We're in an odd state of paralysis as a society. On the one hand, we acknowledge that there are birth rate / population-related issues coming rapidly down the p

We're in an odd state of paralysis as a society. On the one hand, we acknowledge that there are birth rate / population-related issues coming rapidly down the pipeline at us, problems we acknowledge can only be solved by either supporting existing citizens/families in having more children or mass migration. Through exhaustion with unaccountable corruption and reckless, ineffective public spending by all parties on the political spectrum, our societies won't support any social move (more taxes, better laws) in the name of the former, whilst being by-and-large in opposition of the latter. Neither of the above will help in themselves though without a drastic change in the pressures requiring dual income families for mere survival, convergence in the metropolis for work, stagnant income growth coupled with soaring costs, especially around child rearing and education, and the modern narrative toward women (largely by other women) that they're nothing unless they're building a meaningful career for themselves. While the rest of the Western World is by no means perfect and is still suffering declining birth rates due to some of the factors listed above, America's approach and policies toward social well-being - financial and moral support for maternity leave, general time off work and compassion for the sick - is utterly reprehensible. It is the most prosperous, wealthy nation on the planet and seems to be content to resign itself to a society benefiting a very small handful of people at a massive social, financial, economical and physical cost to everyone else. A mere 8 weeks leave for going through pregnancy and bringing a child - that which we depend on for future taxes, productivity, volunteer work, philanthropy, innovation and social policy - into the world and then 2 weeks being cut in the name of money because that child died? How can anyone who supports or justifies this look at themselves in the mirror in the morning? If you deem your country / nation / peoples to be important and worthwhile, its future to be crucial and investment in that future to be a necessity but support these policies then you're either a monster or an utter moron.