Jessa, Ben and Their Brood: Making a (Diaper) Mountain out of a Mold House

[flyingdi]

I don't think that Jessa should but I also get the feeling Jessa may be feeling some guilt.

My points are:

1. She has always been called "the pretty one" even by her family. In her culture being pretty is not always a good thing.

2. Jessa is cold unemotional aka so good at hiding her feelings her own family even seems to think she doesn't have them.

These 2 things, imo, are not exactly the healthiest things for a survivor of abuse to possess. She may have feelings of"Hey they already think I'm pretty and a bitch so I may as well use what I've got to my advantage". That, to me, would be bad in the way that she never realizes things weren't her or her sisters fault and that she could be so much more if she put her mind to it.

And you can't tell me since Jessa`s the bitch there isn't some speculation that she's also the leak.

Edited May 22, 2015 by flyingdi

[CarolMK]

I'm hoping that Ben and Jessa move out of the Duggar household and near to Ben's family. I'm sure Ben could get a job full time selling insurance, he was doing it before he moved to be near to the Duggars. Jessa seems to like her inlaws and gets along well with his sisters, maybe it would be the best thing for them. 

[BitterApple]

I think you have to be licensed to sell insurance. Ben was likely doing admin work at the agency, which he could certainly go back to while looking for a better paying job.

[Joe Jitsu913]

I think you have to be licensed to sell insurance. Ben was likely doing admin work at the agency, which he could certainly go back to while looking for a better paying job.

Yes, you must have a P & C license to sell insurance. You must pass exams in order to obtain said license. In addition, many insurance agents have industry designations which can take a few years to obtain and are quite expensive unless your employer is willing to pay for your books and exams. I just earned my designation and it is not easy. Bin would really have to step it up because it's very time consuming (even more so with an uneducated wifey and baby on the way).

[ginger90]

This was part of a tweet posted on Bens Twitter 2 weeks ago:

ben_seewald
2 weeks ago

A little late in posting, but I had a wonderful Mother's day with my Mom and wife! I want to give a shout out to my Mom and Dad. They've always sought to please God in raising me and my siblings. They've been loving, caring, and provided us with a good home and many happy memories. While many parents are abusing their children, earning the condemnation of God, .......

[Fuzzysox]

This was part of a tweet posted on Bens Twitter 2 weeks ago:

ben_seewald

2 weeks ago

A little late in posting, but I had a wonderful Mother's day with my Mom and wife! I want to give a shout out to my Mom and Dad. They've always sought to please God in raising me and my siblings. They've been loving, caring, and provided us with a good home and many happy memories. While many parents are abusing their children, earning the condemnation of God, .......

WOW!!! Like I said in another thread something has been brewing and now that we know what it was everything makes sense. Good for Bin pointing out that his parents are good people and he lived in a happy home! Jessa got herself a good kid.

[Marigold]

well, Aspiring Preacher Ben has hit a snag. The name Duggar is poison now.

I wonder if Ben (and Derick) knew about the abuse? Did Jessa tell him or she is having to tell him now? Poor thing...she is pregnant and having to relive this entire nightmare...

Edited May 23, 2015 by Marigold

[Temperance]

It may be wishful thinking on my part, but here are my thoughts:

1) Ben has never seemed as into the Duggars as he has been into Jessa. She seems to me to be more important than her family to him. 

2) Which is good, because this whole mess doesn't change who she is. It doesn't make her a bad person. They seem to be growing closer as friends on the show.

3) Ben has a good heart. He is sweet and kind to the people around him. His heart is probably breaking for her. I don't think he will judge her for this mess. He may be mad at Josh, but who cares?

4)I don't agree with Michael Seawald's political views, but I think he and Guinn genuinely care for Jessa. I hope they will help Ben and Jessa as much as possible. 

 

I wish the best to both of these kids.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Temperance

[flyingdi]

I wonder when Ben found out. Just because one thing stood out to me. Jessa at the beginning of their relationship didn't even seem to like Ben. Then, very suddenly, in the episode where the married couples were quizzed on each other Ben and Jessa seemed closer than anyone. They seem to have really developed a bond somewhere along the way. It came out of left field and I wonder if any of this is the reason.

On the other hand Derick & Jill seemed quite smitten with each from the very beginning and now seem to know very little about each other. I hope it isn't the reason in this case.

Honestly, I could see Jessa talking about it to her husband but Jill feeling that if she talked to Derick about she would be betraying her family.

[dillpickles]

I don't think Ben or his family linked it for one reason, and one reason only. Jessa is pregnant. She doesn't need that stress at this time in her life, and they all know that.

[Mariva]

In case there were any doubts about where the Seewalds stand on the Josh allegations, Ben's mom posted  on her Facebook a link to Mike Huckabee's statement supporting Josh and the Duggars and added a heart emoji. 

 

[Absolom]

In case there were any doubts about where the Seewalds stand on the Josh allegations, Ben's mom posted  on her Facebook a link to Mike Huckabee's statement supporting Josh and the Duggars and added a heart emoji.  

Ugh.  I guess it was thing to do to maintain family politics, but it shows the likely way the Duggars are leaning.  It looks like once again it's protect Josh.

[RazzleberryPie]

It's bad all the way around. While Jessa is a forthright person I don't think she would have told Ben about this. Despite not being Gothard, Derick and Ben are still Fundie. Jessa and Jill may have had a genuine fear that the guys wouldn't have wanted to marry them if they knew about the molestation beforehand. I hope I'm wrong, but it's undeniable they're big time Kool Aid drinkers.

Would she have had a choice? Tell everything or go straight to hell? BTW - I think Derrick was more conservative southern baptist than fundie, but he's fundie now. 

 

My biggest question in this is in regards to 'purity', are the molestation/incest victims still 'pure' in the eyes of Fundieworld. IMO there's no way a child can willingly consent or be held responsible for an older sibling molesting them, but in Gothardland at least, children who don't understand modesty/nakedness and parents who don't basically put a chastity bet on everyone, are the cause, NOT the molester making bad, evil decisions.

 

Oh my. I really wonder if bin and jessa got to talk about this during all their supervised premarital time tigether. Kind of hard to go into detail about sexual abuse when you have a 10 yr old chaparone or your parents with yiu 24/7.

I'd guess these conversations would take place during premarital counseling, not on undates or whatever they called them. Of course, at least with Jill and Derrick, Jimbob and Michelle provided the premarital counseling, instead of a real minister. How convenient.

 

This was part of a tweet posted on Bens Twitter 2 weeks ago:

ben_seewald

2 weeks ago

A little late in posting, but I had a wonderful Mother's day with my Mom and wife! I want to give a shout out to my Mom and Dad. They've always sought to please God in raising me and my siblings. They've been loving, caring, and provided us with a good home and many happy memories. While many parents are abusing their children, earning the condemnation of God, .......

He's probably talking about abortion.

 

It may be wishful thinking on my part, but here are my thoughts:

1) Ben has never seemed as into the Duggars as he has been into Jessa. She seems to me to be more important than her family to him. 

2) Which is good, because this whole mess doesn't change who she is. It doesn't make her a bad person. They seem to be growing closer as friends on the show.

3) Ben has a good heart. He is sweet and kind to the people around him. His heart is probably breaking for her. I don't think he will judge her for this mess. He may be mad at Josh, but who cares?

4)I don't agree with Michael Seawald's political views, but I think he and Guinn genuinely care for Jessa. I hope they will help Ben and Jessa as much as possible. 

 

I wish the best to both of these kids.

Ben's young and very opinionated, but I'm liking him more and more. He just needs to shut his piehole until he matures a little and gains some 'seasoning' and 'wisdom.' I do think he'd yank Jessa out of there very quickly if he though it was in her best interest. 

 

I wonder when Ben found out. Just because one thing stood out to me. Jessa at the beginning of their relationship didn't even seem to like Ben. Then, very suddenly, in the episode where the married couples were quizzed on each other Ben and Jessa seemed closer than anyone. They seem to have really developed a bond somewhere along the way. It came out of left field and I wonder if any of this is the reason.

On the other hand Derick & Jill seemed quite smitten with each from the very beginning and now seem to know very little about each other. I hope it isn't the reason in this case.

Honestly, I could see Jessa talking about it to her husband but Jill feeling that if she talked to Derick about she would be betraying her family.

I thought that Jessa was terrified from having no dating experience, and not being able to navigate at her own pace, without cameras. Now I think she also was terrified of relationships and sex, because she's been told her whole life that All Men have zero control and will rape you for anything, and it's your fault, PLUS she may have been scared to open up and get attached (give away pieces of her heart) to someone who would learn she wasn't 'pure' (in their eyes) and would dump her and spill the tea.

[Hpmec]

Guinn Seewald's seeming support for Huckabee's defense of Josh is likely a political move in the sense that her son is dependent on these people and she feels the need to (or has been asked to help) circle the wagons and present a united front. However, behind the scenes I would bet big money that she and her husband would be happy to help Ben inflict corporal punishment on the predator. They are no doubt regretting that they ever encouraged their teenage son to get involved with this crew in the first place.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Hpmec

[RazzleberryPie]

Guinn Seewald's seeming support for Huckabee's defense of Josh is likely a political move in the sense that her son is dependent on these people and she feels the need to (or has been asked to help) circle the wagons and present a united front. However, behind the scenes I would bet big money that she and her husband would be happy to help Ben inflict corporal punishment on the predator. They are no doubt regretting that they ever encouraged their teenage son to get involved with this crew in the first place.

I think so, too. Guinn seems like a real sweetheart who would absolutely want to believe someone can repent and reform, BUT think Ben's dad (and maybe Ben LOL) would take the opportunity to beat the shite out of JimBob and Josh if given the opportunity. I actually hope they insist on Ben and Jessa distancing themselves from parents and Josh, and any other disfunctionate family members. Guess we'll never see a Seewald daughter courtship with a Duggar in a few years. 

[Darknight]

Guinn Seewald's seeming support for Huckabee's defense of Josh is likely a political move in the sense that her son is dependent on these people and she feels the need to (or has been asked to help) circle the wagons and present a united front. However, behind the scenes I would bet big money that she and her husband would be happy to help Ben inflict corporal punishment on the predator. They are no doubt regretting that they ever encouraged their teenage son to get involved with this crew in the first place.

Isn't the leader from vf is jail

[bluebonnet]

I'm definitely not inclined to think this is just some political move.  These people all have the same values.  If they want to present a 'united front' in support of their son, the way to do that is to say that you are praying for the family or link someone who says they are praying for the family.  Linking a comment like the one from Huckabee is much more like very actively supporting the way the family has handled this.  Unless these people are seriously questioning their own belief systems, there is no reason to think they are thinking or wanting to do anything different than what they are putting out there on social media because their belief system is in line with the Duggar parents and their belief system tells them the Duggars handled this in the correct way (prayed it away, shamed the victim) and the big bad gay liberal media is the devil for bringing up something that god had already taken care of.  

[Hpmec]

I haven't seen any indication that the Seewalds are Gothardites. They are conservative Christians but more Calvinist if you want to put a label on it. Judging by Ben's discomfort and upset all throughout the interview episode, I think he was blindsided and troubled by the revelations, which I think he had just learned about and was still trying to process. The Seewalds are between a rock and a hard place. The Duggars are now part of the extended family, and Ben depends on them for his livelihood. Plus, he's the father of a Duggar baby on the way. The Seewald parents have very little choice but to publicly express solidarity, but I don't think there's any way they are ok with this.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Hpmec

[bluebonnet]

The Seewald's have a lot of choice in how they choose to support their son and daughter-in-law.  There's a world of difference between expressing support and expressing approval.  Guinn's post is an expression of approval, not one of support. An expression of support would be linking to someone who says they are praying for the Duggars.  Or they could, you know, provide no comment on the matter which is the more appropriate thing to do.  Supporting one's children doesn't need to be a public affair.  

[Fuzzysox]

Isn't the leader from vf is jail

These sheep never learn do they?

 

IDK what the heck the Guinn thing is about but I bet if something happened to one of their girls by a molester then they would be singing a different toon. It's really a shame they support the Duggar family. They should just keep their mouths shut right now because it looks like they are adding fuel to the fire.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Fuzzysox

[JenCarroll]

I haven't seen any indication that the Seewalds are Gothardites. They are conservative Christians but more Calvinist if you want to put a label on it. .

I thought they were Vision Forum, aren't they? Another group whose leader is a molester.

[RedheadZombie]

If the show ends how will Ben support his family

 

Good question.  I wonder if Ben's father regrets putting Jim Bob on the spot, and strong arming him into an earlier wedding.  Ben's signed on to this freak show, and he's utterly dependent on Jim Bob and the show.  And sure, Ben can get a job like any other 19 year old.  But most guys his age don't have a 22 y/o wife who's pregnant.  And Jessa, seemingly more than the others, has a taste for the finer things.  No more baby shower registries with ten of everything, and the most expensive items picked.  They're going to have to start living the family motto of "buy used and save the difference". 

 

If Jessa is as close to her family as she claims (I have no idea), she's not going to run off and hide with the Seewalds.  She's going to stay and help circle the wagons.  Any perceived defections in the family will reinforce the worst public beliefs, so I don't think she'll do it.   Since Ben's mom is now towing the line and publically supporting them, regardless of these horrific allegations, it doesn't sound like they view Jessa as a victim.  I wonder if they're all doubling down, thinking this is a secular, liberal, or even atheistic attack on a public Evangelical Christian family.  It wouldn't surprise me.  People will do mental gymnastics to avoid facing the truth.

[BitterApple]

I thought they were Vision Forum, aren't they? Another group whose leader is a molester.

They are/were VF. Still Fundie, but a different subset.

[bluebonnet]

Good question.  I wonder if Ben's father regrets putting Jim Bob on the spot, and strong arming him into an earlier wedding.  Ben's signed on to this freak show, and he's utterly dependent on Jim Bob and the show.  And sure, Ben can get a job like any other 19 year old.  But most guys his age don't have a 22 y/o wife who's pregnant.  And Jessa, seemingly more than the others, has a taste for the finer things.  No more baby shower registries with ten of everything, and the most expensive items picked.  They're going to have to start living the family motto of "buy used and save the difference". 

 

Aren't baby registries created so that other people can buy the stuff?  

 

I admit, I'm not a watcher of the show.  I've seen maybe a hand full of episodes.  Most of what I know about this family comes from their constant appearance in the news and magazines.  From what I understand, Ben has graduated with a two year degree and intends to become some sort of minister.  I guess I don't really see how he's utterly dependent on Jim Bob just because he married into the family and has been on the show.  The show and the magazines have given them an income, but it's not like there isn't anything else out there for Ben to do.  It doesn't seem like he's been sitting idly by since he's been involved with the Duggars.

Besides, I'm pretty sure Jessa's own income is what will keep them afloat for the time being.  As an adult, she'd be paid directly for her performances with the show, for her magazine covers, interviews, for her book, her speaking engagements, etc.  I think people are forgetting that under the surface, Jessa is the one making sure the bacon gets brought home.  Her public character merely acts as though all she does it cook it.  

[RedheadZombie]

Aren't baby registries created so that other people can buy the stuff?  

 

I admit, I'm not a watcher of the show.  I've seen maybe a hand full of episodes.  Most of what I know about this family comes from their constant appearance in the news and magazines.  From what I understand, Ben has graduated with a two year degree and intends to become some sort of minister.  I guess I don't really see how he's utterly dependent on Jim Bob just because he married into the family and has been on the show.  The show and the magazines have given them an income, but it's not like there isn't anything else out there for Ben to do.  It doesn't seem like he's been sitting idly by since he's been involved with the Duggars.

Besides, I'm pretty sure Jessa's own income is what will keep them afloat for the time being.  As an adult, she'd be paid directly for her performances with the show, for her magazine covers, interviews, for her book, her speaking engagements, etc.  I think people are forgetting that under the surface, Jessa is the one making sure the bacon gets brought home.  Her public character merely acts as though all she does it cook it.  

 

Of course baby registries are created so people can buy the stuff.  The problem is, the Duggars tend to use these opportunities to gift grab.  I don't know if you've been witness to any of their bridal registries, but they publicize these things so perfect strangers (most with significantly less money than the Duggars), can buy them gifts.  They ask for everything - the most expensive of items, multiple bed spreads, Gatorade, boxes of cereal, etc.  The type of thing most of us would have a little too much integrity to ask for. 

 

Since you're not a viewer of the show, there may be some things you don't understand about Ben and Jessa's situation.  They live in a home owned by Grandma Duggar, and controlled by Jim Bob.  Ben does odd jobs for Jim Bob, therefore, his income and housing are totally dependent upon Jim Bob.

 

Regarding the pay they receive from the show:  I'm not sure if you've read these boards for a while, or are new.  It's long been speculated by people far more informed on this family than me, that Jim Bob has incorporated the family (like other TLC families).  Meaning, TLC pays Jim Bob a lump sum, and he decides whether or not (most likely not) he shares with his children.  It's also pretty commonly believed that Josh receives a second check, which covers the five members of his family.  So if true, again - any of that income is dependent of Jim Bob.

 

I believe Jim Bob also does the negotiating for the People cover, thus likely gets that income, which would include her interviews.  Her book would have received very little money.  She probably does directly receive money for her speaking engagement, but the fundie world is small, and the Duggar name may now make her persona non grata.

 

Regarding Ben's desire to be a minister:  There have been several posters here with personal experience in the type of career Ben is talking about.  It includes many more years of schooling, and is often difficult to be accepted into a program and position.  Since marrying into the Duggar family, he seemed to have his eye on a type of televangelist, but he's now tainted by the Duggar name.

[bluebonnet]

Trust me, the fundie world is not shunning the Duggars.  People are standing with them.  The reason why is because the Duggars are doing exactly what is expected in the fundie world.  

 

I have no idea what baby registries have to do with Jessa and Ben's finances so not sure why it keeps being brought up.  If you're concerned that Jessa and Ben won't receive a substantial amount of gifts each time they give birth, fear not.  They have hundreds of thousands of social media followers.  Regarding the lack of integrity with registries, I agree.  I refuse to attend any shower where I'm told someone has created a gift registry.  It's disgusting.  The Duggars aren't alone in this shameful behavior.  

 

Regarding the speculation about everything else, it's all speculation.  I need to see some facts.  One fact is that Jessa is an adult and thus is in charge of her own contracts and finances.  TLC can't just decide to pay Jim Bob for Jessa's work unless Jessa explicitly signs her income over to a third party.  

 

I just don't get why everyone is so concerned about how this couple is going to earn a living.  They already earn income.  Whether or not they use that income responsibly is a different issue entirely.  I'm completely unconcerned if they are signing over their income to JB because it's their choice what to do with their money.  They are both capable of earning more income outside of their reality tv show careers.  

[riverblue22]

The fundies may stand by the Duggars but if their TV show, magazine covers, etc. disappear their reach will be greatly diminished.  It will be hard to haul in the loot from $30,000.00 wedding registries.  And I don't think the speaking engagements and "love offerings" from their supporters will come close to what a TV show can generate.  Of course, they may not be cancelled and they will be able to perpetuate the myth that a man can actually support a family of 21.

 

Apparently Amy Duggar was not one of the five victims, according to her boyfriend.  I'm wondering if it was the Holt girl after all that was involved.  That would explain the end of the Duggar's friendship with the Holts.

[bluebonnet]

Are people really worried they this couple won't receive $30,000 worth of baby gifts?  Worried that they may not continue to be millionaires?  Worried that they might have to have regular jobs, ones that won't exploit the minor children?  Talk about terrible perspective.  

[riverblue22]

Are people really worried they this couple won't receive $30,000 worth of baby gifts?  Worried that they may not continue to be millionaires?  Worried that they might have to have regular jobs, ones that won't exploit the minor children?  Talk about terrible perspective.  

 

I don't know about "people" bluebonnet, but I bet the Duggars are worried about it.

[mynextmistake]

Are people really worried they this couple won't receive $30,000 worth of baby gifts?  Worried that they may not continue to be millionaires?  Worried that they might have to have regular jobs, ones that won't exploit the minor children?  Talk about terrible perspective.

I think the reason that finances are being brought up is as a potential explanation for Guinn's actions. Ben and Jessa are currently dependent on the Duggars and TLC for income. If the show goes, they have to get real jobs and Ben doesn't get six more years to become a pastor. Presuming the Seewalds want Ben to continue on the path he's on, they need to keep the gravy train rolling, which means rallying behind Josh and doing their best to minimize the damage. That's all, I think. I don't think anyone's actually concerned about the family's finances per se.

Obviously Ben could get a job if he needed to. He's young and healthy and could work in construction, stocking, or laboring pretty easily, I would think. Jessa could work too. They wouldn't have their dream jobs and they'd certainly have to tighten their belts, but they wouldn't be any worse off than a lot of other young families throughout the country.

[bluebonnet]

I don't know about "people" bluebonnet, but I bet the Duggars are worried about it.

I'm talking about people who have brought this up across multiple threads as a point of concern.  These are wealthy people. I'm sure the Duggars are concerned about their careers, but it's so strange for the average person to express concern over wealthy people receiving only $15,000 worth of baby goods rather than $30,000.  

[birkenstock]

I'm not worried about Ben and Jessa's baby registry.  Jessa and Ben can financially survive in the near future, they presumably have income from speakers' fees and people magazine and can live in Jim Bob's house rent-free. They will still be welcome at homeschooling conferences and religious conventions, but the mainstream income is more than likely over. Ben and Jessa aren't rich, Jim Bob and Michelle are.  The question is how can they provide for their family 10 years from now when there are 19 families (give or take given the littles' ages) vying for the same audience? Ben shouldn't be Jim Bob's handyman forever.

 

I am concerned that Ben and Jessa will have to remain in the Duggar fold.  Jessa has been exploited and abused by her parents and TLC on multiple levels. Even before this week's horrific revelations, she lost her childhood to her parents' selfishness and was used for childcare and housework. She had to expose all aspects of her life for ratings.  She always seemed like a private person and the only way right now for her and Ben to make money is to continue to be in the public spotlight.  If ministry is what he wants to do, it would be in their best interest pursue it now and not rely solely on media income. Ben needs to acquire skills to support his growing family - Jessa too. Get a healthy distance away from her family.

 

It will be hard because Jessa has lived big and is use to nice things, but she also lived the "whole buy used, save the difference." She can down size and do it again if she has to. I hope the Seewalds are providing a strong support system for her at the moment and, if she feels she needs it, gets counseling. Everyone on this board wants her to succeed.  

Edited May 24, 2015 by Cocka doodle dont

[AnnieGirl]

http://seewalds.com/grace-greater-than-our-sin/#more-341

Mr. Seewald weighs in.

eta, posted in Smuggar thread simultaneously.

Edited May 24, 2015 by AnnieGirl

[bluebonnet]

It's exactly as I suspected upthread.  Of course the Seewald's approve of the Duggars, and it has little to do with being related via marriage.  All of these people share the same belief system.  

[Spencer Hastings]

I like that he doesn't seem to agree with the way the Duggars handled the situation and that he acknowledges the fact that they eventually sought help from the police. I like that he speaks to the victims and lets them know that it's not their fault. The rest is appalling and sad.

[KatWay]

He seems a bit more aware of real world responses in that he makes sure to include the victims and says they are definitely not at fault (as well as urging other victims to tell someone and not just keep quiet), but the rest is the usual fundie crap.

 

The thing is that all of these people are going to agree with the Duggars, because they really do think they're all born sinful and as long as they seek forgive from Jesus they're washed clean of these sins and shouldn't be judged.

 

Which I can sort of get, but Josh's statement of atonement was 100% about himself, not the actual victims. He seemed more sorry that he got caught and this happened to him than sorry about how this affected his victims.

[mbutterfly]

The Seewald's have a lot of choice in how they choose to support their son and daughter-in-law.  There's a world of difference between expressing support and expressing approval.  Guinn's post is an expression of approval, not one of support. An expression of support would be linking to someone who says they are praying for the Duggars.  Or they could, you know, provide no comment on the matter which is the more appropriate thing to do.  Supporting one's children doesn't need to be a public affair.  

I took it mostly that she's a big supporter of Huckabee. 

[Aethera]

A gentle reminder to please not attack the opinions of other posters. It is valid to worry about the finances of the children, and equally valid to believe they are all set for life, as we do not have transparency into how finances are structured among the family members and between the family and the network.  Disagreeing is fine. Calling out other posters is not. Deep breath, folks, we're all speculating about a lot of things here :)

[Marigold]

I thought Ben was a doof.

I now think he is the best thing that ever happened to Jessa.

[Sew Sumi]

Isn't the leader from vf is jail

No, the lawsuit is still pending. 

[Hpmec]

Michael Seewald's whole sharks circling in bloody water thing strikes me as his response to being upset that the apple cart got overturned and the Duggars' name and earning power has been sullied. Yes, he expressed concern for the victims, but the tone of his post reeks of sour grapes. He pushed his teenage son into an early marriage with a Duggar daughter figuring they'd just hop aboard and ride the gravy train. He and his wife shared in some reflected glory and tv exposure as in-laws. Then, it just all came crashing down in a scenario he could never have predicted, and he's powerless to do anything about it except look around for somebody to blame. Since Josh, Michelle and Boob are responsible for this mess, he ought to start with them.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Hpmec

[auntieminem]

I think Ben's dad's post was kind of a balancing act.  I think he was trying to be supportive of Jessa without upsetting her world.  I am ok with most of what he was saying. If he had been too anti-duggar/Josh. It may have been too harsh for her. Hopefully she will find support and comfort with her in-laws.

[MissMally]

The Holts are still semi-friendly with the Duggars or like to appear to be. About 3-4 years ago, the Holt family Facebook account would go around defending Josh and the Duggars.

[Spencer Hastings]

The Holts also still post pictures of the Duggars on Instagram, including being at either Jessa or Jill's wedding. Whatever rift they had has at least become polite.

[maggiemae]

I don't understand....why can't the Sr. Seeward's take care of Jessa and Ben while they get on their feet again after this - especially with the baby coming. What hold does JB and Michelle have over Ben and his family?

 

And it seems there are plenty cribs and other things a baby needs in the Duggar's family. So why the only $15-30 thousand  baby registry? They are so young and a reality show is not their only option.

[Sunnybobs]

I think Ben's dad's post was kind of a balancing act. I think he was trying to be supportive of Jessa without upsetting her world. I am ok with most of what he was saying. If he had been too anti-duggar/Josh. It may have been too harsh for her. Hopefully she will find support and comfort with her in-laws.

Absolutely - I really felt very similar, he's not attacking his in laws because it's likely to not be what his daughter in law would want but as far as he can within both his fundi belief framework and the need to take care to respect the victims he does show support primarily to the victims.

[mbutterfly]

The Holts are still semi-friendly with the Duggars or like to appear to be. About 3-4 years ago, the Holt family Facebook account would go around defending Josh and the Duggars.

I don't know who the Holts are. Could someone fill me in, please?

[Fuzzysox]

Michael Seewald really needs to STFU. He has no right to go on babbling on and on. Every time he "talks" via his blog is another day I hate him more and more. Can't he just learn some class and keep his nose out of it!?!?!?!

[GEML]

Unless Jessa is in dialogue with him and is asking him to speak sort of surreptitiously on her behalf.....

This is what I keep saying. We have no idea how the daughters would react, and probably, most of us would not like how they will choose to respond.

Edited May 25, 2015 by GEML

[GEML]

Jim Holt is one of the big Republican names in AR politics today. He lives in NW Ar and is (or was, not sure) a Baptist minister. I believe he's in the State Senate, after being defeated for the U.S. senate twice, once losing to a Dem and once losing in a primary to the Repub who won and is Senator now. He is generally thought to be the person who brought Jim Bob to the attention of the Republican Party as a potential candidate. There were rumors that his daughter and Josh were dating and/or engaged at one point. Then, during JB's senate campaign, the families had a HUGE falling out. But the fallout was over Jim Bob, not Josh. Both Holt and Huckabee have always gone out of their way to be kind to Josh despite their differences with Jim Bob.