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It's just a comic. But comics tend, often, to hold truths that can't be put in words. And the frustrations and joys are mixed in families - you can't have one without the other! I love my kids to death, but they also frustrate me to death! It's part of the human condition to have completely opposite feelings about something. And, somehow, a comic strip - this one in particular - can juxtapose the two worlds. The frustrations are exaggerated, but are still true! Somehow it touches us in a way that writing can't.

That's why people get so emotionally engaged - angry, sad, whatever - to this kind of comic. Art is meant to inspire a reaction, and tell a truth about ourselves in that reaction. I get angry at John being sexist - good! But I can also laugh about it, because that's how we get over it. It's not just a comic. It's saying something! And it's just a comic! Enjoy!

Angie, Montreal, QC, Canada

WOW, Lizzie was really chugging that can of beer in Friday (Oct. 16)'s strip!

Elizabeth R, Albany, NY, USA

I've noticed a disturbing trend in this strip: Lizzie doing things that could harm her because her parents don't pay attention. Sometimes it's eating with a hot dog that could choke a toddler, sometimes it's playing with a strangling hazard like the long cord of a telephone, and today it's guzzling alcohol. I suppose it fits a pattern that leads, finally, to April falling in the creek and nearly drowning because John and Elly couldn't be bothered to fix the gate latch, but stuff like this feels like it's meant to be cute stage business in the background. The only problem is, putting children in jeopardy isn't funny. Ever.

Dana B, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Wow, is that Lizzie drinking a beer because her parents are either too inattentive or too busy being furious to pay attention to her? That certainly foreshadows her repeated drinking-binge problems (and resulting hangovers) once she becomes an adult. But I'm not sure the image really belongs in a family strip.

Ed T, St. Paul, MN, USA

What were you thinking depicitng a toddler drinking from Dad's beer in the strip on 10/16/90???? ABSURBD!!!

Dan H, NH, USA

You know what I love about today's (10/16) strip? that no one rewrote the beer can that Lizzie is sampling from- it is true to it's original form and a wonderful relief from so much PC stuff these days!!(can't wait to see how many people are going to write denouncing this horrible display of "child abuse"!!!) ;)

Laura, Orillia, ON, Canada

I have so enjoyed your strip over the years & visiting your website with all its fun filled nuggets. One of my favorite items that I always looked forward to on the website was the monthly letters from the family. Has it been concidered to put them into book format? FBORFW Family Diaries? :)

Lorindo O, Columbus, OH, USA

HA HA HA now that was a scary sight to see in your Fun Stuff Halloween game - Grandma and Grandpa dressed as punk rockers,rock on!

Darlene, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I just wanted to let you know that I think your comic strips have given me a whole new perspective on motherhood and families in general! I was only born in 1977 (I believe the same year as your daughter...from your biographies) and yet, your comics are timeless! I have rented every single book from our local libraries and have scanned the province likewise for any others in print! Your comics flow so naturally...I have a hard time to go to bed now without reading one of your books from cover to cover first! What am I going to do when I run out of books?? :)

Sally A, Eel River Crossing, NB, Canada