - a good friend of mine just completed hers about 6 months ago. She had been an LPN for several years and was working and going to school. They didn't have kids so I can't imagine how you do it because she was very busy. And now she is not even working because she is going to Germany where her husband is stationed - although he is in Bahgdad and will be there for 6.5 more months.
It IS hard going to school while you have kids - in fact I skipped my on campus class today so I could work on some end of quarter projects that are due Wed. My daughter is constantly competing for my attention and often the only time I can do homework is after she goes to bed, which has me up til about 1 am most nights ;) it's a good thing my on campus class isn't at 8 am.
Margarita
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 16:24:04 (EST)
Cherokee-good luck with the studying. Let me know if you need any advice on the nursing school studies. I have worked in practically every area of nursing!

My cousin lives in Wheat Ridge, Co. It is beautiful there!
I feel bad for anyone working in that heat!
Kerri
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 14:27:58 (EST)
Margarita - You mentioned you are a full-time student. What is the focus of your education? It's hard with kids isn't it?

I'm going to school part-time, (in between kids, homeschooling and the daycare business) working towards my RN. I'm not doing firefighting anymore - I want to try the flight nurse arena.
Cherokee
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 14:19:30 (EST)
Kerri...

104F is nothing! :0)

We get as high as 116F (I'm sure your sis has told you)in the summer. My husband is a surveyor and works outside in that sometimes 10 hours straight! I don't know how he does it. At least when I dealt with extreme heat it was in very temporary situations.

We are thinking about moving to Colorado - someplace the seasons actually CHANGE!


Cherokee
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 14:15:08 (EST)
That is cold! We were there the first week in June and the temp was 104! That was too hot for us!
We are cold here with snow!
Kerri
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 13:58:58 (EST)
Rita - 29
Miranda - 2.5
the Evergreen state (Washington)
Full Time Student, part time mortgage broker from my home office
I'm with Cherokee - my homemade chicken enchiladas and yes they are spicey!!
Pets? He hee - well there is Gator our German Shep mutt; Samson our 15 week old black lab; Lilly, T-Cat, Tortellina, South and Pudge - our cats (all nuetered!!) and there is Lu-Lu, Ranger and Granny - our equine pets.
My favorite place to visit? Embarrassed to say that with all these pets we don't get to do alot of traveling, but one of our favorites is Idaho State where we have family and we lived for a year - the pandhandle - dry AND evergreen trees ;-)
My dream vacation? The Italian Riveara.
Margarita
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 13:56:23 (EST)
Oscar - Funny! :0)

Kerri - Your sis and I are neighbors! I live in Chandler. We are having a cold (cold for us anyway)morning - it's only 46F!!

We are going to Colorado for Thanksgiving and the highs have been in the mid-30's...we can't wait!
Cherokee
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 13:12:19 (EST)
Oscar the Grouch
California
Melodie 3
Consultant
A good steak
I hate animals, they smell
Beach
Oscar
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 13:03:45 (EST)
Jennifer

Alberta, Canada

Riley 20 months, #2 EDD May 27

Freelance Photographer/ SAHM

Balsamic Marinated Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Cat Kiwi ( very very old! )

Anywhere in the Mountains.

Just a note as well. While Ontario has their own Province wide police force in Alberta there is the Edmonton City Police and the Calgary City Police. All the smaller rural areas are still policed by the RCMP. Although other thatn that the RCMP work more with forensics and major federal cases.
Riley's Mom
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 13:00:44 (EST)
Cherokee-where in AZ? My sis lives in La Mesa...
Kerri
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 12:41:30 (EST)
Hey Kerri - I like this idea!

here is my 4-1-1

RENEE

ARIZONA

Megan-20/Dylan-12/Nathan-10 Madison 6/Esai 9months

EMT/Firefighter turned stay-at-home mom with daycare business

Enchiladas (Beef)Spicier the better

No pets - I have plenty of KIDS

ALASKA
Cherokee
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 12:18:24 (EST)
Kerri...good idea...here goes! :-)

LYDIA
OHIO
MISTY, 16
HOMEMAKER
PIZZA
ABBY (the dog), SPIKE (the cockateil), SAMMY (the parrot), MR.P (the fish)
EPCOT@DISNEY WORLD
LH
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 11:49:01 (EST)
CHEROKEE-Here in Ontario we are policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Philbert gave you a good explanation of RCMP.

PHILBERT-I do totally agree about just getting along with eachother. I once went to a church youth retreat in the Pocono Mountains (in Pennsylvania) and for no reason whatsoever the Canadians were called names and picked on, it was ridiculous. It is all because of their parents ignorant comments towards Canada and anything that isn't "American". It would be nice if everyone just grew up and realized that we're all PEOPLE, we just live in different areas of the world.
OK I'm off my soapbox now! :o)
SH
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 11:48:29 (EST)
KERRI
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (CHICAGO BURBS)
MELISSA 2 YEARS OLD
REGISTERED NURSE-EMERGENCY ROOM
CHICKEN MARSALA
LEXI THE WONDER CAT
BARCELONA, SPAIN

Kerri
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 10:49:16 (EST)
Here's one LH-
How about learning about everyone here on the board.

NAME
LOCATION
CHILD'S FIRST NAME AND AGE
OCCUPATION (current or past)
FAVORITE FOOD
PET'S NAME
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT
Kerri
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 10:45:32 (EST)
The age of either parent is insignificant to me as long as the child/baby is healthy and normal. Couples who have children at a very late age, sometimes it is not by their choice. We have to leave it to couples to decide when they are ready to have kid/kids.
Alice Ling
email: alww1406@yahoo.com
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 01:31:36 (EST)
Anyone ready for a new question yet??? (I AM!!)
LH
Monday, November 24, 2003 at 00:17:06 (EST)
SH--I see. Yeah I do watch Law and Order sometimes. I'll have to try to catch that one in re-runs.

Cherokee--I know it's not my conversation, but yes you're very close. They are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP. They are often called 'Mounties' for short. But they have nothing to do with our military, so if we were invaded by another country, they would be the last people to call; they're just cops paid for with federal tax money. One could probably say that they play a similar role to the FBI in the U.S. Hope this helps your understanding a bit, and I mean that sincerely; not trying to be a smart @$$. I like to take opportunities to advance positive exchange in both directions across the border whenever possible. I'd bet SH would agree. When it all comes down, we are very similar ppl. We just live on different sides of some imaginary political line that someone drew a couple hundred years ago. You guys got the warm side!! Take Care.
Philbert
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 22:30:19 (EST)
SH - I'm sorry. Isn't your law enforcement in Canada called the Mounted Police (or something like that?)or 'Mounties' for short?
Cherokee
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 21:52:47 (EST)
I believe it is a different world we live in.My husband is 55 and I am 42 and have just adopted our third child. I am less concerned with the age as long as the ability to responsibly parent is there. I would also love to see people who are so dedicated to each other and who say their families to marry and give there families a united name. United we stand.
MELISSA TONKINSON
email: MPEACO@NEO.RR.COM
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 14:37:13 (EST)
KERRI-Canada is one of the most multicultural countries you can find...because of immigration. Not everyone wants to live in the U.S. (I don't), and although it is a good country and I have no problem with our neighbours, I'd much rather stay right here.

CHEROKEE-Some Canadians complain about the U.S. because of the ignorance that the U.S. tends to have about us. Calling us Mounties?

It's not ok for anyone to poke fun at other countries or to generalize everyone into one category. We are all proud of who we are and where we came from, and there's nothing wrong with that, but to put other people's homeland down is very self-righteous, don't you think?

PHILBERT-I don't know if you watch Law and Order, but there was an episode about a paedophile who ran a kiddie porn operation. I know it's TV and not accurate, but there is some reality in those types of shows. I'm sure if someone wanted to do a search on the internet they'd be able to find those supporting it..sick as it is.
SH
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 13:10:11 (EST)
What is "fair," anyway? That he will be a loving father and devoted husband? That he may get up in the middle of the night to help with the feedings and changings? Or is fair the fact that he will be in his 70s when his child graduates high school, or that he may not live to see the college graduation, or the wedding, or grandchildren? Only that family knows what they consider "fair," and if they've had a child at this stage in their lives, they must think it is.
Hilary
email: bradsluv27@aol.com
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 09:30:15 (EST)
I think if the parents are capable of having the energy it takes to take care of a young child then it's fine. If the parents have medical problems that will more time than taking care of the child then maybe there time for concieving there own child have passed. When the decision to have children after a person has reached their fifties there is a risk that the parents may not be there before the child reaches adulthood. That possiblity is there for younger parents too, but there are a more factors when the the parent is older.
dee
email: dyvonnejack@aol.com
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 07:24:36 (EST)
OOPS, "families" ...typing too fast. Got to go to work now! Goodnight all!
Kerri
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 00:45:34 (EST)
Bonnie Nuit aka NATIVE AMERICAN...become an educated person and we will talk.

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMLIES!
Kerri
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 00:43:08 (EST)
Margarita...I'm glad your OK and that post was not yours...I really didn't think it was anyways!! DUH!! BTW..CONGRATS on the testing..when will you know if you got in? Are you becoming a teacher or is it for home schooling? I haven't been keeping up with the news here for awhile, so forgive me if I can't remember! As for the facts concernign MJ...there are a few...mainly I just go from what I've heard in the media and my own personal opinion of him. TC!!

Momma to 6 and all...I hope everyone gets a chance to read the article about TROLLS that phil posted...educate yourselfs before you decide to reply anymore please! Google search..http://members.aol.com/intwg/trolls.htm

TC all and enjoy the rest of the wknd!!! :-)
LH
Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 00:30:52 (EST)
Hi all,
I am pretty new to the board ~I have only posted once.. I think~ anyway I got the chance to read the posts tonight and wanted to respond to a few things...
First , as for the topic question, I think that it is each persons choice as to when they have a child. If the child is brought forth into this world out of love, then what real difference does it make how old you are? ~I am 33 and have six children, my last is my husband's 1st child and he is 44 ... sometimes I think he has more energy than I do when it comes to "doing things with the kids" ~ some say it isnt fair to the child because the parent "can't do as much" but I know several families who are younger than my dh and I and they don't do anything with the kids but take them to the sitters because "they" are to busy with adult things or " can't be bothered" with the kids stuff.... why did they have kids in the first place? Like I said, jmo~ I feel if the child is brought into a family with love , then it shouldn't make a difference.

Now as for what Native American said,...you asked "KERRI, WERE IS THE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, YOUR BRAVE MEN ARE FIGHTING FOR? I KNOW, ITS OKAY! SADDAM IS GONE. ALL HIS SONS ARE DEAD, SO WHY KID IS THE BRAVE MEN STILL OVER THERE??????""

If you don't think we have actually found the weapons of mass destruction, Then YOU need to Take A Good, Cold, Hard Look at the HUNDREDS of MASS GRAVES.... you don't think that's mass destruction???? I don't know what is if thats not MASS !! ~geez sorry for yelling , but it really gets me when all these people can think about is metal and chemicals as being the "weapons" that we need to find... Saddam did use those types of things... to kill his own people...he used several "weapons" one being chemicals, concidering he "gassed" his own people because they didnt agree with him... we don't know , one way or the other , what he would have done if left alone.. I think we should have finished it 12yrs ago when we first started it~ but since we didnt then , I am glad to see it being done now. As for our "BRAVE TROOPS", if it weren't for them, there would be more things happening like 9~11. It is a shame that people want to put them down when they are the ones protecting you.

As far as you asking about ancestors , I have some on both sides here, so in some ways I see what you are saying, but is there really a need to yell at anyone? Is it really someone nows fault that ancestors did what they did... do you want someone blaming your gg grandchildren for what you do now?
I know I don't, I want my family to learn from the mistakes of the past but not to point blame for them at the people of today. If someone wants to come into this country, there are LEGAL ways to do it... again, they should learn from our ancestors mistakes, and not do the bad things of the past. ~ and no I really am not trying to put anyone down here by saying that, as I said I have ancestors from both sides of the "story" here ~
Ok (and I will try not to be too "mean", but) I would like to know why it's ok to "complain" ~to put it nicely~ about being called a troll but yet you can sit there and mock someones religion (ie:~"go moses, i'm god, i'm the greatest, and my army is bigger than your army"~) Can we say HYPOCRIT..

(yeah I know my spelling stinks... sorry)
GOD BLESS
Have a great night all
and HAPPY THANKSGIVING
mary beth
Momma to 6
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 22:49:17 (EST)
Well, I changed my mind.... LOL it's a good thing the country I live in allows me to do that ;-)

I just wanted to make a disclaimer to everyone: I didn't post the lengthy self righteous post below beginning with the mock prayer to God. I'll give whoever it the benefit of the doubt and suggest one of us needs to alter our screen name in the event we are both posting here again. Of course, if your just stirring the pot, then *shrugging my shoulders* what can I say? Some people get their kicks in odd ways...
One thing that was nailed though it that I do beleive God is what will bring us through this. No offense meant to anyone who has a different opinion.

Philbert ~ thanks, I'll have to read that one.

Bonni ~ please don't use caps all the time - it is so hard to read. Unless of course you mean to imply you are yelling everything.
The soldiers I know ARE brave. Do you understand that these guys are doing their JOB? They leave their families to go to a scarey place and have to change their whole way of thinking to deal with what they are doing and seeing and the living conditions they are in.
BTW, some of my ancestors ARE Native Americans of the French Canadian area. Yes, Native Americans WERE here first and what happened was horrible BUT it is in the past and a citizen is defined as: a native or inhabitant of a town or city, I could go on but my point is the term is not limited to only the original citizens of a place.

Well, XXXXXX got one thing straight in my book - God Bless the world indeed =).

I am confused though about all these "facts" that are being disputed... I haven't even seen anybody stating facts... and if someone has a problem with facts that ARE stated I wish they would just come out with it and say and provide a factual argument to back them up instead of all this bs.
Margarita
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 21:48:17 (EST)
LH ~ I'm fine... just obviously somebody is irritated with something I posted and thought they would be clever by posting under my name...

I took my state satndardized test today so that I can even enter into a teaching program - wow it was LONG. Not really hard but almost 5 hours of questions. I had to leave here at 6 am to get there and then the testing time and then the drive back, I am wiped out. Not even any argument left in me for some of these posts... but I am sure that will right itself tomorrow ;-)
Margarita
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 21:18:46 (EST)
Hey Phil...that's the one! Great job for someone who's only been online for a short time period...you'll do fine if your that quick!! TC!!
Very informative article!!!
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 19:47:45 (EST)
LH--Good point on internet trolls. I've only been on line for about 6 mos., and didn't know that trolls are an actual entity that lurk on websites like this one. I found the article that I think you are referring to.

EVERYBODY--check this out:
http://members.aol.com/intwg/trolls.htm

I found it by google searching "trolls internet". It's very informative and doesn't take too long to read. A must read for all you regulars to this board.

Riley's Mom--you're welcome.
Philbert
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 18:48:56 (EST)
I really do apologise RILEY...that was not right of me to jump to conclusions!

I wish I could post that article about TROLLS that I found, but it is very long...something about them getting kicks from going into forums and the like and "flaming" the ppl there, even using an alias or trying to pose as one of the established posters there! These TROLLS are usually ppl who have some mental problems and do not understand the pain they may inflict upon others and they thrive off of getting the forum into an uproar, especially if they can turn certain posters against one another. Seriously people, if you don't want to see this escalate, take my advice and ignore the odd posts no matter what they say...and hopefully the TROLL will find another forum to harrass! TC all and have a good night!! :-)
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 17:04:38 (EST)
Native American--Does this mean you are claiming to be XXXXXXX? In any case I'll admit you're right; we shouldn't resort to name calling and I apologize for being one of the offenders if this was you. It's just kind of difficult to take someone seriously on here if they won't leave a name of some sort(even if it's not their real one). BTW, we can read it just as well in lower case letters...
Philbert
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 15:50:42 (EST)
KERRI!

WHY? M O N E Y!

ILLEGAL? HA HA HA HA

WHAT DO YOU CALL "YOUR" ANCESTORS AGAIN??????

AMERICAN CITIZENS OR WHAT????? WERE THERE NOT PEOPLE HERE TO THIS LAND WHEN THEY CAME??????

BRAVE SOLIDERS????? LOL! LOL! LOL!

THEY HATE US BECAUSE WE ARE THE GREATEST SINNERS, SELF-RIGHTEOUS, RACIST.

HIGHEST= NO PLEASE LET ME STOP.
YOU MUST BE SOME KIN TO PHAROAH, go moses, i'm god, i'm the greatest, and my army is bigger than your army.

KERRI, WERE IS THE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, YOUR BRAVE MEN ARE FIGHTING FOR? I KNOW, ITS OKAY! SADDAM IS GONE. ALL HIS SONS ARE DEAD, SO WHY KID IS THE BRAVE MEN STILL OVER THERE??????

IN THE ALMOST TRUE HISTORY BOOKS, YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PEOPLE THAT UTTER THE SAME WORDS, U DID.

TROLL? HUM! WHEN WE CALL OTHER'S NAMES, WELL WE ARE HONEST. WHEN WE ARE CALLED NAMES, WE ARE WHAT????? HUM T R O L L S, OURSELVES. GOODNIGHT TROLLS, WILL YOU COME TOMORROW TO PLAY?????

BONNE NUIT
Native American
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 14:23:36 (EST)
God Bless the USA, and bless our brave soldiers who are risking their lives to help those in need...
Those who doubt the strength of the USA are those who do not live here... they are the jealous ones who will always live in the second best societies of the world. Why are there so many illegal immigrants living here and sneaking in everyday if this were not the BEST nation to achieve the AMERICAN DREAM?
Kerri
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 13:36:24 (EST)
Thank you Philbert. As for everyone else, I can't do anything to prove that I am not XXXXXXX.
I have never hidden my feelings under a fake name. You already don't like me, so why would I have to pick a new sign in.

I do believe that there are others in the world other than me that have problems with some of the things that the states do. Why are you so shocked?

I have never said that our relationship with the states wasn't a good one to have. Some of you seem to think that we are the only beneficiaries of that relationship though.
Well till later, I have scrapbooking to do today!
Riley's Mom
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 13:22:02 (EST)
Phil...I agree...hopefully that was the last of the troll..if not, just remember to ignore!!! TC!
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 13:19:32 (EST)
SH--what's the deal on these child molesting activists? How sick is that! I haven't heard anything about them before. Just wondering if they are a widespread phenomenon or a local freakshow in one spot?

I wonder if our xxxx troll is the same one as Lateecha who posted about halfway down the board with some really brilliant(NOT!) profanity. In any case I highly doubt that it was Riley's Mom because while she may be outspoken, she does not strike me as a coward.
Philbert
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 13:10:22 (EST)
Did you all know that there are actually activists out there promoting paedophelia, claiming that it will one day be accepted just as gay rights are now being accepted? Appalling, I know, but I just thought I'd throw that in the ring...
SH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 12:16:50 (EST)
Margarita...what's up with that? Hun, you OK???

OK...I think what we have on the board is really a TROLL...I just read an amazing article on trolls and what "fuels" them! I think the best idea here would be for us all to IGNORE anything else posted by XXXX or if IT comes in as anything else! Most of us have been here long enough to know who's who and how each of us posts! If you see something strange...ignore it!! It will do no good to argue or try to reason with it as that only fuels it!!The worst thing you can do to a TROLL is to ignore it...eventually they will move on and try to get their "kicks" elsewhere!! Good luck everyone and happy troll hunting!!! LOL!!
(Sorry RILEY!!!)
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 11:01:03 (EST)
GOD I come to you to save America, Save us from the hate and jealousy of the "non free world. You have made us the "best nation". No other is like us, so please bless us and make us more powerful and stronger. Let us do as we like in other people nations, as we want them all to be like us. Let us not respect others cultures and wishes.

Let us continue to be greedy, and self-righteous. Make the whole world to be Christians, as the Christians are the only save people of the world. We are the one's to know best what other's should be like. Let us continue to be opininated, and let us react without facts. Let us live from pay check to pay check, while we continue to give the same little bit to support the "Rich celebrities". As we are the greatest nation on earth. Oh did I ask you to "Bless America? None of us, have never been to MJ's house, but we know he is guilty, so please let's take away his children, and send his butt to jail. Yes we know he needs help as he bleached his skin to many times, he has changed his nose, and he loves children. NO! I've never seen him in his life. NO! I've never even been close, but because he looks like a freak, well you know, he is guilty because he looks crazy. Oh by the way, thanks for making us the greatest nation in the world again. Oh yes, God Bless America!!!

Margarita
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 09:37:40 (EST)
Strange...very strange!!!

Did they drop charges against MJ last night? Thought I heard that on the news. He IS out on bond, though...hope somebodys got their eye on him or he could be out of the country in no time! (Maybe Canada!! LOL!)
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 09:31:43 (EST)
i'm not riley's mom, and i can say what i feel like you all can. JUST MIND YOUR BUSINESS, I DONT CARE IF YOU LOVE USA, CHINA, OR JAPAN.

SINCE WE ALL HAVENT BEEN TO MJ'S HOUSE, HOW CAN WE HAVE ANY SAY?

AS FOR ACCUSING RILEY'S MOM, FIRST SORRY TO HER..... I SIGNED XXXXXX..... AND THAT'S WHAT I MEANT. RILEY'S MOM HAS ALWAYS SIGNED RILEY'S MOM, SO WHY WOULD SHE SIGN XXXXXX?

ACCUSATIONS, NO FACTS KNOWING, OH DONT MAKE ME ILL.
NOT GOD BLESS ME, OR JUST AMERICA.

GOD BLESS "THE WORLD"'''''''
xxxxxxx
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 09:19:34 (EST)
Hi angela..nope its not me...I only post under one SN and always have! TC!!!
LH
Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 02:18:05 (EST)
Who cares how old the man is. I know many women who waited until they were more financially "stable" before having kids and they have provided a wonderful home to their children. My grandma was 41 when she had my mother...and she is still around and kicking!
I think it is better to be older than a teenager.
kerri
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 22:39:57 (EST)
OMG Somebody take this keyboard away from me already. I have to apologize for the these typo-s folks - sorry. I meant to say forum (not firim) and to should be too. Geez.
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 21:41:00 (EST)
Hi A GOODWIN - thanks for sharing your experience. It's scary doing that in a firum where you don't know how people will perceive it and I appreciate you taking the risk. I glad for you that at least someone listened and put the guy behind bars (albeit for way to little time).
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 21:37:01 (EST)
Hi LH! Are you LBH too? Just wondering if you both are one and the same "buckeyes." :)
angela
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 20:50:59 (EST)
OK RILEY...looks like "us dumb Americans" figured out your little secret post and I must say I am shocked that even YOU would stoop that low! I'm not even going to ask why you would do such a thing, but I seriously think you have a problem somewhere and feel sorry for you and your poor family! Please get help!
LH
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 20:19:33 (EST)
XXXXXX - I'm proud to be an American that we can have such a candid conversation about ANYTHING without persecution... God Bless America, and God Bless you. I wouldn't live anywhere else in the whole world.

On the molestation issue... just generally, I will not comment on my opinion regarding MJ's guilt or innocence. BUT, I have been a volunteer probation officer in the past, and the one thing we were trained to know up front, was that child molesters / pedifiles generally are NOT rehabilitatable (sp?). The ONLY way to be sure that the offender will not offend again is to be sure the offender is under constant professional care. They must see a counselor and seek help in some form or another virtually every day without fail. Otherwise, the chance of re-offending grows by leaps and bounds. The offender must NEVER be without professional care for the rest of that person's life. Difficult to imagine, huh? I DO believe there are false accusations in the world, and some folks are labeled offenders that are not truly pedifiles... but who's willing to risk that?
Cyn
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 19:23:17 (EST)
Anyone notice how quickly "RILEYS MOM" answered that one...just after "XXX" comment was made?
LBH
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 19:21:12 (EST)
O.K.--I had to say this since somebody brought up MJ's appearance...He DOES look a bit like Diana Ross, but think about this...I think he looks like one of the females in the "Planet of the Apes" movie that came out a couple of years ago! Seriously, think about it...don't you all agree (at least a little bit?) HA!:) CHEROKEE-"Don't you have a bridge missing you somewhere?" Hee! Hee! That was very cute...it gave me a chuckle for the day anyway;)...TC all!!
angela
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:48:47 (EST)
Viewer: I have been reluctant to write about the whole child molestation issue, but just have to add my two cents. When you say "mental illness should be treated by a psychiatrist...not a warden and a blind eye to penintentary (SP?) rape," I have to completely disagree. If MJ has molested a child...he has committed a crime - plain and simple. It is obvious he is all ready seeing a psychiatrist by the amount of drugs he is on (just look at him). While MJ might have a mental illness...his actions were against the law. He should pay (not with money, mind you) for the crime in which he has committed.

The issue of child molestation is very personal to me, as it was done to me at a young age. The perpetrator DID spend time in jail (two measily years I might add out of 7-10), however that did not compare to the amount of counseling and emotional distress that I had to go through in my youngar years. Do I think this person was rehabilited...I dont know. But knowing he was in jail made me feel safe. Also, he did recieve counseling in jail, and from what I hear, had to go through very intensive treatment.

My point is, is that he commited a CRIME...mentally ill or not. If MJ commited the same crime,she should recieve jail time.

PS - My perpetrator was killed in a motorcycle accident this year. I hate to say this, but I am relieved. At least now he will be unable to hurt any other young children.

Thanks for listening.
A Goodwin
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:45:18 (EST)
Here's a thought XXXXX - say what you mean and mean what you say.

You got a problem with the US? Then say so - in an appropriate forum. Don't use topics to make veiled insults. It's immature.

Margarita- right there with ya girl...half my family is military. 2 in Iraq - from what I hear, the *majority* are pretty ok with it. There are alot of dissidents, as there are in any country *XXXXXX*, and the topic is multi-faceted to be sure.
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:43:03 (EST)
Oscar - that's right! OJ did have a lot of race stuff brought up at his trial. I had forgotten about that. I feel sorry for those kids he had with Nicole. Imagine the baggage those kids are going to have for - well, probaly forever.

As for MJ - did anyne notice how much he looked like Diana Ross in his mug shot on the news? He just needed *a bit* more hair. Is he trying to change his skin type? I'm 3/4 Cherokee (which is a dark-haired, lighter-skinned native race)and (ok here I go making myself a target again) 1/4 Polish. MJ is lighter than me. Pretty freaky.
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:37:18 (EST)
"Always wondering this, or that. Mind your business. It could save alot of innocent lives."

I was just wondering when all is said and done in Iraq if the citizens there will have wished we had minded our own business, or if they will be too busy reveling in their newfound freedoms?
Margarita
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:32:04 (EST)
A WORD ABOUT TROLLS:

Trolls are little people who make a lot of noise. They have sourness about them and "troll" through message boards on the internet stirring up CaCa. They cannot be reasoned with and even though their point may be disproved, they will still argue for the sake of arguing.

It amazes me that Canadians have so much complaining to do about the US, but never speak up about the benefits of their neutral relationship with the US (i.e., NAFTA, etc). I mean XXXX who is probably aka Riley's Mom used a discussion of HOT DOG BUNS for goodness' sake to get a dig in on the US. So silly. I'll bet if they were ever invaded by another country though those Mounties would be all "up in here" for help.

I suppose you won't find a message board in other countries asking opinions or surveys about stuff like this. Free thinking isn't encouraged. Besides...XXXXX, the Letterman topic is just a TOPIC - an ice breaker used to discuss the ISSUE (geez, don't you watch DR. Phil?? LOL)of child bearing at "advanced maternal age" and what is the harm in that?

Isn't there a bridge missing you somewhere?
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:25:38 (EST)
Sorry to disappoint you LBH.
I haven't responded because, I was thinking out what to say.
XXXXXXX is not me. I have been to busy lately dealing with my pregnancy to be scrapping with the likes of you.
Riley's Mom
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:13:20 (EST)
XXXXX...is obviously "Rileys Mom"...she hasn't spoken on this topic yet, and has many times put down The United States in those terms...
LBH
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 17:14:44 (EST)
XXXXXXXXX ~ I'll take your bait ;-) since that is obviousy what it is....
Whats age have to do with it? Well, in Mr. Letterman's case, not much to me other than I hope he's around to help his child come into maturity... but in general I feel that it is a bad idea... being fatherless results in financial and emotional difficulties that afect not just individuals but the people and communitites around them. When you have a child at a late age, you are taking the risk that you aren't going to be able to raise them to maturity, and if you can't the ramifications are realized to more than just that specific indivual. So you can see that I do have a right to be concerned about this topic, not Mr. Letterman specifically...

I have to WONDER XXXXXX why you came to an opinion board if you too don't "wonder" - you were obviously doing a search to come up with this board somehow.
And XXXXXX why don't you post your name?
Margarita
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 17:00:52 (EST)
Why cant "YOU" americans, mind your business? Take care of yourselves and your home. If he is 15 or 50, so what is it to you.

Cant win for lose with this so called "great" society. LOL!

Always wondering this, or that. Mind your business. It could save alot of innocent lives.
XXXXXX
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 16:27:16 (EST)
Ladies and Gentlemen: Please remember that all caps means you are yelling. How will we ever know whether or not you are angry. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Joy
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 15:40:59 (EST)
Couldn't agree more Oscar and Cherokee!! April--STOP YELLING PLEASE. ;)
angela
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 15:12:57 (EST)
One more point...we already know that MJ is a "celebrity"...but is he "black" or "white"???
oscar
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 14:32:41 (EST)
Cherokee...good point. This could turn out to be like the OJ SIMPSON trial...but the difference is, he committed a double murder and got off scott free! It was all because he was "black" AND a "celebrity".
Do you ever wonder what those kids are going to turn out like???
oscar
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 14:32:00 (EST)
David Letterman isn't too old to be a father. Think about what makes a father. A man that is ther for his child - emotionally, financially, spiritually....
My ex-husband is 23 years older than me at the age of 56. We have a little girl who is 4. Mentally, they are the same age (ha?!).
My last thought is that there are 16 and 17 year olds that are parents. Sometimes at an older age a parent can be there financially and emotionally for a child. Being there for the child is important. It isn't about wheter or not you can climb a tree with them.
From my point of view, a child just wants to be validated by their parent in a positive manner.

Jenne
email: jlaumanlee@yahoo.com
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 14:24:27 (EST)
I THINK THET IS A BOUBLE EDGE SWORD.BECAUSE A OLDER PARENT WOULD BE EASY GOING WITH A CHILD FORE MANY REASONS 1 THAT I BELIEVE IS THAT THEY ARE SECURE WITH THEMSELVE AND WHERE THEY ARE IN LIFE THEY HAVE DONE MOST OF WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO IN LIFE HAVE A SECURE JOB AND HOME.ON THE OTHER HAND A YOUNGER PARENT REMEMBERS MORE VIVIDLY WHAT IT WAS LIKE BEING A YOUNG ADULT IN THIS WORLD AND CAN RELATE MORE TO A CHILD.BUT MAY NOT BE AS EASY GOING AS THE OLDER PARENT.MAY NOT BE FINACIALY STABLE OR HAVE A STABLE HOME A LOT OF STREE AND SO ON.I THINK IT IS THE PERSONS CHOICE. ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HAVING CHILDREN AT AN OLDER AGE IS WHEN IT IS TIME FOR THE TEEN AND EARLY 20 WHAT KIND OF SHAPE WILL YOU BE IN? NO CHILD WANTS A PARENT THAT IS IN THEIR MID TO LATE 60 AND CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH THEM.
APRIL
email: aprilalbertson568@hotmail.com
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 14:02:55 (EST)
Viewer - well I agree with you there. If that is the case with this little boy's parents then they should be charged with - let's see I think it's called "depraved indifference" when you put some one in a situation that you know there is a strong likelihood they will be harmed. (Can you tell I watch a lot of Court TV? :)) If MJ did what he is being charged with, you aren't saying he has no culpability are you? Because that is really like saying if you sell a loaded gun to an ex-con at a garage sale and he uses it to commit another crime, it's the seller's fault right? No. The person who committed the crime has to own their own responsibility for making the "bad choice".

Maybe this family like you, were staunch supporters of MJ and thought the previous allegations were bunk, and allowed the child to sleepover. I say they are complete idiots, regardless, but it is a possibility.

This whole thing stinks of OJ. I hope law enforcement and the DA are doing the job right this time so if he is guilty, he doesn't get off scott-free on technicalities that OJ did.
Cherokee
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 13:20:09 (EST)
Cherokee-actually I did respond to your question. I said that my husband and I would never let our children spend the night at any man's house...MJ or anyone else for that matter. Which is why I think the parents of this child did it knowing full well what "could" have happened 10 years ago yet didn't care. I think they are in it for money...just wait and see. Honestly, would any sane parent let their child sleep there even knowing what "might" have happened back then? Not a chance!
Allegations are brought up all the time against celebs because the scum of the population see it as an easy way to get "paid" or money for nothing.
viewer
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 12:40:49 (EST)
Hi all! Pedophiles can never be "rehabilitated" Viewer. I know from your posts that you certainly did not "fall off the turnip truck yesterday," so I find it surprising that you would advocate treatment for these individuals. Treat them if you will, but only while they are serving a very long sentence in prison....let them stay in the general population too...that will save tax dollars that would be better spent on his victim's therapy.
CHEROKEE and Margarita--you go girls! When we share our pasts, we share our hope for the future! You keep spreading that hope--you never know who's life you can save by igniting that little flicker of a flame in an injured and hurt little soul....Take Care all.
angela
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 11:07:20 (EST)
I think we should all be happy for David Letterman. Of all the happiness he has brought America, I hope this baby brings both him and his wife great joy! As a parent, I know how wonderful having a child is -- and I wish the same for him.

Every baby is brought up in different circumstances -- whether to a teen mom (now THIS is something that shouldnt happen), a poor mom, a rich mom, a middle-aged mom, etc. As long as that baby is loved and cared for, that is what matters!

Jeanette
Jeanette
email: malafaj@hotmail.com
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 10:51:36 (EST)
He lived the celebrity life and wants a family now...so what?
jan
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 10:49:54 (EST)
He is too old.

Dave
David
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 10:04:49 (EST)
MJ...money bought off the last one...let's see if it buys off this one. I'm waiting. I know if I was the parent of the last one and it REALLY HAD happened...I'd want to see him rot in jail. So what does that tell you? Either the parents don't care about the kid or (and MY money is on this one) they just wanted HIS money.
sadie
Friday, November 21, 2003 at 10:01:38 (EST)