A recent editorial from the National Catholic Register critiques a New York Times article that targets Sean Duffy, the Trump-era Secretary of Transportation and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, for their large Catholic family. The Times piece positions Duffy’s past as a reality TV star against his current advocacy for larger families, implying that his evolution from a young man known for his wild behavior to a devout father of nine should not command respect.
The article attempts to diminish Duffy’s current stance by referencing his youthful indiscretions on MTV’s “The Real World,” highlighting an era of “sex-hungry” antics. However, the Register argues that this focus on past behavior ignores the core values of faith and redemption central to Catholic belief. Quoting Luke 5:31-32, the piece reminds readers that everyone can evolve and that faith serves as a journey of growth for all individuals, even those with non-traditional pasts.
Duffy’s advocacy for large families is framed as a positive perspective on life, contrary to the criticism he receives from the Times, which perceives such a view as outdated or “weird.” The editorial highlights the contradiction in the critique—one that portrays traditional family values as something to be mocked rather than celebrated.
In defending the Duffys, the Register emphasizes the fundamental role of family in building a healthy society, voicing the sentiment that if advocating for family growth is “weird,” it embraces a unique perspective that ought to be honored. Echoing previous sentiments raised in past articles about family values in American society, there’s an undercurrent of hope that the embrace of traditional values can reshape future dialogues.
Sean Duffy’s proposal to increase federal support for regions with higher birth and marriage rates reflects a proactive approach to encourage family growth, aligning with broader discussions on fostering community and familial bonds in modern America. The editorial advocates for a return to recognizing and promoting the importance of family as a cornerstone of societal wellbeing, suggesting that perhaps embracing the “weirdness” of large families might be the needed change.