16 kids and wanting more!!!

[ILoveReptiles]

So, it's not the welfare thing that bothers you with this family, then? It's the overpopulation that's the biggest issue for you? I'm just trying to understand your point of view. And, again, I totally respect your opinion, it just might be taken more to heart and maybe even accepted by someone else who previously thought differently...if you had expressed it with a little less animosity. I think that's more the issue than your opinion itself.

Actually, it's both.

I admit I was a bit rude, but this just hit a nerve. It's something I'm very passionate about.

I apologize for offending anyone.

[finn's mom]

Actually, it's both.

I admit I was a bit rude, but this just hit a nerve. It's something I'm very passionate about.

I apologize for offending anyone.

Cool. I mostly had an issue with you assuming they were on welfare. We just don't know. It doesn't seem like they have money woes, but, that's just a guess. Apology accepted. I wasn't so much offended, though, as I was just like...whoa.

[caseysmom]

I think in our society there are many women now that have no desire to have children (the smart ones anyway ) anyhow I think it balances out the families that are large. I certainly would not want it to be dicated to me how many children I can have.

[finn's mom]

I think in our society there are many women now that have no desire to have children (the smart ones anyway ) anyhow I think it balances out the families that are large.

I was kinda thinking that, too, but, couldn't think of how to word it. I don't know how much it balances out really, but, I would think there are plenty of people that don't have children to at least counter the ones that have many to some extent. Especially nowadays, it's just not necessarily in people's plans all the time like it used to be, having children.

[jackie]

I think in our society there are many women now that have no desire to have children (the smart ones anyway ) anyhow I think it balances out the families that are large.

Most people rarely seem to have more then two children anyways, and those two will fill your, and your partners place in the population when you die.

[Karen]

Actually, it's both.

I admit I was a bit rude, but this just hit a nerve. It's something I'm very passionate about.

I apologize for offending anyone.

It's okay, apology accepted. Just remember next time that it is better to express yourself calmly and civilly when posting on Pet Talk.

[Logan]

Whew! I'm so slow in my response that I was in General and my post ended up in the Dog House!!!! I watched the CNN video, twice, to make sure I was making a proper point.

I know that having 3 kids is expensive. Would LOVE to know what this man does for a living to afford 16! They're doing something right, for sure. One thing I remember from the Today Show this morning is that their grocery bill is in excess of $2000 per month!

This post should not be hostile. It is one family's choice, their decision, and it's making the news because it is interesting news. I like it when special interest news stories like this one hit the airwaves to balance all the other negative stuff that we endure when we watch the news.

I am a Fox News person and watch Fox and Friends in the morning, when I'm getting ready for work. E. D. Hill has 8 kids......is she wrong? I don't think so. I wouldn't want to walk in her shoes, but good for her!

I feel the same way about the Duggan family. Good for them! Those children will grow up to be responsible, good adults if what we're hearing is correct.

Logan (who thinks she is "done" with this discussion)

[Edwina's Secretary]

I do quibble with the "we don't pay for them." We do. Higher medical insurance premiums....they pay the same family rate as a family with one child - just for an example. "No man is an island" and we support each other...through taxes, insurance, etc in many, many ways!

That said...it is their business. I just feel sorry for the children and cannot find it admirable.

[DJFyrewolf36]

It mentioned something in the article about the father being in Real Estate so I doubt money is an issue.

I can't judge or say if the kids are happy or not. It seems like it from thier photos though.

Has any of the programs about them interviewed the older kids? I wonder what they have to say.

I wouldn't want 16 kids, but if they are all happy, well adjusted and well cared for I can't see why people need to judge them.

[lizbud]

I wonder how much money it would cost to send 16 children to college?

[DJFyrewolf36]

For the 2004/2005 academic year, the average annual cost of a four-year public college is $14,640 and the average annual cost of a four-year private college is $30,295. (Source: The College Board's Trends in College Pricing Report 2004.) The total figures include five expense items: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses

Well, using those numbers as an average, not counting for inflation...

Public College: $234,320
Private College: $484,720

Thats quite a bit of money!

[Logan]

I wonder how much money it would cost to send 16 children to college?

A LOT! For sure, Liz, but as many financial consultants will tell you these days, we need to put more responsibility on the child to earn their college education rather than providing it anyway.......I think there is a happy medium in there, somewhere. Just my 2 cents.