One thought about the above. Given the very high cost of raising and educating a child with middle class standards (what is the number these days, something like $200,000 per child?), the tax break would have to be very generous indeed to really have much of an impact in getting the folks he wants to get to procreate more. (And that number doesn't even factor in the time commitment issues associated with raising kids.) But then, keeping a lid on spending was never one of Pat's passions.
But why is this so? Why do most folks stop at two children, whereas 50 yrs ago people were able to take care of three or four on average?
Is it really a money thing, or a time and energy thing?