The Iowa Family
I believe the majority of problems we have in this country (teen pregnancy, drug abuse, infanticide, etc.) can be traced to the destruction of our families. Actually, one crucial step further - the tax code. Once Dad and Mom were both forced to work to pay for spending excesses, this State began a downhill slide. I do not believe we have sunk to our lowest level, nor do I believe the trend is irreversible.What Iowa, and America needs, is a tax code which will afford a working family the luxury of having one member stay at home and raise the family. Note I did not say Mom had to stay home and raise the family - just one member.
If Mom and Dad both have to go to work, then hopefully Grandpa or Grandma will be available. The way we ignore our senior citizens in this country is shameful. It is probably because many Grandparents were forced out of the home and into the work world to pay Uncle Sam.
This liberal experiment has failed - our seniors have become throw away citizens, our parents delegate raising their kids to the day care system, and the kids are ignored. If those kids aren't criminals, or devoid of values, what are the chances they will raise their kids properly? Will they treat their elders better?
My parents were divorced, but they both took an active roll in raising me. And though I moved away for 10 years to pursue an education, and the Ivy League dream of success (e.g. money), I always dreamed of coming back to Iowa. Now I see Mom and Dad several times a month. I will care for my folks in their old age, because they cared for me growing up.