IT HAS been a while since Dr Andy Ho encouraged a certain course
in his columns, rather than highlighting negative aspects of issues
('Why polygamy should be allowed'; Thursday). Thank you, Dr Ho.
I have a friend whose mother died when he and his brother were a
few years old. His father's second wife took over the burden of the
young family almost immediately. Is any woman prepared for this
now?
I also know of a woman who married her late sister's husband
soon after her death to take over the care of two young children.
She later bore two children of her own and they all live
harmoniously together.
Is any woman ready for such an eventuality now?
The point of these real-life vignettes is not to ask why
polygamy should be allowed, but how.
No amount of legislation will ensure harmony in a family setting
when so many matters may require settling.
Raising and loving children who are not one's own require
sacrifices and the indescribable quality of give, give and give.
Perhaps, our next family slogan should maintain the 'Stop At Two'
format.
Yes, please stop at... two wives if the birth rate does not go
up.
Will my wife nail me to the wall when she reads this? No,
because I stopped at one.
Chen Sen Lenn
