Obama: Being a good father isn't easy

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says there's no substitute for the love and support that fathers provide.

In his weekly Internet and radio address, Obama is wishing Americans a happy Father's Day. He's laments that his own father wasn't around and says he's still working to be a better father.

Obama says being a dad isn't easy for anyone — gay, straight, grandparent or foster parent. He says he wants to encourage marriage and strong families by reforming child support laws to get more fathers engaged. He says businesses, faith groups and communities have a role to play.

In the Republican address, Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says the Education Department has become like a national school board. He says Republicans have a plan to give state and local authorities more control.