We Can Do Better Than This

The National Father's Day Council is a non-profit. They strive to "heighten the meaning and observance of Father's Day." One way they do this is by annnouncing "Fathers of the Year" and having a huge gala in New York City. This year, the gala's proceeds were given to Save The Children, another non-profit.

Sounds great, right? Recognizing fathers for their under-appreciated roles? Raising a few bucks for a good charity? Heightening awareness for a day that promotes families and family values?

Who could have a problem with this?

Well, of course, I could.

One of this year's honorees for "Father of the Year" is CNN's Larry King.

What's my problem with Larry King, who may be the nicest guy in the world, for all I know? How about the fact that Larry King has been married seven times?

Yes, when I think of "father of the year", the first thing I think of is a guy who has hit the road six times, trading in his wife again and again, like she's a car with a few too many miles on it, for a younger model.

You're telling me we couldn't find a guy in this country to honor who has actually stayed married to his children's mother, even for a little while?

Oh wait, but I forgot. Larry King is a celebrity. It's much more important to find a guy who is famous, and a lousy dad (and I would argue that any man who has walked out on six women and six families is a lousy dad) than find someone who truly is a father of the year, but doesn't have their own talk show.

As a father, a charity leader, and a commentator on the sector, I'm embarrassed three-fold.

On the other hand, I can't wait for "Mother of the Year." Early money is on Britney Spears.