Barack Obama -- coming to a barber shop near you?

For whatever reason, the Obama administration believes part of its duty in governing the nation includes a "National Responsible Father Clearinghouse" -- located, appropriately enough, at Fatherhood.gov.  Yes, the old "Nanny State" is now taking on more of a parental role.

In a program called "Fatherhood Buzz," the Obama administration is actually teaming up with barber shops across the country to spread awareness among fathers about the various government programs available that will help make them better dad.  That's right -- Big Brother isn't just watching you anymore, he's cutting your hair.

Yesterday, over a lunch of BBQ ribs & collard greens, President Obama sat down with some fathers in Washington, D.C. for a photo-op to plug the program:

And then... (emphasis mine)

Later in the day, the White House  Office of Public Engagement and Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships honored 10 individuals who are doing tremendous work in the field of fatherhood.  Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder delivered  remarks at the event where they discussed the importance of  the importance of fatherhood and healthy families to build stronger communities. The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s vision to recognize ordinary Americans who do extraordinary work to serve and strengthen communities around the country.

The "field of fatherhood"??!  How long until liberal arts colleges start offering degrees in "fatherhood"?  We as a country are beyond doling out participation trophies.  Now we have to recognize people who are merely doing what they are supposed to do?  What a sad state our country is in today.

Oh, yeah.  And Obama's "fatherhood" initiative ain't cheap for taxpayers who get to pay for it:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance today announced the availability of funding for four discretionary grant awards totaling $150 million for Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood grants. These grants will go to help fathers meet their parenting and financial responsibilities to their children and assist married couples or those considering marriage in building strong relationships with each other and their children.

“To invest in the success of fathers is to invest in the future of our children, our economy, and our communities,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  “This funding provides organizations in underserved communities with the tools they need to promote responsible parenting, to encourage healthy marriage and relationships, and to remove barriers to financial security and self-sufficiency.”

The Responsible Fatherhood program has $75 million in new funding intended to promote or sustain responsible parenting, marriage and economic stability. The Healthy Marriage program has $75 million in new funding intended for pre-marital education; marriage enhancement programs; divorce reduction programs; marriage mentoring programs; and skills programs that may include parenting skills, financial management, conflict resolution and job and career advancement.

The government is now in the business of marriage counseling.  What could go wrong?