Quote Originally Posted by bae View Post
You *do* realize that farming represents a rather complex and diverse realm of knowledge?

There seems to be some sort of assumption that farming is "lesser" somehow than, say, yoga instructing... My own farming, which is only a handful of crops, is quite challenging, managing an entire farmstead would require all sorts of skills and knowledge and experience. Especially if done in a sustainable, permaculturish fashion.



Almost every Amish person I have met spoke multiple languages, generally English and at least one German dialect. I suspect they are more multi-lingual than your average "main stream" American. I was raised in a German-speaking household myself, and our Amish neighbors understood my German, their own German dialect, and English.

Sitting around a table with Amish folks, you'd figure this sort of thing out.
I never said farming was a lesser career choice. Once again, you are 'paraphrasing me' to what you THINK I said. But, if that is the only choice...

If this were an agriculture society, then farming would represent a larger percentage of career choice. But it's not. This is America, a modern, progressive, technologically advanced country with many many career choices. Farming represents a very small percentage of the choice. Saying that doesn't denegrat farming, it just puts it in perspective.

What I don't understand is how you, an apparently well educated, progressive, well traveled person would advocate 'keeping hem down on the farm'. How is it that you, who apparently has educated your daughter to embrace the world with no limits, and encourage her to go for it with your full support, would advocate limiting these kids, who live in THE SAME WORLD AS YOUR DAUGHTER, AND ARE SMART ENOUGH TO NOTICE?

We aren't talking about some primitive tribe in deepest darkest jungle somewhere. We are talking about American kids who live here, now, in this country. What if this were simply a group of parents, not 'The Amish', who pulled their kids out of school at 13 to work on the farm. (Actually I do know many older folks who faced just this, none of whom thought it was to their advantage!). How would you feel about that? Would you wonder about these kids future opportunities? Would you be outraged at parents who severely limited their kids futures. These are American kids. Americans, in the 21st century.

Simplicity in life and actions, as a choice, is admirable. I certainly think it is. But it kind of loses its warm, fuzzy luster when it is a 'choice' through a simple lack of other choices.