Obama promotes responsible fatherhood

PRESIDENT Obama celebrated Father’s Day in the US by announcing a new initiative to promote responsible fatherhood after his official proclamation gave a nod to non-traditional fathers.

The proclamation said nurturing families come in many forms and children may be raised, “by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a stepfather, a grandfather or caring guardian.”

It was the first time “two fathers” made that list and the reference seemed likely to raise some eyebrows. Christian Broadcasting Network writer David Brody said Obama is “running the risk of alienating networks of pastors and church goers.”

His proclamation also offered praise for “those parents serving in the United States Armed Forces” whose responsibilities separate them from their families.

The president would add non-traditional families to the military community by doing away with the “don’t ask – don’t tell” rule.

Mr Obama joined leaders of fatherhood groups, women’s organizations, the NFL Players Association and the National PTA toay at an inner city arts and recreation campus in Washington to launch a drive to promote responsible fatherhood and to re-engage absent fathers with their families.

In his speech, Mr Obama stressed the importance of being there. “We can’t legislate fatherhood,” he said, “but what we can do is send a clear message to our fathers that there is no excuse for failing to meet their obligations.”

Mr Obama’s own father left the family when the future president was two to return to Africa. The president said he was raised by a “heroic mom and wonderful grandparents” but that “doesn’t mean that I didn’t feel my father’s absence,” he said.

Despite the consuming pressures of being leader of the free world, Mr Obama said his most challenging and fulfilling job was being father to Malia, 11, and Sasha, 9. “Nothing comes close,” he said, “to the pride I feel in their achievements.”

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