Archive for the ‘Government’ Category
Questioning the Law
Today, after hunting and pecking for candidates, the voting machine popped up its final questions. One of them still rattles around my brain. I understand the implications of this touchy subject, but the question seems odd.
Should federal, state and local officials should be required to enforce U.S. immigration laws in order to secure our borders?
I’m thankful some archaic laws of culture and custom need not be obeyed, but I’m wondering about principles.
- If a law isn’t enforced, is it really law?
- If existing laws are not obeyed, should new ones be written?
- If laws cannot be administered, are too many already in existence?
Without consequences, rules become nothing more than good advice.
Eternal Vigilance Required
While skimming homeschool news, two assaults on liberty distressed me.
The Second Appellate Court judges held Mrs. Long unfit to teach her children at home because she lacks a state credential.
An important discussion of the definition of religious exemption followed.
Parents, teachers and local school officials know more about the individual needs of our state’s students than the Nebraska legislature or officials in Washington.
The sword civil government carries has a purpose. It is to protect life and preserve safety, not slash parental rights. Children do not belong to the government. The state may rescue if a life is in danger. However, prosecuting a family so their children develop emotionally and interact with others does not fit that criteria. (reason cited by attorney in CA case)
Liberty is written in our law. We don’t have to fire cannons to keep it, but freedom does have a price. Liberty needs our faithful prayers; legislators need our constant voice.
Who to Vote For
In the days when election sermons were commonplace, Samuel Willard encouraged his Puritan flock with a message entitled, “The Character of a Good Ruler.” Three hundred years later, these qualities are still relevant. A good leader:
- Is truthful
- Knows what is just and unjust
- Respects the cause rather than persons
- Is not given to bribes or flattery
- Prefers the public benefit above private and separate interests
- Rules in the fear of God
- Is a student of the law of God
- Is governed by a good conscience
- Obeys the law
- Promotes piety and honesty in all men
Can these characteristics be found in our candidates today? Are they in us?
Sermon excerpt in The Christian History of the Constitution
Unity in Diversity
Is unity in diversity possible? Can the schism between secular and religious home educators ever be reconciled? Perhaps not, but a new blog, Unity-N-Diversity, began with the purpose to “educate, inspire, and facilitate healing.” Even though I do not agree with every post and comment, I cling to the idea that unity can exist, in fact, does exist.
Getting everyone to agree about everything is impossible. As Unity-N-Diversity points out, the founding fathers of America faced that, too. Not everyone wanted the Declaration of Independence signed or the Revolutionary War fought.
The Pilgrims dealt with a similar crisis. After the long voyage across the Atlantic their ship landed outside the king’s jurisdiction. Some aboard the Mayflower jumped at the chance to be free from government. Others knew that without any law their lives and property were in danger. The Mayflower Compact formed “a Civil Body Politic, for better ordering and preservation…for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”
Do we need such an agreement as homeschoolers? In America, the Constitution protects our rights. We educate our children according to conviction, but what if our freedom to do so is endangered? I believe, no matter our differing personal beliefs about discipline, creationism, or government, home educators will defend one another’s liberty. Our common ground is love. We want freedom to teach our children and that is worth fighting for.
Another Christmas Card to Send
My son ran in the house telling me the sheriff was here. My heart skipped a beat. Was someone here to question my children’s education? After lunch, my children frequently play outside for an hour or two. Did a neighbor alert the authorities? I know that home schooling is perfectly legal, but stories of court battles gripped my mind.
To my relief, it was the animal control officer trying to find the home of a puppy. We discussed the new county leash law and pointed her in the right direction. As soon as she left, I ushered the children into the house.
This experience reminded me to be thankful for freedom to teach my children. I need to stop begrudging the burden of home school and thank God for the privilege. Others are not so fortunate.
In Germany it is illegal to home school. Dana of Principled Discovery informs,
Families who choose to pursue this method of education face court, fines, potential imprisonment and possible loss of custody of their children. Many flee to neighboring countries, but some have also chosen to stay in a fight to allow educational choice for Germany. The Neubronners is one such family. To assist them in their fight, a postcard action is being organized in the hopes of helping their case gain more publicity and foster positive discussion of homeschooling in Germany, as well as hopefully encourage officials in the case to reconsider their stance.
Will you please consider adding one more Christmas card to your list? The home educators in Germany ask that cards requesting freedom be sent to:
Senatorin für Bildung und Wissenschaft
Rembertiring 8-12
28195 Bremen
Germany
If you would like a sample of what to write, please use this link or the button above. Your simple act of sending greetings to government officials in Germany may help future generations. Let’s remember to thank God for our liberty and pray for those who are fighting for theirs.
