>
> This is the way it seems in the Washington Metropolitan area, but I don't
> really know how communities are in other parts of the country -- world,
> whatever.  I hope there is more cohesion, but I fear that every big city
is
> like DC in this regard


We live in a small ( but now very fast growing) surburban area, that was
mostly farm area when we move in 13 yrs ago. I was always a SAHM until my
husband switched jobs7 years ago and took a pay cut. Even when we moved in,
I felt very out of place staying at home. In order for my kids to have
playmates during the day I had to send them to preschool.  Seemed kind of
silly to me but just the way it was/is. The advantage was we did meet people
from all over our town that have been friends through out the years but
making friends in the neighborhood seemed harder . After everyone got home
from work they just seemed to want to stay in and cocoon. Most of our
neighbors are very aware of Alex but also afraid of him.


> My first inclination is to say that if the Kelsos have been charged with
> misdemeanor child abandonment, perhaps society should also be charged.


This is nothing directed towards the Kelso's because I feel for them deeply
and I don't feel they abandoned thier son.  The law says child abandoment is
a MISDEMEANOR? Isn't that on par with a parking ticket?  What does say about
the value society puts on children?
Joanne
>