[Jaysun]

Really? I didn't get married because my government thought I should.

Nor did I. But they do promote it through tax policy and in other ways. And the evidence of an irresponsible policy in that area can be seen in the number of unmarried welfare Moms with herds of children. And we saw a rise in the number of divorces once obtaining one was made easier by our laws.

I can think of no other entity with the ability to implement the wishes of people than government. I'm as against big government as anyone. But I do think that there is a place for "legislating morality", if you'll forgive my choice of words. Mankind has lived the alternative and we've evolved away from it.

Laws reflect the morals and sentiments of a society, and the morals and sentiments of a society are influenced by its laws. To do away with laws based on moral ideals would result in moral decay, I believe.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Nor did I. But they do promote it through tax policy and in other ways.

And it's a good thing, this type of unequal tax system?

[steve-b]

I can think of no other entity with the ability to implement the wishes of people than government.

Well, then, you haven't thought very hard.

The free market reflects the wishes of the people far better than any government (even a government that actually gives a damn about the people generally rather than the insiders, if you can find an example of such).