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An INSANE situation up in Waltham, Massachusetts
Conservative Alerts.Com ^ | Chuck Muth

Posted on 06/16/2003 3:21:35 PM PDT by webber

An INSANE situation up in Waltham, Massachusetts

This one's so Outrageous, it makes our blood boil just to think of it. Take a look at his message:

ISSUE: Kim and George Bryant have been home-schooling their two kids, George (15) and Nyssa (13), much to the chagrin of the Waltham Public School (WPS) system. The Bryants thus far have refused to force their children to take a government-mandated standardized test to assess their education level.

The WPS empire struck back last year, obtaining a court order giving custody of the kids to the Department of Social Services (DSS), which ever since has been threatening to take the kids away from their parents.

As the MetroWest Daily News reported on Friday, "Both sides agree that the children are in no way abused mentally, physically, sexually or emotionally, but legal custody of the children was taken from Kim and George Bryant in December 2001." They were ruled to be "unfit" for not filing educational plans with the government.

Unfit. For not filing paperwork. With the government school system. Over the education of their OWN children.

In fact, George Bryant was actually ARRESTED six years ago for failing to comply with the government's dictates over the home-schooled education of HIS children.

Arrested!!...Thrown in jail!!...Like a criminal!!...For taking personal responsibility for the education of HIS kids.

This six-year legal battle exploded on Thursday as bureaucrats from the DSS showed up at the Bryants' home with police escorts at 7:45 a.m. and attempted to remove the children from their home and force them to take the mandated tests.

Once again, the Bryants told the government agents to pound dirt, resulting in a seven-hour standoff.

"This has been a six-year battle between the Waltham Public Schools and our family over who is in control of the education of our children," said Bryant.

How DARE these parents stand up to the government and defend their right to raise their children as they see fit? Who do they think they are?

At least, that's the attitude of one outrageous government bureaucrat involved in this brouhaha. "We have the legal custody of the children and we will do with them as we see fit," DSS trooper Susan Etscovitz told the Bryants Thursday morning. "They are minors and they do what we tell them to do."

It is near impossible to describe the rage I feel inside every time I read those chilling words. WE will do with them as WE see fit. They do what WE tell them to do.

The sheer audacity of a bureaucrat to make such a statement about someone else's children who are in no way abused in any shape, form or fashion is beyond comprehension to me.

Comrade Etscovitz maintained on Thursday that, "No one wants these children to be put in foster homes. The best course of action would be for (the Bryants) to instruct the children to take the test."

One can just imagine her words being delivered with a thick East German accent: "undt now, all vee need eez dee kidz!"

This isn't about education. It's about control. It's about an imperial government trying to crush a movement in its infancy which could one day spell the end of the public school monopoly over our kids' educations.

Home-schooling means children might start learning again. REAL learning. Not "whole language" and "self-esteem." Learning about radical notions such as freedom, liberty and personal responsibility. Notions such as limited government and the Constitution and the vision of our Founding Fathers.

Yeah, we can't have THAT!

ACTION ITEM: As it appears that DSS is getting its marching orders from the Waltham Public Schools, it seems the best place to start is with the School Superintendent there. Her name is Dr. Susan Parrella. She can be reached via email at:

parrellas@k12.waltham.ma.us
or by phone at:
(781) 314-5400
or fax at:
(781) 314-5411.

Emails are great... but nothing quite ruins a bureaucrat's day like dealing with a flood of phone calls. I know. I just called. The woman who answered the phone hung up on me when she found out what I was calling about. They do NOT want to answer any questions about this.

Oh, and by the way. I reached Ms. Etscovitz this morning. She was not a happy camper once she found out what I was calling about. Refused to comment on her "we will do with them as we see fit" statement, saying only, "I'm terminating this conversation now," before slamming the phone down.

I think it would really bug her if a lot of people called (781) 641-8500, so please, please don't rattle her cage, OK? That number not to call again to reach Susan Etscovitz is (781) 641-8500. That's (781) 641-8500. (You could also fax her at 781-648-6909.)

-- Chuck Muth, ConservativeAlerts.Com


We normally set up a website with a pre-written letter to Congress, etc. However, we thought it would be much more effective for our members to make contact as described above, in their own words. If you get a response you'd like to share, be sure to drop us a note. As this issue develops and is "bumped up the ladder" of responsibility, we'll let you know who to contact next.

NOTE: The situation in Waltham has gotten WAY out of hand.

Outraged Americans across the country need to contact these bureaucrats NOW to express their outrage and demand they do the RIGHT thing. Be sure to forward this email to everyone you know who wants to help save parental choice in America, starting in Massachusetts. p> Thank you!

--Chuck Muth, ConservativeAlerts.Com




TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: Massachusetts
KEYWORDS: 18uscs242; homeschoollist
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To: dark_lord
You wrote:

"I don't know how old you are but apparently you have no concept of using debate to argue a point, but rather you appear to simply make wild statements and then ad hominem attacks. Don't go posting a bunch of foolishness and say "this is what you believe". That is the level of argument of 1st graders. If you want to respond to someone, respond to what they actually said, don't go making stuff up, projecting it on them, and then responding to what you made up yourself!"

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Man......I've recently come up against the same type of "debate/erotern" tactics..that you've described above. It sorta drives me bonkers when poster's won't answer questions....

You nailed it......when you said that many people have no idea/clue in using debate to argue their point.

FRegards,

221 posted on 06/18/2003 9:18:50 AM PDT by Osage Orange (Why does John McLame always grin like a mule eating cockleburs...?)
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To: Osage Orange; dark_lord
You nailed it......when you said that many people have no idea/clue in using debate to argue their point.

He is also very good at avoiding a direct question and manipulating a posters words himself. Perhaps that's why he recognized the technique so readily.

222 posted on 06/18/2003 9:33:12 AM PDT by TigersEye (Joe McCarthy was right...so was PT Barnum!)
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To: TigersEye
You wrote:

"He is also very good at avoiding a direct question and manipulating a posters words himself. Perhaps that's why he recognized the technique so readily."

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Maybe so, maybe not. I know not, because I've not read your exchanges here on this thread. I just happened to read that particular post....and agreed with what was said.

FRegards,

223 posted on 06/18/2003 9:38:52 AM PDT by Osage Orange (Why does John McLame always grin like a mule eating cockleburs...?)
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To: Osage Orange
Fair enough! : )
224 posted on 06/18/2003 9:43:54 AM PDT by TigersEye (Joe McCarthy was right...so was PT Barnum!)
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To: Courier
But, yes, the State can test if the child knows.....

Know......what who decides? The state has no right to force education. And you obviously have not seen the required lesson plans if you believe that there is no forced religion and socialist indoctrination. Just because it is a violation of Liberty does not mean well intentioned busy bodies like yourself have not force it.

Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies, The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
- C.S. Lewis

225 posted on 06/18/2003 9:51:18 AM PDT by CyberCowboy777 (Professional FReeper. Do not attempt.)
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To: Courier
Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.
- Daniel Webster

I will have no masters, no matter how good you think it will be for me.

226 posted on 06/18/2003 10:05:31 AM PDT by CyberCowboy777 (Professional FReeper. Do not attempt.)
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To: Courier
By what reasoning do you assume the power to force testing? What Ivory Tower do you peer down from that you assume the supreme power to take kids and jail parents because they disagree with a test?

Step off.
227 posted on 06/18/2003 10:10:14 AM PDT by CyberCowboy777 (Professional FReeper. Do not attempt.)
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To: webber
I was quoting 'jerrymdss'. I think you meant your reply for him.
228 posted on 06/18/2003 11:24:09 AM PDT by wcbtinman (Only the first one is expensive, all the rest are free.)
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To: dark_lord
Are You On Medication? NO. You should be!

See. I can make as much nonsense as you. Now go back to your room and sit in the corner like a good obedient boy. Atta Boy!

229 posted on 06/18/2003 11:31:02 AM PDT by webber
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To: grania
"I don't see the parents gripe here, if they haven't handed in their plan."

Go back and read post #194.

230 posted on 06/18/2003 11:49:06 AM PDT by webber
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To: Axenolith
"Its not about the benefits of society, its about CONTROL..."

....and $$$$$ as post #194 so clearly reveals.

231 posted on 06/18/2003 11:51:39 AM PDT by webber
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To: Sarah
Ditto on the kids ages - one 19, studying at college to become a public school teacher, one 17 at college studying business and engineering and a 2 year old.

There is an interesting article on World Net Daily today that my sister sent to me regarding a family who was forced into a vaccination. It might be of interest to you. I would post it if I could figure out how to!

Really, the majority of the home school crowd does a good job. There are people who need accountability and structure and there are families who should NOT be homeschooling. However, at least the damage is generally limited. Overall, even the lousy homeschoolers usually turn out kids who are good workers and can hold down jobs.

How did you end up in France? My kids were headed there this summer and I made them go to Italy instead (I was slightly peeved at the whole political situation).
232 posted on 06/18/2003 12:44:23 PM PDT by The Californian
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To: webber
Go back and read post #194.

I did. I don't think the situation applies here. In Massachusetts, home schooling is actually pretty common, with plans and testing schedules approved by the local school committees. Some might be better about leniency than others, but the administrators, I'm sure, would just as soon get someone's kids out if the parents are going to be a constant irritant.

Students with IEP's (individual education plans) are often given home study or paid-for alternative school programs if that's deemed appropriate. I'm not even sure the school loses the per-pupil expenditure, since the home-study students can take some courses in school and be involved in activities.

I know you all assume because it's Massachusetts that thought-Nazis don't want these two children to escape group-think. But, the reality is that alternatives are pretty much respected, unless education isn't happening.

233 posted on 06/18/2003 1:00:08 PM PDT by grania ("Won't get fooled again")
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To: dark_lord
You're right. Rules exist. There do exist colleges that do not require testing, only a GED. This is an option for homeschoolers.
234 posted on 06/18/2003 1:26:40 PM PDT by paix
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To: TigersEye
The essence of taking into consideration fellow human beings is pure socialism? You must be fun to live with.
235 posted on 06/18/2003 3:33:23 PM PDT by Sarah
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To: grania
Your post is the whole point!
Testing was set up as a minimum requirement to ascertain if education is in fact happening!
These parents thumbed their nose at the incredibly flexable situation and options that parents have, and we're supposed march on Washington to defend their right to break the law.
236 posted on 06/18/2003 3:37:11 PM PDT by Sarah
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To: grania
I don't understand why these parents don't talk to the school system, set up a plan, and talk about testing.

I agree. It is the reasonable thing to do, and really not a stretch if it keeps the bureaucrats off their backs.

237 posted on 06/18/2003 3:46:51 PM PDT by goody2shooz
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To: Sarah; .30Carbine
The essence of taking into consideration fellow human beings is pure socialism? You must be fun to live with.

I didn't say that and neither did you. You agreed with the notion that people should be forced by the State to fit a State conceived ideal based on the concept of "for the good of society". That I disagree with to point of being willing to pick up a gun and lay down my life if called to. It is unAmerican to the enth degree.

I would also object to your new twist on things as well though. To be forced at the point of a gun (every thing the State mandates is backed by a gun muzzle after all) to be considerate of others is as fascist as being told who to associate with.

No one owes "society" anything other than to live ones life to the fullest and to do no harm to others. If I choose to be kind and generous that is to my merit. But if the State tells me to open doors for cripples and give money to orphans I am simply a slave even if I praise them for making me do nice things.

Being law abiding isn't always the most beneficial thing to do for one's country either. Civil disobedience does occasionally have its place. Take the civil rights marches of the 60's for example.

To claim that an uneducated man is a detriment to society is to assume too much. Who defines 'educated'? Who defines 'detriment'? The State of course. Moreover, where in the Constitution are the rights of and debts to 'society' defined and enumerated?

I am as considerate a human being as you will find. You might note that I didn't impugn your character because I disagreed with you and even though you did try to insult me I won't return it in kind. On any given day I might, however, because you have lost any cause for that due consideration by your own actions.

You can act all indignant and sling your subtle arrows but I'm far from the first one on this thread to suggest your espoused philosophy is socialist. I'm sure a 'find in forum' on you for a couple of days would turn up many more identical accusations.

You can ask my wife if I'm any fun. Ask her if she thinks the State should take custody of children whose parents refuse to recognize the State's authority over their parenting decisions while you're at it.

238 posted on 06/18/2003 5:45:41 PM PDT by TigersEye (Joe McCarthy was right...so was PT Barnum!)
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To: Sarah
Testing was set up as a minimum requirement to ascertain if education is in fact happening! These parents thumbed their nose at the incredibly flexable situation and options that parents have, and we're supposed march on Washington to defend their right to break the law.

Ah, I see your point now.

"Seperate diners and restrooms were set up as a minimum requirement to maintain an orderly society! These n$#%^'s thumbed their nose at the incredibly easy system of coexistence and we're supposed to march on Washington to defend their right to break the law. Not only that but they want us to break the law by marching on Selma."

The noive of some people.

239 posted on 06/18/2003 5:56:35 PM PDT by TigersEye (Joe McCarthy was right...so was PT Barnum!)
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To: TigersEye
Killer post. BUMP.
240 posted on 06/18/2003 9:20:48 PM PDT by servantoftheservant
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