[Z in Oregon]

Deadbeat fatherhood is apparently a new conservative platform from the pro-marriage/family party.

With responsibilities must come rights, as with taxation must come representation...the Founding Fathers had automatic father custody. Reinstituting that is one of the best conservative causes possible!

[right2parent]

With responsibilities must come rights, as with taxation must come representation...the Founding Fathers had automatic father custody. Reinstituting that is one of the best conservative causes possible!

Right you are, but it isn't so much a question of reinstituting the right as asserting it. When a mother motions for custody, your reply should be framed in terms of her showing cause for your right to be abridged. This right was never lost, or legislated away. Clever lawyers merely apply probate authority without the requisite challenge to a father's fittness. Arguments framed in terms of statutory "best interest criteria" are meant for placement of wards of the state. This is premature, where a father, or a mother can claim guardianship by right. The standard of review is not the same.

Patriarchy vs Matriachy is a "holy war" that has been stealthly waged within Western civilization for years, through the feminist movement (sexual liberation), no-fault divorce, gay "rights", anything that breaks down the family unit. It is time people woke up to the fact.

[Conservative til I die]

With responsibilities must come rights, as with taxation must come representation...the Founding Fathers had automatic father custody. Reinstituting that is one of the best conservative causes possible!

Interesting theory but I don't think a totally extreme shift the other way is the answer either. I haven't really seen this thread played up as a "who should get custody" angle, but you're right in saying it shouldn't be automatically to the female. However, I don't think it's just either to automatically give the father custod. It's almost like the affirmative action argument.

Also, I don't think you've considered the fact that some fathers don't want custody of their kids. What then? Do we go even further back in time to a Dickens'ian era?