Family Free-Riders (Childless adults are economic free riders)

Chicago Boyz ^ | March 03, 2006 | Shannon Love

[Antoninus]

I just disagree with the notion that remaining childless (intentionally) is in and of itself some kind of sin, which several posters on this thread have been saying.

It all depends on the motive. What if one remains childless simply so they can continue to alley-cat around? Or if one remains childless so they can buy a nicer car or live in a nicer neighborhood? (Do you recall that NY Times article by a NY feminist who had two of her triplets aborted specifically so she wouldn't have to move to Hoboken and shop at Costco?)

If one remains childless because they become a nun, none would dare call that sinful.

[steve-b]

"Deciding not to have children is wrong." (judgment)
So now we're down to semantics, eh? The least you can do is not misrepresent my opinion, which would be more accurately described as follows:
"Deciding not to have children for purely selfish reasons is wrong."

In fact, the latter statement is the more objectionable, as it introduces the element of collectivism.

[steve-b]

Or if one remains childless so they can buy a nicer car or live in a nicer neighborhood?

Careful. Your resentment against success is showing.

[Antoninus]

In fact, the latter statement is the more objectionable, as it introduces the element of collectivism.

No, it does not. It rejects the notion of radical individualism. Believe it or not, there is a middle ground between collectivism and radical individualism. It's called res publica.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Yes, I get it. LOL, I really thought this thread would go away.

[Tijeras_Slim]

It's in severe need of a hijacking, that's for sure.

[Antoninus]

Careful. Your resentment against success is showing.

Being part of a large, loving family is the very essence of success to me. Having material goods is ephemeral success at best.

[linda_22003]

"Or if one remains childless so they can buy a nicer car or live in a nicer neighborhood?

(Do you recall that NY Times article by a NY feminist who had two of her triplets aborted specifically so she wouldn't have to move to Hoboken and shop at Costco?)"

And you really see those two scenarios as moral equivalents????

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Do we need a cheese/moose/sister/bunny-pancake/PING!!!

[Allegra]

I have always held you in the highest regard as an intelligent and informative poster and someone who is serving her country, but this exchange has made me rethink some of that.

I shall heave great wracking sobs into my pillow tonight.

[Allegra]

Heeheeee....love the tagline.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Do we need a cheese/moose/sister/bunny-pancake/PING!!!

Anything to chase away the Boggots.

[Tijeras_Slim]

;)

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

You know, I figured out that the moral patrol is never going to understand that I do not want kids, and I cannot be convinced to change my mind because of their holier-than-thou preachings.

So why argue, neither side is going to budge and it is only going to cause me stress I do not need.

So, do you like cheese, I like cheese.
The moose bit my sister.(of wait I am an only child, that is not right)
This is hugh and series.
My beeber is stuned
and who can forget......

[Allegra]

"Blessed are ye when they shall revile you and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great."

"Judge not; lest ye be judged."

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

[Allegra]

So, do you like cheese, I like cheese.
The moose bit my sister.(of wait I am an only child, that is not right)
This is hugh and series.
My beeber is stuned
and who can forget......

And all your base are belong to us.

[steve-b]

The notion that the exercise of personal autonony is "selfish" can only seem "radical" to those who embrace collectivism.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Why should Mrs. Slim want a child when she has me? :)

[tclawnguyland]

Yep, although I think you are way off by several decades. I think we will see forced euthanasia by 2020. Clinton said more than he knew when he said 'it's the economy, stupid'. So, if money becomes the ultimate bottom line and measure of ones worth,(it will come down to ones impact on society), I can readily see some sort of eradication of th elderly when they can no longer pay their own way. When the social gimme of social security began (which was only supposed to be one thing, it was only for elderly but has been expanded to include almost everything now) there were about 14-15 workers for every retired/elderly. It is now down to about 7 or 8. By 2020 or so, it will be down to 1 or 2 workers supporting one elderly. That is not taking into account the welfare handouts(another topic altogether). You really think people who can hardly afford raising their own child or children, and see 3/4 of their income go to 'non-productives' are going to 'take it'?.. I think not. (An out of control population invites control from outside.)

[tclawnguyland]

well well well, talk about disenfranchisement.