Kat's Arbitrary Thought Processes

I’ve been having a very polite political debate (for a change) on a local homeschool board (well that explains it! *S*).

The question was, what exactly was Obama’s stance on homeschooling?  The truth? No one knows for sure.  There was something mentioned in a book of his, but that’s it.  So we are left with looking at his stance on education in general.  So, here’s a quote from Obama’s own website:

“Unlike other early childhood education plans, the Obama-Biden plan places
key emphasis at early care and education for infants, which is essential for
children to be ready to enter kindergarten.” <-source->

He wants to send infants to school to prepare them for kindergarten. I had one woman tell me I was wrong, that this was all about “the underprivileged children whose parents are not giving them what they need.”  She pretty much accused me of fear-mongering, and asked me to show where it said “all infants would be required to go to school?”  Thing is, I never said he wanted to send “all infants” to school.  Nope.  Never said that.  I have a problem with the way it’s worded. If he wants to improve daycare options for lower income families, say that. Don’t say “education for infants” because infants don’t need “education”, they need TLC.  And if this is about getting those “underprivileged” kids help, does this mean that I will have to prove that I am capable of caring for my own infant before he would let me keep my own baby all day?  She also mentioned that she wouldn’t mind sending in the required notice of intent a few years early so that an underprivileged 3 year old could have the security of school.  Again, if he meant 3 year olds, why didn’t he say “toddlers”?  He said “infants.”  An infant is the 0-2 range.  An infant doesn’t need education. If he just wants to make preschool mandatory, or even simply improve the Head Start type programs, then say that! Don’t tell me you want to supply “education for infants.”

When it comes to homeschoolers on the ticket, well…  I know the libs out there don’t want to hear this, but there is a homeschooler on the ticket.  The Palins are going to homeschool the oldest child this year. (Yes, I know. I can see that the decision was most likely made because of the teenager’s pregnancy.  And I know they will be using an Alaskan Virtual school.  But the point is, there is a homeschooling parent on the ticket, regardless of what you think of her.) <-source-> Sarah even gives homeschooling moms some respect.

I know a lot of moms who are busier than I am. They’re running all over also. And a lot of these home school moms, too, they’re teaching their kids in addition to doing everything else. And no, I’m not unique in this at all. <-source->

And unlike most of the Washington elite, her kids have been in the public school system for years.
<-source-> Who better to know what’s wrong with the public school system, and how to fix it then someone who’s been in the system?  Someone who has seen it working first hand?

I’m not here to defend John McCain or his policy.  The question was about Obama and homeschooling.  But, if anyone wants to read up on McCain’s educational policy, try here, here, here, and here.   From John McCain’s website:

“John McCain will fight for the ability of all students to have access to all schools of demonstrated excellence, including their own homes.” (emphasis mine) <-source->

Want more information on Obama and his stance on Homeschooling & education?  Try here, a good article with lots of links to the sources.

For more information about Barak Obama, the article here has A LOT of sources and videos of Barak in his own words. The Bitten Word has a copy of a letter from Hilary Clinton’s attorneys alleging voter fraud on behalf of Obama here.

Then there is this video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA6_k3NtXZs[/youtube]

It talks about the lawsuit against Obama (brought against him by a fellow democrat) to try to get a copy of his birth certificate and prove that he is a legitimate citizen of the USA. Why won’t he produce this? It should be easy to disprove the allegations and put this lawsuit to rest.

As a follow up, there is another video, which digs into the birth certificate issue and explains it very well:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAZAbqgpoGQ&NR=1[/youtube]

But back to homeschooling, and the original question.  The truth is, neither candidate has come out and stated a policy on homeschooling.  I would like to think that’s because they would both leave us alone.  Homeschooling should not be a national issue, it is a state issue.  According to the US Constitution, the Federal Government is supposed to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”  I don’t see Education.  Amendment 10 says anything not delegated by the Constitution or prohibited of the States, is in the jurisdiction of the States. Section 10 limits states from printing their own money and seceding from the union. (read it for yourself here.)

Personally, I think the Fed has gotten way to big, and taken on way too much that it has no business doing.  Do I think McCain will rein them in?  I would hope so, but I won’t hold my breath.  Do I think Obama would rein them in?  Nope, not a chance.   But for me the election is about way more then smaller government or education.  Honestly, I’m voting more against Obama’s policies then I am for McCain’s.  I don’t like it, but given the choices I have, I feel McCain is better.  It is sad that the election has come down to “the lesser of two evils” for so many. Personally, I would have much rather seen Tom Tancredo get the nod as his policies lined up with mine exactly, but it wasn’t to be.  Oh, and yes, I know there are lots of 3rd party choices out there, but I refuse to throw my vote away on someone that has no shot.

I’ve always felt that if you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain about the things that happen that you don’t like. Who you vote for is your choice – though I will argue and debate for my guy til I’m blue in the face -Please.  Do the research. Voting isn’t about “feelings”, it’s about the future of our country.  My children’s future.  Your children’s future.   Research.  Know why you are voting for or against someone. Then vote!