RANT

I usually skip right over the blogs where the main focus is children. Been there, done that. Not interested. But, and there is a but, there are certain postings about children where I will linger. If for no other reason than to just shake my head in disbelief.

Large families with 5 or more children always catch my eye. I suppose it’s out of curiosity more than anything else. I read a few  words then, disinterested, slide along down the page to look at the pictures. I am astonished at how these people can afford a computer let alone the cost to use the internet, and still be able to afford all the children they just keep having. The blogs I see are clearly written by middle of the road, barely literate individuals. So how, in these times of economic slithering, do they manage to keep it all together? I’m not talking about Kate or Michelle…….those mothers are in a different league ~ they have money. I’m talking about middle of the road and round the bend average Joe.

Mom can’t work. Daycare would cost more than she could possibly earn. Maybe she could swing a part-time job, but still, who could care for the infant the way ’mom’ does? Or would even want to for that matter. Latch-Key? Helloooo….can you say Social Services? So how does a middle class wage earner support more than 5 children and still stay above water? Daunting, I tell you. And what about rent? With all those hatchlings? Even scrimping it, a jaunt to Walmart these days takes a good bite out of your pocket.

We’re not on Walton’s Mountain or in Walnut Grove here people. We’re in the suburbs of the 21st century. Here the kids have to wear shoes to school. Have you priced a pair of shoes lately?

What are these people thinking!!?? Do they really believe that some unknown, invisible force will pay their way? Come on people - really? What are you thinking?

 

1939

Yakima Valley, Washington

Shacktown community

Photograph by Dorothea Lange 1895-1965