I look at it as more of symptom and less of a cause in regards to what ails America. (Not to say that it doesn't also cause a slew of new issues, it most certainly does.) If people took more responsibility for their actions, the legitimacy of the child would not be of concern to me.
Anecdote time! :p
I have two nieces and a nephew, all 4+ years old, all illegitimate. (Can I still call them illegitimate? No? What about little bastards?) The twins live with their unmarried mother and father while the parents of the other niece have shared custody. Theoretically, the twins would be better off because they have both parents, the living expenses are shared.....while the other niece would have it tougher, because there are two residences to maintain, her time with each parent is lessened......blah, blah.....
However, that isn't the case here. The twins live in filth and poverty. They are still in diapers. Even with 4 adults living in a fairly inexpensive apartment, her sister STILL calls my wife for money. That's not to imply that the other niece doesn't have issues, too....but in the grand scheme of things....she has it better than most.
Bottom line for my story. The parents being together, in and of itself, doesn't make a child healthy or happy. Shotgun weddings are no panacea for what ails us.
Accountability for mistakes and learning to live with consequences would go along way towards making this nation stronger.
