freeflybella

(Back to the original question) I don't think life is a series of absolutes. No one is PERFECT. You make choices based on what you feel/think is right and do the best you can. Some people can do more and quit fast food entirely no matter what. Some can do less and just feel a bit guilty at every big mac meal. I think so many get their panties in a bunch thinking vegans and health nuts, etc. are portraying themselves as morally/ethically superior because many of us do portray ourselves that way. We hold ourselves to certain standards and then want others to recognize us for it. If it makes you feel crappy to support the FF industry, don't support it. If you want an occasional happy meal, have it. Just recognize that you are then supporting the FF industry and get on with it. Don't try to be pure or perfect, just do what is right for you.

It's frustrating to me that, so far this morning, 14,322 co-workers of mine have e-mailed me this story, 9,181 of them have called me about it, and 6,875 have come into my office to talk about it. Blues, Dave You think YOU'VE got it bad... Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

Sorry for you. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

congratulations! you're in for quite a trip! it's INCREDIBLE. (my first is 3 weeks old) The ear piercing thing is a good analogy. it might be a bit hypocritical but I'm right there with you. I didn't/don't see much that's 'horrible' about circumcision. I guess in the end - after researching both sides exhaustively - I landed on one side of the fence by a small margin. I have probably spent more time thinking about this than my son ever will! And you're so right on about the immunizations... Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

thank you for that. when I sit and try to imagine the kind of boy/man I want to raise - knowing full well he might have his own ideas about who/what he wants to be - I imagine a boy who is well-adjusted, thinks for himself, is confident, compassionate and thoughtful and insightful (among many other things). to me, that boy/man will be able to handle any juvenile locker room cruelty (we all survived, didn't we?) and thrive in spite of it. and he wouldn't want to sleep with a woman who would criticize his appearance. again, I know he'll probably teach me more than I'll ever hope to teach him but for now, it's up to me to raise the boy I imagine he'll be. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

It's really interesting how much pressure I've felt to get him circumcised. Since I'm a single mom I wanted the input of friends and family (not to decide for me but to cover all angles from people I respect). The appearance and cleanliness issues are really the only arguments I hear from the 'cut him' crowd. As for the cleanliness thing - female genitalia is far more physically complicated than an uncut penis and we manage just fine keeping ourselves clean. And even manage somehow to get men to give us head. And like it. Why should we assume men are too dumb to wash themselves and therefore remove a part of their penis (ultimately altering the mechanics of it)? The part that's hard for me in making the decision to do something that might ultimately lead to having my son appear different than his friends and family. Purposefully making him stand out. And we all know how much kids just want to blend in and be like everyone else. I have no problem making decisions for myself that might set me apart from the norm. But wow, it's tougher for a little guy. I know I'm the parent and I have to make decisions based on what's right - not what a 2, 7, 13 or 16 year old wants - but hey, I'm new to this motherhood thing. And this seems like such a huge decision to make. I guess it's just one thing in a lifetime of things to consider. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

what a decision to have to make for a man. most cut guys say cut. most uncut guys say don't. most americans are cut. most non-americans (other than for religious reasons) are uncut. what to do? Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

I never said there was NO place for breastmilk substitutes. My issue is with lack of education and deceitful marketing practices at the expense of public health. Only a basic understanding of marketing is needed to realize that the PR of "Good Company Nestle is doing Good Charity Work" puts Nestle top of mind when mothers cruise the formula aisle. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

It is untrue that there is zero revenue to be generated. Corporations by definition are faceless entities. Yes, there are people behind them. A few of them are whistleblowers revealing Nestle's marketing tactics. As it turns out, the 'free samples' are prohibited according to the WHO/UNICEF Code of Marketing. Have you read it? I don't think it's just a naive "assumption of the worst possible motives about another person" that has caused the WHO and Unicef to create this standard of conduct and Nestle to be at the center of controversy for the last 25 years. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

Whether or not you think it wouldn't work, in some cases it is. here here here and here Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

It's not only 3rd world countries that have been 'trained' to believe that if big company X says it's healthy, then it must be. It takes understanding to recognize that many/most in 3rd world countries don't have access to information that isn't directly provided to them. A mother's judgment is only as good as the information she has with which to make that decision. If it's anyone's guess, so be it. If we know something (due to our resources) that they don't - but fail to provide that info in order to make a profit - that has nothing to do with a mothers' judgment. So why not donate something (time, money) that will help them have access to breastmilk? Why provide formula anyway? Profit. We all know Nestle is not a non-profit. They are in it to make money. Absent their conscience about risking the lives of children to make money, and when there are legal loopholes do dive into, who's job is it to police these companies and educate people? The collective 'all of us' who are susceptible to those practices. Not just regarding baby formula, but anything/everything we might possibly buy. LisaMarie said it doesn't directly affect her. It does. Not the formula part - the part where companies/business make money knowing they are hurting us. When they follow the letter but not the spirit of the law. Again, not only a 3rd world phenomenon. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

ok, this is now a TOTAL hijack but... they have these things...with little airplanes on them...so cute. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

I agree. Start at home. But do the best we can when we 'help'. Don't make 'help' seem like help when it's really for profit. (I was most worried about the "stream" during diaper changing! So, thanks for the tip!)

maybe we should be sending food to nourish the mother which will in turn better nourish the baby - rather than formula which causes more potential harm than good in 3rd world environments. I'm not advocating or boycotting. I just don't understand how anyone could advocate profit over health in any situation. Thanks for the congrats! I'm LOVING being pregnant and can't wait to meet him. edited: I do not believe ANY company does anything without the expectation of boosted sales/profits. As someone else pointed out - once the mother's milk dries up due to sample formula use - she is FORCED to rely on formula from then on. And of course, it will not always be free. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

This debate is very interesting. According to UNICEF, infant deaths are way up due to formula feeding especially in 3rd world countries. Infants are dying from disease and DIARRHEA due to the lack of anti-bodies (contained in breastmilk) that could prevent disease and help immunize them. Comparing this issue with your 'jerk' complaining about chicken soup doesn't work. It's more like saying "Hey, at least you poor people are getting food. You aren't starving to death." Even though they're dying of disease and dehydration directly correllated to that food. But then again, our benevolent drug companies could just send over more vaccines... Cuz we all know chemicals and formulas are much better for us than nature. On another note, I'm appalled to hear a man say he practically forced his wife to agree to an epidural during childbirth. I wouldn't condemn a woman for having one - but how could a man undermine his wife's abilities or desire to have a natural birth if she wanted one? Whatever happened to labor SUPPORT? (yes, I'm pregnant. yes, I'm reading and learning alot.) Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

dear god, let it be that easy.... (congrats!!!) Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

Clif Bars are GREAT if you're running around and need something to tide you over. Not lo-cal, lo-carb or lo-fat but are packed with good stuff. They are all VEGAN and mostly organic - even the chocolate chip which are yum-a-rama. I always carry a few in my bag - just in case. Calories - 250 Fat - 5g (sat fat - 2g) Protein - 10g Fiber - 5g Carb - 45 Potassium - 200mg A - 30% C - 100% Calc - 25% Iron - 25% E - 100% K - 25% B1 - 25% B2 - 15% B3 - 15% B6 - 20% Folate - 20% B12 - 15% Phos - 20% Mag - 25% Zinc - 20% and more... Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

What a great post. (I'm 35) I'm also about 5 months away from having a little boy. And I've been thinking (dreaming) about what he'll be like, who he'll be, etc. I guess my question is for all of you who have kids (or anyone really) how do you balance the desire to nurture a free, courageous spirit and the need to protect your kid? How do you combat the junk food, the peer pressure, the Xbox, the sheep mentality? The best advice I've gotten so far is "The first time your kid wants to ride his bike over that ravine in your backyard, let him. He'll learn alot." Then I guess I just cheer his road rash, too.

They are also the reason why war should be avoided if at all possible. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

??? I don't usually watch it - was flipping through the channels and landed there. Don't get your reference. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

Anyone see it? Pretty good side by side biography of both candidates. Funny enough, I like Kerry more now than I did before. But, I'm sure those who like Bush would feel the same way. Made me like Bush a bit more, too. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

wait...us? or..uh...them? I'm not saying I know how to assure world peace. Who am I? But as someone said, there are those who see (for example) 4 possible answers to a problem and there are those who see 20. Maybe this war is necessary - and the last possible resort. But if it is, I'm not sure how the anger and hatred and meanness from us is going to do anything but ensure a prolonged battle (that we may never really recover from). What happened to leading by example? Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

I'll fess up! But I have to say - the left/right, dem/rep, bush/kerry BS is about as boring as it gets. I prefer when it skates just close to the line of personal attacks. Like the 'Steel/Treejumps' banter about canopy piloting! Not to say there aren't a few sarcastic wits in SC... Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

OOH! Can I? Can I, huh?! Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi

Of course there will always be just plain insane people. They are the exception and come in arab and american flavors. My guess is that people in the middle east are just like us. They love their families - their children and parents and husbands and wives. They love their country and their heritage and have pride in it. They love their god - whomever he is. They hurt when they are used, killed, degraded, disrespected. Just like us. All of you who so vehemently despise the arabs fighting us are most likely the ones who would go ballistic on anyone who blew up your sister or son or house. How can you call them scum when you would the same thing? 9/11 is a good example. Action expresses priority. - Mahatma Ghandi