The Obama administration is worried about the problem, indeed veritable “crisis,” of adult children who do not visit their parents.  Officials reportedly are considering legislation to mandate “regular” visits.  Failure to do so could result in a lawsuit.  Trial attorneys have expressed their strong support for the concept.

Actually, it isn’t the Obama administration which is considering this approach.  It is the Chinese government.  Reports the New York Times:

Under a proposal submitted last Monday by the Civil Affairs Ministry to China‘s State Council, adult children would be required by law to regularly visit their elderly parents. If they do not, parents can sue them.

“Before, the courts did not accept this kind of lawsuit,” Wu Ming, a deputy inspector for the ministry, told The Legal Evening News this month. “But from now on, they will have to open up a case.”

The proposed amendment to a 1996 law on rights of the aged could be considered by the National People’s Congress, China’s government-appointed legislature, when it conducts its annual session in March.

However, it sounds like something that the Obama administration could easily support.  Such a step would simultaneously create a new “right” while enriching lawyers.  What’s not to like!?

Let’s just hope the administration is focused on Egypt and not paying any attention to China right now.