Marriage cannot be forced
Commentary by Kristin Delorantis

You’re poor, so you should find a man?

At least that’s what President Bush is saying.

A recent USA Today article reported that Bush will ask Congress to set aside at least $100 million for experimental programs aimed at getting single welfare women to marry.

The administration will also suggest that states be required to explain what they are doing to promote marriage, forcing them to at least consider the issue.

Bush is a wonderful leader. He is handling the war well and he has been a great president thus far. So why is he suggesting something that is going to make the already high divorce rate skyrocket?

This proposal rushes single mothers on welfare and suggests they jump into marriage with the first eligible bachelor to come along. This idea basically promises divorce. Such a high percentage of marriages currently end in divorce so why would President Bush push these mothers into even more trouble down the road? Either a marriage ending in divorce or a miserable life with the husband they thought they loved is liable to happen.

However, these women already have the pressure of supporting a family, so why should they be encouraged to worry about finding a father for their children? These women have enough stress in their everyday life trying to locate that perfect someone. It is only natural for these women to be searching already. And we all know how much time and energy this type of search requires. With children, hitting the singles bars is probably not their first priority.

These women probably understand that finding a husband would potentially take them off of welfare and into a stable life. However, finding a mate does not necessarily guarantee that these single mothers would be out of the woods financially. It would benefit most mothers, but what if the man is in a similar situation and cannot work for some reason. What would Bush say then? Should he put restrictions on his suggestion and tell single welfare mothers to find a “wealthy” love?

President Bush usually has good ideas, but why would he want to enact this one? In his support, urging women to marry may take many women and children off of welfare and it is beneficial for children to have a father figure, but this obviously isn’t a well thought out idea.

I hate to say I’m disappointed in our president, but maybe he should stick to protecting our nation.

Kristin Delorantis is a junior broadcast journalism major from Mansfield. She can be contacted at (k.a.delorantis@student.tcu.edu)

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