Big family inspires on many levels

What a shame that you chose to write an editorial criticizing the Duggars, the family in Arkansas who have 18 children. (Monday editorial, “Limiting huge family would also be a gift.”) What you didn’t point out were the positive attributes that these parents share with their children.

Did you know the Duggars have no debt? None, not even a mortgage on their 7,000-plus-square-foot house. They live entirely within their means. How many of us can say that?

Did you know that the Duggars shop thrift stores, make their own detergent, and live in a manner that would make most ecologists “green” with envy?

Their children are raised with a faith in God and virtues such as modesty, honesty and respect. Each child plays an instrument and is home schooled. The mom, Michelle, has more patience than a saint.

The Duggars have had occasional TV specials to satisfy the curiosity of those of us who struggle raising our average-sized families, but their weekly show is new to TLC this year. I, for one, enjoy watching their lives change and I wish them nothing but the best — and as many children as they can have!

Jenny Barker

Kenmore

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks to a reporter as his 2024 gubernatorial campaign launch event gets underway in Seattle, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. ( Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Recruiting two Bob Fergusons isn’t election integrity

A GOP activist paid the filing fee for two gubernatorial candidates who share the attorney general’s name.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, May 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Foster parent abstract concept vector illustration. Foster care, father in adoption, happy interracial family, having fun, together at home, childless couple, adopted child abstract metaphor.
Editorial: State must return foster youths’ federal benefits

States, including Washington, have used those benefits, rather than hold them until adulthood.

Ross Douthat: Moralism has its limits in Middle East and U.S.

Noting about this can be reduced to a single moral argument. But, then, that’s always been the case.

Nicholas Kristof: If only Biden had used leverage sooner

The president is right to delay bomb shipments to Israel. Used earlier it could have saved children.

Maureen Dowd: Stormy Daniels was Trump’s bad character witness

Making no apologies, the porn star testified to Trump’s immoral values, reminding voters who Trump is.

David French: What transforms daughter’s doubts about strength

Confronting uncertainty over the health of her unborn daughter now serves her as an adult child.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, May 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Will voters kill nation’s first long-term care program

Washington has its WA Cares fund, and other states are interested. But will it live past November?

This is a set of Cannabis product icons. This is a set of simple icons that can be used for website decoration, user interface, advertising works, and other digital illustrations.
Comment: What you need to know before talking about cannabis

Legalization has invited new forms — and higher potency — of the drug and its effect on youths’ health.

Making adjustments to keep Social Security solvent represents only one of the issues confronting Congress. It could also correct outdated aspects of a program that serves nearly 90 percent of Americans over 65. (Stephen Savage/The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SLUGGED SCI SOCIAL SECURITY BY PAULA SPAN FOR NOV. 26, 2018. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED.
Editorial: Social Security’s good news? Bad news delayed a bit

Congress has a little additional time to make sure Social Security is solvent. It shouldn’t waste it.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks to reporters during a press conference about the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Senate Democrats reintroduced broad legislation on Wednesday to legalize cannabis on the federal level, a major shift in policy that has wide public support, but which is unlikely to be enacted this year ahead of November’s elections and in a divided government. (Valerie Plesch/The New York Times)
Editorial: Federal moves on cannabis encouraging, if incomplete

The Biden administration and the Senate offer sensible proposals to better address marijuana use.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.