A Stitch in Haste

Even if I'm not winning over my fellow libertarians on the question of "getting government out of the marriage business," I'm sure we will all agree on the question of "getting government out of the marriage subsidization business" --

Ron McLain has no qualms about the federal government getting involved in marriage. Indeed, he's counting on it.

McLain has applied for a $550,000 federal grant to hire counselors for Marriage Mentoring Ministries Inc., a tiny business in Fresno County, Calif., that helps couples before and after they exchange wedding vows. He also has a bid in for a $250,000 grant to teach men to become better fathers.
...
The grant money represents the latest shift in welfare reform in the United States. For the next five years, Congress is setting aside up to $100 million a year to promote marriage and $50 million a year to produce committed fathers. This year's allotment goes out before Sept. 30.

Somehow I suspect that many, many more organizations with the word "Ministries" in their names will be shamelessly sucking at this fiscal teat.

From the Marriage Mentoring Ministries website

Our goal is that by the year 2020, 75% of all churches in these areas will be mentoring churches, offering programs that will enrich and strengthen couples and families and lower the divorce rate.

First Amendment concerns? Apparently not. Go figure.

Meanwhile, I wonder if any federal money will go to promote same-sex marriage in Massachusetts?

DOMA concerns? Apparently so. Go figure.

How politicians (especially Republican politicians) and Christians (especially evangelical Christians) can engage in this farce with a straight face is beyond me.