Madonna readies to adopt another child from Malawi

I not care either way!

Congratulations Madona, I hope you're court date goes well. I also adopted a child from another country, and it was the most wonderful blessing in my life.

I don't want Madonna to adopt the child but on the other hand I want the 4 year old to have a good home with a good family. I think it's for publicity.

If Madonna is approved by a social worker via a homestudy and government officials of Malawi to adopt, what business is it of ours? Save the Children UK is notoriously anti-inter country adoption and should be truthful about their position before they start giving their opinion on Madonna's adoption.

Who cares that this woman does. She has the money.

yes i think she should b allowed to adopt another child from Africa because Africans born in poor homes or without parental care are more earthy to be homeless, ignorant n open to diseases than American kids. ..........it is going to be a good deed wen she does....Am African and i kno the tragic consequences of chlidren that ar born in poor families..After all wat is their business in madonna adopting a child!? Keep it going madonna..I LUV U

Everyone sticks their nose in it because the media covers it. There's no question Madonna is materially and psychologically a fit parent. We should all just shut up.

It's her perogative. What's wrong with adopting American children that are homeless?

If you really want to make an African child's life better, especially when they have a living parent, why not give money to reunite (and support) true parent and child rather than adopt them away to your bizzare wealthy lifestyle?

Will the attention be thesame if Madonna adopts from from a caucasan country?

Why can't she adopt a child from the United States?

God bless her and her child of which none of it should be national news unless it promotes adoption. The news of today is President Obamas action with our car industry. A shame the Larry King show didn't devote the entire hour to the esteem guests he was interviewing regarding this important American issue..., particularly Mr. Ed Begley, Jr.

Haven't heard ANYONE acknowledge that in most states here in the U.S. Madonna would have been turned down by state agencies as too old!....at a healthy, wealthy, vigorous 50!
Stop giving her a hard time........change the laws HERE so that Americans can adopt American kids without exhorbitant fees to attorneys for private adoption, and rediculous, counter productive rulings that keep anyone who doesn't fit the narrow margins of approval out of the running.
Madonna is a non-issue: .......the kids here who are waiting in foster homes for parents who want to love them......THEY are the issue.
Modonna.....God bless!

I wish she would adopt me!

In our culture we believe in extended families. Leave the child in malawi and give the money for care to an aunty or grandmother so that she takes care of the child plus all the other orphans in the area.

What a beautiful child and how wonderful for Madonna.

I have far more important things to worry about. I would think the child would have a terrific life with Madonna – why would anyone want to deprive a child of that? Extended family is a consideration, but I'm married to an adoptee who had a great extended family from his adoptive family.

Why should Madonna be judged in this public forum? So what if she is a "celebrity"? Why should anyone's else's opinion be asked? If she wants to adopt GO AHEAD!!! Is the country not in enough trouble? Do we not have other things to worry about? AIG, War, Bailouts for everybody? She isn't asking the goverment to pay for it so it's nobody's business. I swear I did not think a topic could make me miss the OCTOMOM controversy...Seriously people get a #@!% grip! Larry really? Really?

Yeah for Malawi. I hope they do not allow Madonna to adopt from Madonna. Seriously, the laws in Malawi are there for a reason. It's not just about child-trafficking but also about Culture. How many times has Madonna and Jolie-Pitt taken the kids they adopted from Africa back to Africa to visit? If she really wants to help kids, we have more than enough children here in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA that need homes, love, care, quality education etc (the same things she will be offering to any child she gets from Malawi). Why should an Independent country bend its rules just because a rich/middle class person from a developed country wants to adopt a child from their country? If she wants a child that badlu from Malawi, then she should follow the rules which state that she live in the country for 16-18 months. Surely that is not too much for a child you claim to love and want deeply.

The world would be a better place if there were more people like Madonna. Not only is she very talented, she is very giving and caring.

Madonna should have the right to choose who and where she adopts. This is a free country and I don't care if she chooses to adopt someone from Mars!

what is their business in madonna adopting a child...she is intelligent she is on the rite path

I don't see any problem with Madonna adopting. She could adopt me!

Madonna is a role model to millions of girls and women. Her actions set examples and adopting a child from one of the poorest countries in the world helps highlight the circumstances in that region. Instead of criticizing her, she should be applauded for stepping up and trying to make a difference.

Let Madonna adopt whom ever she wants. Its certainly much better than have it malnourished and unloved....

Its no one's business except hers!!!

Why not to adopt an undocumented Hispanic child in USA since her daughter has also Hispanic heritage?

She should most definitely be able to give the love and education to this child.She has the means and heart for it.She's already done great things for this country.People need to leave her alone and let her raise this child.

Who's business is it but Madonna's? This woman has every right to adopt a child from anywhere in the world and it's no one's business but her own. More power to her to give a child a good life who would otherwise grow up in poverty.

The only reason why I would say that Madonna should not adopt the baby and that is because she has family that want to keep her. Her Grandmother and others.

I believe that in the US we would not take a baby away from extended family.

I fully support adoption but don't feel comfortable with taking the baby from the family who want her.

I think she shouldn't because she is a single mother. Her children should be like her. IF THE family objects, she has no right to take a child out of her environment. Even if she gives the child opportunity, she still would not have a father. Why does she think she has the right to do this to a child. Madonna grew up with a family, and this girl deserves a FAMILY with a mother and a father. She is a bully.

Why should she not? And furthermore, whose business is it other than hers? Are peoples lives so empty that they have to create a cause out of this?

The economy is crumbling, people are losing their homes, their jobs, their livelihood yet they feel that they have the time/interest/ to interfere in this?

What a sad comment on the American society! Mind your own I say. concern yourself with what concerns you, and you only.

If Madonna wants to adopt a child in Africa, and there is a child in Africa available for adoption, then she should be able to go through the adoption process. Who are we to say from where Madonna should adopt a child?

I was adopted at 8 weeks old by the worlds greatest parents in my opinion and I still carried baggage until I was about 18. Adopting a child comes with a lot more responsibility than having one, especially when that child is 4 years old with memories of where they came from. I hope she has the energy and TIME for such a responsibility.

Yes, and that being said, it is none of our business!

She has proven herself as a good mother – any child would be fortunate to have her. Every child needs a loving home.

leave her alone.

there are so many things to take care ....

Americans adopt kids from China all the time, Madonna is changing the trend, before you critcize think about the kid, or were you wishing it were you?

this madonna story is not news worthy larry

Go Madonna, Let her share her love for these beautiful children.

Why does the press and media continue to give this woman the attention she loves? This is only another way of her re-inventing herself. She is so self-indulgent. Madonna is in no way a role model, take a look at her on stage, is this someone who you would want nurturing a child? And has anyone talked about her age? She needs to wake up and realize she is no longer a young woman. Why can't she age with grace and dignity and not always be so determined to pretend she is a young mother. This is the time in her life when she should be considering the joys of becomng a grandmother, not a new mom. Can we please stop making a big deal out of every move she makes? Madonna, please, get over yourself.

Why dosen't Madonna give the child's grandmother the money she would need to raise the girl? That would be the humanitarian thing to do if she was concerned about what was in the child's best interest.

Madonna's business is her business and i think the public should be left out of it.

she is free to adopt as many kids as she want , from wherever she want;none of us is going to pay for or help her raise them.

Two years doesn't prove anything. Let's see what happens when he grows up, is he on drugs or alcohol? Is he a privileged male version of Paris Hilton? Why isn't Lourdes in school?

24,000 (twenty four thousand) children die daily of starvation. Aworse fate there could not be. What has anyone who is criticising Madonna ever done to alleviate this evil situation? Madonna has drwan attention to the desparate situation fo Malawi,s children. Who wants to help rather than criticize?

P.S. 12 million children go hungry in the United States daily and millions world wide. That should be the topic of debate.

What's up with Madonna, Angelina, and the other Hollywood celebrities who feel compelled to adopt outside of the USA? For every foreign child adopted they leave one US child to be adopted by less fortunate parents or to remain on public assistance. Wake up, Hollywood, and help out our home based children in need first.

How ridiculous that these organnizations should object to Madonna adopting a child in Africa, think of how much of a difference she can make in that child's life. An orphanage in no place for children, what about all the children who are abused and die in those places. So quit the nonsense about a child needs to grow up in their environment with their native people and culture. The question is if it was an ordinary person like you and I would they have objected.......the answer NO. She's a celebrity and they just want to have a say in it all. People think about the Children for a change and not yourselves!

Chiildren are not pets to be adopted by old ladies for companionship or as a hobby. If a wealthy person really wants to help children in other countries or here they would contribute to or start a charity and every dime spent would go 1000 times farther, helping children the community and future children of that area. I think this is all about Madonna getting something she wants for herself and treating children like property. Mothers make sacrifices like getting and staying married, putting having children before there careers and putting their kids before themselves, something I doubt madonna is capable of.

Leave the girl alone!
If she's invested her time, compassion, and yes, money toward improving the lives of kids in Malawi it's not surprising that she might gravitate toward one of them.
That said, it was (is?) the parental rights issue in this country that caused our family to decide on foreign adoption (2 kids from China '95 &'02).

Madonna should be allowed to adopt a child from wherever she pleases. However, its ridiculous to suggest that it would be more difficult for her to adopt an American child.

Hi Larry,
I'm a big fan and watch almost every night but I am turning the channel. Are there not more pertinent discussions for CNN than Madonna? Sure adoption is a controversial subject, but that is why we have shows like the view.
Please keep it to things that are important to the mainstream current news.
Adoption in any form is important. A Child that needs a loving home should get it from anybody who is capable of loving that child. OK discussion over. There will always be folks who oppose everything, but is this worthy of this much time on Larry King?

Okay folks, get over it! I think who someone adopts is none of our business. Thank God someone is getting a good home!

Hey Larry..I'm in Canada & watch your show regularly. I think with all the problems the whole world is suffering with, ie; AIG, Madoff, the collapse of the world economy,,why would people spend so much time pontificating about Madona & who/where she chooses to adopt.?
If this is her wish & she can give a child a home, let her do her thing.The rest of us should be concerned with the REAL problems that are effecting us all & leave the lady alone.

Good Evening LARRY,
Oh my, I can not believe all the people against MADONNA adopting a baby from Africa. GIVE ME A BREAK! She is like Mother Earth and I see nothing wrong with her adopting a child from Africa. She has given a lot of money to help kids in Africa.

Beyond that, the best reason of ALL for MADONNA to NOT adopt an American child is the fact being their would be a lot of people coming out of the wood work looking to make a quick buck off of MADONNA by saying they are related to the child.

TAKE CARE!
SUZIE

I think a lot of people are missing the point here. Adoption out of a parents point of view should be exactly that: becoming a parent and not about anything else. I am hoping and assuming tthat that is what Madonna wants....good for her and good for the child that will hopefully be getting a great family!

As the mother of an adopted son I think it's great that Madonna is adopting another child. The sad truth is that young couples that would do anything to have a child can't afford the prices that are charged wheather the child is from the states or out of thecountry.

We should not be in Madonna's business. If she wants to adopt a child from Africa; we should stay out of it.

I don't think we should view this as being about Madonna. She can bully or do it for publicity... it doesn't matter. This should really be about the little girl having a chance for a better life.

Yes Madonna should be able to adopt a child where ever she likes. Those who have should find as many ways that they can to help those who don't have. Yo Go Madonna I love what you are doing to help children in need.

OK...I don't think it is wrong for Madonna to adopt an African child, from Malawi or anywhere else...BUT, this child (Mercy) that Madonna wants to adopt HAS LIVING FAMILY/RELATIVES (Grandmother).

So because Madonna is a celebrity, it is okay for her to go in and take a child away from her biological family, when her biological family does not wish to send her away? If there are so many homeless/poor children in Malawi, why not adopt a child who has no living relatives? Would you not say that that child needs more help/love than this one...?

In a global economic crisis, why is Larry spending 20 minutes of his show talking about Madonna adopting a child? WHO CARES!?!?!?

I have visited orphanages in underdeveloped countries. Many, if not most, babies grow up with no one to hold them or feed them (their bottles are propped against their cribs). Many of these babies will spend their entire lives in orphanages, if not adopted. Madonna should be applauded!

Whats wrong with you people...Let Madonna adopt who she wants where....As long as whe is not breaking the law.

If i had the I would adopt toobut i dont want to be told where and who...

I think some people are just jealous....and are just thinking of themselves or America......She can come adopt me for Christ sake....I dont have a problem with that

I support the woman. She is giving...when is that a problem? giving...I thought the problem was taking not giving!!!!

Madonna is trying to enjoy the beauty and variety the world offers. She knows what she wants. There may be children here in the United States to adopt but Madonna seems to be one of those who like something different. We should respect her decision.

--Greensboro, NC

Larry, the woman journalist on your show tonight is missing the point. Madonna is not "confusing the issue" by refusing to speak out about the adoption. This is a private family affair. She is answerable only to the judge and family court system in Malawi, and to any surviving relatives this child may have. She is not answerable to us, any journalists, or even Larry King on this!

I think Madonna should adopt a child from where ever there is a need.
I don't think she does it for Publicity.
American kids need to be adopted maybe she should adopt from
her home state of Michigan

Hi,
I am from Africa and I am pretty much sure that he wouldnot even get the chance to attend his education at Malawi. He is really lucky to get a mother like Madona and he will have a bright future!
I 100% agree that she should adopt him!
Thank you!
-Kebie

We adopted a little girl from India four years ago. I can say I am only jealous that Madonna can fastrack! We were on the slow track, while the process took well over two years. Dealing with two countries' governmental agencies was a nightmare. I can only hope that more people like Madonna try to take a child out of a country that cannot adequately take care of parentless children, much less poverty.

...and another thing...if someone from China (as Atkins mentioned) wanted to adopt an American child, would they not have to have permission from a parent/guardian/the state...?

So why is the situation different? Her Grandmother DOES NOT want the child (Mercy) to be taken away. Her mother is dead and her father can't be found–is her Grandmother not the guardian? Does she not have the say so?
ridiculous...

How about if someone from Africa buys a poor American boy from NY
because their family doesn't have money to pay the doctor’s bills?

People criticized the octamom for having 8 more kids after she already had 6, without having the money to support them. Now heres Madonna, who has the funds to make sure a thousand kids can get a good education, healthcare, food, and shelter, and people criticize her too. There are a lot of people in the world who are looking for anything to be offended at. By the way, if Madonna was doing this for publicity, she would have been parading the kids she already has like an American Mom Who Puts Her Child In Endless Beauty Pagents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think we should put the child first. The oppertunaties Madonna can offer this child and the life she can offer her simply cannot be matched . this child deserves the best and she is not going to get it in Malawi. Ask Angelina`s kids if they want to give up the lives they have , both the material and the the two loving patents to live in Cambodia, Etheopia and vietnam. I think not.come on Malwawi, give this child the chance to take advantage of winning the baby adoption lottery. she will be a lucky little girl. I admire madonna for standing her ground on behalf of this little girl, whom I am sure she already loves. people are jealous!!! not concerned.

Larry, I think Madonna is a terrific person. I also thing she is a good mother. Let everyone please give her the chance to change that little girl's life from that poor African nation. She will be giving her the chance to get better education and maybe the child will give back to Malawi in the future.

Let people know that you cannot even compare the life of a kid that is up for adoption in America to that of a typical African child. Here in America the kids have asset to lots more as compare to an African child.

Two comments: First, the extended family argument is a red-herring or non-issue. What people do not know is that the extended family system in many African countries afflicted by HIV/AIDS which Malawi is, has totally collapsed. Second, what bothers me about this Modonna adoption issue is it's selectivity, undertone racism, etc. Some how people forget that tens and thousands of Americans adopt children from China, Vietnam, Russia, etc and I have not heard the same public outcry.....What people forget or don't know is that in addition to adopting 1 or 2 children from these African countries, these celebrities contribute/pump thousands of dollars to support orphanages on a sustained basis, hence more children benefit. I am also reminded by another controversy surrounding Ophra school project for African girls in South Africa. Many folks critised her for spending all this many out there as if there were not similar needs here at home. Guess what she said "I am spending my own personal money on things that I truely care about" To That I say kudos to Ophra or Madonna, at least African kidswin one for a change.
_Calvin

To all those bloggers who says Madonna should adopt right here in America.............children in those third world nations like Africa and India are ten times worse off than children here, and a person should be allowed to adopt wherever they choose. My question to you all is if you were going to adopt, would you want to be told where to adopt the child ?

All for adoption. But, let's say your daughter has a child. When the child is 2 years old, your daughter dies suddenly. And, let's say the father for whatever reason is out of the picture. Due to your economic circumstances, you have no choice but to watch your grand daughter go to an orphanage. Now let's imagine a famous wealthy single middle eastern man who resides in Dubaii, comes along and decides he wants to adopt your granddaughter. But due to another now in progress adoption he has to wait a couple of years. During these two years you become rather attached to your granddaughter, albeit thru visits to the orphange, but because you're dirt poor, she stays in the orphanage until the day the gentleman from abroad can come take her home, back to Dubaii, where afterall, she will be much much better off than she would be here in the U.S. Ofcourse your poor *ss will never see her again, but you find comfort in knowing she'll grow up rich? Hmmmm......

It is like you take a boy from his/her heritage in Africa to live a Disney culture in America with US values (Madonna’s for sure)!! Some ignorant Americans they do not care about that … “I have money and buy any children I want to… even from another planet!!”

Dear Sir,
l am originally from Nigeria, spent seven years in London before making it to the USA in 1990.

My main point is Madonna Adoption; l am fully in support of Madonna.
American citizens can never know the sadness in poverty like the one in Africa. Don't ever listen to any African that there is no serious poverty in Africa. Plus, Madonna is a God given being to the whole World.

God-bless, America.

Africa has a culture where everyone has a family and there really aren't any orphan per se. If Madonna wants to help a child in Africa, she can spare some of her millions to raise these children where they can be raised close to their ancestors with all the love they deserve! I am sure there are many children in the US who need even more help. We turn to measure poverty by the number of cars we drive, how big our houses are, the number of TV in each room...Africans might no have all these things but they have enough love!

It's not because she is adopting a child, but I have a concern about white people adopting black kids or viceversa.
Who would follow a childs life and psychological issues as they grow with a whole family but no resemblance, also going out in public people will single out that child for not being a biological one with out a question because it's written out bold "ADOPTED".
Like one of the guest had said on the show, people can adopt from their own country or close by or help those kids in need while they are with their biological parents.
There is no gift greater than seeing a child happy and that is to have his/her parents around him especially if they can raise him/her properly.
So I hope people/celebrities better focus on helping people if they can manage rather than having kids so they can feel good about them selves.
Now a days it looks like a new thing to me for westerners to go to Africa where there is less ristrictions and requirments to pick a child.
I even seen once in an African web site which says-
"Would you like to give a child for a friend?" and it was on christmas season.
It's very sad!

I sincerely think Madonna is using this adoptions as a Publicity stunt, Sure she has lot of money & power off course to throw around but these adoptions are merely been used at selective times for grabbing the media/public attention. The only silver lining out of this is those underprivileged kids will get all the resources in the world (at the cost of motherly love thought)

Good Emmanuel!!
That is the main point. Many opinions here are... “I have the freedom to do anything I want to...” They do not see the difference between to buy a car and "buy" children from another poor country. They do not understand their heritage... why not to buy all the children in Africa and bring them to Madonna’s house in California... good idea! Madonna with millions can bring millions of African children to USA!
And so what?

Madona should be stopped from adapting a child from Malawi. That is exactly how early Europeans colonized African countries. Everything was so easy for them and they got what they wanted. This adds another layer to it. If Madona wants to help that child, why can't she sponsor the child in Malawi so that the child can grow his relatives, grand mother, father, uncle, etc. Why is it easier for Madona to adapt this child without following the country's adaption rules (24 months of stay in Malawi)?

I deal with teenage foster children every day. Surem if their patents coild raise them that would be great, nut alot of my kids are living with grandmothers, not always gppd for kids ot grandmothers. Loving family members want their little ones to get the best. Madonna is probably the best this little girl will get. lucky little girl to have Madonna in her corner.

Adoption is the kindest and most unselfish thing to do for those people who wish to have kids or add to the biological ones they already have. Adoption is also a healthier environmental alternative when you consider that planet earth is already extremely overburned by overpopulation. The planet is in crisis and the crux of the problem is overpopulation. We should be talking more about overpopulation and the multiple problems overpopulation creates instead of being outraged by responsible people who wish to adopt. Adoption is an unselfish and loving act. Overpopulating the planet is socially irresponsible and is an assault on planet Earth, the only home we have.

See the example of Ophra... she did not adopt a child from another country but she gave money to build a school for children in THAT COUNTRY!! Madonna, alooooo!!!

Madonna took care of her 5 siblings when her Mom passed away more than 40 yrs ago, until her Dad hired a nanny,,she knows how important it is to have a Mom, she wants to help, to give her love, support,etc. Madonna is a wonderful, special person, only her Guardian Angel knows, she is her own person, she is highly intelligent, I hope/pray she succeeds..she will always allow David & Mercy to visit their native countries,,she would never deny them that privilege...Madonna has 3 sisters & 4 brothers ! her Dad is still living here in Michigan,,he married the nanny yrs ago & they had 2 more children..so now the no is 8 ...from a Michiganian !,,

Larry,
The pettiness of even discussing the fact that Madonna is adopting another child from Malawi is unbelievable. Would anybody bother discussing it had the child been adopted in Minnesota? or had the adopting mother or couple been someone else? En passant, how would you take a public forum on your ability to be a parent of young children at a very mature age?

Adopting one child or more children from anywhere, at any age, from either gender, race, or... is Madonna's personal decision and privilege. It is also her constitutional right. According to the laws of the United States, she has been approved to do that before and is clearly doing it again without reservations, in the public eye, from the fishbowl she inhabits. Adopting or bearing a biological child is hers and hers alone to decide.

Please get your producers to work on something else more constructive, of general interest, and with the potential to engage a higher level of discourse. In spite of your access to celebrities – maybe because of it – the quality of your program is declining. Frankly you have done better.

Shouldn't all of us – including you – be concerned with strategies to overcome an overbearing economic crisis largely generated by an institutional incompetence and corporate greed largely tolerated by some power courting members of the press?

I do believe that we, responsive and responsible citizens, should be concerned with what we can do in partnership with the public sector to minimize the impact of unemployment, low wages, limited access to education, the ailing health care delivery system to citizens of all ages, and a failed housing sector,

Please, use the forum you have to encourage participatory and constructive citizenship. Leave Madonna in charge of making decisions that affect her own life and that of her family. I bet even you can appreciate that opportunity.

Maria Carmen

I'm all for adoption, especially for kids in third world countries, but money or celebrity does not make for better parents. Sometimes parents are obligated because they are so poor to give their children away to orfanages. Often celebreties who don't even have the time to care for these kids and give them to the care of nanies and help, while they are off to concerts or making movies,they visit an underdeveloped country fall in love with a child like if it was a puppy or a toy and decide to take him or her, when they have the resources to contribute much more to the problem these children as a whole were facing. Sometimes the children have parents, and celebrities, instead of helping to reunite the parents with the children, prefer taking them away, while hundreds of others who do not have family aren't even considered. Such is the case of the first african boy Madonna adopted. He had a father, who put him in the orfanage when the mother died, and had trouble consenting to the adoption. After explaining to him how much better the child would be with Madonna, he consented. But children always prefer to be with their birth parents if given the opportunity -it's a natural bond. The media is very harsh with Octamom but leniant on celebrities who also seem to be filling holes in their lives taking in children when they are facing dificulties in their private lives. Many couples are dying to adopt..celebrities should help them, fund orfanages, make charity events and give donations to the cause..then when they have the time and commitment to spend on their children..then they should adopt.

I commend Madonna immensely for going across the atlantic to Africa to bring hope to a child who otherwise would succumb to the harsh conditons of abject poverty and ultimately death. Like Madonna, l too adopted a child from Ghana, Africa. However, unlike her, my child was sick. She was found sucking the breast of her dead teenage mother. At one year old, she appeared like a 3month old infant. With persistent medical care and great love, she was nursed to life.....now she is a healthy 8year old.

Thank God, l am blessed with a profession where l can care for such children.
Madonna, God Bless You.

Clinician

THIS FAMILY IS ACTING LIKE A DOG IN A MANGER

The fact that the child lived for two years, and still lives in an orphanage means, the extended family, either COULD NOT AND STILL CANNOT OR HAD ITENTIONALLY FAILED AND STILL CONTINUE TO FAIL to provide this child with life's necessities and should not have ANYTHING to say. These people should be thankful and greatful that someone like Madonna has chosen to take another member of their family OUT OF THE ORPHANAGE. Madonna is in a better position to provide this child with what the extended family combined WAS NOT/IS NOT able to. This is hypocrisy.

By the way, am African, if that means anything.

Well done Madonna. Continue to draw much needed attention to children who live in absymal poverty in the third world. I wonder what anyone who critisizes you has ever done to alleviate suffering of the million of children who go hungry every day in the world.

Twentyfour thousand die daily of hunger. Ther'e's a topic.

Madonna sends messages of ignorance to millions...in USA. That is the difference between Madonna and an ordinary American who wants to buy a child from Nicaragua for example...

She should adopt as many as she is willing. She is taking them out of orphanages and giving them a much better future. She is opening a school for girls in Malawi so will be back with the children regularly. Their family members can see them often. Why isn't Mercy's grandmother willing to raise her?

IWhat Madonna is doing in Malawi is violation of Malawi law. She is only able to accomplish this because of her great wealth, and it is bullying. Malawi law is that you have to be a resident for more than 18months in order to adopt. I am an American citizen who has lived in Malawi for 19 years. We have adopted 2 Malawian children, and have assisted in the adoption of a 3rd child. In her first adoption, we know some of the extended family of that boy, and they are offended because it violated the honor of the extended family who would have taken care of this child if they had known the nature of his needs. Furthermore if the Malawian law needs changing, violating it will only slow down the process of needed change, and may make it harder for future needy children to be adopted internationally. CR

Madonna had a very difficult childhood..this is what makes her so strong..she works hard..is a great Mom...she is one of a kind..she bonded w/Rosie O'donnell when they appeared in "League of their Own" a great movie..because both of them lost their Moms when they were children/I think breast cancer for both Moms/ ..Madonna has a kind heart is very loyal,,,,,,I wish her the best w/Mercy, the little girl w/the big smile,,,,

Ok here's the thing. I do not understand why there are people objecting to Madonna adopting a baby. Guess what?? Adoption is a good thing!!!! Orphaned children around the world need parents. And Madonna is actually stepping up and trying to help make a difference in some little ones lives, by taking them into her home and offering love, and parenting, and access to education and happiness. There is absolutely no rational reasoning for anyone to be upset by her adopting a baby from Malawi. She is not a bad parent, there is no evidence that she is anything but a good parent. She wants another sibling for her children, so good for her spending her own time and money to source out a child who REALLY needs help ! Oftentimes the orphans in Africa get forgotten, and left alone for their entire lives because there are not enough people willing and able to adopt from Africa. Good for her for sharing her wealth and trying to make a difference in some little lives one by one. I would like to say shame on you to anyone who is judging her and objecting with what she is doing. And ask yourself this; Have you ever been willing to change your life and adopt a child in need of a parent? If no, than you have zero right to criticize her. She is providing children with the chance at a life that they otherwise would not have.She is providing them with love, support, and opportunity. She is a person that should be praised for her actions and not persecuted! Get some common sense people, and put your negative energy towards something else. Imagine you were a young orphan who lived alone for years and years with no parents and no family and no certainty. Please re-evaluate your negative comments and think about apologizing to Madonna. Thank you,
Robyn

Madonna has every right to adopt an African child. Poverty in Malawi is nothing like poverty in America. Ophans in America are given every opportunity to succeed (everything from food to housing and education is provided for) while in Malawi this child may not have much of a future. Either way, its her choice...the public shouldnt have an input on what she is a mother is doing.

She's got the money, let her. It would be really nice if these wealthy child lovers would look here in the us though.

i love madonna and approve 100%-in fact i love everything and anything madonna-she is an incredible human being !!

I absolutely think madonna should b able to adopt. any chance for a child to have a better life is amazing!!

If she will support and love this child, them let here adopt. Its her life not ours.

Madonna is amazing she consistently re-invents herself but I'm confused why we spend so much time discussing her adoption behaviors. Spend the energy instead on coming up with ways to help more children. I don't think the publicity is good for this child or Guy Richie's other children.

About Madonna adopting another child..........
It seems to me that her adoption of her first child was expedited because of her name, and her wealth. I don't remember the name of the man who was on the show earlier this evening (wearing a cowboy hat), he was right about one thing, a child deserves unconditional love. But, what proof does he havethat she wouldn't abuse or exploit these children? Has he forgotten that Kathie Lee Gifford was caught running a sweatshop with a child workforce? I guess he didn't think that would happen..................

Aside from adoption, the public should know that quiet and private contributions to worldwide charities are performed by "stars"...I am sure that any good deed always has the best intentions.

She has been a wonderful mom to all of her children. I don't understand how this is our business. It is her life not ours. And if she is wanting to support and love this child. Then let her adopt this child.

If there are family members that want this child, adoption by a stranger should not even be a consideration. Every child deserves to know their family and be raised and cared for by them.

Madonna is showing off and trying to keep up with Angelina Jolie. Why doesn't she adopt a child who doesn't have any family connections? This is ridiculous for someone to use their star power to basically kidnap a child from their family. Besides, Madonna is now divorced...who will be the daddy? I wonder how many "Uncles" this child will have with Madonna as a mother. She goes from man to man, always has, so this child will not have a stable life with Madonna for a mother, and no father.

Mondonna should have to follow the law like everybody else has to. Some of these celebs. adopt for the media attention.

hey im 17 and im from arizona my bf is a foster kid and in my opinion no she should not adopt from out side the usa i say think of the kids here in the us of a not all over the world the kids here have long lasting mental scars from them not having a home to call there own my best friend is also an adopted child i think that the kids here need to be thought of first worry about whats in OUR own back yards then go out and see what others are doing to survive

Good for Madonna and if any of you were that little girl lucky you..lucky girl. Idiots who think she should'nt adopt should look at their own lives and stop being so selfrichous.

madonna, if it is so important to you to adopt a child why don't you send the money it would to raise this child to that country and it would support her entire family and thay woul not have to be seperated. you and angie idiot make me sick! give the money to them and their family woul not be seperated! your just trying to be cool and your not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! miss vickie

Going to other countries to adopt children when there is so many needy children here fits into our immediate gratification culture in so many ways. I am not against it but I think the criticism is appropriate!

Should Madonna adopt an African child? No.Madonna should adopt the community.

Affluent people like Madonna could do so much more for the child by adopting her community. What Madonna spent to fly to that country could probably feed the community for one year.

And why has Madonna's trip so publicized? Its what Madonna wanted – otherwise the adoption would not have been so publicized. I can't help but think Madonna is using this as another opportunity to be on stage: the global stage – and what better audience than the the world? ( I live in the Yukon and she's got my attention!)

It is wonderful that Madonna will be adopting the kid. The kid family should be happy becase this is a ticket to good and promising life for the child and the family in general. if Madonna can not adopt the kid, there will be no hope or feature for that child given the economic condition of malawi. To prove my word check on the child in 20yr if the adoption did not take place.

Are people constitutionally incapable of minding their own business? If Madonna wants to adopt a hundred kids from countries where malnourishment and basic needs are hard, if not impossible to come by, what is it to anyone else? I lived in Africa for many years and saw a poverty which cannot be imagined by most North Americans. Good luck to Madonna and her children. A small question – why doesn't she just get on with it, and eschew the publicity?

I totally support adoption whether from ones own country or from abroad. However it seems to me that if a person is acting in the best interest of the child the best scenerio would be to help a child stay either with its own family or least in its own community. Celebrities often seem to adopt from the poorest of countries. While they are giving a child opportunities that would otherwise not be available I wonder why they don't help support families in these countries to keep their children. The money used to raise one child in North America could help to raise a whole village of children in some of these countires. The children would then have new opportunities while remaining with immediate or extended family, where possible. I think it is so sad that families are forced to give up their child because of poverty.

By the way, everyone that is saying that the poverty is worse in Malawi: A hungry child is a hungry child no matter where in the world the child resides! It is not like Madonna is enriching the infer structure of Malawi. I think it is horribly naïve to quantify poverty. That argument is stupid to me!

Madonna should leave that child with her grandmother in Africa who has raised her all of her life. I agree with the grandmother that Madonna is not "adopting" this child but wants to steal her away from the only family she has ever known. It is not about money or material things – but love – geniune love for this child. Madonna's only purpose is to get as much media attention as she can; in her pitiful competition with Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey – fat chance of that happening.
Instead she should try raising her own children; properly – good luck with that!!!!!

So having big money makes it a great thing ? Madonna's moral
standards don't come into play because it's the money right?She
just came off a an ugly affair while married in front of her natural
kids then runs off and adopts for what – to soothe her ego?Why
not help the family instead and sponser the child's education
instead of removing him from his family members .So now
the child will be in a fatherless home with a trashy adopted
mom but it won't matter because she's got big money-right?

Hey Janette

What do you mean by "while married in front of her natural kids". Is this really what you meant or is it a case of misplaced modifiers?

Get off your moral high horse and mind your own business.

I just wanted to know why Madonna doesn"t send money to Malawi to assist the children in poverty rather than adopt one or two children? If the child's parents or grandparents are having some disagreement with being separated from them, it seems as though this would be a fair resolution. Perhaps Madonna could finance and oversee an orphanage, instead of removing a child from their parents/grandparents and the childs homeland.

HEYY!
I can not believe all the obnoxious unfounded trash talk about MADONNA. She is most certainly not adopting this child just for publiciity. She would do something very creative for that. GIVE ME A BREAK! She has given a lot of money to help African children. If she were to adopt a child in the U.S., there would be every mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, auntie and cousin coming out of the wood work to say they are related to this child just to ask MADONNA for monies. MADONNA is like mother earth and I think any child she adopts is one very fortunate child. LOVE YOU MADONNA!

EMBRACE THE NIGHT!

SAUSS, XOXOXOXO

WHASSUP LARRY?!

I must say, the matter at hand is the little girls health and well being. That being said, MADONNA only provides the most healthiest food available for children and her self as well. The child will be given all the tender loving care and the best education available in the world. Any child would be more than happy to be in the loving caring home of MADONNA MOTHER EARTH. MADONNA has given a lot of money for the children in Africa and I am sure she intends to give more as well. One of the best feelings in the world is being able to give whatever you have and DAMN........MADONNA has A LOT to give!
YOU GO MADONNA! Your newly adopted child is going to be happy forever after. I myself will probably only be adopting dogs which need much love as well. As it is, any child in America will always have a better chance of having a good life even if a child is never adopted. I mean when a child grows up and works hard enough(even if it means working 50 jobs to pay your way through school), the sky is the limit! Even though America is going through some major problems, the fact of the matter is children and adults will usually always have something to eat and drink. Their many countries where these basic needs are NOT even met.

SWEET DREAMS EVERYONE!

SAUSS, XOXOXOXO

There is no reason Madonna should not be able to adopt a child. She can clearly provide and is clearly has no intentions of trafficking or abusing the child. She is just another person adopting from Africa. Good for her!

Why doesn't she need to go through the hoops we non-celeb's have to go through to adopt a child?

The question is...If it was a simple person, such as myself, would I have the same opportunity to adopt a child from Malawi if I werent of a Madonna caliber, but have enough money and love to do the same?

I believe that Madonna seems to be a genuinely good parent and if she wants to raise another child, especially one not her own blood, I believe she should. There is nothing better than sharing the world with a young human being. Watching them grow and learn. I think it is wonderful that she is willing to share this with another child.
As far as adopting from another country, I believe that it doesn't matter what country the child is from, there are children looking for homes all over the world. It should be cut and dried whether a child is available for adoption or not. Either there is already someone raising them or not.

it's funny to see the outraged against madonna to adopt a non-US child yet did anyone consider the laws we Americans have made to make it difficult to adopt a child? we even made laws forbidding a happilly married GAY couple from adopting a child... is madonna fit to be a SINGLE-parent adopting a child because she's a millionaire? or we're just furious she chose a non-american child!

I used to love Madonna. I grew up with her and I even wanted to be like here when I was young. But I dont think Madonna should take this child. If you really look at all her work over the years, the is a satanic overrtone to just about everything she has done. Look at her Sex book, she even has a picture of Lucifer between here legs. For everything of God, there is an opposite thing of the devil. I ask you, is she the opposite of the origianl Madonna? Is she the satanic Madonna? To me, it seems to be so.

She, who could easily save the whole village if she so chose instead goes there in her private jet to snatch a child for herself. She is completely self-serving and self-seeking and it is disgraceful. What kind of mother could she possibly be to anyone? She is a terrible example of humanity.

If people like Madonna want to make a difference in a childs life, from any nationality, can you imagine in a positve way, what these children she nurtures, gives these children an unbelieable chance to see the wonders of this world what they could possibly contribue to the world of homeless or needy children when they get older to follow in her footsteps.
How can she be doing this for publicty. She has just by the mention of her name. I think its a great thing to take one who is not your flesh and blood and offer to share everything you have worked for and want to share that with a one in a million child craving love and the potential for a wonderful life most of us will never know.
I think children bring more value to an adult life than an adult can bring to a child's. Nothing and no one is perfect, but she is willing to do somehing other than look the other way. She,as far as I know, has not neglected the children she now has. Live and let live.

I am saddened that people are so shallow that they look for the negative in this beautiful gift this child is being offered. Madonna is not just offering a chance to escape poverty but love. She still connects David to his biological ties who are we to put down the hope she chooses to place in the world. It is pitiful and pathetic. Where are the positive thinking in this. Should we just expect the people of Malawii to ask for handouts just because some complainers are jealous. Thank you Madonna for giving hope and opening your home, heart and arms to a child who has nothing. I wish we all could adopt someone so needy, then the world would have less suffering. People stop the glutton and see the hope! I hope she adopts 5 more. I bet she also helps the family out. These children have the potential to grow up and take that knowledge back to their roots. That is spreading real hope.

She is Madonna, she gets what she wants.

what has Madonna's wealth got to do with it? Children need love, shelter, care not thousands of dollars. How would Americans feel about Asians and or Africans (we are not all poor and disease ridden) taking children from the USA and raising them in a foreign culture? Why is Madonna allowed to flaunt the two year law in malawi? If it would be difficult for her to adopt in USA why should lower standards apply to African children? Why should Africans always have to settle for less because of poverty? This child has family – so why doesnt madonna give them the means to support the child? I can't imagine the pressure they must feel under to give her up. Would this be acceptable in the USA – imagine if someone came and said they could give your child more just because they are rich?

Many people talk too much about humanity instead of doing a tiny little thing like Madonna's did.. That's the point!

Madonna is doing great.

If I had her opportunities, I would adoubt several mothers and their children !!
That I like best, but Madonna support the town too, as she should do, in my mind.

It is our duty to make a different in those poor countries, that the western countries has made poor for several years and still do with the politics we make to secure our products and keep their out.

Make a difference.

Svend
Denmark

Being African, and having been brought up by a poor family. It is total propaganda and not true that the family of mercy is denying her adoption by madonna, but the wish of Americans and Eurpeans (Those oppossed to adoption) to see that African kids remain destitute to their happiness. This is a new front all Africans need to stand up to, the same way we did to slavery, colonialization etc

I think adoption can be wonderful.
I also think that to take an African child out of Africa to be generally DETRIMENTAL to the Child.
Especially if the Child has some Family.
Donna's intended second African Adoptee has a Grand Mother.
If the Child is in an Orphanage it must be because the Family is VERY poor.
If Madonna LOVES this girl – the BEST she can do for the Child is to provide FINANCE for the Girls upbringing and Education within the love & protection of the Girls extended Family.

If Madonna wants to take a Girl from that situation it is not about the Girls welfare – it is about Madonna wanting to have in her possession a child which (according to a quote on Larry King Live) Madonna FELL IN LOVE WITH.
The Adoption is all about Satisfying Madonna not the Childs welfare.

I have Lived and worked in Malawi for 4 years – during that time I had the privilege of being taken by several poor Malawians to their Villages. The African Extended Family must be experienced first hand to appreciate its enormous value to the growth and well-being of a child.

Only if a Child is in an Orphanage and HAS NO RELATIVES would I accept some benefit to the child to be taken out of its environment.

My objection therefore is solely based on removing the chance of the Child having the benefit of its extended Family.
Roger Adams
(Englishman retired in Bangkok)
(I also lived and worked in West Africa for 15 years
– I do KNOW about African Extended Families
AND thru numerous extended visits to India
am aware of the similar benefits of the Extended Family system there)

Oprah is probably giving her sm tips RE how to go about building a school in Malawi...good for them..Madonna needs help, guidance, support doing this wonderful project.....go Madonna ...she knows what she wants for the good of Malawi...

Am an African living in Denmark and i dont think Madonna should adopt an African child becouse its not good in a way that the child will end up as nothing as all blacks do all over , Anyway why should she have a black child . HAVE YOU HARD OF A BLACK PERSON ADOPTING A WHITE CHILD ? She should forgot it and if this child really needs family , i will give it to her one. I will even go back to Afrika and be with her . People dont know what it is not to belong . I have lived in DK for more than 20 year even thou i had a Danish citizenship they will always ask where you came from . Please Madam Madonna , we are not pets but maybe you cam help with doing something with our poverty but dont take fron the poor likr your doing now . You are just exploiting because you have money . NO . THANK YOU. Find some white kid somewhere . PLEEEEAAAASE

I think we all need to heed what Juliana has just Written.
I sponsored two African students to study in UK – MANY years ago.
It is my Biggest Regret.
They completed their studies and obtained British Passports.
They became two of my closest friends
and they always thank me.
But I know they are lost beings.
I took them out of their environment and now it is difficult for them to go back to Africa even for a visit.
Madonna isOT doing the right thing for the Children
She is doing it for her own satisfaction.
She "Fell in Love" (in a beautiful way) with these Children
but Juliana is right – she has them as Pets.

SPELLING CORRECTION>
Madonna is NOT doing the right thing for the Children
She is doing it for her own satisfaction.
She “Fell in Love” (in a beautiful way) with these Children
but Juliana is right – she has them as Pets

People People!,
Lets sober up, why all the fuss about this adoption? This is not the first adoption where a child being adopted has an extended family, I know of children who have been adopted in Asia (Laos) where the child has a family not only an extended family but the mother! of the kid is alive. We should be able to look beyond the cosmetic of issues, because one day we will have to be accountable to mercy for having denied her an opportunity to realize her potential.
If the issue is her grandmonther has not consented, the courts in malawi will be able to see that and stop the adoption. My take is that it is not about the grandmother or extended family support which is actually much stronger in Asia than africa yet, as i have said above, that is seen as humane thing to do . The issue is ill feelings about the potential opportunities for mercy if she is adopted by Madonna. I am equally shocked by Achan's arguments, she should know better what the children in Gulu are going through, if she is serious about her help, why dont you start with supporting those orphans in Gulu than caliming to be a good samaritan in time of need for mercy.

Madonna you are doing the right thing and I hope the authorities in Malawi will see that. You have so far proven you can be a good mother and your efforts will not be in vain

Oh Roger, please STOP! This is the most patronizing comment I have ever heard. If these former students (friends of yours) are grown up adults can't you give them credit that they made different choices. Whether you or Juliana think Madonna "has them as Pets" doesn't matter really at least 1 chlid has a chance to live a full life. Malawi's infant mortality rate is 90/1000 compared to 5/1000 or 6/1000 for UK and USA, respectively. Please think for a minute.

Hi

I think Madonna should not just come and think that she can take a child from Africa and just because she has money that,that would make the child happy.

In Africa we have a culture called extended family which white people don't have and it is very important for the child to know her african roots and also how many times has Madonna gone back to africa so her other child can always know his african roots and african family.Maybe this would be ok if she let the child grow up knowing their african family and roots.

she is adopting AND bldg a school...she is NOT doing this for publicity, she wants to do her own thing, & we should stay out of it ! "Liking what she does is Freedom, Doing what she likes is Happiness!" ....

Sarah is correct. she is probably helping the family out..just like Fr Sinatra did..paying for Geo Raft's funeral & financially helping Joe Louis & man, many others that he did not want the public to know about. just like Oprah does, helping the Catholic charities in Chicago & many others..they want to remain anonymous..their Lord knows, they understand this.

Madonna has the means to adopt anywhere in the world. She doesn't need the publicity....she's "Madonna". She wants to be a mother to a child in need of a mother. May God Bless her family.

Some of us Africans are hypocrital, some are jealous, and some are just plain old stupid. Where is the extended family when Mercy lives in an orphanage. Dont hate on Madonna , appreciate her efforts in changing Mercy's life. Am sure all those talking against the adoption here will not even bother to find out about Mercy's well being once she misses out on getting help from Madonna, let alone contribute in taking care of her (Mercy). If Mercy was in good conditions, or if you were going to take care of her, then you might have had a point. Until you can out perform Madonna in providing for Mercy, or willing to step up in taking care of Mercy, SHUT YOUR BEAKS!