Video: Honey, should we have one child or two? Or 18?
posted at 7:45 pm on May 9, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Two sets of twins but the rest were all solo. She’s basically been pregnant nonstop for the past 20 years.
Honestly? My main reaction is that she looks darned young, considering.
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Is the government helping pay for that? The quiverful people freak me out. IMO, there comes a point after having so many kids that you’re actually stealing from other people.
ninjapirate on May 9, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Wonderful couple and wonderful family.
Congratulations!
EJDolbow on May 9, 2008 at 7:49 PM
What an ignorant thing to say. Why pass judgement when you do not even know?
Not only do they not take government money, they carry zero debt.
EJDolbow on May 9, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Someone has to keep up with the illegals popping out anchors.
SouthernGent on May 9, 2008 at 7:54 PM
No, they’re not on welfare and homeschool the kids.
But they should be smacked upside the head for doing the stupid, narcissistic naming of their kids- all have names starting with the letter J, including Jessa, Jinger, Jedidiah and Johannah.
Nevermind that the kids will go through life with names like “Jinger” that will constantly be misspelled- the important thing is that it starts with J just like yours. Friggen idiots.
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Maybe they just haven’t figured out what’s causing it.
Cicero43 on May 9, 2008 at 7:57 PM
In the real world is having to spell your name more of a handicap than having parents who did not prepare you to be a productive member of society?
Maybe THEY like having there names all start with the same letter, like Bill Cosby’s kids.
EJDolbow on May 9, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Oh, and left out the stupid hypenated names of John-David and Joy-Anna. Didn’t they have relatives around to tell them that it wasn’t cute anymore?
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 7:59 PM
That’s a whole lot of well behaved kids. I hope they have 18 more. We need them.
ronsfi on May 9, 2008 at 8:00 PM
As soon as there are enough to play 5v5 basketball, somebody needs to call a timeout.
ninjapirate on May 9, 2008 at 8:01 PM
100% ridiculous
KSgop on May 9, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Except for Jinger. Name a girl Jinger and you’ve pretty much guaranteed a future career as a stripper.
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 8:03 PM
That was the first question that popped into my head too. Liberals love welfare but hate kids so how would they reconcile this????
azcop on May 9, 2008 at 8:03 PM
My maternal grandmother had four kids.
My paternal grandmother had ten kids. Irish Catholic girl.
My maternal grandmother when she was alive would make comments about how hard it must have been for my paternal grandmother raising such a large family. The funny thing always was it was my maternal grandmother and her four kids who had the drama, not the large family that you think would see more conflict.
As long as they’re happy and staying positive, it’s God’s will.
Vatican Watcher on May 9, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Somebody has issues. And I ain’t talkin’ about the Duggars.
Splashman on May 9, 2008 at 8:07 PM
I’m sorry but I have to say that Jammie Wearing Fool wins the contest on headlines for this story: “It’s a uterus…not a clown car”
LMAO!! :D
ihasurnominashun on May 9, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Brings true meaning to the command “..be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.” Genesis 9:7
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:09 PM
What happens if papa Dugger dies, or worse, ends up in a wheel chair. or Mama Dugger.
My brother died and left 4 little kids for his young wife to raise. It happens.
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Queasy, commenter from the headlines thread on topic, provided this link of their home, apparently built by the family, mostly.
Entelechy on May 9, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Gawd. Please tell me you forgot the /sarc tag.
Splashman on May 9, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Dreams, of course.
Entelechy on May 9, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Morons. Playing right out of the Planned Parenthood playbook.
HYTEAndy on May 9, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Y’know, you’re absolutely right. Let’s all stop procreating, just in case something happens to the parents. While we’re at it, let’s stop driving, just in case we get into an accident. And stop breathing, just in case somebody snuck in and poisoned our air supply.
Gawd.
Splashman on May 9, 2008 at 8:12 PM
This family is better behaved than the HA commenter family.
Entelechy on May 9, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Weird.
phronesis on May 9, 2008 at 8:14 PM
I’ve read a great deal about this family. They do not rely on any kind of welfare and buy nothing on credit. If they do not have the cash to pay for something, they don’t buy it. This includes cars and their home, which the husband built with a minimal amount of hired help. This is an amazing couple who love kids, and are extremely good parents. God bless them and anyone one else who desires a big family and is willing to put in the time and sacrifice to make it work.
greekinfidel on May 9, 2008 at 8:15 PM
No, I didn’t. The quiverfull movement is complete nonsense.
ninjapirate on May 9, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Saw this family a couple years ago on TLC I think it was. Forget how many kids it was then, but you are looking at an actual functional family.
The Duggars can do it with 18 kids, many can’t do it with one. They may come across a bit Cleaver like, but damned hard to argue with success ain’t it.
For those that have issues with the size of the family? Who, exactly, left you to make those choices for everyone?
Jim708 on May 9, 2008 at 8:18 PM
I’m just saying that it happens. I can only imagine what my sister-in-law has been through in the last 5 years since he died.
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:19 PM
To each, their own, I guess. since they’re not taking handouts, I can’t really bitch about anything. But could he at least consider taking up golf?
( now to wait and see who takes the bait…)
trubble on May 9, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Christians who use the amount of children they have as a status symbol are playing right into the planned parenthood playbook. It’s exactly like new trend of New York rich yuppies getting large families to show off their status. It’s sick.
ninjapirate on May 9, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Everything went quiet and crickets could be heard in the background. … “Ahem anyway,” coughed apacalyps while trying to get rid of the awkward silence.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:20 PM
You like that GAWD thing, don’t you.
They need a little lesson in moderation… as in, all things, in moderation.
GAWD.!
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:21 PM
The Duggars own their home, their cars, and all their posessions outright; they have no debt; they are healthy and well-mannered. Why is it so hard to accept them as they are? Isn’t this better than the single mother, popping out babies from random men, living on welfare scenario? If you disagree, I’d love to know why.
fourstringfuror on May 9, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Yes, your couch has been full hasn’t it.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:22 PM
I’ve always been facinated by this family. It does border on a freak-show kind of story though.
I think it’s wrong to be parading their kids on tv like PT Barnum. If they want 18 kids, fine, but why are they doing the tv programs?
No, couldn’t be for the MONEY, could it be???
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:24 PM
They love their kids and provide for them, never taking a penny from government. I say good for them, may they have more. I do admit though that I always think of the Catholic-Proestant segment of Monty Python’s Meaning Of Life when ever I hear about the Duggers.
thekingtut on May 9, 2008 at 8:25 PM
What an interesting display of ignorance. I think it’s caused by global warming!
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:26 PM
You beat me to the quote.
Think about how big families must have gotten back in the pre-flood days (when people lived hundreds of years).
Red Pill on May 9, 2008 at 8:26 PM
This is like so old fashion,but hey if you can feed,cloth your mini empire than what the heck,and who is to judge!
Its their family,they want a big family and its their
business and I respect that,and thats pretty neat!
But I have to admit,really, whats causing this ongoing
perpetual pregnacy,and they must have a runway built
with a min-air-traffic control tower so as to have
the Storks coming in non-stop with their little beautiful
surprises! Ha Ha Ha.
canopfor on May 9, 2008 at 8:26 PM
God Bless Them! again and again and again!
ctmom on May 9, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Thank you! I swear some people honestly think that just because a couple chooses to have a large family this somehow makes them stupid or weird or irrational. Parish the thought that the parents actually thought about…gee, I don’t know…life insurance!!! No, that would imply that the couple actually thought through their decision to have a large family and planned it well, instead of behaving on their primitive rabbit-like instincts…
greekinfidel on May 9, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Great family featured in this piece: In our case, we were barely able to have one due to health issues. Children are a gift. No one is saying YOU have to have ANY children, let alone 19 of them! So, why begrudge someone who a.) loves children; b.) knows how to raise them; and c.) can afford to raise them. How many families like mine — who were able only to have one (or zero) children balance out this family’s bounty? And as far as the way they name their children, what a junior-high-level cheap shot! Read Mark Steyn: The West (Western Europe, Russia, Japan) is NOT replacing itself (in terms of reproduction), but the Muslim world is! These folks are doing us a favor!
sanantonian on May 9, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I think he has, ctmom. I hope he continues to, if that’s what they want.
fourstringfuror on May 9, 2008 at 8:29 PM
My bet is that he isn’t adequately insured. Do you know?
Life insurance doesn’t replace a daddy.
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:30 PM
My Grandma was 1 of 18 children, same mom and dad, 4 sets of twins…
No joke!
Melba Toast on May 9, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Nice house though.
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 8:33 PM
That is so cool.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:33 PM
One is tempted to say sarcastic things, the most charitable of which would be: When God said “Be fruitful and multiply,” I don’t remember any mention of exponents.
But seriously, God bless ‘em! It’s like a cult compound, with the polygamy.
Ali-Bubba on May 9, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Jimminy Cricket!
If they are happy and taking care of themselves, then quit picking on them as though they intrude into your existence.
maverick muse on May 9, 2008 at 8:35 PM
My parents had eight kids. My father’s parents had eight, and my mothers had eleven. So I don’t see anything that strange about the Duggers.
thekingtut on May 9, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Amen.
Red Pill on May 9, 2008 at 8:39 PM
They have their own professional-looking website that includes a media section and an online poll on what to name their next kid. They’re hardly dodging publicity, are they?
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 8:39 PM
But I don’t condemn them to a hot place. How soon before you, or someone else calls me a liberal?
Entelechy on May 9, 2008 at 8:41 PM
They live in a very large house which the dad and boys built. It has two laudromats and everything you would need to rear a group that large. Dad’s into real estate and is definitely NOT poor. Their home is online for anyone who cares to look. It’s pretty nice.
thatcher on May 9, 2008 at 8:42 PM
I find it interesting that none of these children are riddled with the same ailments that 75% of my students are “stricken” with. ADHD, ADD, this ism, that ism, autism…
I teach families where every child has an “ism”. Yet the Duggers have so many without ANY isms. Speaks volumes in and of itself. How come so many of my students have some type of disorder–whether “anger problems” or some form of the 143 and counting varieties of autism (there’s a new one every day), yet this family shows no signs or traits of what’s happening in “normal” sized families.
robblefarian on May 9, 2008 at 8:43 PM
It used to be that people could pretty much do what they wanted, as long as it was legal and they didn’t expect their neighbors to subsidize it. It had something to do with that antiquated notion of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
I admire the Duggars for doing things their own way and for paying their own way. It must bug the crap out of the holier-than-thou environmental hyperventilators, though.
Which, now that I think about it, is one more thing I admire the Duggars for.
Cicero43 on May 9, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Oy. Please tell me that rhymes with “Singer.” That would make my day.
Tanya on May 9, 2008 at 8:43 PM
I’ll give them credit for picking up the slack for the rest of Western culture, with its negative fertility rate. Several latte-sippers can be grateful that this couple made up for their narcissism.
obladioblada on May 9, 2008 at 8:43 PM
I’ll bet their house isn’t any bigger or consumes any more energy than Al Gore or Silky’s house (I’m having a mental block and can’t remember his name).
ctmom on May 9, 2008 at 8:46 PM
I love the Discovery Science Channel (I’m addicted to Mystery Diagnosis) and have seen the Duggers and some other families whose names I don’t recall.
As a mother of one, I cannot tell you how in awe I am of these families. Their lifestyle is the polar opposite of mine and it’s not what I’d choose, but I have nothing but respect for their choices. They are raising great kids who should be treasured as much as we treasure any of our natural resources, and they most definitely should not be scorned as icky planet polluters.
It’s a given they will contribute much to this great nation, and that’s more than can be said for the arrogant elites who look down their noses at these large, but self-sufficient families, while promoting entitlement programs and a culture of dependency.
Buy Danish on May 9, 2008 at 8:46 PM
That woman got screwed, literally.
She and her husband believe in the teaching of a guy called Bill Gothard who preaches about parenthood and guess what, are you ready?
“Gothard has remained unmarried and has no children.”
Exactly like a televangelist who preaches what he never praticed.
Indy Conservative on May 9, 2008 at 8:47 PM
stenwin77, why are you so hostile?
ctmom on May 9, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Yeah- does seem an aweful coincidence that parents with no concept of discipline seem to have kids who have ADD. Or as I call it, “bad parent syndrome” after meeting parents with kids thus affected. Oddly (or perhaps predictably), a disproportanate number of said parents include a mother who is some sort of child counsellor, teacher, social worker, etc.
Best wishes to the Duggar family and all, but the publicity-whoring and their goofball choices in names does make them look a bit creepy.
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 8:50 PM
…? Lame argument. I guess I can’t have an opinion on drugs, since I’ve never tried them.
HYTEAndy on May 9, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Groucho: And now many children do you have?
Contestant: Twenty
Grouch: Twenty! I like cigars, lady, but I take them out of my mouth once in a while!
crosspatch on May 9, 2008 at 8:56 PM
I’m sure that the three oldest kids would be able to pull their weight, in the event of either parent‘s death. In fact, I dare say that this family of 18 is far more prepared for a catastrophic event than many families with only 2 kids; where the parents are in houses they don’t own, have credit card debt, owe on their cars, etc. Talk about your support system! My roommate in college was number 12 of thirteen, all from the same mom, one at a time. And they are all fine. Honestly, I would much prefer the society that is “strained” by these children, with their manners and affinity for classical music…I mean yuk!
Weight of Glory on May 9, 2008 at 8:57 PM
For all the haters out there…
…are you jealous that Christians may actually “out breed” the other Earthen populations? After all, it is one of the fastest growing religions (and no, Islam is not the fastest, its growing because they like to have lots of kids).
I guess once 2050 hits, this planet will be dominated by either Christians or Muslims. And if either ever run out of space, there are plenty of other worlds in our solar system just waiting for some humans to call them home. ;-)
Darnell Clayton on May 9, 2008 at 8:57 PM
The women got screwed, literally.
Indy Conservative on May 9,2008 at 8:47PM.
Indy Conservative: Indy,like the guy is getting more
lucky than most married men will
see in two life times!
For the love of all thats pure and holy
you can’t be begrudging a fellow male to
fullfill is god given right to multiply!
And dude,she appears to be happy,even I
dare say Bliss,no?
canopfor on May 9, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Very big indeed. And it’s interesting to note that Adam was created with perfect genes. Gene corruption had not yet become a problem for mankind yet, so families could get very big without much problem in that area. We are actually a copy, off a copy, off a copy, off a copy, off a copy, etc, of Adam. The genetic code is pretty amazing. Try photocopying a piece of paper a couple thousand times, copy the copy, see how it turns out. You’d be barely able to see what was on it. Anyways, last time I checked each of us now has approx. 4000 corrupt genes. That’s why having children with someone carrying the same corrupt gene as you can equal disease in your children.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 8:58 PM
I think they are great. I’m struggling with the 2.5 year old and 7 week old I have. I couldn’t imagine. And I’m from a nice French Canadian Catholic family. My grandmother was 1 of 22 kids and my grandfather was 1 of 18 kids. Yes, my mom had 40 aunts and uncles (before any of them got married.)
With so many people only having 1 or 2 kids now a days i shudder to think what the world will look like in 20 years.
resqgal on May 9, 2008 at 8:58 PM
HA!
Weight of Glory on May 9, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Hey, if they raise their kids well, 18 more conservative voters.
clover_dave on May 9, 2008 at 9:03 PM
It’s not an opinion, it’s preaching.
Indy Conservative on May 9, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Or 18 more Mike Huckabee supporters. And that is an exclusive or.
phronesis on May 9, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Ummmm, yeah…
Just what the world needs… 18 more young-earth truthers.
Watcher on May 9, 2008 at 9:07 PM
TheUnrepentantGeek on May 9, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Geez, the level of hate for Christians on here has reached critical mass. I can’t imagine it’s any other reason than that they are Christians. Get over yourselves people.
SouthernGent on May 9, 2008 at 9:08 PM
-Insert your own tasteless “Uranus” joke here-
TheUnrepentantGeek on May 9, 2008 at 9:08 PM
My point is, what if they never listened to the preaching of that guy?
I’m not saying they are happy or not, all I’m saying is someone influenced their decision, and the end result could be harmful or not. She got fooled.
I believe in independent decision making, that’s why I get ticked off when I see sheep.
Indy Conservative on May 9, 2008 at 9:10 PM
I say go for it. If they’re not breaking the law, taking care of there children, all the more power to them. Feel a little sorry for the wife though (smiles).
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Funny, but Snopes.com says it’s false.
Entelechy on May 9, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Oh the horror!! The Oldest son wants to be an attorney! Their hearts must be breaking.
thekingtut on May 9, 2008 at 9:14 PM
What the heck are you talking about? Where is this critical mass of hate you’re referring to? Whatever the motivation of the parents, having 18 kids is very unusual in modern times.
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Don’t know how you know who is Christian and who isn’t. My father is a Baptist minister. I am a conservative Christian and I find this story a little on the freaky side.
They can do what they want… why do they do the tv shows? I believe this borders on exploiting the children.
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 9:16 PM
I wouldn’t do that to you Entelechy.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:16 PM
My mother-in-law (also an Irish Catholic girl) had 11. My father-in-law was an accountant for Pratt Whitney and she was a stay-at-home mom. No financial problems. Good kids. My 80-yo mil still does a huge amount of church-related volunteer work, i.e., preparing food for the poor, etc.
Very often, large families are self-sustaining. Look at what we have now. Smaller families split by divorce or business moves. A generational separation where kids don’t have the benefit of the wisdom and love of their grandparents and vice versa. It is no wonder really, that Obama supporters think McCain is valueless because he’s older. Liberals have fewer children, fewer family ties, and less interaction with varying age groups. The only wisdom they count as valuable is that of party elders, not family elders.
Connie on May 9, 2008 at 9:18 PM
So is being a gay conservative…yet here I am. I just find it odd that so many are questioning their motives. Maybe they’re just 2 horny people who enjoy sex and don’t believe in abortion. Simple, no?
SouthernGent on May 9, 2008 at 9:20 PM
I feel more sorry for the husband, with his wife being a “do not enter” zone most of the time. And when he finally does get the chance, I’d guess that her goods aren’t exactly in prime form.
But whatever- if they want a lot of kids, can afford them and bring them up well, more power to them. The theme names and publicity seeking does make one wonder if they’re not motivated in part by vanity though.
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Look at that, we agree on something (wink).
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:21 PM
But, of course, THAT is not really saying very much, is it?
My collie says:
Fly, my pretties, fly!
CyberCipher on May 9, 2008 at 9:23 PM
They are some derivitive of Pentecostalism because of the hair on the ladies and the dresses. My old church affiliation had the same “standards” for their ladies. That’s how I know. :-)
SouthernGent on May 9, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Hey, if they raise their kids well,18 more conservative voters.
clover_dave on May 9,2008 at 9:03PM.
clover_dave: And now for the dark side,heres the flip
side of horror!
What if Doctors could tell if in the womb,
by say a way of a test,which way the baby
would vote,Liberal or Republican!
And the parents are Liberals,I see a new
front opening against un-born babies,a hum!
canopfor on May 9, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Most married couples also enjoy sex and don’t resort to multiple abortions, yet don’t have 18 kids- they have that many because they want that many. And if they enjoyed sex so much, why guarantee that they could have it so rarely?
I’ve seen you post many times, and you don’t spend every post saying “Look at me! I’m a gay conservative! I’m special!” and rightfully so. If you did, you don’t think that some would question your motivation for posting here?
Hollowpoint on May 9, 2008 at 9:27 PM
This statement is a bit creepy.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Or maybe they both just really LOVE children. What? Is THAT too difficult to imagine?
My collie says:
CyberCipher on May 9, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Reminds me of a true story from the CBC radio Archive. A CBC reporter was interviewing and old Newfoundland woman about her life raising 18 (?) children as well as going out with her husband often to fish from a dory.
At the end of the interview the reporter, amazed at her tenacity and strength, asked her, ” After raising all those children and helping your husband with the fishing were you ever laid up on your back?” To which she replied, ” Oh goodness yes, thousands of times….and hundreds of times in the dory as well.”
BL@KBIRD on May 9, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Now THAT’S FUNNY !
stenwin77 on May 9, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Ba-ha-ha, ba-ha-ha. apacalyps started laughing hysterically… Ba-ha-ha, ba-ha-ha.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:36 PM
I know. Some of the comments against this decent family are downright strange and bizarre.
apacalyps on May 9, 2008 at 9:38 PM
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