Do you sometimes think Amish people are way better off than the rest of us?

In some ways yes - in some ways no.....personally, I like having electricity.....but they have a very tight sense of community, and they know how to work hard without complaining. When one needs help, they all pitch in. But would I really want to drive to Wal-Mart at this time of year in a buggy? (yes - our Wal-Mart has a stable in the parking lot for them......and my doctor's office has a hitching post!) They have much of the same fears and worries as everyone else....but they do seem a lot more laid back about life.

A few of the new order Amish do drive (but every inch of the car must be black....even the bumpers must be painted!), and will keep electricity in the barns....but they're still a minority in this area.

The stricter orders of the Amish consider such things as electricity, cars, etc. as detrimental to their faith and contrary to their religious teachings, so they probably "pity" us more than laugh at us over the extravagant prices of such things.

**add**

In response to the answer from "Natalia The Czarina" - I have heard such stories about rape and abuse also; the Amish have their own legal system and their own system of court and retribution. From investigations that I have read and seen, serial rapists within the Amish community is a situation that appears to be growing -- mainly because there is no punishment incorporated. It just goes to show that all societies have their own inner issues to contend with. And it appears that we're not all that different in some respects.

Not really. Yes, there are things wrong with our society but that will always be the case when people with differing opinions exist together. As much as we may want them to, utopias will never exist. But for all that bad, personally I wouldn't want to live without electricity, diversity, or any of the basic freedoms that our society allows. I commend to Amish on their since of community but I wouldn't want to live that way, especially with such a strong religious influence but that's just me.

Maybe some do, but there are a lot of Amish who drive cars, and have to purchase gasoline because they drive things like tractors, and so on. And the Amish have there own problems, there are many sects in the US who have been accused of abusing their children sexually and physically. I don't believe that any group of people who separates themselves from society is in any way better off, superior, or happier.

they are societyless.. god i cant imagine doing everything old fashioned, its fun driving, its fun watching entertainment .. its the 21st century.. why cant they just have some fun instead of playing the wheel and stick game lol

If they don't have access to the Internet, then they are not.

You can take everything else from me, but I'll die without the Internet.

their life must suck. their kids are brainwashed.