How interesting. I was just having a look at the list where the highest percentage of children who are taken away from their parents and I see that all of these states are states which are mentioned often enough during "Election Season."

I moved away from the USA 10-years ago. I knew as a kid that there was something wrong. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. It seemed that the neighborhood used to be a great place to live. I flew home to see my parents about four years ago. It felt different. It isn't home anymore.

The homes are falling apart. The people dress like one might expect a homeless person to dress. They are hopeless and unhappy. The steel mill in Cleveland shut down. There is crime and homelessness. The mortgage crisis doesn't help. I wouldn't move back for anything in the world. I used to think the USA was a great land.

Desegregation, mistrust and all the laws, which regulate so much, causes much tension in poor neighborhoods. What will it be like in 20-years when our children grow up? I do not like the technocratical childbirth norm in the USA. I had all three of my children at home. The experience was empowering.

I hope the problems in America will be worked out. Every member of my immediate family holds a GED certificate. I was the only graduate and the only one to make something of myself. I feel so sorry for their weaknesses. I wish that people like them had taken schooling more serious. You have to play by the game rules in America. If you don't play by the rules you will be imprisoned. That's my opinion. Honest people hardly have a chance. I wonder what life is like in rural areas and if the children are also frequently taken away?

What of the Amish people; the ones who live naturally or homeschoolers and mothers who choose home birthing? Who fits the profile? What has to happen in order for them to get involved? Seems like Russia or East Germany. You know, they ratted each other out. They were so poor, they would actually call up on their neighbor and get them in trouble with the law if they were doing something out of line. Those people would be promptly arrested and interrogated! I've seen many documentaries. Psychological wars!

Well, my heart goes out to you; all of the people who have to fight to keep their children. Giving birth isn't enough...you have to fight daily for custody of your flesh and blood offspring. They expect women to work (we cannot be only a Mother) and they take the kids early on for "educating" them in their system. Pre-school!

When does it end?

~Sabrina

Labels: Cleveland, CPS, natural childbirth, Ohio, parental rights, poverty