[independentmind]

Our parents managed to survive while having boatloads of kids because they settled for less comfortable lives than most people today are willing to.

And it's funny how today we are such a happier, healthier lot of people, isn't it?

The poor will always be with us, HLPfiver. To infer that because one is poor, one is not deserving of children--some here even argue irresponsible if not contracepting--is reprehensible. What's more, it's completely muddleheaded. Encouraging the disadvantaged to marry and have children is probably the best hope we have of seeing them become responsible, self-sufficient citizens.

[HLPfiver]

We ARE a healthier lot of people. You think we're in such bad shape because we pay more attention to our discomforts. But they were always there. The only reason those technological and medical breakthroughs haven't made us happier as a society is because of entitlement programs that have made most Americans think they deserve some kind of handout.

And I NEVER said the poor weren't deserving of children. Freedom is about choices; if you want children, you can have them. What I complained about was the implication that poor people's children are my responsibility.

"Encouraging the disadvantaged to marry and have children is probably the best hope we have of seeing them become responsible, self-sufficient citizens."

And I don't know where you get this: If you're arguing that married parents are better than unmarried parents, I agree. If you're arguing (as it seems you are) that the miracle of parenthood turns people into caring, responsible people, I must suggest that you're the one being muddleheaded.