Archive for the ‘Government’ Category
Don’t Give Up on America- Love is Never in Vain
Have you ever found in history one single example of a nation thoroughly corrupted, that was afterwards restored to virtue, and without virtue there can be no political liberty.
Will you tell me how to prevent riches from becoming the effects of temperance and industry? Will you tell me how to prevent riches from producing luxury? Will you tell me how to prevent luxury from producing effeminacy, intoxication, extravagance, vice, and folly?
Yet all these ought not to discourage us from exertion, for…I believe no effort in favor of virtue is lost, and all good men ought to struggle both by their council and example. ~John Adams to Thomas Jefferson in 1819
Who Will Represent Me?
I’m still thinking about motivation, rewards, and consequences, but last week politics squeezed it’s way into my computer time and muddled my routine. Since the election invaded my mind, I will write about motivation later.
The presidential campaign has underwhelmed me. I ignored most of the rhetoric and commercials until last week. I had to hear Sarah Palin’s speech, which resulted in a flurry of blog posts. I’ve read so many contradictory statements my brain has whiplash.
I soothe the pain during my morning walk with friends. Our steps take us around the neighborhood while our words soar around the principles of government. What a way to start the day!
We talk about the history of feminism, the Declaration of Independence, the hope of liberty, and, of course, the individuals running for the highest executive office in America. The topics are endless and the prayer focus compelling.
Who will best represent us? Who will best represent me?
- I want my representatives to shrink the size of government.
- I want my representatives to uphold the Constitution, not rewrite it.
- I want my representatives to protect liberty, not encroach on it with more laws and more taxes.
It doesn’t matter if the person I’m voting for is the same pale color as me or even the same gender. It is ideas that matter. It is principles I want to discuss.
They glimmer once in awhile, but often they are covered with mud.
I’m Over Here Today
My first article for Heart of the Matter Online has been published. Read The Hope of Liberty here.
What are your plans for celebrating America’s 232nd birthday? (My son figured that out for me.) Beverly included some interesting links to assist your celebration in this week’s Carnival of Homeschooling.
Our plans aren’t solidified yet, but we always enjoy getting together with friends. Last year we finished our gathering by reading the Declaration of Independence. I plan to continue that tradition.
What if… Homeschooling was Illegal
Ashpenaz blazed through town snatching young men from their homes. The policeman searched for the handsome, strong, and intelligent. When he found such youth, he carted them off to the king’s palace.
The King’s Answer by Briton Riviere
One of my biggest fears is that my children will be taken away from me. It is completely irrational, but, nonetheless, it is a fear. Can this sneaking trepidation be overcome? It is so stealth an issue I haven’t given it much concentrated thought. The anxiety surfaces when a sheriff pulls up to our house, or the headlines falsely proclaim, “Homeschooling is unconstitutional.” Maybe standing face to face with this fear will put things into perspective.
What if homeschooling was illegal? Imaginary scenarios are difficult for me, especially this one. We have laws that protect the intrinsic rights of parents in the land of the free. My hope is they will not be encroached upon, but what if they are? Laws could have any number of restrictions, culminating in the removal of children from parents and placing them in government schools. Would that happen? It’s doubtful, but that did happen to a child named Daniel.
Daniel was one of the young men taken away from his home by Ashpenaz. The king wanted the brightest and best. King Nebuchadnezzar began their training by giving them a superior Babylonian education. Completely surrounded by the culture, Daniel still refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar. Gazing at the rich table set before him,
Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself…Daniel 1:8
Daniel resolved. He determined in his heart to remain a Jew. Daniel followed the king’s orders until they went against his conscious. Then he chose lions’ mouths to preserve his most precious possession; his faith in God.
A wise preacher told me,
You have to choose which hill you will die on.
I pass many hills not worth climbing. For the sake of my children, I will traverse any mountain. I’m just not sure public education resides on a mountain. Public schools do not force children to worship the state. If the law said my children had to attend public school, I would appeal repeatedly. I would try escaping. But in the end, we all have to trust in something greater than our ability. Even if our children receive an education founded on biblical principles, the choice to embrace it is up to them.
Good News from California
Numerous headlines about the California judge who ruled against homeschooling flood the internet. Thankfully, there is good news. (pdf)
Freedom from Fear by Norman Rockwell
Released March 11, 2008
SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has completed a legal review of the February 28 California Court of Appeal ruling regarding home schooling. O’Connell issued the following statement:
‘I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to home school that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to home school in our state.
‘Every child in our state has a legal right to get an education, and I want every child to get an education that will prepare them for success in college and the world of work in the challenging global economy.
‘As the head of California’s public school system, I hope that every parent would want to send their children to public school. However, traditional public schools may not be the best fit for every student. Within the public school system there are a range of options available. Students can take independent study classes, attend a charter school, or participate in non-classroom-based programs. But some parents choose to send their children to private schools or to home school, and I respect that right.
‘I admire the dedication of parents who commit to oversee their children’s education through home schooling. But, no matter what educational program a student participates in, it is critical that the program prepares them for future success in the global economy. I urge any parent who is considering or involved in home schooling their children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education.’
Liberty triumphs as parental rights are upheld!
What if it didn’t work out this way? What if our biggest fears came true? Mandi asked me what would I do if homeschooling was illegal? I’ll address that question tomorrow.
