*chuckle*
Matt, I hate to tell you this but there is no "best possible way to raise children". Kids arn't generic do not come with a easy to assemble instruction guide.
Look, federal government has a few, needed uses. One is to define basic status and rights for all U.S. Citizens.
When it comes to universal status defination, I think marriage (being the most basic, and I don't give a flying crap what it's called legally, civil union, marriage, marriage reconized by gov.) is one of those things.
You get married, anywhere in the country and you are married, anywhere in the country. Everyone has the right to get married, or not, to any other consenting adult, anywhere.
It's like a DL. It would be a real bitch to have to get one for each state you had to drive in.
Mind, being of libertarian leanings does not equal no federal government. I, personally, think the federal government has its paws in a lot of crap it shouldn't be involved with, while in the meantime, is totally slacking on the things it's supposed to be doing.
(and fitz, you're no fun
)