One more thing…where does nationalism fit into caring and adopting a child.  As if somehow, children outside the U.S. have less value than a U.S. kid.  We are all Gods children and being poor in the U.S. IS NOT the same as being poor in Africa.  Don’t begrudge an African child a chance to have a better opportunity in life, so few do. 

The natural father wants to care for his child.  Of course, he cannot provide what Madonna can.   With Madonna , she will get limo rides and red carpet treatment.

But what is wrong with people on this forum?  He is the child’s father.  FATHER. He wants to care for her in his country with those traditions he holds dear.  

  I agree with the individual who stated that we are all children of God.  Growing up, I was not taught that God’s grace extended only to the geographical limits of the United States.  Simply stated, Madonna, guided by the laws of country and human decency, should adopt Mercy James to join her family of diversity.  And those who are concerned that Madonna embrace a more limited perspective on whom she helps should be sure they check all the labels on their food, clothes, appliances, televisions, iphones to guarantee that all their dollars are kept inside our borders.

Would that we could eliminate all the hardships of children…..God does not care where we start but rather that we start.

Peace and grace

I think those who support Madonna’s proposed adoption have to consider the wider picture. Could a 50 year old twice divorced woman with 3 children fly into the States on the Saturday and fly out the following weekend with an American child? Would the authorities or public stand for it? Probably not.

Yet there’s this rather patronising idea attitude that wealthy westerners should be able to just waltz in to third world countries and not have to bother with little things like paperwork or assessments or laws.

That they’re ‘entitled’ to these children, simply because they have more money than the families, and they want them.

I don’t doubt that Madonna’s intentions were honourable, but if the Malawian authorities had let this one go through, it would’ve sent a very clear single to every paedophile,  child trafficker and other unscrupulous individuals that all you need to obtain a child was the right amount of money. 

There’s also a rather false choice that’s being offered here - life with Madonna or a life of starvation, when in fact there’s always been a third choice.

The child stays with her extended family, supported by charities, or the likes of Madonna, if she wishes to contribute to her welfare.

Yes, she won’t have Gucci teddy bears, or Versace outfits, but she’ll have something priceless, namely her family, a sense of belonging, and a connection with her culture.