If there is controversy it's a no-go for elected leaders. Nothing to rock the boat or to interfere with re-election. Instead they stick their heads up their campaign donor's collective assholes and ignore:

Climate change

Social Security

Birth rates (although I believe low birth rates are the real political concern, not prolife)

Inequality

Racism (we are one supremely racist country, "black jobs" anyone)

Religious freedom and freedom from religion, such as separation of church and state.

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But hey, let's have more kids!