Am I a sucker for men who stand by their families?

[GoesTo11]

The modern sophisticated quasi-intellectual in me says this is just story-time stuff to give the masses warm fuzzy feelings. Biden's caring for his sons and commuting every day after his tragic loss. Obama's taking Valentine's day off from the heart of the campaign to spend with Michelle and the girls, and making sure to go to their parent teacher meetings. I see that and I say, you know, this is a person who does the right things.

Then I see the McCains of the world, and the Rudy Giulianis, and yes, I'm sorry, the John Edwards and Bill Clintons, and I just feel like they're laughing at us suckers who do right by our families and stick with them through hard times.

I know, there's big issues, global conflict, economy, constitution, etc. So am I just a sucker for thinking there are two Americas, one of people who know they have to do right by their families, and one that thinks its above that, and that I just admire people from the good side?

[JaneQPublic]

1. Walkin' the walk of "family values" (nt)

[scarletwoman]

2. It's about having principles and ethics and sticking to them. It's about being good human beings.

People who do right by their families are people with hearts.

sw

[blondeatlast]

3. It's about valuing what really matters. One doesn't need to have a family to do it,

just knowing that it's not all about one's self.

It's good to see men who walk the walk for inspiration. Can we say the same about McSame?

(Hint: Hell, no)

[gateley]

4. When Biden was running for Prez and the Reps were promoting themselves

as the Party of Family Values -- he said "I can't wait to debate these guys on family values -- How dare they imply that they cherish family values and we don't". (TOTALLY paraphrased, but you get the drift.) As somebody says, our ticket walks the talk - and I can only HOPE they come at us on this!

[cyndensco]

5. It is refreshing to see family men like Obama and Biden.

The unfortunate thing is that we even have to notice. They should be the rule, not the exception. I wish there were many more of them.

Still, kudos to them. :)

[Erin Elizabeth]

15. That's the truth.

They shouldn't be the exceptions.

[goodgd_yall]

6. As others are posting

and it's about having a hard-hitting punch thrown at you early in life and coming away with an increased sense of the dearness of the people you love. He learned early on not to take his loved ones for granted.

I really appreciate that he has grown through some really difficult experiences.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

7. If you don't stand by your family, you aren't a "man" anyway.

Real men take responsibility and honor their families.

Real women do the same.

[blondeatlast]

16. What you said. nt

[Lisa0825]

8. I don't have a family myself, but I came from one.

So even as a single person with no kids (at least none without fur), I still love to see people who are committed to their families. Once you commit to a relationship, you should uphold the standards of that relationship... the "rules" may vary from one relationship to another, but if you can't keep your word, simply don't give it.

[goodgd_yall]

10. Kids without fur

I believe even my cats deserve a committed relationship. That idea evolved over time. I would sometimes consider plans that would mean I'd have to give up my cats. I realized that I took them on as my charges and I had a responsibility to keep taking care of them. My plans would have to include them. So even without a human family, commitment comes into play, don't you think?

[Lisa0825]

12. Oh, definitely!

That is how I started fostering. I was not sure I was ready to adopt again after my kitty passed away, because I was considering some crazy things like Peace Corps or moving to a Latin American country to learn Spanish by immersion. Then I fell in love with the fosters who weren't adopted, and planted my roots. I still think someday I might go for a year or two, but I now have a kitty "God Mother" in DUer WestHoustonDem, who will take good care of them for me if needed. I also got a life insurance policy separate from the one I have at work, with the main consideration being that I wanted to have the financial means available to make sure my kitties are taken care of for the rest of their lives if I am not there. (I know WHD would do so anyway, but right now I have 8 and that could be a major financial issue if a few have any medical conditions later in their lives)

They surely are family to me, but not a whole lot of people understand that kind of "cross-species" devotion. :loveya:

[goodgd_yall]

17. God Mother

You're lucky! I know some people who would probably take in my 2 cats, but they wouldn't give them the "lifestyle" I want for them, meaning, they'd be allowed to wander outside. (I was thinking Peace Corps too!)

You do good work; I and the world's kitties thank you!:hug:

[LonelyLRLiberal]

9. No, you just don't like frauds, fakers, liars, cheats and hypocrits.

Not a problem.

[southerncrone]

11. I sure hope so. We all should be suckers for GOOD guys!

That is the measure of a real human being--having your priorities in the appropriate places.

[Skidmore]

13. I am too. I posted this thread this morning.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6714407&mesg_id=6714407

[Erin Elizabeth]

14. Well, I'm a sucker for them, too.

Though I don't judge about divorces, because some are for very good reasons.

But I do admire those who are devoted to their family. I'm thankful I married a man who considers his family to be the most important thing in his life, who is so devoted to us. Though everyone likes their time alone or with friends, nothing makes us happier than just spending an evening watching movies with our daughter.

And four cats.

LOL.

There's nothing like family.

[Inspired]

18. I don't think John Edwards is laughing much these days.

Bill Clinton either.