This ABC article is a case in point. The headline was:

Is having a loving family an unfair advantage?

‘One way philosophers might think about solving the social justice problem would be by simply abolishing the family. If the family is this source of unfairness in society, then it looks plausible to think that if we abolished the family there would be a more level playing field.’

Article writer Joe Gelonesi was quoting a philosopher by the name of Andrew Swift, and then added some comments himself, clarifying that this was not a new idea:

It’s not the first time a philosopher has thought about such a drastic solution. Two thousand four hundred years ago, another sage reasoned that the care of children should be undertaken by the state.  Plato pulled few punches in The Republic when he called for the abolition of the family and for the children of the elite to be given over to the state.

The author was trying to get a reaction — and they have!  It would be funny if it wasn’t in fact something that does seem to resonate more and more in society — if perhaps not yet often said quite so blatantly. The family is under attack from many quarters, and we cannot afford to be passive about it.

Struggling Single Dads

I have a friend who was recently thrown into the Department of Human Services machine here in Australia. While I do not know all the details, I do know he had a fight on his hands even to see his kids under supervised care. The case dragged on for months and could have gone on for a year or more had the Judge granted the DHS request to continue the family separation.

However, the judge ruled that the DHS had failed to provide evidence that warranted separation of this family. Even without evidence though, the DHS can still come in the house unannounced and without a warrant. There is no comeback. No compensation. No apology. It seems when it comes to families, dads are guilty until proven innocent.

Men, love your families — your wives and your children. If you live with them, thank God every single day, as there are many men who would love to and cannot.

Treasure them. Fight for them.

God bless our families.

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Originally published at Real Men 24/7. Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels.