I saw a picture today of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his seven kids.

I admit, my reaction was: what lunatic has seven kids in this day and age? Then I remembered: my mom had three of us urchins, and when I was six, she married a dude (my now-94-year-old brilliant, wonderful stepfather) who had four daughters. (There’s another half-brother out there, but that’s a discussion for another day.)

Did you know that Pete Hegseth has 7 children???

wow pic.twitter.com/cnvoTa1seX

— eve (@eveforamerica) November 13, 2024

I actually wasn't particularly into the Brady Bunch, because I thought at the time, I'm already living it, why do I need to watch it?

It's unfortunate we've come to a place in society where many people have openly given me a hard time over the fact that I (we and my wonderful, tough-as-nails wife) have four kidlets. Even though the last two were unexpected (natural) twins and a gift from God. But I admit with embarrassment that I had a moment thinking, Pete, what the heck, that's a lot of children!

Yes, I've been called a "breeder," someone who is taking away resources from other people somehow, a man who is hurting the "environment" by my parenthood.   

Elon Musk may have taken the notion of propagating the species too far (I'm a firm believer in the nuclear family), but he's right about one thing: our refusal to reproduce is... deeply problematic. As he said in March:

"Well, there's a lot of things that I suppose that I worry about. And some of these things will seem esoteric to people. The birth rate is very low in almost every country, and unless that changes, civilization will disappear," Musk said in part two of his [Fox News] "Special Report" exclusive interview Friday.

As I've reported, many Americans are either too self-obsessed, or don't want to complicate their lives, or are too freaked out about "climate change" to have children. This is a sad state of affairs. For most of history, having babies was a cherished goal, in fact, the very point of our existence. Now, for many in the progressive class, it's a sin.

Sad: Elon Musk Reveals His Two Deepest Worries About Why 'Humanity Is Dying'

The Dying Village: Why Are We Having a Massive Decline in Birth Rates?

I don’t judge couples who decide they’re not great candidates for parenthood; it’s a very personal decision, and if they don’t feel that they’re up to it, then good on them. I do, however, harshly judge the fanatics who frown upon those of who do opt to bring life into the world; it’s a magical, profound thing, and while full of immense challenges and sacrifices, it’s ultimately the most meaningful part of existence that I’ve ever been blessed to be a part of.

Happy Father’s Day, folks. Without Dads, there is no civilization, there is no future. Without Moms, there is nothingness. To honor all parents, including myself, my plan is to catch wild animals*, roast them on the BBQ, and eat them with my fearsome foursome and their significant others and praise life.

*At the grocery store, admittedly. 

Go forth and multiply. And to all those who object: kiss off.

Happy Father’s Day, you magnificent kings and absolute legends. pic.twitter.com/2iLE2yC4Wj

— Flappr (@flapprdotnet) June 15, 2025