[ChewedGum]

Manhood is not simply a matter of being male and reaching a certain age. These are acts of nature; manhood is a sustained act of character.

This sentence really stood out to me. It is taking me years of hard work to move my boys into manhood. I cannot imagine how boys without a father manage it. I know it happens - through other avenues of support (coaches, surrogate fathers, pastors, teachers).

Abdicated fatherhood is a blight upon this nation.

Gum

[waRNmother.armyboots]

"Abdicated fatherhood is a blight upon this nation."

I could not agree more. It is a difficult job being a parent and I truly believe that although humans are very resilient that the best case for rearing children is with a father and mother.