Children are not raised by programs, governments, or institutions; they are raised by two parents who are fervently—perhaps even irrationally—devoted to their children’s well-being.
While the benefits of having two parents are undeniable, many children—in some communities, most children—are raised by only one parent. Governments excel at transferring money but falter when it comes to transforming people. They promote self-esteem that rarely evolves into genuine self-respect. They foster a sense of entitlement while extinguishing the drive to build personal character. While governments can construct efficient bureaucracies, they cannot create strong families. They can subsidize a family, but they have yet to find a meaningful substitute for it. Our goal should not be to expand the welfare state. The fallout from this well-intentioned but misguided approach is evident all around us. What was designed as a safety net has become a trap. What was intended to support children has, instead, undermined the family—especially the role of fathers. Good intentions are no longer enough.
