Lisa,

You will find, overall, that many people chose to look at Adoption in Black and White. For some, there is no gray middle ground where Adoption can be and is good. It's all or nothing -they opt for nothing and no matter what others say, nothing is all they will accept.

AdoptionBlogs.com is and will continue to be a great resource for people who, like most of the readers, believe that the system is not infallible or without issues – but they chose to be part of the solution, by enacting and lobbying for realistic change in the way things are done, rather than, as someone else said, “throw the baby out with the bathwater”.

Adoption is and will continue to be a realistic option for unplanned pregnancy – that is the reality of the world we live in today. Women faced with an unplanned pregnancy absolutely should be presented with all of their options and they should be allowed to chose the best option that works for them. Like so many, I don’t think anyone should be allowed to tell me what *I*can do with my body – that goes for abortion, adoption, birth or otherwise…Does that mean I support unethical practices in adoption? No. I chose to be part of the solution – I chose to go to bat for those who are treated wrongly and make sure that I do my best to ensure that others are not treated the same.

Like I said, for some, it’s black and white – nothing about adoption (or most anything in the world) is black an white – there is always gray – and I firmly believe those of us who chose to enact realistic change will be successful in our endeavors and I am ecstatic that AdoptionBlog.com has made a move in that direction. Adoption.com is a firm voice in the adoption community and has a real golden opportunity to facilitate change!

At least she didn't call you Paris Hilton and accuse you of drinking pina coladas! Scathing accusations, both, and I feel so ... so ... violated.

Okay, violated is a bit over the top. More like ... what? Amused. That would be closer.

But seriously, tracking down and attacking is the name of the game over on that side of the fence.

If the issue wasn't as important as the children of the world, we could throw a big "Laugh at Mirah Party", knocking back a few pina coladas, of course, and play a few games of 'find the punctuation mark' in her writings. But the issue is huge, so we have to take the time to address her.

She's like a festering wound we have to keep picking the scab off of. Yucky, but necessary.

I need to calm down a little before writing a reply.

All I really feel I should say at this time, Lisa, is:

1. Sandra wrote a strong reaction to what is, IMO, a fanatical point of view. I don't see a problem with that.

2. Adoptionblogs.com is a valuable, realistic, balanced contribution to the many, many articles, blogs and forum discussions currently available to those interested in adoption isses via the Web.

3. You are doing a very good job at balancing those who support Mirah's point of view and those who oppose Mirah's view. I am sure I would not do so well if the responsibility was mine.

4. You are entitled, as we all are, to a personal opinion in this matter.

Hi Lisa,

Like Soblessed, I had to calm down, so my little man and I went for a walk. He fell asleep and I felt much better.

I try very hard to keep an open mind. I read the blogs I feel are important issues for me and my son. I also read the blogs that are difficult or uncomfortable because, well, that is just me. I have always lived my life trying to see all sides of the coin, even when I don't agree with said sides - even when I think some said sides have gone completely into the stratosphere.

It seems, in every arena, there are people who are only comfortable in the extremes. Maybe there is a gene for this - I know they think adrenaline junkies have a twist in their DNA that makes them crave jumping off of tall, tall things, battling enraged wild beasties and locking themselves in coffins underwater. Is it true for extremists also?

I think the fact that Heather posted Mirah's interview speaks for the balance this blog site seeks to obtain. I read it. I didn't completely disagree with everything she said. I just find her avenue of discourse, her blatant disregard for the feelings of anyone who doesn't agree with her, her lack of ethical behavior, and her refusal to offer any solid evidence or solutions(other than facts I already knew) to address the hard questions about the children of the world completely unacceptable.

There are no EASY answers to the issues facing the world's children. The world is GREY, people are MULTICOLORED and FLAWED. Most people are good and bad, some people are bad and some people are downright EVIL.

I don't have any huge plan for saving the world's children. I didn't adopt my son to SAVE him, but there might be a correlation, ie, if I didn't adopt him, he might not be here. I do what I can. I educate myself, I support programs and families overseas and domestically in anyway I can (and I have for years, not just since I adopted). I am mindful of where I step, grateful for what I have, and I believe that even one small step can make a difference. Besides, how else does one go about saving the world other than one child at a time?

Anyway, thanks for the great discourse, the blogs, the arena.

Romee

Lisa, thank you for getting involved. This site is paired with adoption.com, a site primarily devoted to the adoption of older children from US foster care. It is not Ihateadoption.com, or even Letseliminateadoption.com. It should be supportive of adoption.

I do question the need to give an open voice to those who want to end or greatly restrict adoption. There are plenty of blogs out there to accomodate their views.

This blog should educate people about adoption. Certainly adoption is not perfect, and concerns, as well as possible solutions should appear here. This is not a site where there should be so much negative stuff that potential adoptors are driven away. Thanks again for getting involved. John

I think I represent the exact demographic Ms. Riben is aiming at: the newbie. She surely understands the people she flames are unlikely to change their minds, but still she rails on in hopes of luring in the less experienced.

I was frankly a little surprised to see her given so much "airtime" here, but on further consideration I realized it's good in the end. This is the only place I am given the opportunity to read the occassional zealous author right alongside the mainstream. It is, therefor, the only place I will regularly be educated in certain viewpoints because I'll simply avoid any full-on anti-reasonable site. Those venues and what they say about humanity are depressing.

While it's not surprising to me that a proponent of such radicalism would act unprofessionally, it's encouraging to see such a classy response.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

My legal and biological daughter has been sold by adoption agency against my will. Adoptive parent, wealthy lawyer Mark Gilbert paid -off "judge" Richard Cowart in Valdosta Georgia and illegally terminated my parental rights. At the same time as Adoption Assistance Agency from Albuquerque was selling my daughter judge Nash in Albuquerque granted me full custody of my son Steven. The details of this somewhat complicated story you can find at: Adoption Assistance Agency The trouble is that my story id not a fluke or mistake. Some adoption agencies under a cover of Christian non-profits, kidnap and sell children. Most victim parents do not fight or talk about it, convinced that nothing can be done.

Jack,
see my Mom's site !!!!!
www.my-sara.com

The details of this somewhat complicated story you can find at:
http://www.my-sara.com

What a nightmare! Have you contacted any of the local or national press about this?

Of course !!!!
The owners of largest newspaper in New Mexico are related to one of the judges in second district court. No news in New Mexico will publish anything about case as such. Investigative reporters from local TV will not touch it. Prosecutors office will not do a thing, FBI washed hands, CYFD fired everybody who could know anything about a case. I have lots of very substantial evidence and would love to set a fire under corrupted system. The most scary part is that it is not a fluke but an industry, involving numerous state employees... I am shooting a movie.....
Http://www.my-sara.com
Jack@my-sara.com

UN.GIFT (United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking) website www.ungift.org aims to be an extension of UN GIFT activities worldwide. We would like it to evolve into a vibrant online community where people exchange views, showcase their work, talk about their experiences to strengthen the fight against human trafficking. With your help we can make it a valuable resource to take this fight forward. Organized crime of human trafficking needs a fitting organized response.