I find great optimism in the resurgence of the discussion of values among political, religious and community leaders. I was pleased to see a few days ago that the president said it is wrong to be pregnant or father a child unless you are married and ready to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. We need more straight talk about the value of marriage. There is a reason society licenses marriages. Society has an undeniable stake in successful marriage.
Couples bring children into the world.
Each new life requires care, feeding, teaching and protection. If the couple breaks apart, or if there is no marriage in the first place, the state often ends up as the children's caretaker. As hard as the state might try, it can never do the job as well as two loving parents. The personal, social and financial impacts expand geometrically for generations. Fostering self reliance is another critical value that we must discuss and address.