Regarding "Boys to dads, and the steps in between ..." (June 21):

Columnist Inez Russell really hit the nail on the head when she stated, "Because of today's changing values, it is no longer considered shameful for a woman to have a baby without a committed partner."

But a "partner" is what a woman has at a square dance. Before she starts bearing children she needs a "husband."

But husbands are no longer considered fashionable or necessary — just as men are no longer considered fashionable or necessary — by "feminists," "progressives" and fellow-travelers in our most hip world. They've already sacrificed tens of millions of unborn children on their political altar — now male children as well?

As a result, boys are getting the "short end of the stick." Without fathers around, these boys have neither a role model of a responsible and caring male parent, nor a role model of a functional and permanent male-female relationship.

Is it any wonder that boys are falling behind? Is it any wonder that a large share of several generations of young men have been abandoned by the institution of marriage and will suffer most grave consequences for the rest of their lives? (I've heard a statistic that 90 percent of men in prison come from "single-parent" households).

I'm really surprised that Russell hasn't "connected the dots." (Maybe she has).

Yes, these boys will experience "lower rates of literacy, lower grades and engagement in school, higher drop-out rates ... and dramatically higher rates of suicide, premature death, injuries and arrests."

Her words. What a wonderful life!

Russell says "Teen fathers are forming groups to help," and "Adult men are volunteering their time to guide other men's children."

Is this a solution? I think not. A few hours of guidance a week for a 10-year-old boy who has never experienced a father's constant love and discipline? These aren't even half-way measures, but rather pathetic excuses for a society that's abandoned sacred law and traditional mores.

Philosopher George Santayana said, "A good father is one of God's masterpieces."

Until we embrace his wisdom, all the Big Brother programs in the world are a big waste of time.

John Onstad has been a businessman in Santa Fe for 30 years, and has been an active promoter of school choice, classical music and free enterprise.