Anti-Homeschool Bill Defeated in Idaho(would have made homeschooling a crime)

HSLDA ^ | Feb. 24 2004

[LadyShallott]

ping

[TontoKowalski]

I was talking with some homeschoolers the other day. The growth in numbers of homeschool families is a two-edged sword.

I'm glad that more families are discovering the joys (and trials, let's be honest) of homeschooling. I also see the inevitable. We can expect more and more attempts at "oversight" from "concerned" legislators, with full backing from the public education establishment.

The movement cannot continue at it's current rate of growth (estimated at 15% annually) and remain "under the radar."

[chance33_98]

Thanks for the ping, and a ping over to netmilsmom - morning ladies, how we both doing today :)

[Guillermo]

It seems that the more homeschoolers there are, the more parents who homeschool (and vote) there are, therefore increasing their clout.

It is a pretty incredible argument that the anti-homeschooling crowd makes.

People homeschool mainly because the government education system in this country is beyond horrible, and the people who run government education are now trying to control homeschooling?

[LadyShallott]

Very good point, I can only hope that the attention can translate into more choice and positive feedback for homeschoolers. I sadly dont think this will happen however.

[LadyShallott]

This morning I am rethinking my choice to not drink coffee anymore. :)Can I brew your prized hazelnut coffee? LOL

[chance33_98]

Keep it warm for me ;)

[LadyShallott]

One cup of coffee will be saved. Lets see you will be home in 9 hours? Make that a cup of warm sludge. :)

[17th Miss Regt]

I like the general idea. Any shortcoming should be punished, but as a felony. I suggest public beheading as the penalty.(sarcasm off)

[netmilsmom]

You two are sooo cute!
Thanks for the ping!
I hear my girls getting up as my fingers type. And I have not even prepared lessons yet! Oooops!
"Magic Schoolbus" this morning!

[tutstar]

Good for Idaho!

[17th Miss Regt]

If we outlaw homeschooling, only homeschoolers will be outlaws. (Publik skool lojic)

[netmilsmom]

And of course, the more the Alphabet networks portray us as Right Wing, Ultra Christian, child abusers, the more public opinion will swing away from us.

[LadyShallott]

You go girl! :)

[whereasandsoforth]

So we need a cap on homeschooling? It may as well be illegal.

[TontoKowalski]

People homeschool mainly because the government education system in this country is beyond horrible, and the people who run government education are now trying to control homeschooling?

From our perspective, the issue is that we're so dissatisfied with public education in our areas that we're saying "no" to a free education and taking on that responsibility ourselves. We're foregoing a second income. We're not submitting to the views of self-proclaimed experts and politically motivated committees in selecting textbooks and other educational committees. We're pioneers, shielding our children from damaging influences and showering them with love and attention all day.

From their perspective, we're renegades. We're running off on our own, without benefit of their wise counsel. We're disrespecting the value of their education and experience. Worst of all: we're taking bread out of their mouths, because it REALLY is about the money.

As long as we were small in numbers, we could be tolerated. I'm expecting a full assault in the very near future.

[Sloth]

And of course, the more the Alphabet networks portray us as Right Wing, Ultra Christian, child abusers, the more public opinion will swing away from us.

Yeah, the lefties in the news business just hear the word 'homeschool' and they think of Sissy Spacek's mother from Carrie.

[Stu Cohen]

Your kids belong to the state.

Why fight it?

[FourPeas]

Withdrawing the bill was the "simple recognition that this bill is divisive," said Sen. Stegner. "It has generated more animosity than I ever anticipated."

I wonder exactly what Sen. Stegner expected. Apparently homework is not one of his strong suits.