Another example of a nasty misandrist attack on fathers dudded by systemic bias promoted and supported by government, feminists, women's groups, etc.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jan/30/welfare-reform-bill

The Guardian (Britain)
30 January 2009

How disappointing it was to read Polly Toynbee's misplaced comments on the welfare reform bill (We must brave the rage, and take on won't-pay fathers, 27 January). Clearly Ms Toynbee has little or no understanding of the complexities of family separation. She appears to believe that the actions of some should lead to the vilification and persecution of all. The single-parent lobby is a strong one. It has perpetuated the stereotype of the poor "single mum" and the runaway "absent father". Do these
stereotypes exist? Of course they do. But making policy on the back of the few does a disservice to the many and contributes to the attitudes Ms Toynbee finds so offensive.

Perhaps she would like to work on our helpline and listen to non-resident mothers (who make up 10% of the group she attacks) talk about their lack of status, or to the dads who are told by the Child Support Agency that, although he provides day-to-day care for his children, he is "not a parent
under child support law". Perhaps she might talk to non-resident parents who go without heating during the week so they can afford to treat their children at the weekend. Maybe then she will understand something about the complex nature of family separation.

I have worked with separated families for 20 years, and attitudes such as those displayed by Ms Toynbee have contributed to the unhappiness of children and parents - mothers and fathers. They have held back the chance of sober discourse and resulted in public policies that have exacerbated
conflict between parents rather than helped to resolve them. Our work with parents has shown us that labels and divisions do little to help at that critical point of separation.

Karen Woodall
Director, Centre for Separated Families