Siring is NOT fathering.......

Being a Dad is more than impregnating a female. Acting as a Father is an important and demanding job, 24/7/365. Across Indian country, and on my reservation, the White Earth Reservation of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, the absence of fathers has reached epidemic proportions. It is child cruelty to bring children into the world intentionally without a father present. Most would agree that a full commitment is required of parenting. Planned or unplanned, a child makes certain demands of parents that must be met in order for the child to develop and thrive. That is a massive disadvantage now inflicted on nearly 70% of Black children and nearly 50% of Hispanic and Native American children. Violence against women in Indian country is also a horrific story and the numbers are staggering. It's another complex problem that the government can't fix. Personal responsibility is a difficult concept and unfortunately it is being lost to many in this generation.