to those that feel this is not an appropriate place for kids

[AmandaRuth]

Listen, they are surrounded by right wing rhetoric, which comes from anywhere and everywhere. If Air America is not available in their area, this may be the only place to see/read progressive policies debated, especially if they live in a red area, as we do. Kids want to learn and want to feel optimism. They want truth, and want to be involved. Besides repukes grab them early, why can't we? I want my daughter to understand democratic principles including free speech. I want her to understand the difference between the political parties.

Where else but here can they read arguments about the benefits of a living wage, or the necessity of taking care of the environment. I can tell her that the national media including hate radio are just spew units with pre-purchased agendas, but here she can read about specific examples of this and relate that to policies that affect her life. If a kid is reading DU it is because they want to know about these things and are interested in the political process.

Let me give you a specific example - she is in 7th grade, very fundy area, having a discussion with another 7th grade boy. He said that all gay people should be shot - She asked him if he was Christian, (they all are up here), he said yes, She asked him if he believed in Extreme Jesus or Liberal Jesus. That led to more discussion, and I think that the boy left with a little more humility than he had when he started talking to her. Extreme Jesus and Liberal Jesus are terms she picked up here. She often posts as MiniAmandaRuth.

And note, no where did I say that language or topics should be censored. Oftentimes adult topics give me an excuse to bring up things that we should be discussing, like the time I had to explain what a beer bong was, not that I have had any personal experience with that . :) Just something to think about - Besides she says she wants to run for office some day, so in 20 years, you may be voting for her. :) :) So lay off the kids...... :)

[xultar]

1. Yeah and Cheney and * both say Fuck. n/t

[AmandaRuth]

3. wow

thanks for the f'ing support.

[Cronus Protagonist]

5. Yeah, how the fuck do we explain THAT to the kids?

http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13
Buttons for brainy people - educate your local freepers today!

[xultar]

11. I don't fucking know, but it seems * and Dick are fucking hypocrites.

:evilgrin:

[UdoKier]

2. I would let any kid over the age of about 12 come here.

There is nothing inappropriate. I teach my kids not to use curse words at inappropriate times because it's RUDE, the words in and of themselves are not EVIL, and there is a time and place for them.

Why on earth would you want to raise your kids in a Disneyfied bubble when the real world is so brutal? Honestly, I don't get it. Expose them to reality in reasonable amounts, gradually, so they'll be ready for it when they have to live in it.

Example: I was like 17 before I even learned that masturbation wasn't perverted and that everybody did it.

How much grief could my dad have saved me by just letting me in on that little fact? 5 years of it, actually.

[lukasahero]

4. I think this is a great place for kids

I think you're referring to that "watch your language" post which I have avoided like the plague and will not comment on but regarding whether or not kids should be reading here at DU - abso-frickin-lutely! ;-) Otherwise all they're going to be exposed to is RW church and media crap. Where else will they read the truth? How else will they know that not all of us "grown ups" have sold them out to our almighty pocketbook?

Oh yeah, and way to go MiniAmandaRuth (and MamaAmandaRuth, I presume?) I'll vote for her!

[AmandaRuth]

7. MamaAmandaRuth! LOL

or AmandaRuth, the elder as I like to say. thanks I do think that if kids are here it is because they are truly interested in poliltics, and that should be encouraged..... I was surprised on that other thread at how many duers think kids should be banned.

[louisgag]

6. I agree, kids are the future, and you don't want them to have a 'censored'

mind.

L.

[Quakerfriend]

8. Great thread

My 11 year old loves this place. He reads over my shoulder all the time...and has very clear understanding of all that goes on. It is sort of funny because he trots over to our Repug neighbors house and tell their kids about all the news, ie, the SSS, the way GE owns NBC and etc. Apparently, the kids (ages 8, 11, 13, and 15) discuss politics quite a bit!

[genius]

9. Kids are interested. IN another forum lots of threads start with F word

It's one thing if a person used it ocassionally when expressing a point. But the titles of the threads are up front and some self-control would be a good idea. In the politics forum it seems that it's a game to see who can used the worst language in opening a thread. Kids do need to get a political education and that is why a lot of kids have come here. But would you constantly use bad language around someone you wanted to impress? If not, perhaps it would be best if people didn't repeatedly throw the worst possible language in the face of kids who are just looking at the title of threads.

If we don't exercise a little self-control, what makes us different from Bush?

[readmoreoften]

10. I think it's great that you let your daughter visit DU

Sounds like you're a great mom. We need more parents like you in the world.

Maybe there should be a kids forum on DU!