I’ve got hate mail!  Okay, not hate mail, really.  More like an ignorant comment on my Food Stamp Challenge week 21 post from someone who has never previously visited my site accusing me of saying mean things about Kate Gosselin (the mother on the reality TV show, Jon and Kate Plus 8).

From “Susan”, who clearly feels very passionately about what my children eat, and left a comment on the Food Stamp Challenge post.

“Susan” says:

I read your comments on GWOP and came to your site. First, I’ll be as blunt to you as you GWOPers are to the Gosselins.

The food you feed your family is crap. Call TLC and request a show because you need the money to feed your children better. It is not a game to try and feed kids for the least amount of money. People need healthy food and your menu is sorely lacking.

And your comment about washing kids’ mouths out with soap?(It is posted on your profile.) Gross. I certainly hope you were joking, but I highly doubt it. No child deserves that, shame on you.

From your web site, I see that you must be jealous of the money the Gosselins have made. I hope your family finds a way to be more financially secure. I truly mean this.

By the way, posting on GWOP does not mix with the religious themes on your site. I have never read such hateful, nasty things written about a person (Kate) in my life. And that is besides the gossip and down right lies they post on GWOP. I don’t agree with everything that Kate does, but she certainly does not deserve the kind of abuse you people dish out to her. Search your soul, because GWOP is beyond anything that is good and decent.

Here are the comments on Gosselins Without Pity that I posted today, in the interest of full disclosure.  I have been commenting occasionally over there, mostly out of concern that the Gosselin children are being exploited and having their childhood stolen from them.  (Plus, I am paid to have an opinion on reality shows, actually, even if I am on leave right now.)

In re: an investigation by the PA Dept. of Labor on whether child labor laws were broken

Perhaps someone should file a complaint in CA, since they filmed there last year? They went to Legoland, or something, and Kate took Mady to SF last season, didn’t she?

*****

I wonder what will happen when the PDL discovers the children are not being paid, therefore, they are not employees…

*****

Here’s what CA law says:

Minors aged 15 days to 18 years employed in the entertainment industry must have a permit to work, and employers must have a permit to employ, both permits being issued by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. These permits are also required for minors making phonographic recordings or who are employed as advertising or photographic models. Permits are required even when the entertainment is noncommercial in nature.

There is no fee to obtain an entertainment work permit. The application for permission to work in the entertainment industry must be filled out completely and mailed, along with any required documents and a pre-addressed, stamped envelope, to any office of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. To find the nearest DLSE office, use the division’s office locator. Please note that the Van Nuys Office, located at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 100, (818-901-5484) is available for walk-in service from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Employers intending to employ minors in the entertainment industry must complete the application for permission to employ minors in the entertainment industry and submit it, along with proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, to any Division of Labor Standards Enforcement office. To find a DLSE office, use the division’s office locator.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-CL.htm

So… wondering if they got a work permit?

I also posted this comment from May 21, 2009, regarding the TLC’s marketing ploy of “Kate’s Blog” that was so very obviously written by committee to drum up interest for the Season Premiere.

Sorry, but it’s hard to feel sorry for her. She had no help from the sitter so she had to handle the kids by herself?

Welcome to my world. And I homeschool, so all of them are here all the time! And yet, somehow, some way, miraculously, I manage.

Doesn’t the production crew help at all?

I think who ever is writing this isn’t actually a mother at all. “I instructed the kids to unbuckle, which they did very well”?

Be sure to watch the Premier! ::snark::

5/21/2009 8:09 AM

*********

I write for a living (web content). I don’t think it sounds like a 4th grader. I think it sounds like a “blog by committee”.

There is no voice, because so many people had a hand in chronicling the adventures of Kate + 8.

Frankly, it reads like one of those full page “articles” about miracle drugs, best tomato plants, etc. that are really advertisements.

From the blog:
So, once our cart was brimming with delightful things to make any child go wild Doesn’t that sound like ad copy to you?

I wonder how much Party City paid TLC.

I also posted a comment noting that ratings were tabulated by Nielsen boxes.  I agree that one of these comments is sarcastic.

In keeping with Mama’s Comment Policy (posted on the old site on July 31, 2008):

However, the official Mama Says comment policy is as follows:

It’s my blog. I delete what I want to.If you leave a nasty, ignorant, or comment full of libel and falsehoods, I may delete it.

But it’s more likely that you’ll be subjected to public humiliation.

I’d like to take the time to answer “Susan” (not to be confused with the Susan who regularly posts here.)  I can’t actually respond to “Susan”, because she did not leave an email or URL or any way to contact her, hiding behind the anonymity of the internet.  Typical troll.

We’ll put Susan in green and my comments in coral.

I read your comments on GWOP and came to your site. First, I’ll be as blunt to you as you GWOPers are to the Gosselins.

The food you feed your family is crap. Call TLC and request a show because you need the money to feed your children better. It is not a game to try and feed kids for the least amount of money. People need healthy food and your menu is sorely lacking.

It’s not a game, it’s called a budget.  I am not trying to feed my family for the least amount of money possible (otherwise, I’d buy 200 packs of Ramen Noodles and call it good.)  I am trying to feed healthy meals with lots of fiber, fruit, and vegetables to the family without spending a fortune, and encourage other parents who might be on tight budgets to do the same.

Susan, you didn’t really elaborate on what exactly your issue with our menu is.  Not enough food?  Too much?  Too few organics for your tastes?  Perhaps it’s because we eat vegetarian several nights a week (which, actually, most doctors consider healthy).  I really can’t answer that charge without knowing what your objection is, specifically.  I have gotten complaints from internet peeps that the kids eat too much oatmeal, but I don’t think serving too many whole grains for breakfast qualifies as “crap”.

Rest assured, the children are all healthy, active, and right on track for their weight and height.  Their pediatrician has no concerns.  In 11 years, we have had one cavity out of all of the children.  They’re nice and healthy!  (Thanks be to God!)

We did eat a bit of junk food last week.  We had two birthdays and an anniversary occur over the holiday weekend.  When we have an occasion to celebrate – we celebrate!  And, again in the interest of disclosure, I totally ate the last piece of cheesecake for breakfast.  With fully caffeinated coffee.

As for TLC, I find their conduct appalling.  They have said that they will continue to air the show because the public wants it, and the ratings are up.  They are supposed to be The Learning Channel, with a Family Hour.  Yet, they are aiding and abetting the destruction of a family, and profiting from it.

***I just realized that “Susan” must need additional clarification.  The meals I post are for ONE meal a day.  That’s not all we eat for the entire day!  I do post my purchases; we eat several pounds of fruit and vegetables per day as well as milk, breads, sandwiches, eggs, cheese, oatmeal, etc.  The children help themselves to snacks whenever they like (although, I’m thinking I need to revisit this policy – a boy cannot live on apples and bananas alone, but Mr X sure would if he could!)

I’m sorry if my meal plan confused you.  I just assumed that most normal people would understand that was the dinner menu only. And why do you assume that we would eat differently if I spent more money at the grocery store?  My budget is actually more than I am currently spending.

And your comment about washing kids’ mouths out with soap?(It is posted on your profile.) Gross. I certainly hope you were joking, but I highly doubt it. No child deserves that, shame on you.

I think you are referring to the silly automatically generated question Blogger poses when you create your profile?  Mine says:

If you were a pirate, how would you avoid laughing when saying “poop deck”?

Now see here, that kind of language will not be tolerated in this house! Do you need me to wash your mouth out with soap?

Let me try to clarify for those who take themselves too seriously and lack a sense of humor.  It’s a joke.

From your web site, I see that you must be jealous of the money the Gosselins have made. I hope your family finds a way to be more financially secure. I truly mean this.

Again, I’m unclear as to what writings of mine you saw that indicated I was jealous of the Gosselin’s money.  Frankly, I think they should kick out the cameras and give the money back, instead concentrating on their family.  Children don’t need a$1.3 million dollar estate.  They need a mommy and a daddy who care for them and love each other.

My children have parents who are available  and love each other.  They are fed, clothed, and loved.  They are safe in their home, which has all of the modern amenities including several bathrooms, air conditioning, green grass for playing, friends nearby, a library of books on all manner of subjects, access to the internet, and cable TV.  (Actually, my children are spoiled.)

Our family, along with most of America, is in the top 10% of the wealthiest people in the entire world.  There is never a worry that the baby will starve, that someone will die of exposure, or whether we’ll have clean, potable water to drink.

We have the luxury of choosing which fruit – shipped from all over the world – we prefer to eat each day;  which meat to cook (which we didn’t raise or butcher ourselves); we attend the church we want to when we want to and drive there in our own private vehicle; we eat out at restaurants and have an amazing array of entertainment at our fingertips, just a click away.  My biggest aggravation is that there is only one computer for our family.  (Well, that and fire ants in the yard.)

I have never once worried that a soldier will show up on my doorstep to pillage the house or rape my daughters.  I have never wondered what necessary household item I would have to sell in order to secure rudimentary medical care for a sick child.  I actually throw food and medicine away that has gone bad or expired, then just purchase new items!  I have never given a thought to trying to keep mosquitoes, rats, or venomous snakes away from the sleeping family, lest a bite cause death.  These are real concerns in many parts of the world.

Shame on you for your elitist view that says that even with abundant food, shelter, clothing, and stable employment we should want even more.  Get a grip, and get some perspective.

By the way, posting on GWOP does not mix with the religious themes on your site. I have never read such hateful, nasty things written about a person (Kate) in my life. And that is besides the gossip and down right lies they post on GWOP. I don’t agree with everything that Kate does, but she certainly does not deserve the kind of abuse you people dish out to her. Search your soul, because GWOP is beyond anything that is good and decent.

Ah, there it is!  “You people”.  There is only one of me.

Ummm, again not sure which of my comments you are objecting to?  I think looking out for the interests of children who are clearly unhappy, and possibly being exploited while being denied a healthy, normal childhood is perfectly in keeping with my site.  I realize you are a new reader, and I’ve just changed websites so my archives aren’t available, but I do have a history of pointing out and advocating for people, especially children, who have no voice of their own.

It is interesting that you come to my personal blog with a lot of “you people” accusations.  I do not know the other posters on GWOP, nor do I know you.  I can only answer for my own words.  I’m so sorry that you are so wrapped up in a television show that you feel the need to lash out and attack others.  I hope you really do find some perspective and balance, especially on issues involving justice.

(Susan returned after I wrote this, but before posting, to criticize the number of people in my family and the care my special needs children receive.  Doesn’t she know that love multiplies, it doesn’t divide?)

PS – “Susan” – I am expecting my 8th child.  God is good and He is exceedingly generous.  He knows what He is doing, and yes, we are having another baby even though one of my children has speech problems.

In our family, we don’t love or welcome children into our home based on how perfect the other children may or may not be; we love each of our children for who they are without hesitating because of disabilities or problems.

Please do not bring my children into the discussion again, or your comments will be deleted and banned from my site; you may email me at mommyjo2{at}yahoo.com to continue this conversation.

****UPDATED  June 1, 2009****

Yesterday “Susan” was banned from commenting, as she was unable to refrain from commenting on my private marital relationship; she is now unable to respond to any comments directed towards her (unless she wants to apologize, add to the discussion, and use a real email address; in that case she’s more than welcome to return.)   Feel free to continue discussions in the comments, but it’s not fair to ask her questions when she can’t respond, so let’s just move on.

It is quite clear that “Susan” didn’t actually object to *my* comments about JK8, but rather clicked through my site (I always sign my URL and e-mail when I am able) and decided she hated most things about my family.

She objects to the amount we spend on groceries, the number of children we have, what we serve on holidays, what we serve on regular days, the fact that I do not use antipsychotic medications on my child for unlabeled uses, the fact that we do not participate in standardized testing and post the results, the amount of income we bring in even though she doesn’t actually know what that number is, the fact that we don’t eat like Americans (?), and the fact that… **blush** not gonna post what else about my life she hates.  Let’s just leave her alone for now, until she can get herself under control.

Tagged as: blog, commentators, Food Stamp Challenge, Gosselins, gossip, hate mail