no babies

What with so many of my friends and aquaintances - and aquantainces friends and friend's friends - having babies, I am left to wonder; "Why? Is it worth it?"

So I present to you my list of reasons not to have a baby.

They're loud (they'll cry, they'll scream, they'll whine and complain). They won't be that cute and immobile forever. Too many untestable risks (disorders, diseases, sociopath, republican, bum, cheerleader..). There goes your social life. Are you ready to commit to someone for 18- 50 or more years (who knows when they'll move out or you have to talk to them if nothing else)? Kids these days! Do you want to deal with sexting?! Probably shouldn't walk around naked or in various stages of undress (sure, when they're young its ok, but what about when they're older Mrs. Robinson?). Toys and cars and college and crap (little consumers!). So much to worry about - is there lead in their toys? Melamine in their milk? Is Frank the neighborhood pervert watching them? Will they call?! You get bored. You change your mind. Did I mention the screaming? And the personal space? The freedom. Shaking is frowned upon. They don't listen. They're little demon humans who will grow up to be adults and I seriously wonder whether they come with any pre-programed morals or values - so you'd better instill some! Your not supposed to call them names or smack em. And what if you mess up? There's no pretest for parenthood.

I think that's all. I know, aren't I a horrid person for thinking that about children. I'm sure there's more I can't think of at the moment.

What I would like - although I am not at this time even remotely considering breeding - is for you to tell me why anyone would want to have children. I'm curious.

I do know that they are little social and genetic experiments, and of course that is fun. I cannot agree with the "keep the human race alive" theory. Why? Let it peter out. It would make a nice book. What would the last few be like? How will they die? Suicide or old age? But who would read it!?(I am thinking of "On The Beach" by Nevil Shute, but ending for a different reason of course) That would be a shame. The human race dying off and no one to observe and comment on it - except perhaps the dolphins. "So long and thanks for all the fish!"

Obama's Speech to Students

Just watched Obama's highly controversial speech to students. Why it is controversial, I do not know - other than the fact that whatever he does it will upset someone.

Two thoughts went through my head as I watched the video. I felt very inspired and proud of our president, I too was inspired to try and work harder. On the other hand, I was disappointed - but in the audience. The camera would occasionally show an image of a student rolling their eyes, or slouching over or just looking obviously bored. I hope that their parents see them in this video, and smack them upside their head when they get home. The speech lasted less than 30 minutes, and they can not sit up straight and be respectful for that long? How many of those people will the message reach, if they are not open? Of course, if they act like that, chance are they were taught it or never taught properly by their parents. I ashamed for the President, and wonder what he must think as he gives this speech to a bunch of students who will not even make the effort to listen. I will have to keep a look out, and see what the response to the speech is, hopefully more people will be positively affected than those that shut it out.

children

the children dilemma is one i've pondered for awhile. to procreate or not to punish another creature with the gift of life. of course, i'm nowhere near in the position to carry this through (except that i posess a possibly working uterus) but i do wonder now and then.
at work they say "oh, why don't you have kids?" so i say "because i hate them and they're nasty" to which they reply "what if your parents thought that way?" "well, i guess i'd be happier or never know, wouldn't i!!!!!" i mean really, oh, what if every egg was utelized? what a horrible crowded place this would be.

i don't have that driving urge to multiply like some people do, and when i do get the urge, i beat it the heck down. for my part it also has a lot to do with my mate. i've dated people before who i would have had kids with - i knew they'd be a good father, but i have also dated people who i knew would not be able to cut it.

of course, it would be my own little science experiment. my own little guinea pig. but, it would also be my gamble. kids are a crap shoot. you don't know what you'll get. you roll the dice, test for a few diseases, live a healthy lifestyle but it is still possible that despite your best efforts your kid has some problem - gluten intolerance (i hate cooking for picky eaters), autism, cheerleader... and you can't send them back.

also, how long is the child your resonsibility? i like dogs because its an 18 year commitment at the MOST. if they are a burden on society or others is it your responsibility? you made them. granted, some things are up to fate and perhaps nature.. and, what do you do if they do something unlovable (murder, steal, professional football)? how do you reconcile that?

i don't even know if i'd want a kid for 3 years though. i wonder if i'd tire of it after awhile. all the crying and needs you would have to fulfill. love, attention, food... i just don't know if i could do it. too little me time, not to mention time with the baby daddy.

oh, and then there is the moral question of if its even right to bring more children into this overcrowded poluted world. yes, i put the fate of whales above the fate of humans. i've said before that if i ran for president my platform would be "no babies for anyone" at least not for 3 years. well, babies for whales of course. (you see, i'd put something in the water supply, but it would be hard not to affect frogs)

oh well, luckily that decision is not even here now (and that is a can of worms i'm not even opening up... not now anyways). i'm not even ready for a dog, let alone a human. and people are having kids older these days. although if i haven't made my decision in 10 years i think i'll do some house cleaning and take away my ability all together.