I recently read an article about a new task force that is interested in increasing the number of stay at home moms and reinstating the concept of a "nuclear family". I won't quote everything they want to do here; but basicaly they feel that if the majority of women quit their jobs and went home, or got married; crime would decrease, people would be happier and the economy would solidify.

They've got high hopes, no? Sure, maybe today's American misses the sight of white picket fences and a steaming pot roast in the evening. Perhaps the reason why there are more gangs is these people watched their fathers walk out when they were young, and now they are angry and carry guns. Divorce does cause problems. Kids in daycare and preschool face long hours without their parent's values to influence them. Having two people per household out on the road increases pollution, insurance rates and gas prices. Etc. etc. etc.

It might work for those who do desperately want to return to a life at home, who want to make sure their kids get a solid family backing and know what they are doing at all times. It might be awesome for couples who have a healthy relationship with each other and are willing to give up that extra income and the flat screen TVs and designer furniture. The return of the nuclear family might increase church attendance, strengthen community ties and discourage teen pregnancy.

Of course, there are downsides to this project. This is not the 1950s. America has changed. Some people just do not care anymore. They would rather stay single or continue to work for their own personal reasons. Others have already tried the concept of marriage and commitment to housework and childrearing. Some live where the economy just cannot support one person bringing home the bacon. And then there are those "pesky, self-absorbed" women who would rather pursue a lifelong dream or career and travel to the Andes or sing country music. There are men out there who do not want to be tied down to just one woman. There are housewives who get bored with their lot in life and cheat or spend hours online, neglecting the children. At times, divorce takes the woman and children away from a dangerous man or unhappy household. I am sure that even back in the heyday of our family values, there were single mothers or fathers who really can't imagine doing it any other way. As for women in the workplace? Would a man want to sell perfume at Macy's? Can a man work with fragile sexually abused girls and gain their trust? Do we want an economy where less people are available to work double shifts at the 7-11 and thus no more late night lattes? These are questions I'm sure the task force has answers to, but at a cost.

I personally wish this task force the best of luck. Because of my lifestyle choices and my commitment to the military, I won't be able to live up to their expectations. Perhaps when my children are grown they can take part in this endeavor. Here's to a biger, better tomorrow.

*disclaimer: this entry represents the author's personal opinions only and does not constitute an effort to prove a point or change your mind about an issue. You may reply with a polite, mature disagreement if desired; however it will not change my view and does not negate my rights of free speech.*