Dec. 22, 2007
Huckabee Responds

Karen "Spunky" Braun, is a homeschooling mother of 6 in the Detroit area.    Karen had previously blogged at the popular homeschool blog,  SpunkyHomeschool.

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Comments

Dec. 20, 2007 - I'm not a narcicist, but...

Posted by Anonymous

You need to add your photo to this post. A photo in each of the last three articles just isn't enough! And because a photo is necessary to be able to take your words seriously.

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Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Spunky

Anonymous,

The photo is added by the proprietors of this site not me. If you would like another photo, I'll forward your recommendation to them. It is out of my control.

If you have thoughts about the actual content of the post, I'll be glad to answer any of those questions.

Thanks for the recommendation.

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Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Spunky

By the way, we share something in common, I'm not a narcicist either. The posts on this blog are written by a different person each day. My posts were a deviation from that and they wanted to make sure that there was no confusion over who was writing the posts. If you look on the left side you will see a schedule of writers. They are all homeschoolers with an excellent knowledge of homeschooling, I'd encourage you to stop by in the future and check out their writing as well.

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Dec. 20, 2007 - Thank you

Posted by Jocelyndixon

for posting all this info about Huckabee. I love to watch debates and politic-anything. I was thinking that Huckabee may have been the best choice, but obviously, after reading all this, he isn't.

Blessings!
Jocelyn

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Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaclsn

I completely disagree with the assessment of mike huckabee on this blog. I would encourage all readers to investigate on their own before forming an opinion. www.mikehuckabee.com

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Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Spunky

mamaclsn

I encourage all readers here to do their own research. I have linked to Huckabee's website in my posts. If anyone finds anything to be factually incorrect, I welcome the opportunity to correct the error. That's the benefit of blogging, we all have something to contribute.

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Dec. 21, 2007 - Gotta look at ALL the facts.

Posted by Anonymous

One of Huckabee's first actions as a Governor was to push for and succeed in the passage of a bill that decreased the difficulty and regulation for homeschooling in Arkansas. He was praised by HSLDA for working to help homeschoolers in Arkansas who had, prior to his tenure been over-regulated in their choice to homeschool.

Much later, (YEARS later) there were bills in other southern states (like Mississippi, I believe, among others) that were greatly restricting the regulations for homeschoolers. There was a bill on the docket of the AR legislature to begin excessive regulation on homeschoolers. Huckabee worked alongside homeschool fathers like Jim Bob Duggar (famous father of 17) and Magnus and other State Senators and Representatives to come up with a less regulated bill that would satisfy the needs of the State (having some measure of certainty about what was going on in some of the poorest parts of our nation-- in the AR delta area), while not over-regulating homeschool parents.

His bill was a necessary compromise in a heated, liberal (over 3/4 democrat) legislative environment which would have, without Huckabee's leadership, passed a horribly restrictive bill for homeschoolers. Huckabee's actions actually continued to HELP homeschoolers in Arkansas by limiting the amount of gov't intrusion into their lives.

I lived in AR at the time; I was involved in the 1999 legislature. I know it can look like one thing from the outside, but you need to understand Arkansas politics and Arkansas demographics to get the full picture. The AR delta is one of the poorest parts of America- literally, parents will take their children to the border of AR, near where the casinos are across the border, and will gamble and drink away every penny, leaving their children to be raised in utter filth and degradation that is unimaginable to the average American. AR dems realized this was a problem (that these poor children were not being enrolled in school at all, with their parents often claiming to be "homeschooling" them), and this could have resulted in a major clamping down on ALL homeschoolers in the state. Which would have been the result if Huckabee had not come in and worked with men like Duggar and others to come up with a compromise that the overwhelmingly democratic legislature would be pleased with, as well as something that homeschoolers could be satisfied with.

This wasn't some sort of government intrusion ploy on Huckabee's part. Quite the opposite. He has always, and will continue to, work with and for homeschoolers. I would encourage you to do more digging and find out the real story before you post hit pieces like this.

Sincerely,
Jess @ Making Home

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Dec. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Spunky

Jess,

"This wasn't some sort of government intrusion ploy on Huckabee's part. Quite the opposite. He has always, and will continue to, work with and for homeschoolers. I would encourage you to do more digging and find out the real story before you post hit pieces like this. "

In my posts I mentioned the first bill and that the second was a compromise measure. I linked to a blog that provided the news articles with the analysis.

The compromise was opposed by HSDLA. They and I both consider forcing a parent to wait 14 days before pulling their child out of a public school, something not required of private students, a huge violation of their constitutional rights.

If the homeschoolers of Arkansas are happy with a leader who compromises their rights in the face of Democrat opposition, who am I to argue? But Huckabee is asking for our vote as a nation. The Arkansas delta is a poor area, but it isn't the only poor area in America. I do not want a President who is willing to compromise our freedom simply because Democrats in Congress seek to impose restrictions.

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Dec. 21, 2007 - Hmmm....

Posted by AHappyHome

As a former teacher and NEA member, and now a homeschooling mother of (almost) six, my eyebrows went up regarding the NEA endorsement. However, in light of the HSLDA endorsing Huckabee, I am more than confident in his willingness and ability to do all he can to protect homeschool freedoms. I have confidence (is it misplaced?) in the integrity and faithfulness of HSLDA to be a watchtower over homeschool freedoms. I am not willing to die on the hill of "having it ALL or NOTHING", and reality is that compromises are necessary in government, especially when dealing with a majority of lawmakers that do not understand or support homeschooling. That doesn't mean our family personally won't do what is necessary to keep our children home, but I guess I'm a bit baffled now at which candidate you feel would be the best for protecting our freedoms.

Looking forward to your next article,
Keri

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Dec. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Spunky

"I have confidence (is it misplaced?) in the integrity and faithfulness of HSLDA to be a watchtower over homeschool freedoms."

You might be interested to know that Huckabee passed the legislation over the objections of the HSDLA. So while they were being the "watchtower" Huckabee sold out and compromised.

I think I might know part of the reasons....

Dr. Ray Simon who was the head of the Arkansas Department of Ed from 1997-2003 an likely part of all that was going on at the time said in 2000,

"To be sure, many public schools — and their baleful unions and wretched bureaucrats, their rigid rules and we-know-best manner — have done a lot to hurt themselves. But as the most committed parents leave, the schools may falter more, giving the larger community yet another reason to fret over their condition. "A third of our support for schools comes from property taxes," says Ray Simon, director of the Arkansas department of education. "If a large number of a community's parents do not fully believe in the school system, it gets more difficult to pass those property taxes. And that directly impacts the schools' ability to operate."

This was the man who was in charge of education in Arkansas when the bill was passed requiring homeschoolers to wait 14 days before taking their child out of school. Clearly, he sees homeschooling as threat to funding and any legislation that stems the flow back home is a problem. It was likely more about money than anything else.

So while you're confidence in HSDLA as a "watchtower" is justified, Huckabee's willingness to listen to them and not appoint those opposed to homeschooling is not. Dr. Simon was appointed by Huckabee.

Some may then point to Huckabee's appointment of a homeschooler to the state school board. But as most who are involved in education policy know, it is the state department of ed that has more control over education in a state. And he gave that position to someone who is not favorable to homeschoolers.

That's telling.

Dr. Simon is now serving as Deputy Secretary of Ed. in the Bush administration, I have to wonder what position he'll take on if Huckabee manages to win the White House. I don't think I want to know the answer to that.

http://www.time.com/time/covers/...0827/ cover.html

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Dec. 28, 2007 - Ron Paul

Posted by elkngid

While we are exploring the candidates, I would heartily recommend that people check out Ron Paul.

www.ronpaul2008.com/homeschoolers

He is the only candidate I have EVER been excited about. His voting record actually matches what he says.

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Dec. 28, 2007 - Ron Paul

Posted by Anonymous

I agree with elkngid.
www.ronpaul2008.com
Kelly

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Dec. 29, 2007 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>

Posted by pureandsensible

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 pureandsensible on Dec. 29, 2007 at 11:22 PM

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Dec. 30, 2007 - Thank you Leilani

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

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Jan. 2, 2008 - Spunky, I have to very respectfully disagree with your interpretation

Posted by doodlebugsndaisies

When you used the quote by the head of the dept. of education in AR, I think you are putting words into his mouth that aren't there. I don't know the context of his quote, but he seems to be speaking the truth. If parents lose confidence in the education system, they will pull their children out (homeschool or private school would apply here as well as the huge numbers who have been choosing to leave their homes and go to the northwest corner of the state where schools are better). If their children aren't in public school, they will be harder to convince to continue to fund the public schools. Arkansas doesn't have casinos to fund their schools like a lot of other poor states are doing these days, so that is a huge problem. The reality is that public schools are needed, even if we don't choose to use them for our families. So his concern as the head of the dept. of education is a responsible and valid concern. That does NOT mean that he is going to be anti-homeschool and antagonistic towards homeschoolers.

Too many homeschoolers today get blinders on and can only see someone in one light. It is completely possible for someone to believe in the value of both public schools and homeschool. They BOTH serve a purpose. I just feel like tearing my hair out when I see homeschoolers ready to lynch someone for having something positive to say about a public school. WE NEED PUBLIC SCHOOLS!!!!! There are children that cannot be homeschooled and if they don't have a good school to attend, then our society suffers. We as homeschoolers need to stop looking at public schools as the arch enemy and start looking at them as the option for the children who aren't fortunate enough to be homeschooled. It is in the best interest of us all to pray, support, and encourage those public schools to be the best they can be. Our children's future spouses just might be sitting in those schools today. Or their doctors... Or their pastors... Or their future president!

So stop lynching people just for having a heart for and concern for public education. It is way too paranoid to assume that they automatically hate homeschoolers because of their positive school stance.

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