[Mr. Bird]

You're engaging in some mental gymnastics here and don't even appear to be aware of it.

You are correct that I am unaware of my mental gymnastics here. I wouldn't teach my kids about the American penal system by sending them to jail, why would I wish to educate them on the dangers of totalitarianism by surrendering them to the state? In case you didn't notice, the kids are no longer in the custody of their parents. I fail to see that as anything but a very bad thing.

[jmc813]

I agree with you that the kids should at least be sent to stay with some out-of-state residents for the time being.

[twigs]

As I read it, the children are still in their parent's custody. The state has legal, not physical, custody--now. However, I agree with much of what you say. I don't like what the state of MA is doing here at all. But for the sake of the children, the parents need to work with the authorities. It sounded to me, though, as if they had submitted a lesson plan in Dec. 2001. I used to believe that children should be taught whatever parents want them to know. In theory, I still do believe that. However, with the poliferation of Muslims in the US showing interest in home-schooling, I know that I don't want private homes becoming mini-Midrasas in the formation of young terrorists. There has to be a compromise between the needs and wishes of the parents for their children and the society at large.