With the news that Michelle Duggar is pregnant with her 19th child, the matriarch sure is making good on the title of the TLC show 18 Kids and Counting.
The announcement neatly coincided with a new Tuesday episode of 18 Kids, with the Duggar clan taking a “field trip” to Washington, D.C. I hadn’t watched this series in quite a while, so it took me a bit of time before my eyes adjusted to papa Jim Bob’s high-beam, ever-present, gleaming-white smile. Really, there is nothing for which this man cannot find a smile, even when confronted with the seemingly-impossible task of buying 20 subway tickets from a D.C. vending machine. (It’s the little things in a big city that throw off the Arkansas-small-town Duggars.)
I must say, after months of Jon and Kate Gosselin tabloid antics, the holy wholesomeness of the Duggars is an interesting contrast. I like the fact that this half-hour showed the family volunteering at a homeless shelter, Miriam’s Kitchen, helping to prepare a meal. I like the way the kids say “sir” and “ma’am” to any adult they encounter. I like the fact that the boys wore suits and ties when they toured the Capitol, as roving hordes of tourists padded around in sweaty t-shirts, baggy shorts, and flip-flops. It’s the little things, y’know?
On the other hand, I’m not sure about Michelle’s answer when asked by an off-camera voice what she’d talk to the President about if she had the opportunity. Mrs. Duggar said she’d tell Obama that she and her family pray for him to make wise decisions and surround himself with wise counsel. The Duggars do enough praying, as anyone who watches knows. Couldn’t she stop praying for a few minutes to engage the President in an actual, give-and-take, curiosity- and knowledge-satisfying conversation?
Oh, well — that President chat was theoretical anyway. The Duggars managed to survive the D.C. subway and a meal at an Ethiopian restaurant, where they smiled a lot but a few of them turned up their noses at the food and the incense that was burning and the “whole different culture” thing they were exposed to. Confronted with some people doing Ethiopian dances in the eatery, a couple of the kids looked a little embarrassed. The Duggars don’t dance, you see. Sometimes the Duggars unnerve me a little.
So: Do you watch 18 Kids and Counting? Are you happy for Michelle Duggar and her pregnancy, or does the prospect of 19 kids and counting strike you as a bit much?
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I’m sure they’re lovely people, but can we please stop encouraging stuff like this? Can we please, sometime soon, get back to scripted fiction? Dramas? Comedies? Actors? Directors? Writers? Please?
Agreed!
I agree as well!
AMEN!
I completely agree, enough with this reality stuff that is scripted. Also, 18 kids and counting – seriously?? How on earth can they afford to feed all those mouths and raise all those children? That is not healthy on so many levels. WHat about the Mrs. Duggars body? Hasn’t it been through enough?
her choice!!! If there is so much about a womans choice to have or not have a child then someone choosing to have children is entirely their business.
I f you actually knew anything about the family you would know they own several businesses and commercial property they rent to others. Her poor body is probably healthier than most and if they can afford and enjoy that many kids butt out.
after 10 the Gov pays, now the stupid people that watch this dumb ass show with a bunch of back woods hill people have made them rich!!!!!
I agree too!
It seems that liberal posters feel empowered to mock religious people EXCEPT those outside of Judeo-Christian faiths? I’m not of the same faith as the Duggar family, but I don’t like to see left-wingers openly mock people for their faith. It is quite…uncivilized.
to assume that posters that “feel empowered to mock religious people EXCEPT those outside of Judeo-Christian faiths” are all liberals, and “left-wingers” is judgemental and as well.. and being rude and judgemental is also uncivilized.
I sooooo agree! Be careful- they always have to have the last word, too.
now who is mocking who? If any one says any thnig about their beleives they are left wingers? Is this not calling the kettle hot? Think what you are doing? They are a bunch of really unreal to be Americans, these people have not beed educated to the ways of mondren Americans. They don’t beleeive in dance, but what about taking care of their own. SO DAMN DUMB.
it is funny that hollywood people don’t tolerate people outside of their way of thinking. they wouldnt dare mock muslims or buddists, but these conservative christians are fair game?
this isn’t very tolerant, is it? who is next?
that family has the right to practice the faith as they wish. that is the first amendment, after all. do u people feel the need to mock them because of it?
I agree!!
Who is mocking them?
I totally agree.
Im all for following gods will where children are concerned but 19!!! Im just saying isnt that dangerous and insane!!!
19 isn’t so many! My great grandmother had 24…
How is this dangerous/insane? The Duggars are DEBT-FREE. There are few families in American who can lay claim to that, large or small. Their kids are respectful and are constantly helping those around them. Michelle’s doctor has come out and said that Michelle is perfectly healthy and capable of going through pregnancy once again. How can you find fault with a family who, even in the spotlight, manage to remain considerate and optimistic about this life?
OMGF YES! And can we say “forced sterilization?” These people are friggen whack jobs. SNIP SNIP.
Snip snip for these guneinely good people? Why not snip snip all the prostitutes and drug addicts out there or sex offenders or horrible people like brianna or kelseys parents that are able to have children. At least these children are going to provide somthing to the world when they grow up unlike most other unfortunate children who are born to the above mentioned group of ppl who mostly go into crime and dont turn out much better than their good for nothing junkie parents. Snip snip my arse…Go on the duggars Love you guys!!
Because watching murders and sex with several different people is so much better to watch, right? lol
Agreed. If I want to see real life, I turn off the TV. So if you want less of this programming, do what we do – don’t watch it! Never watched an episode, of this or Jon & Kate, or Housewives, or any other silly reality show like this…and never will, thanks!
same here ….. i have enough ups and downs in my own life, that i do not have to watch it on TV. as far as her having so many children ….. they can afford it and they seem to be doing an awesome job raising them. why is it anyone business but theirs?
Ditto – who is watching this reality stuff- starting to think ratings r being made up to get advertisers, hmm – reality mafia?
OH, I was thinking the same thing…come on America, dont encourge them to continue and have more slave babies!!!
Agreed
I hear tell these folks are part of the quiverfull movement, they don’t believe in birth control and the man is head of the household without question.
Be that as it may, but if this last child who will probably be gimmed up for life a wakeup call for them.
doesn’t Jim Bob care about the welfare of his wife/child?
cult
They are not mormon. They’re baptists, and have chosen to live in a way they feel is more modest and conservative. There is a whole new movement to go back to simpler living, even homeschooling isn’t just that one kid that was a bit weird in your neighbourhood. It’s taking off like wildfire by people fed up with the system, and for many there is nothing religious about it.
If you watch the show youd know they are actually very simplistic and money means little. Contrast their renewal of vows to the lie that was JOn and Kate. Jon and Kate – Hawaii, big fat lies, got the dress from another TLC show Say Yes to the Dress. Jim Bob and Michelle: in the same hallway of a church that they had done when age 17 and 18 and the sanctuary rental was too expensive back then…with plastic folding chairs and white plastic bows)just like last time. They wanted to send their children the message that the event means nothing, its the committment that has the most importance.
He didn’t say they were Mormon, dude.
Actually, it only appears money means little. They have invested in real estate and do quite well. Also, if $ meant so little, they wouln’t be putting their lives on display.
He didn’t say “Mormon” or “LDS”, he said “cult.” That’s your word association, not the original poster’s.
They are not Baptist. They are part of a Christian sect called Quiverful, which encourages couples to have as many children as “God will allow”.
I read somewhere that in their religion, the girls are supposed to stay home until they are married. I know they marry young so it wouldn’t be any different then a kid who lives with their parents while in college, but it bothers me that this is encouraged instead of independence and education.
About the $, they only do they show because they feel that, through a series of events, God led them in that direction with their lives. They also only agreed to do the show if TLC showed their faith (in its purity) in every episode. Therefor, this is a witnessing tool that is very effective obviously because so many do watch the show.
So what if the girls live at home until they are married and so what if they are encouraged to have as many children as God would allow. At least they are financially responsible for the decisions they make and do not rely on government assistance, ever!, for help in raising their family.
Public schooling is actually a fairly new institution in our culture. Look where it has gotten us.
This is their faith, their personal decisions. They pray for everyone because that is what Christians do. We all have our own freedom of religion, or lack thereof. Why can we not accept that people make their own decisions and not everyone chooses the same path. I am sure some of your decisions bother them, so they are praying for you too.
Like he said Cult.
GOd told them to do TV. Are you their publicist?
If you really think that any reality show anywhere EVER shows anything ‘in it’s entirety’ just because the family they are videotaping asks them to, you really need to rethink your life.
Also, I’m sure they were ‘led’ to make lots of money by doing a reality show about themselves.
And…if each Duggar has as many children as God will allow (which means no BC? And marrying young? we’ll assume around AT LEAST 10 each.) that is 190 grandchildren for ole Jim Bob, 1900 great-grandchildren if it keeps continuing….that is not only have a negative effect on population growth but at some point taxpayers are going to bear the burden, if they haven’t already.
Bravo! At least this family instills strong family values and faith in their children. They appear to be remarkably well-adjusted. And bravo to the earlier poster who commented that a ‘woman’s choice’ should apply whether choosing to abort a child or keep them!
IF your are attempting to imply that Mormons are a cult, get your facts straight.
Rebeka says “190 grandchildren for ole Jim Bob, 1900 great-grandchildren if it keeps continuing….that is not only have a negative effect on population growth but at some point taxpayers are going to bear the burden, if they haven’t already.” What the fuck happens when these 1900 ppl grow up and start payin taxes for the people who payed for them? It evens out you bimbo, thats what the tax system is all about. The duggar great grandchildren will be payin for someone to wipe the asses of the ppl who payed for them when they are in old age…thats just common sense moron.!
They have chosen to live a life that exploits children, especially girls, by taking away their choices and opportunities to live their own life. Instead the girls become cooks, nannys and maids. None of the kids have higher education, part time jobs or outside interests. All in the name of master Jim Boob’s growing kingdom. They make plenty of $$ off the show, so people don’t be fooled.
having 18 kids should be illegal
Why should it be illegal to have children that they care for, cloth, feed, educate and love??? If they were expecting other people to pay the way for all those kids or didn’t care for them or educate them then it would be a problem. Could I do it no but it is not my place to tell anyone how many is to many.
Good job at being really stupid, Paige. Why does it matter if Michelle Duggar has 1 child or 18 children? As long as they are fed and taken care of (they are) then what does it matter. Or is it that you are only for choice if it is YOUR choice.
It should be illegal for the people that abuse children in any way to have children. While I don’t necessarily agree with their lifestyle, they love, clothe, educate, and feed their children. They are not burdens on society and are not trying to push their way of life on anyone (that we see on their show anyway). I say leave them alone, and if you don’t like it, ignore it. I can only hope that this “reality” kick dies soon because some of my favorite dramas and sitcoms are getting cancelled only to be replaced by this so called reality genre. What is so “real” about being a rich bitch living in NYC?
It should be illegal because there are not infinite resources on this planet. The more they use the less there is available for others to use. And what happens when these 19 kids have 19 kids? You think theyre all going to be able to provide for all of them? no chance. At some point other people are going to pick up the tap for the selfishness and ignorance of these people. Good job at being really stupid Samantha.
Adam, this family may use more resources per head it may seem but as a family they actually use alot less than the average family which is one 8th their size because they buy second hand everything which wud otherwise disposed of incorrectly by the state in a landfill, they only use firewood for fuel and not oil or gas like every other asshole american, even though oil or gas is natural it is an unrenewable resource, they make their own organic washing detergent that does not harm the earth or water in which it eventually makes its way to and they plant their own vegetables and fruit and they planted a forest for the ozone, SO emmmm do you or any of your “small” family do any of these? Im sure ya do…
My issue is not so much with them raising 18 kids, it’s that they’re all their biological children. Why not adopt?! There are so many children that need good homes, and I do have to admit, the Duggars seem to be happy and well-adjusted. Not necessarily my lifestyle choice, but they seem content.
Its a PERSONAL choice! They have the means to provide for their children and make them happy and comfortable. If they couldnt afford them or offloaded them to other people. You are all jerks putting scrutiny on other peoples lifesytles, not for you to say at ALL.
wrong
Religious wingnuts like Michele Duggar do not “give-and-take, curiosity- and knowledge-satisfying conversation[alists]” make.
Name calling with no evidence is SOOO helpful!!!!
yes
I find that people who use words such as “wingnuts” to describe others, “…do not “give-and-take, curiosity- and knowledge-satisfying conversation[alists]‘ make” to borrow a phrase (again).
word
Okay so because these people have religion and practice it according to what they believe they are dumb and cult-ish? Thats ridiculous, for people who are so open minded you certainly arent acting like it.
I completely agree, Ashley. I am not religious, but I find the ignorance and hatred demonstrated by some people who disagree with religious folks very ironic, to say the least.
Instead of calling opinions you disagree with ridiculous, why not respond with a reasonably articulated position of your own that demonstrates why you *don’t* think the Duggars are cultish (a position, BTW, with which I happen to agrees). You’re not displaying any more open-mindedness by off-handedly dismissing opinions with which you disagree than the people you’re criticizing. The only real way to fight intolerance is to *intelligently* explain why it’s wrong. Not by responding with more name-calling.
Ashely how are they not open minded, they take there kids to see different points of view all the time. they have even stated that nothing they beleave is forced on there kids, for exsample court ship, Josh was not force to do that he choise to do that, and camera crew asked the girls how they felt about it they said, there mom and dad would like for them too, but they did not have too, they thou it was a good idea and follow suite. Ashley i think you need to thank hard about what your really saying
wow, u go mama duggar having 18 kids and now pregnant with ur 19th one that amazing. Im happy for your family and I love your show.
Seriously, someone tie down Jim Bob and give him a vasectomy. And then just to make sure, tie Michelle’s tubes as well. They have put more than enough of their DNA into the world, and with overpopulation becoming a serious issue in the future (and in some places, NOW), it really bugs me that some people would be so selfish. I guess I understand that there can be religious issues at stake (I’m religious, but I do believe in birth control), but it upsets me when I read about such obscenely big families. I’m sure the Duggars are very nice, well-meaning people, but maybe try to keep it in your pants in the future? (Sorry if I sound like a horrible person for saying this.)
You got one thing right- you do sound like a horrible person for saying this. Overpopulation is a myth. In fact, according to the Population Research Institute, the global population will begin to decline by 2045, the first such decline in human history. You say they are selfish, but that implies that their actions are thoughtless and harm others. In what respect is their large family a harm to anyone else?
Two words: Carbon Footprint.
The oldest children are raising the youngest, how do you not see that as a problem? Children have a right to be children, and children have a right to know their parents. How is that even possible when there are 18 others vying for parental attention/affection?
Also, these people are raising children that think women should be nothing but barefoot and pregnant. Way to show your girls to think for themselves! (more like a great path to being in abusive relationships and living miserable lives.)
I’m tired of people that stand behind religion and use it as an excuse to behave however they want. Popping out a kid every 8 months is not natural, it’s a mental condition. This woman can’t stand to NOT be the center of attention.
Tom, just because something will eventually decline doesn’t mean that it’s not *already* in overabundance. Overpopulation doesn’t have anything to do with how quickly humans will eventually die off. It has to do with whether there are too many of us in proportion to the Earth’s resources. And certainly, there’s a significantly growing batch of research which suggests that this is the case — there are too many of us than the Earth’s natural resources can reasonably withstand.
Overpopulation is a myth?! Our planet is already overpopulated. And when the population starts declining in 2045, what number will it be declining from? Come on – a decline in population is hardly proof that we aren’t alredy/won’t be overpopulated. It may even prove the exact opposite.
Oh, and P.S. You’re citing a source (the Population Research Institute) that is, according to their website, actively committed to exposing the “myth of overpopulation.” They’re a pro-life organization, opposed to contraception, run by a guy with 9 kids himself. Sorry, but you’re going to have to find a slightly less biased source if you wish to sound remotely credible.
the worst thing for the environment is adding more people to the world
…is a hyper-religious, anti-choice, doctor-murdering WINGNUT lunatic fringe group. Their “studies” are absolutely meaningless.
To say that Michelle Duggar is setting a bad example for her daughters is insane. Couldn’t you say then that mothers who go to work and leave thier kids with someone else to raise them are setting a worse example?
Fed up,
How come if they don’t think the way you do they are not teaching their girls to think. Because they teach something you don’t like doesn’t make what they teach wrong. Lots of kids does not teach abuse. And when she homeschools she gives them each attention. She probally spends more time with her children then those parents who work high demand jobs and are not home.
Right on, Katja!
I’m with you, not just because the world is populated enough as it is, but because this behavior taxes society at large. Why should we the taxpayer have to educate this many children because of two people’s wacky religious beliefs?! Also, overpopulation isn’t a myth. Maybe the population will go down in the future, but 6 billion is already way too many. Global warming and the decimation of non-human species would clearly be less of a problem if there weren’t so many people!
And of course you’re not a horrible person for considering this! It’s our planet too and we have every right to put reasonable restrictions on people for the good of society!
Moose, in no way is society or taxes paying for their education. You obviously do NOT watch their show.. THEY HOMESCHOOL THEIR CHILDREN… sheesh.. please watch and pay attention to something before you criticize it…
They are home-schooled, FYI. And they are pretty much self-sufficient – they have no debt, and they aren’t a drain on society like, say, Octomom. Definitely the most functional family I’ve ever seen, even if I do think their beliefs are a little (okay A LOT) out there.
You’re right; I’d never watch this crap. I just don’t like making blithe overpopulation into a TV show.
Do they take the tax credits for having children?
I cited a source for the overpopulation myth. You simply say the contrary – being contradictory is not an argument; it is simply gainsaying. Please see the quote I posted below from the Population Research Institute. If you disagree with the substance of the point, back it up!!
See above, Tom. The source you cited knows what outcome they want to find when they do research. They’re biased. Find a credible source.
Luddite,
Every scientist begins his or her research with some pre-beliefs and expectations about what they will find… in fact, a hypothesis is part of the scientific method. You cannot dismiss science just because you don’t like the source. I know nothing about the Population Research Institute, but it sounds like you had better do your research before claiming they are biased and incredible.
JD, you should do some research. By scrolling up this page – that’s what I meant by see above. But for you, I’ll repeat what I said. The Population Research Institute, has an express mission to disprove the “myth” of overpopulation. They are pro-life and anti-contraception. They didn’t have a hypothesis; they reached their conclusion first, then found “facts” to back it up. That’s not scientific method; that’s not even science. I didn’t dismiss them when I heard their conclusions; I had my doubts (I’m a skeptical individual), looked them up, and then dismissed them.
Overpopulation should have nothing to do with it. Telling someone they cannot have more children is the same as telling someone you’re too old to live. Would you tell your mother she’s too old to live? Then leave the Duggar family alone. They live in peace. That’s more than I can say for most of my neighborhood.
I am so tired of responses from people who make uninformed judgments about the Duggars without knowing one thing about them. I’ve been watching the show since there were ‘only’ 14 kids, and as has been stated by less-judgmental and better-informed individuals, the Duggars are self-sufficient in every way, and they all work together in every aspect of running the household). Their kids are polite and pleasant and raised with love and positive reinforcement. They are not religious fanatics, but definitely are grounded in their faith. Perhaps you can’t wrap your head around the Duggar lifestyle, but before you go labeling them as a cult, calling them names, or making ridiculous assumptions that they rely on taxpayer dollars or welfare, do your research. And if you’re not interested in learning about them, then may I suggest you stop bashing the Duggars and move on over to the Octomom discussion boards?
Moose,
“It’s our planet too and we have every right to put reasonable restrictions on people for the good of society!”
I find this statement to be, frankly, unbelievable. So we should start taking away peoples rights for the “good of society” huh? We should stop letting people make their own decisions about their own lives and start doing it for them. Is that what you are saying? Because that is a society I want no part of.
So the Duggers make personal decisions you disagree with, that is fine. They have that right and you have the right to disagree. But you do not have the right to tell them how they should live their lives. To pretend you do is simply ridiculous!
Yes moose they probably do take tax credits for their kids but look at her 19 children who are going to grow up and start payin taxes, then their gonna be payin for you when you get old moron…use your head! Its actually the old ppl who are actually a drain on the economy of every country but would you object to that no?
You are so right!!! They need to stop!! I watched the show until you started seeing how they MAKE their children care for one another…they chose to have them so they should take care of them…I know that the children say they like taking care of one another but if that is the only way of life that you know then of course you will agree to it…they need to have to take care of their own children for a week and I mean THEY need to take care of them and see if they want more after that!
THIS!
It infuriates me when people steal their children’s childhood by forcing THEIR responsibilities on the kids. Kids should have chores, yes, but kids should NOT be raising their siblings.
Actually, older kids have been helping to raise their younger siblings for centuries… it’s only in very recent times (say, the last century or so) that society has started to embrace the idea that childhood should be considered a special time in life, exempt from all the responsibilities that will engage the kids as they grow older.
Alix,
Children should have responsibilities, I agree, but you can’t compare now to the past that way. In the past people didn’t have fairly reliable contraception like we have. It wasn’t always a choice to have so many children. The Duggars are choosing to have all these kids so that their other kids can raise them. That’s the difference.
Let’s not forget why siblings don’t have to raise each other anymore. I believe you are refering to a time when the infant mortality rate was quite high, women couldn’t claim property so having a son was ideal, women were limited to domestic endeavors and little education, and medical treatement was in some cases deadly. And I don’t think even back then they were having 19 kids. Progress has come a long way so that we don’t have to spend all our time making babies. I also highly doubt that in rural arkansas they’re feeling the effects of overpopulation and having 15 extra kids doesn’t make that big of an impact on world statistics. I think Europe has a negative population growth already, while AIDS, other diseases, and war ridden Africa has the highest. Maybe education on overpopulation should start there?
Now, I hate to get involved with this conversation but I feel that I need to step in here. I am the oldest of eight children. We were not “wingnuts” or “regligious freaks” but were grounded in our faith. Honestly, tt was just that my parents watned lots of kids. I often had responsibilites of my younger siblings. I took great pride in them. As they have grown, I have a special bond with them and feel that I somehow helped support them when they were younger.
Under no circumstances do I feel that I “missed out” on any childhood. While we did not have a lot of money, I was never for want of anything. Nor do I feel slighted at my lot in life. In fact, I have a very successful position and feel that so much of my caring and hard working personality is directly attributed to my responsibilites growing up. I have two children and while they won’t have as many brothers and sisters as I did, I’m hoping that some of the same lessons I learned they will learn with their 18 cousins.
i have 4 children and my older children help with the younger ones and i’m pretty sure it’s a pretty common thing. Just as my brothers helped my mom take care of me.. if they’re financially dependent and not raising their kids on anyone else’s dollar then they can make their own decisions, and for religion.. who cares what religion they are, Are they forcing it down your throat, if you don’t like the show don’t watch it if no one watches it it will get canceled its has easy as that
It has been said on the show before that each older sibling is assigned a younger sibling to help with. How is this any different from the 8 or 9 year old who helps take care of their newborn brother or sister in a 2-child home, and continues to do so as they get older (16 years old and the child is 6 or 7 now). I was raised in a family of 3. My sister was 6 years older than me, and did a lot to take care of me growing up. She thought it was fun, and enjoyed it. My husband was the same way, taking care of his sister who was 9 years younger than him. To say that these kids are “forced” to do this is utterly ridiculous, considering most homes in America have this same thing going on, big or small.
I agree w/ you Katja even if some here don’t. How many more kids is this lady n her husband gonna have! How can these 2 afford to take care of all these kids? If they didn’t have the TV show would they be to afford to keep adding to their family? This isn’t the 1800s etc. Ppl shouldn’t have as many kids as this couple does. Heck ppl shouldnt even have 10 kids. It’s not fair to each their kids to keep having more and more n more. And it’s gotta be taking a toll on her health wise or will in the future. But I guess to each the own or however saying goes.
Long before their tv series this family has been doing well with their money. The father invests in real estate and so on. They once were on birth control I believe after their second or third and then the mother miscarried her next child, they saw this as a sign from God and subsequently ceased using birth control.
I know their beliefs seem a bit out there to a lot of people, but they have the best behaved children you’ll ever see. Very smart and very respectful kids, and some people with 1 kid can’t manage that!
They also own a car dealership i think. They have 0 debt and live 100% within their means. They all seem really really happy and (at least the oldest one) is keeping the tradition- he didn’t even kiss his wife until their wedding and they are already due with kid #1
While I don’t understand them, I have no problem whatsoever with how they live. They are good people and they are happy people.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that they need to stop having children if they choose. as long as they got the means to support their family without asking the government for assistance like a lot of families with children.The bible say be fruitful and multiply and they is just following their beleifs.More power to them.
Right. They’re very self-sufficient and the kids are all home-schooled. I’ve watched the show more than a few times, and I’ve never seen this giant drain they allegedly place on society. They’re actually fairly … self-contained as a family unit (for lack of a better word).
They are self-contained even in their religion as they “home church” too. Can anyone explain what that means in terms of taxes on their house if it’s also a church?
I completely agree! These are GOOD people with GOOD children who have life skills that almost no other child in this country has! It’s a nice thing to see
It means they don’t pay any. To the state OR to the fed.
No, their home is not a church. They don’t run a religion. They pay their taxes just like everyone else.
It’s a matter of public record, sweetsiloam. Their home is a federally recognized religious organization – ie, church. Churches are non-profit organizations and are not subject to taxes on their assets or physical property. All the government does is watch that any profits taken in are “reinvested” back into the nonprofit. It’s all very lawyerly and clever, and obviously not something the Duggars want to discuss. Their house and surrounding land absolutely ARE classified for tax purposes as a religious organization.
Let’s think about this for a second. Jim Bob needs a vasectomy? He is a responsible father who takes care of his family. Let’s go after people like Octo-Mom who leech from the welfare system instead.
I agree completely It is stupid to just keep having more and more kids. It’s like a thing to them to see how many kids they can reproduce Disgusting
You are religious but you believe in birth control? So you mean that you follow what you want and disregard the rest? Is what the term Cafeteria Catholic means?
There are plenty of religions that believe (or condone) the use of birth control. Catholicism is not the only religion out there…
Although there are certain branches of catholicism that encourage couples to have as many kids as God wants, the Catholic church allows the use natural means of contraception. Which of course are by no means foolproof. But it has worked for many many couples.
what you said is true..and you do not sound like a horrible person you are just saying the true and what a lot of us are thinking.
Yep, they both need to be neutered!
Wow! You’ve just denied their dignity and reduced them to animals.
Ah, I see. So her choice isn’t good enough. It’s YOUR choice that matters. If you can’t see this then aren’t pro choice. Stop being a hypocrite.
Though the Duggar’s lifestyle is not for me, I applaud how well they have raised their children and provided for them with wise investments. As far as how many kids they have, they are getting my share and the share of very many of my friends who have chosen to remain childless. It all balances out in the end.
Everyone’s children should be as upright, honest, moral, well-behaved as the Duggar’s!
i couldn’t have said it better.
these people are pathetic and should not be praised for this nonsense. 19 children?? what gargantuan egos think they need to bring that many children into the world??? how about raising the children you have and not treating them like just one of the nearly 2 dozen other kids they have?? And TLC need to be arrested for encouraging this garbage.
By “garbage,” do you mean devoting themselves to the task of raising happy, well-adjusted, respectful children? Or by “garbage” do you mean giving the children siblings that will learn responsibility and selflessness by helping to care for their younger siblings, thus preparing them to be good spouses and parents themselves one day? Just trying to understand the evident resentment toward a family that is happy and not hurting anyone else.
“devoting themselves”??? the only thing these idiots are devoting themselves to is their own horrendous egos and the money TLC is throwing at them. If these people actually loved and cared for their children they would not have to keep having more and more and more and more and more and more and more. That isn’t love. It is ego, and it is grossly irresponsible. Do those creeps even know their children’s names? birthdays? favourite songs? books? sports? my guess is most definitely no.
Oh, so they are creating more children to teach their older children responsibility? You’re right, Tom. That is a totally reasonable reason to bring more humans into the world.
To Jennifer,
Those “creeps” with their big egos knows all of their children’s names and their birthdays, their mother is very loving and cares for each one, they talk about how each one of them is different and the different things they like. They see children as a gift from God, not as a way to boost their egos. Not everyone in this world is selffish and irresponsible.
wow they know their kids that solves it all.
@Katja
The USA is listed as having 139th highest birth rate out of 193 countries, 13 births per 1000 people versus 51/1000 from the 1st highest. There is no concern about over population in the United States. I say all the more power to the Duggars – they have well behaved kids, who love and respect their parents and the Duggars are able to support their family without the help of others and without going into debt.
without the help of others? really? so what, they’re doing the TLC show for free?
No but they don’t do it for the money, but to demonstrate how they live with such a large family. They have been debt free and have more than enough money to support themselves without the show.
And the father even said “we probably spend less time making tv than the average family spends watching it”.
“there is no concern about overpopulation in the United States.” ??? I don’t know if your numbers are right, but comparing our numbers to other countries’ numbers isn’t like comparing apples to apples. Each person in the US consumes and uses double, triple, quadruple the amount of resources that one person in a foreign country does. If everyone in the world lived the way Americans do, we would need about 5 earths to provide for us all.
Just think… as the US population ages, it will be the Duggar kids who pay for our Social Security!
How exactly? They don’t pay taxes!!!
“Once you pop, you can’t stop”… I see Michelle Duggar as a great Pringles spokeswoman.
http://freshisback.com/2009/09/01/duggars/
Congrats, Michelle. I am a retired Home Ec. teacher, and I have high regard for the family values that I see on the tv program. However, the number of children is this families business. They are independent and not asking for a handout from others. There are active and dedicated adults who are teaching fine values. The role models are excellent. The family “team” really functions well here. What a fine example for our nation. The number of children in this family is not as important and their values, family function and ability to work together.
Well put Cora Mae. Every child this family has is another child that will be smart, successful, and give back to our planet in a meaningful way. Which is a lot more than i can say for some of the biased people posting here…
Make it stop!
I agree with Mitch.
I say more power to Jim Bob and Michelle. I personally wouldn’t want to have that many children nor do I think most people could handle it. They however, do a good job of raising all their kids to be well behaved, respectful individuals. Congratulations on baby 19 and grandchild 1!
I agree Melissa. It’s her body and she seems to know how much her body can take. Who are we to judge? I believe that god never judges anyone and this seems to be his choice for them. Mama dugger u are amazing!!!!
I totally agree with Katja; while I find the Duggar’s to be very nice people and such, having so many children is a disgrace to our planet. ENOUGH! We’re already overtaxing this planet! And to Tom: you’re definitely full of b.s.
I mentioned the Population Research Institute above: “By 2004, the U.N. Population Division (UNDP) found that 65 countries, including 22 in the less developed world, had fertility rates that were below the level needed to ensure the long-term survival of the population.9 Most of the rest, the agency warned, were likely to enter this danger zone over the next few decades. According to the agency’s “low-variant” projection, historically the most accurate, by 2050 three out of every four countries in the less developed regions will be experiencing the same kind of below-replacement fertility that is hollowing out the populations of developed countries today.10 Such stark drops in fertility, cautioned the UNPD, will result in a rapid aging of the populations of developed and developing countries alike. With the number of people over 65 slated to explode from 475 million in 2000 to 1.46 billion in 2050, existing social security systems will be threatened with collapse.” I am not full of b.s.; I am full of facts- where are yours?
Facts are proved information, Tom. Not speculation.
65 countries is less than 1/2 of those existing.
Which 65 were they talking about? It’s easy to find places with declining populations but one needs to know what places are being referenced for that statement to have any kind of value. If we were seeing declining populations in the 65 smallest countries in the most remote locations it could easily be attributed to people relocating. Something like that won’t be mentioned though as it takes away from their desired goal.
I for one can’t subscribe to the “research” of an institute that has a pre-determined goal in mind. Stats can be manipulated to “prove” anything you like. Research will yield your desired results when you specifically engineer your tests or statistics to attempt to add validity to your “theory”.
I don’t care about the Duggars’ lifestyle one way or the other. I’m just addicted to EW.com and love Ken Tucker’s blogs. This subject is close to my heart, so to speak – I did my master’s thesis on the impact of human migratory patterns on population growth projections a few years ago. Among statisticians, universities and think tank organizations, the Population Research Insitute is not considered a reliable source of information. They have a very clear agenda in their reporting standards that renders their conclusions virtually intellectually meaningless (to be fair, they are certainly open about their agenda, and do not hide the fact that their statistics and conclusions – not to mention 100% of their funding – come with a hearty helping of conservative bias). No researcher or statistician would ever put themselves in the position of relying solely on their data. You also have to look at U.S. Census Bureau, international census information from developed, developing, and underdeveloped nations, and U.N. population projections, and you’ll get a vastly different picture. Most authorities on the subject agree that by the year 2050, world population numbers will top 9 billion. There are different factors that can skew opinion either way, but most authorities on the subject also agree that 9 billion humans at least approaches the tipping point of unsustainability.
Tom, I think Felix does a good job of addressing the overpopulation question.
Personally, though I admire the Duggar’s for teaching their children manners and not depending upon government financial aide, I have great concern over the impact they are having on the environment and hope that they are at least considering this in their day to day activities. If their religion prohibits them from not having any more children (something that worries me if considered on a widespread scale) then I hope they will at least do their part in lowering their impact on the environment.
I have an idea – to solve the population problem, provide incentives for people to have fewer children or adopt. There’s no coercion involved. There will only be tax breaks for 2 biological children. Any additional children will not be tax-exempt, unless you adopt or are a foster parent. If people still want to have children, that’s their prerogative.
Listen…refering to the Duggars as wingnuts isn’t right. Wingnuts are valued hardware that serve a real purpose. The Duggars, aside from answering the question just how much abuse can a uterus take, do not.
Marry me.
And have how many kids?
No disrespect intended, Mike. Please apologize to your nuts – er… and your bolts, too – on my behalf.
My apologies to your nuts – er, and your bolts. No disrespect intended.