Posted on 10/03/2006 4:36:08 PM PDT by streetpreacher
As another reminder of attempts to take educational choices out of the hands of parents, legislation has been introduced in Congress proposing to amend the U.S. Constitution to make public education a “right.”
House Joint Resolution 29, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., (D-Illinois) in 2005, is eerily similar to language in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The dangers of the UN Convention are well known. It would undermine families by granting to children a list of “rights” which include “the right to privacy,” “the right to freedom of thought and association,” and the right to “freedom of expression.” Such presumptions subvert the authority of parents to exercise important responsibilities toward their children. Similarly, H.J.R. 29 would allow the government to override a parent’s educational decision making, because it would give every child a “right” to a public school education. A parent who decided to homeschool or privately school their child could be accused of interfering with their child’s “right” to attend public school.
The proposed amendment also says that “Congress shall have power to enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation.” This would allow Congress to completely control education and effectively override the U.S. Constitution’s 10th amendment, which reserves non-delegated powers to the states.
The proposed amendment would be very dangerous to parental rights and homeschoolers. Thankfully, it will not be acted upon under the Republican controlled House of Representatives. H.J.R. 29 has languished in the House Judiciary Committee since it was introduced and it is not expected to be heard before the 109th Congress adjourns in October. However, this proposed amendment could be reintroduced, and fast-tracked for action, if Democrats take control of the House of Representatives after the November 7 election.
HSLDA’s National Center is monitoring this legislation and will remain vigilant to ensure that a parent’s God-given right to decide what is best for their child’s education is not undermined by our nation’s laws. The National Center is not recommending any action at this time.
http://www.hslda.org/Legislation/National/2006/HJR29/default.asp
What about the right to a quality education, and the right of parents to send their children to a school of their choice?
So Foley doesn't get this right for thinking it but Franks gets it because he did it?
So why hasn't a Republican countered with a Parents Bill of Rights?
The rape of the constitution continues.
"We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid any more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt-ridden, deluded, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim that they require a Bill of No Rights."
ARTICLE I:
You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II:
You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone — not just you! You may leave the room, change the channel, or express a different opinion, but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III:
You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV:
You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V:
You do not have the right to free health care That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI:
You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII:
You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII:
You don't have the right to demand that our children risk their lives in foreign wars to soothe your aching conscience. We hate oppressive governments and won't lift a finger to stop you from going to fight if you'd like. However, we do not enjoy parenting the entire world and do not want to spend so much of our time battling each and every little tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat.
ARTICLE IX:
You don't have the right to a job. Sure, all of us want all of you to have one, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE X:
You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to pursue happiness — which, by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
In case you haven't noticed, hate crime legislation penalizes thought and freedom of association has been severely eroded by a number of federal laws and court decisions. Would we have our rights restored by this act interpreted under the 14th amendment as applying equally to adults?
It depends on the wording. There is a difference between a right and a requirement.
I wouldn't worry.
The chance of any constitutional amendments being approved is minimal. No one can agree on anything.
A provision to make public education a reuirement because it will be a "right" enforceable against parents and others who would keep their children out of public schools. Karl Marx returns on Wings of Glory.
The Local School Communities must regain the control of their local school system!
Do you people understand the value the left puts on control of the education system? A bill like this is very tranparent, not only does this put alternative avenues to public school education in jeopardy,but I'm betting there's some kind of rider in it to guaranty all kids legal or illegal are given a taxpayer funded education !!!
The so called "Civil War" can happen again. My Children are not subjects of the State, nor am I.
TT
How about this, from battlecry.com?
The Teenage Bill of Rights
We, a new generation of young Americans, in order to protect the heritage of our forefathers and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and generations to come, do affirm and pledge this declaration:
When character and morality are uncommon qualities,
When corporations and marketers seek to profit from our destruction,
When pop culture icons do not represent our values,
When Judeo-Christian beliefs are labeled as intolerant,
When activists seek to remove God from our schools,
When truth is deemed relative and unknowable,
It is necessary for us, the emerging generation of young Americans, to stand for what is right and reclaim the values that have made our nation great. We call our nation to a higher standard, a lifestyle based
not on convenience, but on character,
not on what is easy, but on what is excellent,
not on what feels good, but on what is good,
not on popularity, but on principle,
not on what is tempting, but on what is true.
We, as young Americans, assert our right to determine our future and the future of our great nation. We hold these truths as our God-given rights, and we embrace them with our hearts and our lives:
We recognize that God, our Creator, is the source of all truth.
We will live with honor, always striving to do the right thing, even when it is unpopular. We will be honest and truthful in matters large and small, regardless of the consequences.
We will take responsibility for our actions, and not point to governments, schools, celebrities, parents, or friends to justify our wrong decisions.
We recognize that we are responsible for our mistakes. We will pursue purity throughout our lives.
We will not be seduced by a fabricated idea of sex and love.
We will save our bodies and hearts for our future spouses, and once married we commit to pursue faithful and enduring relationships.
We will see through the lies of drugs and alcohol and refuse to let any chemical influence our thinking or destroy our lives.
We will respect the authorities placed in our lives, even though some may not live as honorably as they should.
We will honor our parents, teachers, and other leaders.
We will reach out with compassion to the hurting and less fortunate, both in our society and around the world.
We refuse to be absorbed with our own comforts and desires.
We recognize the value of each life, whether born or unborn, and we seek to protect those who are unable to protect themselves.
We will do our best to represent and communicate our Creator to our peers, leaders, and society as a whole.
We will work to see that every person has the opportunity to see and hear about the true nature of our God.
In signing, we commit to pursue a life that exemplifies these standards.
We refuse to sit idly by and witness the destruction of our generation.
With God's help, we envision a bright and prosperous future for the nation we love.
We can back up a bit more and sling crayons into Boston Harbor but why would we want to piss off China?
TT
Google "The Frankfurt School" to see where the plan began.
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. is one of the most prolific filers of amendment bills.
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