Sorry, still can’t shut up about child abuse.
This article is from 2004 but still worth reading: “More than 500,000 Australians spent at least part of their childhoods in orphanages or homes run by churches, welfare agencies and state governments. Many of them were abused.”
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/30/1093852183041.html

Philo, I understand that you are either not aware or you deny that this happens in some Christian places but it DOES happen.

I am not stressing this because I’m a b**ch who wants to be right, but because philo, you are in a position to keep your ears and eyes wide open to look out for these dangerous environments. Be strong and brave and blow a whistle if you suspect abuse happen.

All this abuse happened to children who's mothers did NOT use contraception, btw.

Wendy, your posts are so full of energy! You make a very important point when you say that children deserve to be wanted and loved.
What child deserves to be born in a family that don’t want it there?

Robert e, loved your story about your grandma. I have actually never heard my grandma swear, even though she wasn’t religious. I’d have loved to hear her swear just once!
I’m not sure yet if I can read your book at this stage. I read "A Child called 'It' ” (does you know that book? Probably by David Pezler).

I’ve had regular nightmares since I read that book a couple of years ago.
Every time I hear about a child abuse case, this book is in my mind and I shiver.
Or is this book a bit lighter than A Child Called ‘It’?

Scout, thanks for your witty summary, loved it ;)

I said at the beginning that I was ONLY going to talk about this new abortion pill. You know what? I lied!

Oh well, we have probably said all there was to say about this pill, anyway. And there is a lot to say about child abuse.
Children and animals are so helpless- we all need to look out for them!

Celivia,
Institutional Orphanages have not existed in Australia for many years. Children are now placed in foster care families, if no relatives are able to care for them.

Robert E

Thanks for the parable and I get your point, however, Philo and I are long time posters to OLO - while I can generally turn the other cheek when he judges me, I have difficulty when he attacks others. He is one of the bullies on this site - if I have a weakness, it is a complete and utter loathing of bullies and hypocrisy (Philo manages both - such talent!). While I often let Philo's own words condemn him, I believe it is worthwhile letting him know when he has gone too far, such as his assumptions about Wendy. Believe me, I don't waste too much time on the likes of Philo, but it doesn't hurt to remind him to pull his head on occasion.

Celivia

Thanks for getting it.

Thanks for the relationship info.

I do want to point out, however, that "Rarity from the Hollow" is an outrageous and fun read. Sure, it starts out harsh, but that's to set up the empowerment. I don't want folks to think that my novel drains emotions-- it doesn't--nothing comes from dwelling on victimization unless it invigorates action. My novel is a fun read.

Robert E.

Robert E.. I really enjoyed your post..our childhood experiences shapes us as adults and helps us to be appreciative of lifes small pleasures..ie I can experience great joy to wake up and find a beautiful day, soft grey skys and gentle rain,a beautiful beach, the smell of rain on hot dusty earth...theyre all free and the most beautiful gifts from nature..as a child growing up very poor like you this beauty was my mostly all I could expect but to be honest I still havent found anything that can replace it in my life.

Unfortunately my grandmother died when I was very young and the fact you have those great memories of yours? I feel very jealous.

You are such a nice man and now I see why.

cheers

Celivia

Your sweet to stick up for us new chums.
Robert, Scout, Ozgirl Its great talking to special people.
Robert I also loved the story about your Grand Mother.
Ozgirl how wise you are.
Sometimes doing it tough makes people hard but the smart ones learn to appreciate whats important.
Robert where do people BUY your book? I have some ideas.
Philo you dill, foster carers are just people, like people who run homes. There is much trouble about foster carers abusing kids for sexual favours.
Not All! homes are closed either.
You dont have to call people evil and wickard because they choose not to have kids.
Thats quite unbalanced. .
Look at Ozgirl shes done it hard in the past and now with all her understanding shes raised hers, put herself through uni and is studying to be a social worker.
She tried to tell you nicely that you cant force women to give birth.
How would you like it if someone said you cant read or Quote the bible anymore.?
You choose to read the bible and go to Church.
Nobody is stopping you.
Stop now and really consider how angry you would be if John Howard introduced a law blocking you from reading the bible.
You would be rightfully outraged.
Its freedom of Choice.
Please consider you cant MAKE people think like you just because you have your veiw pont.
Thats what starts wars.
Speaking of religion.
Try to find it in your heart to understand God made us all different.
There are many stories out there by women who have chosen not to have children at that particular time or the other.
Do not judge people.
Think about what I said regarding the Churches lack of responsibilty towards helping us stop this evil Live Animal Export Trade and those terrible small cages they stuff animals into all their lives that cant even turn around or spread their wings.
In gods name why>? Do you lot carry on about life when you show no concern for lives of the suffering?