by Tony L. Hudson, President, Save the American West, Stevensville
Across this nation, we are watching something sacred slip quietly away – the will of young people to marry, build a home, and raise children together. It is not that they lack love, but that the world around them has made family life seem impossible, impractical, or unimportant. For generations, marriage was seen as the beginning of adulthood, the moment a young man and woman joined hands to shape their own destiny. Today, the courage to commit has been replaced by a culture that rewards delay, discourages fatherhood, and too often treats family formation as a luxury instead of the foundation of a strong society.
It is truly not good for a parent or a child to be alone. Every human being needs recognition, appreciation, and the security of belonging. No child can reach full development without the genuine love of a home. Character is formed not only through mind and morals, but through affection and example. Of all the forces that shape us, none are more powerful than the steady warmth of a family. In that shared life, in the daily acts of patience, sacrifice, and forgiveness, both parent and child grow strong together.
Sadly our own government policies have played a role. Under many welfare programs, a young mother receives less help if she marries the father of her child. We have built systems that quietly tell young men, “Your presence makes things harder,” and tell young women, “You are better off alone.” No nation that punishes marriage can long remain strong.
The restoration of the American family must begin with leadership that is unashamed to say that marriage is good, that men and women need each other and that raising children in a stable home is both a private joy and a public virtue. We can and must reform laws that discourage marriage. We can design programs that reward responsibility instead of dependency, and help young families build stability rather than fear losing it. We can lift up stories of real young couples who are doing it right, working hard, building local businesses, buying homes, and giving their children the security of two loving parents.
The task ahead is not political; it is moral and cultural. When we restore the honor of fatherhood and the dignity of motherhood, we restore the strength of America itself. Let us make family life something young people aspire to again. Let’s make marriage the greatest adventure of all.
Roger H Mitchell says
Well said! Thank you.
Bridget H Dolan says
Marriage benefits men. Women just have another child on their hands when they marry.
Helen Sabin says
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Bridget – thanks for the laugh. Most women, whether mothers, girlfriends, BFF’s, etc, married or not would agree with you at times. But the “men of the west,” seem to be among the best available for women to choose from…There are some great men in the valley who would be good husband material, and they want a partner too, so perhaps start a singles group and play matchmaker to help women find “good” men. They are out there…even though every once in a while you want to throw them in the trash can and wave as the truck dries away. No one is perfect…but if the good outweighs the bad – that’s better than being alone with yourself. especially when you are older.. men and women were meant to be together.