Ending Poverty in America, by John Edwards: on Families & Children

Our nation was built on institution of strong families

Our nation was built on the values of hard work, equal opportunity, thrift, and strong families. Americans believe in the importance of community, responsibility, and, most of all, family. We need to strengthen this institution that--for most of us-- is the central work of our lives and the foundation of our own and our children’s success. The first financial cushion we need is a stable family, and the first lessons we learn about responsibility are learned in our homes. Source: Ending Poverty in America, by John Edwards, p.259-260 Apr 2, 2007

End marriage penalty for absent poor fathers

In too many poor communities marriage is the exception, and male responsibility is not what it should be. Children who grow up without fathers are much more likely to be poor and at greater risk for a host of problems into adulthood.

To strengthen families, we should address the marriage penalty that still hits many poor workers with a massive tax increase if they choose to get married. Welfare reform has helped reduce poverty rates among single mothers., but too many young men, particularly young black men, remain cut off from the hopes and routines of ordinary American life. We need to finish the job of welfare reform by encouraging young fathers to work and take responsibility for their children. Low employment levels for single men are linked to low levels of marriage and high levels of out-of-wedlock births.

Source: Ending Poverty in America, by John Edwards, p.262-263 Apr 2, 2007

Invest in proven programs to reduce teen pregnancy

We can build on recent progress in reducing teen pregnancy by investing in proven programs. At the same time, we must recognize that the government cannot do everything. Teens are profoundly influenced by the attitudes & behaviors of adults. All of us need to send an unambiguous message to the young people in our communities. We need to clearly say that it is wrong when young men father children but do not support them. And it is wrong when girls & young women bear children they are not ready to raise Source: Ending Poverty in America, by John Edwards, p.263 Apr 2, 2007

The above quotations are from Ending Poverty in America How to Restore the American Dream, edited by John Edwards, Marion Crain, and Arne Kalleberg. Click here for definitions & background information on Families & Children. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by John Edwards on Families & Children.
*Candidates and political leaders on Families & Children:*
*Incoming Obama Administration:* Pres.:Sen.Barack Obama V.P.:Sen.Joe Biden State:Hillary Clinton Staff:Rahm Emanuel Treas.:Tim Geithner DoD:Robert Gates A.G.:Eric Holder DHS:Janet Napolitano DoC:Bill Richardson	*Outgoing Bush Administration:* Pres.:George Bush V.P.:Dick Cheney A.G.:John Ashcroft(2005) DEA:Asa Hutchinson(2005) USDA:Mike Johanns(2007) EPA:Mike Leavitt HUD:Mel Martinez(2003) State:Colin Powell(2005) State:Condoleezza Rice HHS:Tommy Thompson(2005)	*2008 Presidential contenders:* AIP: Frank McEnulty Constitution: Chuck Baldwin GOP: Sen.John McCain GOP VP: Gov.Sarah Palin Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney Independent: Ralph Nader Liberation: Gloria La Riva Libertarian: Rep.Bob Barr NAIP: Amb.Alan Keyes Socialist: Brian Moore
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