The state is generally very slow to remove children from the home and that really is the way it should be…we wouldn’t want a lightning fast CPS investigating after a false allegation, for example.

I (and I’m sure most others who have read through the court papers) would support this family not being allowed to homeschool…and some say that is all this court case really says.) I’m no expert on CA law and what the judges did or did not consider, but it seems to go beyond that in some of the language. That, however, looks like it will be satisfied soon with perhaps more clarity for all.

You did a nice job on it, I think.

I did try to keep my initial blog post factual and save commentary for later posts. Obviously it’s difficult to be completely objective when reporting on something about which I feel strongly, but I tried my best.

The rest of the appellate opining is indeed troublesome language, but ultimately not binding on this family much less other hsers, IF the legal question about the CA Education Code is resolved as I see it almost certainly must be.

But that isn’t exactly what the ruling says. Which complicates things.

And of course every person should choose, weigh what we can and will do for ourselves and what we decide to seek help with, from whatever source. I’m firm and consistent about that position in all matters educational and not.

I’ve never been much of a joiner, especially political interest groups, unions and social alliances for causes. I may be unusually independent in that regard, very DIY. Heck, I am eligible but won’t even join the AARP as an interest group to represent me as a citizen who happens to be over 50 . . .

I disagree that joining means you sit back and relax. But this is what I would want in the ideal state organization:

Updates on legislation in a summary format with links to the actual document. Links to contact information is also nice. I don’t mind a position statement, but I do tire of the e-alerts which inform me what to think of an issue and even write out what to say.

However, membership in an organization should not mean you go to the park and stop worrying about your liberties. Take two examples:

The NSEA (NE NEA) is furiously fighting legislation which will likely pass this session. At the hearing, their representative, Jay Sears, and the Commissioner of Education testified against the bill, but where were the thousands of teachers employed in this state? Not one showed up. I doubt they heard half the ripple over this bill that they did over the homeschool bill.

Because although many of us do have membership, we also take our liberty as a personal responsibility to maintain. There is a reason that we have historically seen a gradual liberalization of the laws despite our small numbers. Part of that is the strength of the cause of liberty. : ) But I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we act individually as well as in concert.

The NEA, despite the size of its membership rolls and the money behind it, does not seem to be able to generate the same energy.