From the first moments of life, the bond forged between a father and a child is sacred. Whether patching scraped knees or helping with homework, dads bring joy, instill values, and introduce wonders into the lives of their children. Father's Day is a special time to honor the men who raised us, and to thank them for their selfless dedication and love.And moves on to the essential role and duty of a father:
Fatherhood also carries enormous responsibilities. An active, committed father makes a lasting difference in the life of a child. When fathers are not present, their children and families cope with an absence government cannot fill. Across America, foster and adoptive fathers respond to this need, providing safe and loving homes for children facing hardships.But then he goes and spoils it all by saying:
Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step father, a grandfather, or caring guardian.So now it's mothers who aren't necessary --and indeed are absent from 4 of the 6 scenarios he lists. Back in May it was fathers who superfluous, two or one mom being perfectly sufficient, according to the official proclamation.
I understand he's trying to recognize all the permutations that actually exist, but in so doing he ceases to speak of fatherhood or motherhood in any meaningful way, and only to rather neutered "role-modeling."
Now instead of Mother's Day and Father's Day, we have two "Whatevs. It's all good" days.
