RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: WINNING EMAIL OF THE DAY ON THE LEFT'S FRENZY OVER POPE BENEDICT

Steve Brenneis responds to Behethland B. Clark:

"But how many couples do that?"

You're missing the point. Just because couples choose to do the wrong thing doesn't make it any better. Categorical imperative is not subject to democracy. The point is, more couples should do that.

"And how many would never have children if they waited until they could "afford" them?"

There's that instant gratification thing again. Define afford. If they can feed and clothe them and provide a modicum of entertainment for them, then that should be sufficient. There is no need for them to all wear designer clothes to school and have the latest electronic gadgetry. I say that the presence of the Mother in the home is more valuable than all of the material gratification afforded by two salaries.

"When was the last time you checked home prices in Winston Salem? More often than not, two salaries are required."

Once again, it is a choice. I know plenty of people who make do with a single salary and have everything they really need, including a Mother at home raising children. We raised three children on a single salary and for many, many years it was not much of one. It means doing without the new big-screen TV. It means doing without cable. It means going camping in the mountains for three days instead of going to Disney World for a week.

"What do you consider "the whims of instant gratification"? A reliable car to drive? A college fund for your children? Your retirement savings? Groceries?"

My, my, we are hyperbolic, aren't we? A reliable car means a used Toyota, not a brand new Jeep Cherokee. A college fund is nice, but since when is that a necessity? Groceries? Be serious. If you can't afford groceries, you shouldn't even be married, let alone having children. As I said, if the single salary is below subsistence, then the decision to have children is a bad choice. As you are always saying: it's not always about the money.