MARRIAGE

It's right hard to understand
Why this ad campaign was planned.
For we all know that marriage
Is an institute you can't disparage
And needs no government helping hand.


USA Today, 17 February 2009:

Federally funded ad campaign holds up value of marriage

"... the federal government is funding a $5 million national media campaign that launches this month, extolling the virtues of marriage for those ages 18 to 30."

"... The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, which is speerheading the campaign."

"The resource center, a federally funded virtual clearinghouse, works under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families."

"Research suggests a bevy of benefits for those who marry, including better health, greater wealth and more happiness for the couple, and improved well-being for children."

"Some say the government has no business using tax dollars to promote marriage. But others say the campaign is just like those conducted by other federal agencies to encourage the use of seat belts and discourage drug use, smoking and drunken driving."

"With ads on social networking sites Facebook and MySpance, videos on YouTube, spots on radio talk shows, ads in magazines and public transportation and a new website (TwoOfUs.org), creators say the aim is to start a national converstaion about marriage."