Mr. Barbour continues the conservative practice of trying to outdo liberals in the game of father-bashing, while, at the same time, getting his facts wrong.
This is a surprising statement from the Republican Party, one might even say discouraging, at a time when the Clinton administration has been moving away from sexist language toward the gender neutral term "deadbeat parents."
The latest data from the Census Bureau indicate that noncustodial mothers are more likely to avoid financial child support payments than are noncustodial fathers. All studies indicate that financial child support enforcement removes few families from welfare rolls. Welfare family fathers simply do not have the income required to pay financial child support at levels necessary to move their nonresidential children and those children's mothers off welfare rolls.
The current issue of Playboy (February 1996) contains two excellent articles full of data explaining this phenomena. We suggest that you read those articles ("Men" by Asa Baber, page 28, and "Dead-Broke Dads" by Stuart Miller and Armin Brott, page 40) and respond to Mr. Barbour's statement.
Please be courteous, you want Mr. Barbour's attention and understanding, not his ire. It is very possible, even probable, that he is not aware of research contrary to his statement.
"The current welfare system is a failure and a disgrace. The welfare state has spawned dependency, illegitimacy and despair. The welfare reform bill the President rejected last night would have made dramatic improvements. It would have moved control over the welfare program out of Washington, giving flexibility and power to the states, where the only meaningful welfare reform efforts have taken place. It would have stopped welfare as a way of life, with a five-year time limit on cash benefits. It would have required welfare recipients to work after no more than two years on welfare.
"The Republican welfare reform would have chased down deadbeat dads to make them pay their fair share. It would have provided child support to help families get off welfare and go to work. It would have combated illegitimacy by encouraging marriage and personal responsibility. The bill would have cleared the way for welfare recipients to pursue a life of dignity and responsibility.
"The truth is, just like the balanced budget, welfare reform is something Bill Clinton loves to talk about but doesn't want to do anything about. Vetoing welfare reform is one more example of Bill Clinton being the 'say anything but do nothing' President. But Bill Clinton is wrong if he thinks he can get away with breaking his word to the American people by vetoing this bill in the dark of night. The American people know the only thing standing between them and genuine welfare reform is Bill Clinton."