Family plays a critical role in our society. Do you agree?

The family is a universal and irreplaceable community, rooted in human nature, which is the basis for all societies at all times. As the cradle of life and love for each new generation, the family is the primary source of personal identity, self-esteem, and support for children. It is also the first and foremost school of life, uniquely suited to teach children integrity, character, morals, responsibility, service, and wisdom. Thus I agree that family plays a critical role in our society to a large extent.

Family provides the natural framework for the emotional, financial, and material support essential to the growth and development of its members, particularly infants and children.

It remains a vital means of preserving and transmitting cultural values by providing a loving environment where children can flourish; and they help ensure that cultural traditions and timeless values are passed on to future generations. These roles of transmitting culture and socializing children make the family indispensable to civil society, as families transform helpless, dependent babies into responsible, independent adults.

Strong families play a critical role in developing the character of our nation. They teach children important standards of conduct such as accepting responsibility, respecting others, and distinguishing the difference between right and wrong. By helping youths to grow into mature, thoughtful, and caring citizens, families help make our communities and our nation safer and more civilized.

I believe that a decline in the family will lead to a decline in our democracy. Indeed, the family is where children should learn self-government, basic moral values and the beliefs that determine the future of democratic institutions. Thus, it stands to reason that without stable families, we can have no hope of producing self-reliant, responsible citizens.

Hence I recognize the irreplaceable role the family plays in the health, development, and well-being of children, adults, and the communities in which they live.