CA judge rules home schooling illegal

A 2nd District Court of Appeals judge ruled on Feb. 28 that home schooling is illegal in California if the parent-teacher does not have a teaching credential. For some reason, the decision did not come to light until today (March 6). Under the ruling, handed down by Justice H. Walter Croskey, parents who teach their kids at home without possessing teaching credentials would be subject to criminal complaints. I have not yet heard a good analysis of how this ruling may be implemented, nor how immediate of a threat it is to the dozens of home schooling families I know.

Under current laws, parents were supposed to jump through certain hoops in order to legally home school their children--such as hiring credentialed tutors or enrolling their kids in independent-study programs--but I understand those rules were rarely enforced. Whether or not this judge's ruling will be given the same treatment remains to be seen.

What also remains to be seen is whether it will actually see the light of day--in other words, several organizations that support the right of home schoolers to control their children's education are already lining up to oppose the ruling in some way. And I doubt that the state's law enforcement establishments are going to start rounding up otherwise law-abiding parents for a family decision that has otherwise been legal and does not pose a threat to anyone in society.

Nonetheless, it is obviously a disturbing and illogical blow to the ideals of family liberty.

In an Associated Press story on the matter, Justice Croskey was quoted as saying, "Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children." How he arrived at that conclusion is beyond me; I was not under the impression that the parents needed to consult the Constitution for permission to educate their children, nor do I think the Founding Fathers considered the document as a set of limitations on how parents may exercise their authority within their families.

As a college-educated man who was home schooled by a credentialed mother, I am outraged at this court decision. I encourage anyone who reads this post to get involved by calling your congressmen. Another good place to start would be at the Home School Legal Defense Association's Web site.

I will update this blog with any developments I hear regarding this court ruling and its consequences.

Rain = green

Lately I've been admiring the unusual amount of vivid green on the hills around Fallbrook. Even plants that are hardly ever green--that Baja desert variety which hides the life in its roots--have blushed a little green following weeks and weeks of rainfall.

I suppose it's human nature to desire what we don't have. When I lived in Portland for five years, it was sunshine that sounded good about nine overcast months a year. Now, I crave rain. This week has been sunny and balmy--the sort of weather we're known for in San Diego--and it's been great. I think the sunshine is a blessing, too. It's just hard not to love all the green, nor wish for more.

Ills, automotive and physical

It starts on Jan. 19, when my neighbor backed into my car and thrashed the hood. Before I could take the car to the repair shop, I came down with a really bad cold and took three days off from work.

Two Tuesdays ago, I get my car back from the auto shop and I'm like, Sweet! It looked great, new hood and all. Then on the one-week anniversary of that happy occasion, on the one-week birthday of my new hood, a young guy pulls out in front of me in Escondido and I've got this:

And this:

And this:

This is what the whole thing looks like from the front. For once in my life, it looks better than it is. The bumper is actually trying to fall off every time I turn around...

Add to all of that the fact that Dori is now sick with the flu, and you've got a glimpse into our last month or so.

However, I must say, I am thankful that I have a car. And when I was sick, I was thankful that most of the time I have good health. Perspective, I have learned, is a true blessing necessary to perseverance and faith alike.

Nothing like an ill spouse and a wrecked car to remind one...

...things could be worse, and they're not. Praise God.

A few shots

As I was reviewing my blog, I noticed I hadn't posted any pictures in a while. So to add a little color, here are some around-the-yard photos from last week... so much to shoot around our little house...

Sweet climate change Web site

Today, as I was trolling for news on the World Wide Web, I came across a Web site addressing climate change that I immediately appreciated for its approach. It's called "Climate Debate Daily," and it pits the arguments supposedly proving a man-made warming trend against the arguments opposing that idea--side by side.

The simple fact that the arguments opposing global warming are even given a place on the page may make it feel like the site is biased, but I would argue that's just because we're all used to seeing the issue presented as if there were no serious debate over the scientific merits of global warming theory. While Al Gore is busy flying all over the planet spreading his gospel, neither he nor the reporters covering his events nor his audiences even think to mention that well-educated, intelligent people disagree with his message. So if the debate interests you even a little bit, I'd recommend checking out this site.

Word of the day: 'Swum'

Of all the past-tense oddities of the English language, this has to be one of the oddest. It's my word of the day simply because I don't think I've ever said it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would doubt myself if I ever did use "swum" in a sentence. And you would laugh at me. Admit it!

Blogger's note: Books, and especially dictionaries, are full of good words. Feel free to leave a comment sharing one of your favorites, and keep watching for more of mine.

I voted

This morning, I donated my "I VOTED" sticker to my wife, who forgot to grab one on her way out. But I really did vote. Our polling place happens to be the First Christian Church of Fallbrook, the oldest remaining church in town. Several of our good friends have gotten married there over the past few years, and voting inside such a venerable establishment just makes me happy.