Conservatives Urge Government to 'Save and Restore' American Families Through Restrictive Policies
In a surprise move, the Heritage Foundation think tank is calling on the federal government to prioritize policies that promote traditional family values. The organization's latest report recommends a series of measures aimed at encouraging marriage, discouraging online dating, and restricting access to fertility treatments outside of wedlock.
At the heart of the plan is a "marriage bootcamp" designed to prepare couples for marriage, as well as a proposed "universal day of rest" that would build upon existing blue laws limiting alcohol sales in some municipalities. The report also suggests discouraging online dating, citing research that shows couples who meet online are less likely to get married.
The full plan is the result of Heritage's evolution from its small government roots to a more populist stance. The organization has already demonstrated its influence with Project 2025, which has been used as a blueprint for policy changes in President Donald Trump's administration.
Critics argue that these policies undermine social progress and deny rights to marginalized groups. Same-sex couples, like author Eric Rosswood, who is raising two children with his husband, disagree with the report's recommendations, arguing that family formation should be based on love and commitment rather than biology or gender.
The proposal has sparked controversy within Republican circles, particularly after Heritage President Kevin Roberts defended Tucker Carlson for his interview with far-right activist Nick Fuentes. Some board members, staff, and executives have since resigned in response to the backlash.
Despite these concerns, some conservatives see the plan as a key plank of their agenda. JD Vance, Trump's running mate during the 2024 presidential campaign, has praised Roberts' vision and advocated for policies that promote family formation.
The report also raises questions about access to fertility treatments. While acknowledging the benefits of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Heritage argues against its use outside of marriage, citing moral and spiritual concerns. This stance contrasts with Trump's executive orders aimed at reducing IVF costs and increasing accessibility.
As the midterm elections approach, conservative policymakers are likely to push for these restrictive policies, sparking heated debates about the role of government in family life and social welfare programs.
In a surprise move, the Heritage Foundation think tank is calling on the federal government to prioritize policies that promote traditional family values. The organization's latest report recommends a series of measures aimed at encouraging marriage, discouraging online dating, and restricting access to fertility treatments outside of wedlock.
At the heart of the plan is a "marriage bootcamp" designed to prepare couples for marriage, as well as a proposed "universal day of rest" that would build upon existing blue laws limiting alcohol sales in some municipalities. The report also suggests discouraging online dating, citing research that shows couples who meet online are less likely to get married.
The full plan is the result of Heritage's evolution from its small government roots to a more populist stance. The organization has already demonstrated its influence with Project 2025, which has been used as a blueprint for policy changes in President Donald Trump's administration.
Critics argue that these policies undermine social progress and deny rights to marginalized groups. Same-sex couples, like author Eric Rosswood, who is raising two children with his husband, disagree with the report's recommendations, arguing that family formation should be based on love and commitment rather than biology or gender.
The proposal has sparked controversy within Republican circles, particularly after Heritage President Kevin Roberts defended Tucker Carlson for his interview with far-right activist Nick Fuentes. Some board members, staff, and executives have since resigned in response to the backlash.
Despite these concerns, some conservatives see the plan as a key plank of their agenda. JD Vance, Trump's running mate during the 2024 presidential campaign, has praised Roberts' vision and advocated for policies that promote family formation.
The report also raises questions about access to fertility treatments. While acknowledging the benefits of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Heritage argues against its use outside of marriage, citing moral and spiritual concerns. This stance contrasts with Trump's executive orders aimed at reducing IVF costs and increasing accessibility.
As the midterm elections approach, conservative policymakers are likely to push for these restrictive policies, sparking heated debates about the role of government in family life and social welfare programs.
just let ppl make their own choices and stop tryin to dictate what others can & cant do.
The idea of a "marriage bootcamp" seems super intense lol 
. I mean, who gets invited to a bootcamp? And what if they don't get along? Would it just be like couples therapy but with more rules? 
. A break from technology and social media could be really beneficial for some people's mental health. But overall, this plan just seems like a bunch of stuff to control what people do with their own lives 
.
I gotta say, this whole "Save and Restore" thing just feels like a bunch of outdated ideas stuck in a time warp 
. Like, what's next? Banning smartphones during the week so people can have some quality family time? 
It just doesn't add up. And I get it, conservatives want to promote traditional values, but do they really think this is gonna bring everyone back together or make families more stable? Research says online dating is actually a great way for people to meet and form meaningful connections 
.
.
. The question is, what's the real agenda here? Is it just about promoting conservative ideals or something more complex? 