If you think that libertarianism is incompatible with “family values” conservatism, then think again. And read Jennifer Roback Morse’s book.
Single moms and the welfare state go together. Strong families and free markets go together. Morse argues that a combination of weak families and free markets is much less likely to persist.
That seems plausible. And Arnold’s essay leads Megan McArdle to discuss the virtues of nagging.