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Ben makes a good point, and it should be taken into consideration. That having been said, I'm heartened to see another member of the "African American Community" (a term I frankly wish would dry up and blow away - aren't we all just Americans?) speaking about the need to get beyond the grievances of the past and realize that however blacks got where they are, they need to look to themselves for self-improvement, particularly in the area of black fatherhood. It sounds much like what society has been hearing from Bill Cosby for some time now - and is a welcome & refreshing change from the message of hate, divisiveness, bigotry, and victimology from the likes of Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. How pleasant it would have been to find that a man like this author (or Bill Cosby) was Obama's spiritual mentor instead of Rev. Wright! He could be a living example of good black fatherhood (as well as true racial reconciliation) during his presidential campaign. I do not support his quest for the White House, but at the same time also think he is squandering an opportunity to do real good for the black community by not echoing words like this in his campaign speeches. He could still do some good for blacks even if he loses the election in November. I apologize to any who feel I have injected politics into a place it doesn't belong.

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Mr Horton's letter is beautiful, but sadly, "pearls before swine". The ones who most need his message can't or won't read. Nor would they understand most of what he wrote. I hope enough educated African/Americans read it, and in turn translate it to their young people at school, in church and ar recreation centers.

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I really like the contrast between the columns published on Mother's Day and Father's Day. On Mother's Day, there were poems saying how wonderful mothers are. On Father's Day, there is a list of how fathers are failing there children. Here is a secret: If you make it clear to someone over and over again that they have failed you (even on a day that you are supposed to be showing some appreciation), then the reaction will be to leave you. Try to keep that in mind the next time you are telling your husband/boyfriend/baby-daddy for the hundredth time what he should be doing to make your life better. How long do you think mothers would stay in the picture if they were also constantly being given told: "here is what you can do for me"?

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Re: Ben Excellent point! While what was said might well be true and needed, it was the 'wrong venue' to say it. Should've been THANKS TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL, LOVING, HARD-WORKING DADS OUT THERE!!!