I thought it was pretty ridiculous when couples run out and buy an SUV when the wife finds out she's pregnant with #2 (or #1!)

This is even crazier -- a double-income-no-kids couple with an SUV? What do they do, haul stuff for a living? They certainly could "squeeze" into a regular car (sedan) -- I betcha.


Gas prices strain struggling households

Aaron Swarvar: Gas going up stings
Software Developer, 28, Vernon Hills, Ill.

Aaron Swarvar, with his wife Lindsey, says gas prices could be a problem for him if they keep rising.

Thanks to the housing market tanking, we were actually able to buy our first home. That has left us with all of our extra income gone between taxes and buying things for the house.

Gas going up now certainly doesn't help. Luckily, we are working on the house so much that we don't have time to get out and do anything else.

It also helps that my commute is six miles, so driving the SUV doesn't hurt that bad. And my wife is a teacher, so she doesn't have to make her 20-plus mile each way commute all summer when gas is highest.

In the end, gas going up stings. But it certainly isn't a crushing blow to our finances at the moment. If it goes much higher or we have to drive a lot more, that could all change though.

ACS himself signed up and posted the following:

Well, I might be a little late in replying, but at least better late the never, right? Since you were so non-judgemental and just said that my wife and I were crazy instead of insane I figured I would at least reply to your pointless ramblings. Why I am even dignifying this with a response is beyond me but oh well, as you said, I'm crazy because I have an SUV.

First, my wife and I have an SUV, a convertible, a full size pickup truck, and a compact pickup. Why? Because I can. Each one has it's own purpose and I can afford it. That doesn't mean I have to LIKE expensive gas and feel like spending more to fill up. 2nd, yes, I do haul a lot of things frequently. I also tow frequently. I also go off-roading. I also go motocross racing. We also travel a lot. Camp frequently and have a 80 lb dog that we take along during all of these adventures. So yeah, the SUV is pretty necessary. I only have a Grand Cherokee for my daily driver though there are times I could use a Suburban.

Anyway, I've already wasted enough time replying so I will stop things short there. Before passing judgment on other again maybe you should think before you spout off. Or should I just pass judgment on you for the actions of other Catholics as well?

  Birth control is supposedly made in order to reduce poverty in the world. The strange thing (as far as I see in my country) is that it is the rich that use it the most. I have seen big houses that shelter 3 people (a couple with one kid) Three people need a house with four or five rooms and three cars!
  But the middle and lower class still want two children. Some love to have kids of the both genders, so they will consider having a third child if the first two are both girls or both boys.

When I was young, I remember being crammed in the back of a small Datsun with approx 10 other kids! You couldn't do that today, thanks to child car seats.

 

I thought it was pretty ridiculous when couples run out and buy an SUV when the wife finds out she's pregnant with #2 (or #1!)

  oh my gosh! heaven forbid! Call the abortionist or she loses her precious career! :roll-laugh1:

Wow, you struck a nerve here, Matthew.  But I know this is one of your pet peeves.

I'm a bit confused by this post -- could you elaborate?

 

Refraining from giving the child more than 1 sibling on purpose -- that's cruelty. I'm sure most children would rather "take their chances" on the backseat without a car seat, if it meant they could have 2 more siblings.

I cannot agree more! I really wish I could lose half of everything I have (foods, cloths etc.) and gain a sister instead. But unfortunately it is impossible. :cry:

Y'all should listen to Jeff Foxworthy on the subject of when children weren't too good to go flying out the window along with Grandma.  

Whoever answered your initial post seemed quite upset.  I'm guessing his conscience isn't all that easy with his choices.  I have read your posts long enough to know you don't like rampant consumerism and waste.

This is a sensitive issue for me as well.  I remember when we had only 3 kids, we drove around FOREVER in an old Chevy Cavalier.  At that time, the car seat laws hadn't gotten outrageous, so we had one car seat in the middle of the back seat and the other two, who were 7 and 4, just sat on either side in seat belts.  We were happy.  We didn't get a mini-van until we were having #4!!  We now have a mini-van that seats 7 and we have 6 kids--oye--two of whom have to be in car seats.  We we all go places together and around town, we just cram the little ones all in the back.    My husband has a little truck that we use for hauling stuff but it only seats 2.  If we go on long trips and we have to take everybody we have to take both vehicles.  We could really use a 12 passenger van since we are expecting #7.   LOL  Two things I just hate--people who attempt to validate their materialism with the justification of "because I can afford it" and the elitist who create laws that place a hardship on the poor and people with large families.  It irks me greatly.  I know plenty of people, "modern" Catholics included, who live this way.  To the guy with 4 or 5 cars---since you can afford it, why not be charitable and buy a mini-van for a family of 6 who can't afford it?  Oh, wait that might "encourage" them to continue to be "irresponsible" with their "family  planning" and finances.