[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF FATHER'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 2004

  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, Sunday, June 20, is Father's Day 
in America. In honor of this nationally recognized day I take special 
privilege to salute Fathers and more importantly fatherhood.
  I appreciate the millions of fathers that are active parents and 
advocates for their children's well-being. When fathers value their 
children, for their true selves, they give their children the 
confidence to use their talents in the world.
  A father can be one of the two most important people in a child's 
life. For example, when advertisers spend billions to convince 
daughters that they must look a certain size and dress a certain way, 
it is the father who reminds her that she is a whole and unique person 
that warrants respect, beauty and dignity in her own right.
  When society tells our males that success is measured by the car, 
house and clothes you have, it is the Father's role model that impact 
the values and integrity of their sons.
  Sociologists and psychologists now proclaim what we as human beings 
already knew--Fatherhood is not always easy.
  ``Father Knows Best'', a popular TV show of the 50s, promoted the 
image of an intuitive male parent who always knew just the right thing 
to say and just the right lesson to teach but parenting is not easy.
  The benefits of a steady income and the things money buy pale in 
comparison to the love and emotional support that all children need and 
deserve to help them develop as whole adults.
  Our institutions and government entities at every level should 
promote public policies that remove barriers to responsible fatherhood.
  However, I suspect that we fall short, particularly, in the area of 
incarcerated fathers, unemployed fathers and fathers outside of the 
home.
  We must encourage fathers in real responsibility, not blame them for 
who and what they are and enable fathers to lead healthy and productive 
lives and create positive bonds with their children.
  Our laws, institutions and public policies should do much to:
  Promote public education concerning the financial and emotional 
responsibilities of fatherhood;
  Assist men in preparation for the legal, financial and emotional 
responsibilities of fatherhood;
  Promote the establishment of paternity at childbirth;
  Encourage fathers, regardless of marital status, to foster their 
emotional connection to and financial support of their children;
  Establish support mechanisms for fathers in their relations with 
their children, regardless of their marital and financial status; and,
  Integrate federal, state and local services available for families.
  Fathers need the building blocks of community, employment, and 
parenting skills to be the best Father they can be--because Father 
doesn't always know best.
  Happy Father's Day.

                          ____________________