Pick On Someone Your Own Size!

The leading story on the local evening news tonight touched a nerve. 

Evidently, PETA plans to run a billboard in Northwest Arkansas advocating spaying and neutering pets. Fine. I've seen The Price is Right. I'm on board. But they are using one of my favorite families in a pretty twisted comparison.

Now. I'm ALL FOR the Ethical Treatment of Animals -- but I also believe in the food chain. And, I'm sorry, but I think it's a half-step more important to consider the ethical treatment of other people above animals. This ad implies that what the Duggars are doing with their family is somehow irresponsible, when in reality it is quite the opposite.

For those of you not as intimately familiar with the Duggars as I (I may or may not have followed a few of the girls around Walmart once. Or twice.), let me give you the Cliffs Notes. The Duggar Family consists of parents Jim Bob and Michelle, and their 19 children. That's n-i-n-e-t-e-e-n. They live in Tontitown, Arkansas (about 20 minutes from here) and they have a reality show on TLC called 19 Kids and Counting. They are known for their conservative values and strong beliefs regarding things like homeschooling and premarital courting.

But here's the thing. They are 100% harmless. And in fact! They are very public about their level of responsibility and discipline regarding things like finances. They live debt-free. They operate on a system they call "buy used and save the difference". Their show has been known to follow them to secondhand stores and consignment sales to buy things like clothes and shoes and baby equipment. They literally built their 7000 square foot house with their own hands and just recently renewed their wedding vows after 25 years! They are some of the more responsible people I know of and they are definitely the most genuine and responsible people in "reality television"!

Shame on PETA for comparing the Duggars to alley cats and stray dogs. And shame on them for using such a lovable family in a way that paints them as irresponsible and careless.

PETA says:

The Duggars chose to have a large family, but dogs and cats whose guardians don't spay and neuter them are giving birth to kittens and puppies who will be dumped in shelters by the millions.

Hmmph. That's the best you can do?

Reportedly, the outdoor advertising group working with PETA has required that they obtain permission from the Duggars in order to run the ads. And you know, the Duggars are so good that they'll probably allow it. I suppose we will see.

Comments

[Leah W.]

This is in really poor taste. It's the same level of poor taste as, oh, testing cosmetics on bunnies or wearing fur. Take that, PETA!

[Autumn Parker]

I saw this last night and I was shocked. I really hope the Duggars say no to the billboard. I'm with you, they are responsible and caring and have made a conscious decision to have a large family, which they take care of without help from the government or anyone else. It doesn't effect anyone but them. I think this is really tacky!

[Millie]

The Duggars have been picked on so much over this last and very premature baby that they are particularly vulnerable right now. I hope they see clearly enough to know how bad it would be for their children to see billboards like this all over!

[Ashlee MCdaniel]

I love the Duggars. I know some people who....let's just say are less educated about them. The fact that PETA is comparing the Duggars to stray animals is REDICULOUS!!! I hope the Duggars say NO. This is just tacky!