Jun. 20, 2006 Belgium, Belien, the CRC...and the Suppression of Speech
I've been following a little of the discussion regarding Paul Belien being interrogated by the authorities in Belgium. Apparently, homeschoolers in Belgium inspired by the UN's Convention of the Rights of the Child, must agree to educate "respecting the respect [sic] for th fundamental human rights and the cultural values of the child itself and of others." Now, it is not that I have anything against respecting the cultural values of others. But how does one define respect? And who gets to make these determinations? And at what point does disrespect equate with criminal behavior?
As Dr. Belien has been outspoken against the "islamification" of Belgium and the rampant immigration, one might well interpret him as not respecting the cultural values of others. In fact, his site has been censored with a nice message telling us the post has been removed by the "Center of Equal Opportunity and the Suppression of Racism" (my translation of that particular division of government's offical title...my Dutch is a bit shaky, but that is the gist of it). I'm not against respecting other cultures, and I'm not for racism. And I have not read this particular post, asit is no longer there so I cannot really offer opinions as to whether Mr. Belien is indeed a racist. Or if he is indeed part of some "Neo-con" plot against Muslims. Or if his publication of the Danish cartoons which was disrespectful of Islam had any hidden motivations as part of this broader conspiracy he is alleged to be a part of. This seems a little far-fetched to me, but the publication of these cartoons, according to Knack, was to incite radical and moderate Muslims into violent activity so that all in Europe and America would believe that ALL Muslims are violent and dangerous.
Strange accusations flying against this man...but at what point can and should the authorities take over? When does speech become criminal? I think more and more I am leaning to agree with Daryl...and this report...that the harrassment really doesn't have much to do with homeschooling. Suppression of speech comes more immediately to mind, but that's just me. I think Dr. Beliel is making a lot of people in power very unhappy in his little country. The politics there are far different than here. Freedom of speech doesn't mean quite what it does here. Rights are viewed very differently. As I have noted previously, rights are granted by the state. I cannot speak directly to Belgium in this, but in Germany, at least, if a thing is not expressly allowed in the constitution, it is forbidden...in direct contrast to how our government supposedly works. Our central government is supposed to operate with express powers given it and all other powers rest with the states or the individual. These very different views of government make it difficult to really understand some of what we see in European countries.
And where's the outcry from Belgium? I don't know. I wouldn't know quite how to acertain whether that is even measurable from my desk here in Nebraska. But since The Center for Islam in Europe uses some rather strong implications that Belien is desiring to institute some sort of "pogrom," I'll point out that the Jews themselves did not cry out as Nazi Germany rounded them up and committed the real pogrom.
Hat tip: New World Man for the link to the article from the Libertarian Alliance.
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Jun. 11, 2006 When Homeschooling Doesn't Work
I am clear on my objectives in homeschooling. I know why I am doing it. But I don't have those clear, measurable objectives that I learned about in the School of Ed.
I am not so worried about academic objectives. I feel adequately prepared to give my children at least as good a start as any public school. And if I fall short? If they aren't prepared for college level work? They will be adults, and if I have ingrained in them the benefits of hard work, accepting responsibility and seeking assistance when necessary, they will apply themselves and look for the help they need to fill in the gaps.
I am not so worried about "socialization." Already, all three of my children display signs of being quite outgoing. They have no difficulty interacting in a social setting, although my daughter perhaps is a bit too talkative in such situations.
My concerns deal with faith, independent thought, character. They deal with issues of the heart which can only be measured by God. What if I fail in this? All the academic and social skills in the world will not draw my children nearer to God if they reject His teaching. What if I lose my children? What if I'm too hard on them? Or not hard enough? What if I preach too much...or too little? What if the life I display before them is too far from what I say to give the words any meaning?
I wish there were a clear curriculum choice that would guarantee the results I want. Except if they claim that, I would put it back on the shelf, because even in my moments of desperation, I know it isn't that easy. Calacirian relates a recent experience at a homeschool convention in which she ran into a friend whose children had walked away after homeschooling them:
"Well, I'd like to go in there," and she gestured toward the Vendor Hall, "and tell them that they're selling lies. None of it works." I appreciate companies that stand behind their products and I appreciate churches who stand behind homeschooling. But no method of education will guarantee that our children will live by the principles we teach them, whether that is Christian or not.
I am not perfect. And I see my sins replicated in my children. I know the only way to correct this is through better modelling. A closer walk with Christ. Becoming like Him. But I am not perfect. I will always fall short. And my children will always see that more than anyone else.
Right now, my children exhibit a sort of blind faith in God. They have a love for him compatible with their age and understanding. My seven year old prays for her friends and family and that we will have enough food. My three year old's prayers recently have reflected a great concern for God. He prays for God's safety, that He will go to heaven one day and that He won't get hit by a car. My one year old states emphatically, "Ayeeoma!" which I think is what she gathers from, "In Jesus' name, Amen."
And if they leave that? I will naturally blame myself. My imperfections. My lack of proper training. But they aren't clean little slates adopting only what I write upon them. God himself created two perfect human beings and placed them in a perfect environment. They chose to walk away. It certainly was not the fault of their creator, nor of their education. Sometimes, the hardest thing about faith is recognizing that it isn't about me and my plans and my abilitiy to carry them out.
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May. 28, 2006 CRC: The End of Homeschooling? (Or Worse?)
 I picked this up earlier over on Daryl's site, and admittedly did not read it with much thought. As his title implied, this seemed like old news. I'd heard it somewhere before...perhaps from one of those many HSLDA newsletters. I'm still kind of wondering why everyone seems to be talking about it, other than the fact that WorldNetDaily posted a story today about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its possible effects on homeschooling.
President Clinton signed this treaty February 16, 1995, but it has never come before the Senate for ratification. As WorldNetDaily points out in its article, this has not stopped federal judges from appealing to its authority. Apparently the judge argued in the case outlined that most of the rest of the world had signed it, thus "...it should be considered a part of American jurisprudence." Just to state the obvious, might I add that we signed the thing? That seems to imply intent on the part of our governing officials to adhere to these points. I know we are not bound by a treaty until it is ratified by the Senate, but historically, it has been pretty much assumed that if our President signs a treaty, the Senate ratifies.
What is the problem (if any) with this particular treaty? Is it going to end homeschooling in America? It hasn't ended homeschooling in any nation that has signed and ratified it yet. In fact, many of the nations who support this most strongly, consider homeschooling an inaliable right. In August 2005, the Norwegian Education Minister proclaimed, "Homeschooling is a human right." Homeschoolers in Germany are pressuring the government to give them the same right to home educate that every other nation in the European Union has. They are even looking to appeal to the International Court of Human Rights in order to force Germany to allow homeschooling. I don't see anything in any reading of the treaty that would make homeschooling actually illegal...unless the child voiced a preferance for public school.
I have many problems with this particular treaty, however.
To begin with, the United States is a sovereign nation. The points outlined within this treaty are not of international concern with regards to our nation. Our Constitution gives our central government three powers: declare war, handle foreign affairs and print money. If we, by the principles of our founding, do not give such authority to our own central government, why on earth would we hand it over to an international authority?
Secondly, this is the United States. Granted, it is not a perfect nation. But we do not circumcise our little girls, turn a blind eye on honor killing or advertise our child sex rings to business travellers. Nor do we operate sweat shops staffed by minors and allow fathers to kill their children for converting to other faiths. I side with New Zealand,
Nothing in this Convention shall affect the right of the Government of New Zealand to continue to distinguish as it considers appropriate in its law and practices between persons according to the nature of their authority to be in New Zealand including but not limited to their entitlement to benefits and other protections described in the Convention, and the Government of New Zealand reserves the right to interpret and apply the Convention accordingly.
The Government of New Zealand considers that the rights of the child provides for in article 32 (1) are adequately protected by its existing law. It therefore reserves the right not ot legislate further or to take additional measures as may be envisaged in article 32 (2).
Finally, the language of the conference is vague and hopelessly ambiguous. It is open to wide interpretation. After almost every point, I can't help but think, 'ok...but what does that mean in practice?" They are general declaratives without anything objective or measurable. There is no hope of any sort of consistent interpretation.
My main question is, "Why?" Why did we sign this? Why would anyone think we need to apply this to ourselves? Why would we want to ratify this? I found one uncompelling reason. Not because the United States needs to protect its citizenry from evil despots and guarantee basic human rights to children. Not because we are particularly lacking in any of these fields. The main reason given was because if we do not, we cannot meddle with other nations. According to the Campaign for the US Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, :
The participation of the United States is also very important to help ensure that the world is living up to the standards stated in the Convention. Without U.S. ratification of the treaty, the U.S. government is excluded from participation in evaluating, monitoring and advising other nations. In order for the United States to have a voice in setting, evaluating, and improving standards for children worldwide, ratification of the CRC is absolutely essential.
So we want to give up our sovereignty to an international body to regulate conditions that don't need regulating here so that we might meddle in the sovereignty of our neighbors?
I may tackle some of the individual points later, but I encourage all who are interested to read the document.
(photo: A boy in the Solomon Islands plays with his homemade truck. UN Photo #156318C)
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May. 22, 2006 21st Carnival of Homeschooling: An Invitation to a Progressive Dinner
  Welcome to the 21st Carnival of Homeschooling! As the formal school year is wrapping up for many of us, I chose to organize a progressive dinner party to help get everyone acquainted as we travel the blogosphere. Unless otherwise mentioned, all entries were submitted by the contributors. Let this serve as your map as we travel from place to place to enjoy the treats that have been prepared for us. One nice thing about events planned by homeschoolers is that the hosts assume that children will be in attendance. So if ever they get too restless at any of the destinations, let them play. The public schools don't, as Natural Moms notes. Carolyn of Guilt Free Homeschooling reminds us that play is in fact very valuable, "the work of the child."
 While we are waiting for everyone to arrive, feel free to grab a beverage and join The Autumn Rain out on the lawn for some pleasant summer read alouds. What do the neighbors and passers by think as they listen? While you are there, Mary Ellen from the Bonny Blue House is sharing the benefits of a summer reading list. Don't forget to take in the scenery of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, as shared by Blessed to Be Homeschool3ks. What a way to turn your surroundings into an education!
 Now is the fun part. Arrange your car pool because it is time to move on to the appetizers. These are a great selection of encouraging blogs about homeschooling. Jenny of Classical At Home shares with us her inspiration for homeschooling and how a brush with death changed her priorities to include homeschooling. Reflecting on our own mortality does change how we view things. Stacy from Teaching Diligently takes a moment to give us some inspiration on how to leave a lasting treasure for our loved ones. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy even for homeschooling families to take for granted that our family is getting enough time together. Cirque de moi shares her thoughts about making time amidst our planning. Over at Hutcheson's Happenings, Tammy shares reflections on her homeschooling journey. We all go through stages in homeschooling and she outlines hers nicely. Kim of Life in A Shoe chimes in with some reflection on her own education as she thanks her parents for choosing to homeschool. She has an interesting perspective as a second generation homeschooler. Mamalogues is also sharing her reasons for homeschooling as she counters some common misconceptions and answers un-asked-for criticism with, "That's MRS. Crazy Nutty Freak Job, Young Man!"Just for a taste of homeschooling, Leslie of Bona Vita Rusticanda Est shares her 9 year old son's first written narration. Pretty good for a talking cucumber.
 Next, we move on to the salad. Don't forget who you arrived with, or someone might get left behind. That is no fun at a progressive dinner as even the host intends on leaving for the next destination. As we settle in for the buffet-style salad line, we have some friendly conversation about some of the freedoms and benefits of homeschooling. If you enjoyed Mamalogues wit above, you will enjoy her take on socialization at Since Eve. The ClubMom blog is pretty new, so stop by and give her some socialization in her new venue. Very busy Lisa of Me and My House Musings asked me to pick something when I invited her to submit. Since I like her so much, I obliged and chose to include her thoughts on the principles of wisdom as she shares about developing a biblical worldview in our children. We homeschoolers come from a variety of backgrounds and we take a variety of approaches. NerdMom asks for some help sorting through all the options. Tami offers us a bit of insight with her review of "Curriculum Methods" by Paul and Gena Suarez. As great as we find homeschooling, is it the only way? Sara from the Learning Umbrella, who was herself homeschooled, shares why no one should be forced to homeschool. With high stakes testing, some have been told there is no other option for their failing children. On a similar note, Confederateson shares in his entry an article by Doug Wilson about homeschoolers and "homers." What do you think? Do you know anyone who is "aggressively imperialistic" about their homeschooling choices? I would have loved to have answered his first commentor in verse, but I fear I lack that much creativity. All I could think to do was replace "home schooler" with "public schooler" and that didn't sound any "cooler." As you finish up your salad, please note the crack in the paint in the corner. This beautiful effect wasn't planned this way, but Notes from A Homeschooling Mom knows how to look at what seems to be a defect and bring out its beauty. It is the same with our children. Sometimes they fall short of our expectations because we fail to consider who they are as individuals.
 For the main course, I thought we'd share a bit of the "meat" of a homeschool day. We pray before meals here, so I thought I'd start off with a beautiful lesson from PrincipledMom. What a wonderful illustration of the child as the bud and Christ as our covering. If Christ is our covering, than we should take time to place His word in our heart. Anne of Holy Experience shares a beautiful post on the ART of memorizing. Joanne of A Day in Our Lives shares some of the liberty...and the responsibility that goes along with it...of educating at home as she discusses what unschooling is. And isn't. Do you need some help bringing some more art into your day? Cathy of Creativehsmom has a wonderful lesson on art history. Maybe I wouldn't feel so intimidated about art lessons if I had had a teacher like Cathy! As the sides are passed, you might catch a little of the conversation going on about How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. I've been reading a lot about this book, recently, and Maureen of TrinityPrepSchool discusses the ability to read well by the four distinct processes as outlined by Mr. Adler. Karen of The Thomas Institute also shares with us a lesson in reading. She uses Five in a Row and has shared here some great extension activities with Storm in the Night. Probably the one subject that seems to give most homeschoolers the most anxiety is mathematics. Mama Squirrel from Dewey's Treehouse is here to help with some ideas for mathematical reasoning using cuisenaire rods. Denise of Let's Play Math gives us some thought as to why we study mathematics in the first place. I cetainly asked that of my teachers often enough in high school! And just before slipping off to our next destination, I share some instructional strategies to help get the most out of television without succumbing to its brain deadening effects.
 Well-fed and relaxed, it is time to move to our next destination for some dessert. Away from lesson plans and curriculum objectives, it is time to share about a typical homeschool day. Even Susan Wise Bauer, co-author of The Well-Trained Mind has them. The Cates of Why Homeschool show how her days run pretty much like ours...full of surprises and mishaps. Desserts also imply endings. Steve Walden offers some perspective on the end-of-school-year rush and the priorities we should keep in mind as the formal academic year closes for many of us. Ending more than a school year, Patricia Ann's Pollywog Creek Porch is reflecting on the last years of homeschooling the last child. Do our priorities shift as we begin to look at the years of no children ahead? Do we start to seek fulfillment outside the home? Patricia Ann reminds us that even our well brought up, independent teenagers need their mothers. Looking forward just a few more years, Semicolon takes a look at that final dessert in homeschooling: the homeschool graduation. One chapter is closed, and another is opened. Whether you are coming to the close of a homeschool day, a homeschool year, or homeschooling itself, your children need to know how they have done. But before you scoop them up with a shower of empty praise, take a look at Belinda Letchford's thoughts.
 In Italy, no dinner can rightly be called over without an espresso. A long day and a bit too much caffeine brings out a touch of controversy. Starting off gently, Elena of My Domestic Church discusses options for homeschool graduates. Sometimes the debate is presented as if McDonald's or college are the only two options. Gotta think outside the box a little (although economically speaking, McDonald's really does not fair too badly in the long term when compared against the income of the average college graduate.) In the meantime, Spunky engages us in a conversation about the efficacy of homeschooling. Should Christian students be part of the redemptive plan for public school? With her usual wit and reason, she answers a resounding "no!" Shall we take a peek into these public schools in need of redemption? Scott of Somerschool also answers the issues raised by Dr. Beam. So let's go with the military analogy. He demonstrates the war waged against the Christian youth in secular education and likens them to the Iraqi insurgents. Not much of a chance. And for a bit of insanity directly from Seattle Public Schools, check out this definition of racism, submitted on K-Dad's behalf. This bit stood out to me: "emphasizing individualism as opposed to a more collective ideology." So now anyone who is not a socialist is a racist? We then join Maribel of APMFormulators for a different concern, which should be shared by the public schooled and home schooled alike: the future of public libraries in the face of the internet.
 I hope you have enjoyed this progressive dinner. Please take a moment to help the host clean up. If you have noticed any mistakes or faulty links, please let me know so that they may be fixed before new guests arrive. It would also be greatly appreciated if you post an invitation at your blog as you return home. The parting thoughts I am going to leave to Barbara of The Imperfect Homeschooler. She shares a poignant post about learning to let go as she reflects on the joys of homeschooling while getting ready to sell her homeschool materials. Last week's carnival may be viewed at Home Sweet Home. Next week's will be hostedby the Headmistress over at The Common Room. Carnival archives may be viewed here. And if you have a post to submit, check right here.
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Feb. 18, 2006 Defining Treason
Anonymous posted a very well thought-out reply to the original post in this topic, Homeschool Is Treason.
It raises an interesting discussion on definitions which is very pertinent to education today, even outside socialist rants which seem on the periphery of intelligent discourse. Spunky has raised questions regarding definitions regarding home schooling and how our rights may be taken from depending on the state's definition of homeschooling. It is the whole reason many of us choose to use Webster's 1828 to define words. The Foundation for American Education provides a good explanation of the importance of establishing the meanings of words.
TREASON, n. tree'zn. [L. traho. See Draw and Drag.] Treason is the highest crime of a civil nature of which a man can be guilty. Its signification is different in different countries. In general, it is the offense of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance, or of betraying the state into the hands of a foreign power....
In the United States, treason is confined to the actual levying of war against the United States, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
Uner this definition, the original argument is a bit ridiculous. No one has raised arms against the United States, nor given aid and comfort to her enemies, through homeschooling. No one is attempting to overthrow the government. We work through the constitutional means afforded us to bring about the changes we would like to see. That is part of living in a republic.
But under the definition of Princeton University's Wordnet, we see listed: - a crime that undermines the offender's government
- disloyalty by virtue of subversive behavior
- an act of deliberate betrayal
Now, suddenly, merely disagreeing with the government can bring about charges of treason. When a poor, black woman sits on a bus, or a group of students take a seat at a counter where only whites are to be served, we suddenly have grounds for charging treason.
Or, perhaps as my anonymous commentor pointed out, the definition applies more readily to the public school system which, through its subversive methodology. promotes the overthrow of our government in favor of a socialist one not built on the constitution, a document whose purpose, by the way, has been outlived. From an email from Carrie, "Our constitution put limits on the powers of the government to prevent those sympathetic to the british cause from handing the reins back to brittain - this is no longer an issue."
Sounds like Germany all over again. Were you aware that, while here and in England a thing is assumed protected unless expressly forbidden, in Germany it assumed forbidden unless expressly allowed by the constitution? That is because socialism views human rights as a gift from government, not an inalieable right given by God. And that is not Nazi Germany, but the Germany that our fair government under Truman had a rather large role in creating.
homeschool, education, treason
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Jan. 27, 2006 Homeschool Is Treason
Allright, I have sat on this for a week now, so if any of you do any serious blog surfing, you may have already read this as it appears to be linked everywhere. But I thought I'd share it here for two reasons...1) a lot of you do have a life and don't spend so much time on the computer and this really is worth some thought and reflection. 2) It deals directly with a concept central to why I home educate. Here is the original post in its entirity (reposted here with Carrie's permission). The subsequent discussion via email is also interesting, and I may draw on that later for some additional material. My responses are in italics:
Homeschoolers say they have many reasons for what they do, but it all boils down to one simple thing: Treason.
Although they say otherwise, it isn't because of "better academics" (which they tout through flawed research) or fear of violence (which is just as likely to occur at home as it is at school - and if they ever DO let their children out into the real world, they are exposing their children to other threats - just like the rest of us). Homeschoolers, quite simply put their own selfish biased agendas above the well being of the society and community that supports them.
I agree absolutely. The majority of homeschoolers do not homeschool for the improved academics. The fact that they tend to score somewhere in the 85th percentile on those standardized tests as compared to the public school's placement in the 50th percentile is nothing but a nice perk. The fact that Universities seek out homeschooled students is also a recent phenomenon that has nothing to do with the choice for most to homeschool. Face it...if we wanted the academics, we'd hire a tutor. Less stress for us and probably a lot cheaper in the long run.
It isn't about fear of violence. I actually have never heard that as an actual reason....sometimes as an "oh I'm glad my kids aren't in that school in Ohio where that girl was raped in front of a bunch of students and it was video taped." But those kinds of things are only said by people who already homeschool.
To really understand this, you need to know what goes on in a public school. It isn't all reading and math and rote memorization - really in today's society all of that is less important than the SOCIAL IDENTITY of the children that pass through the halls of public school. Almost since their inception, public schools have been a means of molding the children into adults with a social conscience that benefits the society they live in. Children are taught about the equality of the races and sexes, of the rights of others with different viewpoints, of the need for providing for the welfare of those less fortunate than ourselves and even their duties to their country (such as with the selective service). And the benefits are obvious and easy to see. It is NOT by accident that just as public schools became the norm, our life expectancies have grown. It was through PUBLIC education of such things as proper sanitation (Cleanliness is next to Godliness is a GOVERNMENT sponsored slogan of the early twentieth century) and immunizations (ever notice how the anti immunization crowd is always heavy on homeschoolers?)
You are absolutely correct that public schooling is not about reading and math. It is about socialization. The process whereby we become good little socialists and think how the state wants us to think and do what the state wants us to do. Stalin socialized food production. Canada socialized health care. The public schools socialize children...it is the process whereby the children are made property of the state.
Public schooling allows the parents to be more useful to society as well. The process for this is called SPECIALIZATION. The idea is basically that a person who dedicates himself to doing one thing well produces more than the same person who divides his time among two or more things. The reason is simple. It takes time, investment, training and focus to do something well. You lose time switching between stuff, you waste investments by not specializing (this is because of the economy of size). You waste your training if you divide it among two or more things because while you are doing one, you aren't doing all the other stuff you are trained in. And finally you lose focus if you are dividing your attention amongst different things. Specialization is why Henry Ford's assembly line put him leaps and bounds ahead of his competition. It is what brought about the industrial revolution and it is what made this country into the superpower it is today.
Homeschooling is antithetical to specialization. While you are homeschooling, you lose your ability to be productive in other areas. Hence you suffer, the people who would have benefitted from your services or goods suffer, and society in general suffers.
You are also correct on specialization. When parents specialize in their careers, they have no energy, focus, usefulness left over for child-rearing duties. Good thing the benevolent state is so ready to step in here. Unfortunately, the teacher only specializes in education. So the children are kind of left without anyone actually specialized in parenting. That's kinda sad, I think.
As to the net benefit of man, however, I have to strongly disagree. Hitler went on about something similar. The final solution did have something to do with improving the overall genetic makeup and net benefit to the German people. That's taking the idea to the extreme, obviously, but the worth of man is not reduced to the sum of his economic activity. If you are concerned about homeschoolers in this (and homeschooling does not even fit as an example in your paradigm anyway), why don't we eliminate all those leeches in our society that take but do not give....prisoners, welfare recipients, the retired...
Homeschool
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