Really, Joan. Why are you even posting this? Only the die-hard right-wing nutjobs could begin to see this comment as racially polarizing. Michelle's own words are clear. There is no distinction of black and white (or anything else), just a genel commetn about how we all frequently interact or fail to do so when given the opportunity. Sounds pretty clearly like a call to UNITY.

First, I'm leery about bailing out large numbers of homeowners who simply cannot afford their adjustable rate mortgages. I don't know if a general freeze on foreclosures is even viable as an option. Sounds too good to be true and that makes it unsound on principle.

That said, this Obama supporter is very impressed with Clinton's overall emphasis on changes to the mortgage and banking industry and her determination to help the little guy as much as the big guys. I find it unconscionable that our federal government deems Bear Sterns worthy of a bailout but not ordinary citizens. Where's the fairplay in that? It is, as we are the taxpayers, our money afterall. Good job Hillary for calling out the Bush administration on its blatant diregard for ordinary citizens!

I'm a special education teacher and I am also a mother of a 3 yr old son. I did a lot of reading before I had my son and I knew that I didn't need to spend a lot of money of cribs or strollers or car seats or diaper bags or anything else. The big issue is safety and durability so that's what I went for. I didn't go into parenting thinking that I would need to lay out a lot of money, just time, patience and love.

That said, I also totally sympathize with all parents who reach for Baby Einstein, gadgety toys and the like. It really does serve a purpose, just not, as the author says, the one that is listed on the box. It's part of the babysitting that is required of parents to get a dinner prepared or shower or return an email. These products have a role in our very busy lives and they help us manage all of our responsibilities.

My biggets issue with the toys and gadgets and special DVD's is that these kinds of experiences are not only not beneficial for small children, they may actually inhibit real learning. That's because, as anyone who has studied child development knows, children learn through direct experience. They shouldn't watch a pretty DVD about farm animals with Mozart playing, they should be visiting a farm or even just walking around the neighborhood with mom or dad. You're sure to see a few animals, right? All the parent needs to do is to start talking and point things out and there you have it, learning.

Joan, please check that information again. I believe that Clinton did not win any delegates over Obama.

BTW- When are the final tallies going to come out in Texas? Also, when is the report about fraudulent voting in Ohio going to be released? I heard March 31st. Make sure to cover that story Joan since the Bosnia-lie debacle hasn't had much coverage here. Neither has the clear NAFTA lies from Clinton.

The real problem is that the Democratic Party has created a system where this could occur. Hopefully, the leaders will reflect on this problem and change procedures so that this cannot happen in the future. I am also waiting for that report that is supposed to be coming very soon which may deflate some of Hillary Clinton's balloon over her Ohio win. If this comes out in the next few days, there will be a justified discussion of the legitimacy and implications of some of the possible PA results.

I kind of agree with you about Hillary but I fundamentally think she is a good person, trying to do positive things for others. The problem is how she goes about it all and how she rationalizes it.

Your post about the "stroller prison" was spot on. Once the child can walk or run well, they shouldn't be strapped into the stroller. I think it looks a bit odd to see a 3 or 4 yr old strapped into a stroller when all the parents are doing is walking around.

You wrote:

"you need professional help to breastfeed

You need professional help to breastfeed? How in the heck did the human race survive until the bottle and lactation consultant were invented? Some women need help with breastfeeding but most do not. It the most natural thing in the world.

-- Carol H "

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Sorry but you're very wrong there. In other cultures, other more experienced women help the young mother with breast feeding. Now we have to outsource because we have no close female relatives nearby or because they bottle fed. For myself, I had a C-section and my milk NEVER came in large quantities. After 2 days of crying that got worse and worse I just made a bottle of formula and fed my little guy. His true sweet nature came out and he sacked out. I pumped for about 6 weeks after but, again, my milk supply was simply too scant and I needed to supplement. And I had a relatively expensive pump too. Personally, I think C sections contribute to the problem of difficult breastfeeding. Not sure what the research says on that though.

I grant that Edwards' endorsement may have meant something 2 months ago, but now...it just doesn't. The Edwards supporters are basically going to throw their weight to whomever they wish. Clinton may want this endorsement but it won't translate into votes for her. Let's face it people, the election is 80% over. Exactly what is left for Edwards to sway, even granting the guy has sway which I doubt. Obama can't possibly care about an Edwards endorsement unless it also comes with a request for Hillary to drop out. Short of that, Edwards is irrelevant.