Children as a Public Good

Whose responsibility are children? In twenty-first-century America, the answer too often is “their parents.” Although politicians and pundits frequently make pious pronouncements calling children “our best hope,” “our future,” and “our nation’s most valuable resource,” mouthing such sentiments is a far cry from taking collective responsibility. In the current election season, one listens in vain for concrete proposals from candidates to improve the lives of children….