I don't have a car, so I don't know why my taxes have to go to pay for roads and highways.

No, it's not the primary reason, but they certainly gloat over it as an advantage.

I'm quite happy to pay taxes to educate (and, as necessary, help feed and doctor) other people's children. I'd be even happier to pay more taxes so a) those things could be done better/more thoroughly and b) the people who do those things could be recompensed more highly. The effort I put into earning the amount of tax money that I pay into education and etc. is far less than the effort that goes into birthing and raising the kids in question, and should help lead to the sort of society I want to live in 20 years down the road—one with reasonably educated, healthy young adults.

Living in a civilized society costs money. I'm good with that.

My grandmother had eleven kids and they were all just fine. People with a lot of kids probably wanted a lot of kids.

Other people are paying taxes so she can do some of her shit. That's just how things go around. Though isn't it possible that she meant children were a lifestyle choice *and* human beings? They aren't inherently mutually exclusive, are they?

I have never resented paying the school portion of my property tax. I believe everyone benefits from an educated citizenry. I wish they were being better educated, but that's a different question.

I have whined a little when they announce federal tax breaks that seem specifically designed to not give a tax break to single, childless, self-employed people.

Nope, but I can't see the decision being made to crack down so hard without her okay.

Oh yeah, I was actually piling on with my comment - I am pissed that our stupid mayor isn't onsite to deal with her city. I love Oakland so, so much, but I detest the people in charge.

I hope that your Hubs is well soon, Fred.

The problem with saying kids are a lifestyle choice is that it's an incredibly privileged perspective - not everyone who wants kids is able to have them, and not everyone who has kids chose to do so.

True, Jessica. But it's the "in a perfect world" sort of privilege, isn't it? I think it's trivialising to refer to kids that way, but I just don't see where she said or implied they weren't people too.

It's probably just a poorly thought-out rant, flea.

I sometimes have that irritated feeling after spending more money on another baby gift or wedding shower that I need to throw a "not getting married or having children shower" and have everyone bring me presents just for being me.

And that's kind of dumb and reactionary. I'm also sometimes envious or those around me with families and just get a little assholey about it in my head and then feel guilty. I might be projecting my issues onto your friend.