Good points. I'd just add that we all benefit by having a well-educated society and we can't leave it to individuals to educate their children. Some may want to and do a good job but people need CHOICES.
As for the learning opportunity, I have found that just having signs up for candidates (we have a municipal election on November 13th) leads to all kinds of discussions about what offices we are electing people for and what wards are and all that kind of thing. Makes me get my game up on all that democracy stuff, too.
I commend you for homeschooling. I wish I could do the same for my youngest (13) although it would be a huge mistake for my oldest (15). They are totally different kids, and I am just so glad that you were able to make the right choice for your kid(s).
It is a choice of priviledge. Nice to know that folks realize it.
And good for you for getting your kids involved/educated in the election process. I do as well and I think that is key to our nation's future; kids need to learn how to think and act for themselves.
Your comment about how most voters are not well-educated about local elections really hit home for me. I voted yesterday and, before going to the poll, downloaded a sample ballot and started researching candidates' positions on the web.
And was very surprised and disappointed at how little information the candidates provide on their websites about their stances on the issues, even two weeks before an election. Most of the statements were short and vague, and lacked any information on what actions a candidate proposed to take on specific issues. So even if we try to educate ourselves, the candidates do not help much. Shoot, Kirk Watson's website does not mention the Tran-Texas Corridor or school vouchers, two hot button issues in Texas right now, and the email I sent to his campaign asking about them was kicked back hours later as undeliverable.
Two great exceptions were AG candidate Van Os, who not only posted his positions and intended actions in office, but detailed all the actions he is taking now. I was impressed that he was not waiting until he held elective office to act. The other was Hank Gilbert for Agricultural Commissioner. I spent half an hour on his website. His positions are very well expressed, thoroughly thought out, and his examples and proposed actions numerous and specific. But I spent so long there because of everything I learned from his website about the Trans-Texas Corridor, school lunch programs and NAFTA/CAFTA effects on Texas farmers. I even sent his campaign and email thanking them for the education. And of course, I voted for both.
Dang, ditto ALL of the above! (How often does that happen?) I'm standing on my chair clapping for this post. Thank you for making me feel better about sending my kids to public schools. We are in a good school district and I can't do it myself. I need them and I wish I didn't.
And thus why I always look forward to your posts about homeschooling, when much of what other people write drives me bonkers.
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