Many of you may have heard about the American Family Act of 2019, a bill introduced by Senator Michael Bennet and supported by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, among others. This proposed bill “would send all but the highest earning families $300/month for each child up to age 5, and $250 for each child 6-16.”* This would be a monthly payment, not a tax break.
There have been multiple arguments against this proposal. Some say this would “reinforce unequal gender roles and set women back in the labor force,”* while others argue it will push us further into a socialistic economy.
Throughout my research, one important argument against this remained unseen.
This puts a dollar amount on life.
Here’s the problem: Life can’t be measured in dollars and cents. Each and every child conceived bears an immeasurable price tag- an amount that no one on earth-and certainly not the American government- could afford to pay.
America took a giant leap in the devaluing of life with the passing of Roe v. Wade in 1973. This bill will further instill this mindset in the hearts of our citizens.
Some may say this raises the value and awareness of childbirth and family because at least caretakers are paid something. No. It doesn’t. Two reasons: If someone requires payments to care for their children, they shouldn’t have procreated in the first place. Simple. Second, if you place a set worth on something priceless, it’s automatically devalued.
It can now be viewed as dispensable. See where I’m going with this?
Hearts and minds are molded by what they read, watch , listen to, and by what the media and society as a whole conveys as truth.
Paying stay-at-home parents doesn’t allow them independence. In fact, it pushes our culture further from the value of humanity and sanctity of freedom. The bill remains under finance committee review, and I hope, for the sake of American position, that it won’t pass. Would you vote yes or no?I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so feel free to comment below.
Now, in light of freedom and our upcoming holiday weekend, I’d like to share an amazing poem my friend Betsy shared with me. After, reading, I asked if I could include it in my blog, and she kindly gave her permission. This was written by Betsy’s mom, Sally Johnson, who left a beautiful legacy of memories and poetry for her family and others to enjoy.
This is My Land
This is America- where the voice of freedom rings.
Where young and old, negro and white, Catholic, Protestant
and Jew
Can of their land be proud.
This is my land, and its praise the
free man sings.
This is America- a place for all, a
job to be done.
Where each is wanted and given the chance
to love and work and learn,
To go to school and church and play.
Yes, this is my land- a place for everyone.
This is America- the free, the brave,
the bold.
Where you and I, satisfied and filled can
live and trust and dream,
A place where life is secure and we need
not be afraid to speak.
This is my land- to have, to love
and hold!
Sally Marie Knauss May 1954
*The New York Times, “Stay-at-Home Parents Work Hard. Should They Be Paid?” Claire Cain Miller, Published Oct. 3, 2019/ Updated Oct. 23, 2019
Money Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash/ Cell Phones Photo by camilo jimenez on Unsplash/ Girl with flag Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash/ Landscape Photo by Tommy Lisbin on Unsplash
Thanks Audra! I can see Mom smiling (and blushing!) as she sees this from Heaven. She loved her country and she loved her Lord!
You’re very welcome! Thank you for allowing me to share. 🙂
Well said! Adding value to life only when it is convenient for you is a dangerous slope to walk down. Very thought provoking blog!
Thank you for reading, Autumn! Yes. When society as a whole starts to view this as normal, it changes (or sometimes substantiates) their mindset on the value of life.