I knew that, actually, even though I didn’t make it clear in my comment. When the stories emerged about the supposed birthmother, nearly identical comments were made. I was refering to the sentiments, beliefs and values implicit in these kinds of criticisms, not their veracity.

“It happened with Angelina as well, if you remember”.

Mo, that’s not true. Zahara did NOT have a living parent when she was adopted by Angie. There was a woman who CLAIMED to be Z’s mother for public attention but she turned out to be a fraud. Check this out

“In the months following Zahara’s adoption news reports emerged in which several women either claimed to be her birth mother or her grandmother. While making an appearance on CNN’s The Situation Room Jolie stated that her daughter is an “AIDS orphan.” By that she means her birth mother died from AIDS, but her daughter does not have the disease. The birth father of Zahara is not known. Her statement made it clear that the birth mother is indeed dead. In late October 2005, an Ethiopian judge ruled that there is no evidence to suggest that Jolie would have to file for re-adoption of her daughter. The judge also ruled that a woman claiming to be her mother is not the birth mother.” (source wikipedia)

Well said: Fynn, melanie and tink! You’ve each expressed exactly how I feel, and very well I might add!

I especially think you are right on the mark in saying that most of us could also forgo some luxuries in life and contribute to those less fortunate than us. It shouldn’t only be expected of the very wealthy. Poverty and wealth is relative. Compared to many in nations such as Malawi, we are all very rich!

I certainly don’t know all the details about David or his biological family, but one thing in particular sticks in my mind: David’s father said he has lost other children. He didn’t want to bury another child. Based on that statement alone, I don’t see how anyone can possibly argue that this adoption is not a good thing. I honestly believe some people just can’t see past the fact that it’s Madonna. Their personal feelings about her or their jealousy, or whatever, is getting in the way of seeing what a truly wonderful thing she has done!

I’ve lost all respect for Madonna, not that I ever had much of it in the first place. She wears fur!

Chicki, comparing Elian Gonzalez to David Banda is ridiculous. Their situations were totally different. First of all, the child had no say in coming to the United States. His relatives here weren’t “rich” believe me (I lived in South Florida at the time). And, Elian was returned to his father because his mother had died and that was where he should have been…with his own father. His only living parent. He is well taken care of and his family enjoys many perks now in Cuba also. Not to get into any politics here but there is far more to that story than meets the eye. For what its worth I think he should be with his father. But,

In David’s case he was sick and starving. His father couldn’t take care of him and placed him in an orphangae willingly. Madonna offered to help him be able to take care of David and he refused but wanted Madonnna to adopt the boy. So she did. She did sort of “save” him. If she wants to shower him with gifts its her call. She is treating him just like her own flesh and blood children. I think it is admirable. Now David’s father is remarried and his new wife is actually pregnant! Something doesn’t sit right with me about THAT!

It’s curious that with international adoptions so many view it as unethical when there’s one living parent. (It happened with Angelina Jolie, too, if you remember.)

I wonder if everyone who declared in an outraged tone, “but he has a father; she should have helped him raise his son,” would say the same thing to those adopting children domestically who have living mothers and fathers. That happens everyday, yet I don’t believe I’ve ever heard the same protest.

Thank you Melanie and the others. Madonna saved David!! let us not forget that David was in an orphanage since his mother’s death and his father had not visited him. His father refused the money to take care of him. He wanted Madonna to adopt the boy. So, YES, she did save that child’s life, because he would have died at a very young age too. What is mind boggling to me is that Madonna caught so much flack and attention for adopting, but for Angelina and Brad, it was all good. Why the difference? Also, unless you have had to opportunity to travel outside of the US and see the poverty first-hand, it is difficult to understand how other people live. Poverty in the US would be considered the good life!

I agree Melanie and Flynn! Also, WE did not hear about the adoption untill the process was pretty far along. She did NOT want it broadcast all over the world. It was the press that intruded and that’s when varying information leaked all over the place. Please people lets all try to be fair and objective. And in David’s case… Yes, she surely did save that little boy. Bless you MaDonna for SAVING A LIFE.

I don’t think writing a “huge check” to David’s dad would have automatically made him a better parent.

Madonna is obviously giving a child love and attention he would otherwise not get in an orphanage. I worked for awhile in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, and if you saw those conditions, you would do ANYTHING to save those children. I strongly support Madonna. And who says giving your kids nice things is BAD? She has a ton of money so of COURSE David’s stuff will be more expensive than most kids. But she’s also doing a lot with her money to help others in that orphanage. Some countries, like where I worked, you could give a ton of money to an orphanage and feed into the whole system, but that doesn’t necessarily help. CHILDREN NEED PARENTS, regardless WHO they are. I just think a lot of people who are posting are just jealous! We can be so critical of something so positive, why is that????????

Listen to what you’re saying LC:

“Yes, there may have some sort of miscommunincation or misunderstanding with David’s father, or maybe he’s just saying he wants him back now for whatever reasons, but I do think little David will be better off.”

That’s an outrageous statement! For “whatever reasons”??? You are talking about the boy’s FATHER!!! Does he really need to give a reason for wanting his son back??? He may have reasons that none of you can fathom, but he has every right to. Madonna has an 18 month waiting period for a reason! Celebrities shouldn’t just think that they can go to Africa and not have to worry about the same emotions involved with ANY traditional adoption. It sickens me to think that that’s the main reason people seek international adoptions.

I bet the people that say that David is better off with Madonna than with his own father also thought that Elian Gonzalez was better off with his “rich” relatives in America versus his “poor” father in Cuba – am I right? Elian sure looked happy and healthy taking those (photo op) trips to Disney with his stateside relatives, and enjoying the litany of gifts bestowed upon him, but guess what? He’s back in Cuba now under an admittedly oppressive regime with his father, WHERE HE BELONGS! Case closed!