[Continued from HERE]

Now what if for some strange reason, Jethro’s case came to the forefront of media attention, the chances of which are slim to none. Would anyone other than those completely against any adoption (the “banning” business is just too black-and-white in a world of gray shades to broach right now, so let’s leave it for another discussion) have a problem with the agreement between Earl and the couple? Would there be a rush of accusations questioning the intentions of anyone involved in this adoption or if it would benefit Jethro? Even if there were questions, would there be any way to verify the answers? Is there any way of truly knowing someone’s reasons for becoming a parent, rather birth or adoptive? Should lie detector tests be given to people before they adopt or conceive a child to try to ensure that their intentions are good and that they will then, therefore, be good parents? Is there any way to predict with certainty what is “best” for anyone in the future?

The couple has “connections” and a willingness to use them in order to expedite the process: would this inspire the wrath of onlookers? Would those that would be outraged over this “string-pulling” be so because the couple has those spheres of influence and uses them, or would that anger perhaps come from a much larger injustice because in just about every situation in life, money + connections = an easier road to the destination? In a world searching for “equality” among its people, isn’t it this very equation that often inspires wrath as it is/was/never will be fair?

From my bit of research it seems to me that as adoptions go, that of little Jethro is fairly ideal, so much so that, with a little beefing up, the skeletal story could easily be turned into a heart-warming screenplay for the Hallmark Channel or other tear-jerking, made-for-TV movie-type channel. As far as any random observer can tell, Earl and the adoptive parents all appear to be acting out of very human intentions that most people might identify as caring for the well-being and best interests of the child. Most people observing the story would probably be able to relate to those intentions and even somehow recognize themselves or people they know in Earl and/or the adopting couple even if they themselves have no connection to adoption otherwise.

I would hazard a guess that most people would accept the adoption of Jethro as the best thing for all those involved, hopefully resulting in everyone living happily-ever-after in classic Hollywood-ending panache.

Now let’s take the next step down this little path we’re on together. I have a feeling that YOU know where I am going with this, but I’ll say it anyway …

Let’s stay with the general structure of our scenario but take out Eart’s name and put in Mr. Bemba, and let us now call Jethro, David. The location will change from East Somewhere in the Heartland of America to Malawi in the Heartland of Africa. The couple will morph into, come on, let’s say it together: Madonna (and Guy, I think, though he’s never heard of in this.) Some details will also change as Madonna and Guy definitely don’t live in the ‘burbs and their “connections” don’t come with squash buddies and former sorority sisters. Their “connections” are beyond having such prosaic roots and close-knit circles.

If most people would probably be, in the worst case, apathetic and the best, supportive, of Jethro’s case, what is it about the David case that has people incredibly riled? Are these cases really so different?


[Next blog: Foray Into the M Fray, Part III: Too Much of A Good Thing]