Is it ridiculous of me to want to move somewhere where I can hear NO sounds generated by humans and their damn machines, ever?

No, but it is difficult. I use earplugs to sleep.

Hey... I have earplugs! They're danged annoying, because I can hear, like, my own breathing and pulse and such, but they almost entirely block out the sound of the chainsaws! Thank you, quester, for reminding me of the solution already in my dresser drawer. (I'm a dummy.)

My SIL is on Facebook having a meltdown about this news story:

[link]

And I read it, and said, "how do you know that what the father is saying is true? It's an editorial. There are no police reports, and the writer spoke to no one (or didn't quote anyone) from DYFS or anyone who could possibly refute the father's claims.

Though, I admit, I am automatically suspicious when Christians claim persecution. In the US. Try being a Muslim for three minutes. Toss on a hijab. Then talk to me about persecution. You haven't met persecution, not unless you're currently living in ancient rome and have a lion chasing you around a pit.

I'm being a jerk.

Thank you, quester

You're welcome, Zen! Your tale reminded me of the time the house next door was being sand blasted for about 3 days straight!

Happy Birthday, Raq!

You are not a jerk, Allyson.

Allyson,

what kind of online publication is that? Is it a religious publication? I'd feel better if there were reporting in say, a newspaper.

It's a fairly well known (note I don't say well respected) far right site. They're generally well into crackpot territory.

I'm being a jerk.

Nah, not at all. Just skimming over it, it seems totally suspicious. That's one of the things I like about you, you step back from things that sound outrageous to uncover they aren't as cut and dried as it sounds.

It's something I've had to learn about picking up stories that sound outrageous in a way that supports my worldview. There's often an argument on the other side that is at least somewhat reasonable, not all the time, but often.

It's important to note that only crackpotty sites are reporting on this. I couldn't find anything in a paper.

In general, I feel bad for family services type people. It seems like they are always the bad guys in the media no matter what they do, either taking kids from their loving parents, or not intervening soon enough.

It's something I've had to learn about picking up stories that sound outrageous in a way that supports my worldview.

I've been spending a lot of time writing about this for the new book. Managing my confirmation bias. ita does a really good job of that. Strega does as well. I'm having a difficult time with it. Taking a deep breath and stepping back and saying, "I need more facts."