Take a vow - Letters

Washington Monthly, Oct, 2002 by Ray DeVeries

In her article ("Vow-To Books," July/August), Lynda McDonnell writes, "even Wilson rejects the popular conservative notion that government can fix the problem by making ... marriage more financially attractive." Although I am not able to respond with statistics, personal experience leads me to believe that government (and the taxpayers who put them in power) can indeed improve the family by making marriage more financially attractive.

Tax policies which reward married couples raising multiple children can give these families the gift of time. Used well, this time could be spent on family dinners and debates, on games and silliness, on reading and singing. Most importantly, there would be time for nurturing love and respect within the family. This all comes inexpensively, with only small sacrifices in living standards required.

At home in France, our family enjoys these benefits. Singles and childless couples subsidize this lifestyle. And yes, it is costly for them. But most have recognized that healthy, well-adapted and productive children are critical to the future health of the society. The policies of the French government and the sacrifices of its taxpayers make this possible. We are thankful to them and hope their trust in us is well placed.

RAY DEVRIES
Colmar, France