Walking Therein

Homeschool Politics: Mike Huckabee and The HSLDA

 Our family does not fit into any of these categories:

Homeschoolers who belong to the HSLDA.

Homeschoolers for Huckabee.

Homeschoolers who belong to the HSLDA who support Huckabee.

As a matter of fact, when I first heard of or saw the slogan, "Homeschoolers for Huckabee", I thought, "Homeschoolers for WHO? Why are we for him?" As a homeschooler, I was kind of offended, frankly. Don't lump me in there. I don't know diddly about this guy. But, thanks to Spunky, her commenters and a little digging around, I do now.

There has been a discussion over at Home Where They Belong about this. Spunky has written 3 separate articles about it. Now that I have read over these issues, I am more offended that homeschoolers would back Huckabee under the auspices that he "supports" homeschooling. Doesn't the fact that the liberal NEA endorses him send up red flags? I posted on HWTB a few months ago about of the directives in the The 2007 - 2008 NEA Resolutions which makes this abundantly clear,

"The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used."

How's that for control? Homeschoolers should be overseen by and regulated by the state, but when it comes to funding for the homeschool, well, "You're on your own, buddy!" I think this is closer to Huckabee's stance on homeschooling. That he is more for public control of education than the freedom we homeschoolers desire and *require* to educate our children.

And, someone in blog-world brought up the question of Michael Farris as Sect. of Education?? Not sure I like that idea either. Especially since HSLDA has come out in support of Huckabee. Either the HSLDA endorses candidates who work toward their common goal or they don't. I find it disconcerting and a lack in their judgment to endorse him when they, in their own Court Report, record Mike Huckabee's signing of such bills into law as an "effort to increase state regulation of home education," which is the exact opposite direction they fight to take homeschooling legislation. Their stance on homeschool regulation is that "The federal role in education is a violation of the 10th amendment of the United States Constitution which states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” as stated on their website.  Add to that, a statement by someone who is affiliated with the HSLDA  (read: A former presidential writer for George W. Bush and son of sitting U.S. Congressman Jim Ryun, Ned Ryun is the Director of the Generation Joshua program, a division of Home School Legal Defense Association. Ned also directs the HSLDA Federal Political Action Committee.) and says he thinks Huckabee is "a disaster," I think there are a lot of questions we as homeschoolers and US citizens must ask.

Many homeschoolers are not members of HSLDA. Many disagree with their religious politics. I think it is wrong to say that "homeschoolers are for Huckabee" just because the HSLDA supports them. I remember when I first heard of HSLDA. It was when the ACLU kept sticking their noses into things that really were not their issues to deal with, and the ACLJ was becoming more popular. It seemed that many Christian and moral freedoms were being questioned or taken away, and to transfer the need for homeschooling freedoms was natural. And, HSLDA has done a great job in protecting homeschool rights. One thing I do not appreciate though, is that many homeschoolers (though I was probably one myself - now I know) will tell you about HSLDA like you have to belong or you are unprotected. We were members for 1 year. When we didn't renew our membership, I remember feeling that if something happened to jeopardize our homeschooling freedoms, we would have no one. That was complete fallacy.

So, where does this "feeling" of fear like the one I experienced come from? I think what many think about HSLDA has to do with the circles they run in or read. I would venture to say that a good many of those who belong to HSLDA don't read blogs at all, and would not hear anything negative about HSLDA in the media or from their local homeschool community.
And, since it is presented as "homeschool insurance", and many of us have grown into homeschooling feeling the need to defend our choice (and considering our litigious world) that we feel like we need "insurance", so to speak. However, we do not need "homeschool insurance". We need to know our laws and our rights. We can all find those out, and if the need arises, there are other lawyers out there who can litigate homeschool cases based on established law.
I really do appreciate the Home School Legal Defense Association for being a source of information, advocating for home educators, and for standing up for homeschooling rights. I do use their site as a resource for homeschool state laws. But, we need to realize that when homeschoolers as a group start to rally behind a particular candidate just because the HSLDA endorses him - without doing any further looking - then we as a group have given that particular institution too much power. And, that, my friends, is one reason we homeschool... so the power to think and learn is in our hands and not someone else's who feels the need to tell us what decisions we should make.

Though not the only important issue, and maybe not even the MOST important issue, the issue of Education is a rights/freedom issue. Education is an important issue. History proves it out. Governments and religious organizations both know the importance of the education of its' citizens to the advancement of their agenda. As homeschool parents, we know the importance of a home education to the future of our children. It makes me wonder why the HSLDA would support a candidate who clearly legislates against the homeschooling efforts they themselves so staunchly support.

For some homeschoolers, deciding which Republican candidate to vote for isn't an issue. If you fall on the other side of the voting ticket, make sure you look completely into the Democratic candidate's records too. Some things that would affect your rights as not just a homeschooler, but as a parent are a little more obscure than a voting record. Hillary backs the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is more than 'child-focused'. While many of the laws it creates are good for any child or family, many of them take the rights of parents and turn them over to the state. That includes homeschooling. Yes, homeschooling is considered child-endangerment. So is teaching them your religious beliefs. The Convention basically puts the child in the driver's seat, and if s/he no longer wants to comply with your parenting, s/he can appeal to the government, and be sure your child will either be taken away or you will.

Under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause of Article VI Section.2, “all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution of laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.”

In Missouri v. Holland, (252 U.S. 416), the U.S. Supreme Court held that under the Supremacy Clause a treaty made by the President, with concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate present at the time of voting, would become the supreme law and take precedent over contrary state laws. Thus, the U.N. Convention would constitute legally binding law in all 50 states. Otherwise valid state laws pertaining to education, the family, etc., which conflict with the provisions of the treaty will be subject to invalidation.

From what I understand, any law passed by the UN cannot overstep a law already in place in the country or state, but, when I last heard, the US had no such laws to counteract the Convention's stand on homeschooling, so this law would change the current homeschooling freedoms we have in the US. Hillary intends to implement it as one of the first things she does in office. I do not know about Obama or even Edwards... or any of the Republican candidates. Hillary has always been vocal in her support of it, and though it is touted as a good thing, it is not. Take the time to read it. Read it from a parent's perspective, not as "the village trying raise the child".

I have to agree with Spunky that "we understand there are politicians and reformers whose faith rests in the power of the state and who are actively attempting to move this country away from the principles of our founding and toward socialism and a planned economy; where our children are viewed simply as workers to compete in the global economy. "

The commenters have raised very good questions and points as well at Spunky's discussion of Mike Huckabee. No matter what side of the ballot you are on, be sure to research this for yourself.

I am still unsure of who I am going to vote for. Must I interject the old adage that "you cannot trust a politician"? I think not. However, it would behoove me to vote for someone I already know I can't trust, don't you think? I wish more of us would vote our conscience, instead of considering someone's "electibility". I think we would be pleasantly surprised if we did.

blessings!

Untitled Comment

8:10 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by LeviSuarez

I'm first to comment!!!!
Hello Auntie, I loved the pics. I'm sorry about the bird. WOW you must of had a TON of snow for it to take that long to make a path!
Love,

Levi

The Huckster

12:46 PM, Friday, December 28, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

Amen! Thanks for setting the record straight on the Huckster. May I humbly suggest a look at Ron Paul?
www.ronpaul2008.com
Imo, he is the only candidate who will uphold his oath of office, stay within his jurisdiction and listen to the people he represents.
I like your honesty and willingness to go against the status quo in matters of truth.
Kelly

Untitled Comment

5:03 PM, Saturday, December 29, 2007 .. Posted by Pure and Sensible

OK, I see some commenting about supporting Ron Paul. He "seems" to be popular out here in Texas...well, I make that assumption based on all the signs I see. But, can I plead with you to really look into his stances on this issues. He is an extremist. He does not hold "conservative" views. I have extensively looked into his campaign, because I, too, love his position on homeschooling and health or healthcare freedom (I forget how he terms it). But, his other stances scare me to death (ok, not literally, but you get my point, right?)

I posted a reply to Spunky’s post “Huckabee Responds” here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER/447944/?#c895915


Blessings, Leinani
http://www.heartofwisdom.com/PUREANDSENSIBLE/

THIS IS A COMMENT FROM PUREANDSENSIBLE

9:55 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2007 .. Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES

I am posting the following comment that Leilani mentioned above, in case anyone else misconstrues what I said about Hillary Clinton, etc. I will post my reply to it, also from HWTB, below.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER/447944/?#c895915 Update: Can I just say that this was intended to be sent to another blogger (http://homeschoolblogger.com/JacqueDixonSoulRestES/451042/), who had this post linked on their site. So, please just take the context of what was said, not the direct comments. I'm so sorry about that. I was in such a hurry to respond, having yours and their post up on different screens, and pressed for time. So embarassing! Thank you for allowing me to express my views here. I also added on the other bloggers' comment: I almost became a Ron Paul supporter because I preferred his stance on homeschooling vs. Huckabee's. Because of this, I spent just as much time looking into Ron Paul as I did for Huckabee and can I just say that he's scares us to death (ok, not literally...but you get my point, right?) Ron Paul is an extremist!

Here's my original comment:
I have to disagree with this post. But, I thank you for your honesty in saying that you haven't had much time to look into Huckabee. I wish I had the time to go into details. It's not that your not important or worth my time, believe me. I just wish I encountered this post earlier in my computer time because there are so many things I still need to research (non-political). I just doubt I'll be back to post more details. Ok, I'll try to write as much info as I can.

I have personally spent A LOT of time researching all the candidates candidates and have not found a better well-rounded candidate to support than Huckabee. He is NOT the ideal candidate, but I believe he supports most of what is important to our family. (My husband and I had no idea that HSLDA was even endorsing him when we decided to support him. Actually, I wish Huckabee had Ron Paul's stance on homeschooling and that was why I spent so much time researching everything I could about Huckabee.) I am still supporting him with as much as I have learned in following the debates, videos, hearing him speak in person, blogs, websites and news so far.

I believe he is a godly man who desires to please God. He has not waivered in his politics due to his faith yet. However, look at the answers Hillary, Obama, Romney and Giuliani whenever questions pertaining to faith arise. It is very clear for me that Huckabee (as well as Thompson, McCain, Tancredo, and Keyes love the Lord - our Lord, Jesus.) I believe that God can work out the details pertaining to protecting homeschoolers' rights in Huckabee's God-fearing heart. Personally, up to the time I was in my early twenties, I did not even know about "homeschooling" and what the Bible said about parents' control over their childrens' education and so much more. But, God has faithfully led me along this path.

I know the research is exhausting, but it is sooo important.
I am proud to say that I am a homeschooler for Huckabee, a Texan for Huckabee, and a veteran for Huckabee. Not because of what anyone thinks, but because of the research I have personally done.

Here's a time-consuming suggestion: Write him a letter, as I did, expressing how you disagree with his stance on homeschooling. I think the biggest issue is getting him to stand firm on the fact that parents should have control over their children's education, not the government. Period. Homeschooling is so important to us, but it doesn't represent our nation. There are major issues, not that homeschooling isn't one of them, like right to life, the fight against terrorism, energy independence, and our national security that my husband and I have heavily considered in our decision.

As for Ned Ryun, well...I've heard him speak several times. Were you at the 2007 CHEA convention this summer? I was going to make a further comment that would require some further explanation, so I'll have to save it for later.

As far as having homeschool insurance, I agree with you. I happen to be an HSLDA member. For how much longer, I don't know. But, I am thankful for all they are doing. It is a personal decision every family has to make considering their state laws and perhaps their finances, should a situation arise that would need legal counsel.

I'm a bit astounded though that you would bring up Hilary's backing the "Convention on the Rights of the Child" as a solid reason to support her. I disagree with her stance on most of the issues. See for yourself: http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm

I would love to spend more time on this...I have several posts on my blog under "Politics" and links to helpful sites on the sidebar under "Politics" too, if you'd like to check those out.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to your post. Many blessings! Leinani

http://www.heartofwisdom.com/PUREANDSENSIBLE/


Edited by JacqueDixonSoulRestES on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 9:00 PM

My Reply:Thank you Leilani

9:58 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2007 .. Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES

for clearing that up. I saw that, and I was pretty sure you were meaning to reply to my post.
Just to clarify, I in no way endorse Hillary Clinton. At all. Anyone who has read what I blog here, let alone on my own blog would probably do a double-take to read that I support Hillary or the CRC. Honestly, I see our homeschooling world COMPLETELY changing if Hillary signs the CRC with the UN. We will lose many freedoms that we take for granted now.
I have looked into Huckabee a little, though not as much as Spunky has. I am thankful for all of the information she has brought here to HWTB. If I go on his flip-flopping alone, I can take his honesty into consideration... and not vote for him. I will continue to look into him and the others.
The NEA's support of Mike Huckabee tells me there is something questionable there about him.

I do not feel I need to write Mr. H a letter, because I should be able to go on his record, not what he might tell me during a tight race for a presidential election. If he is elected President, then that may be cause to do so, but now he should be able to stand on his record. And, if I need to write a letter telling him what I dislike about his stance on homeschooling, that right there is where I am missing the "Homeschoolers for Huckabee" rally. I don't feel he will stand firm on the fact that parents should have control over their children's education, not the government. I don't think he honestly believes that. You can go to his own site and see he is for teacher and student testing, programs and other forms of gov't control. He is not for parental control. He is for government control. It's on his own site. I do not understand why,as a group, homeschoolers are supporting him. Or HSLDA. He tells all about all the changes he made for more gov't control of the public schools as Gov. That is fishy to me.
Thank you for your other comments on my second post, though. I too am very interested in getting to the facts behind why the HSLDA is courting Huckabee. Although I don't see it making a difference in his credibility or theirs, in my eyes.


Sorry, Spunky. Not sure if this is proper blog etiquette, but I wanted to clarify just a couple of things. Thanks again for spending so much time on this.
blessings, J

Thank you

12:04 AM, Monday, December 31, 2007 .. Posted by pathoflife

I am one of the guilty ones who was voting for Huckabee due to all I had heard from HSLDA. I will definetly being doing more research. That you for taking time to inform me!

Sorry this is 'anonymous'...

9:49 AM, Friday, January 4, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

but I don't have a blog here, so I'm called 'Anonymous'. I'm really not anonymous, I'm Heather Peterson, homeschool mom of five...

Anyway, thanks for looking at this issue. However, I find it pretty frustrating that your foundational fact is incorrect. THE NEA has not endorsed Huckabee - just the New Hampshire chapter has endorsed both him and Clinton. There was no agreement or discussion among the national organization, but Huckabee was the only Republican who deigned to speak to the NH group, and they chose to make him their favorite Republican candidate. I don't find this compelling, personally.

Heather

Me, again...

10:23 AM, Friday, January 4, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

HeatherPtrsn@cheerful.com

You wrote, above, "From what I understand, any law passed by the UN cannot overstep a law already in place in the country or state..." Actually, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a treaty, and treaties take precedence over any US law. So, you can see that the Convention is, indeed, quite a threat to our homeschooling rights, and from what I understand (I probably need to research this more), the left side of the aisle in Congress will be more than happy to pass the Convention as soon as they feel it will not be subject to veto by the White House.

I found this quote from Mr. Huckabee in a new interview, interesting: "When I asked Huckabee to point to language in the Constitution that authorizes a Department of Education or federal involvement in primary and secondary education, he said he does not believe the federal government has much more than a cheerleading role in this area. "I don't think there is really a federal role or responsibility, constitutionally, in education," he said. "I think education is a local function. It should be a state function. I have always believed that, and I still believe it. I think if there's a role, it is to encourage, it's to recognize the value and importance."

Apparently, he seems to understand the meaning of a federal republic, which most of the current candidates do not, and supports the idea that education is a state and local issue.

He clarifies this position further: "Huckabee told me that while he opposed vouchers in Arkansas and federal mandates for vouchers, he supports states and local school districts that implement them. "What I don't want to do is to have the federal government coming down and telling all 50 states here is how you are going to fund education, here is what vouchers are going to look like," he said. "Because in some states, for example mine, it would be very problematic to create a statewide voucher system when most of our schools are rural, they're small, they are miles from another school, the economies of scale simply wouldn't necessarily make it that easy to implement a widespread voucher system. But if local districts wished to do it, if states wish to do it, I think that's fine. It goes back to the basic concept that this is a state's decision.... and I think that we ought to have tax credits for a family whose decision is to put their children in an alternative environment. And that is something that I would support," he said. "It's an empowering method to families."

I found these comments useful in weighing Mr. Huckabee's position, and thought you might, as well.

I also was interested to find that he appointed a homeschool mom to the state Board of Education (NOT a popular move with the NEA, lol!!).

Just a few things I found when out trolling around for info! Thanks for your blog!


Heather Peterson, who hesitates to start a blog herself, for fear that I would spend all day reading, researching and writing!