A Parent's Right to Choose Education

  If you agree, do pass on the very important thought to other families.

May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,

Granpa Chuck

Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

 

March 27, 2013
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(Go to Original Link)
Whether they are concerned about a national student database, failing public schools, bullying and violence, or moral instruction, more and more parents are looking for choices in education. Many pull their children out of school and teach them at home, but not all parents find this solution practical. Others are looking to put their children into private schools that will protect their privacy and their values, whether secular or religious. But some find themselves unable to afford this option, either.

Last week Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee introduced an amendment to a budget bill that would allow federal Title I dollars to go to whichever school a student below the poverty line actually attends. Under current rules, that money can only go to the public school in whose district the student lives; it cannot go to a private school. In most cases, changing this rule would allow $1,300 per student per year to go to whatever accredited school the student attends, even if it is a private school. This would allow schools to reduce tuition or credit the money against the tuition of the low-income student.

Some are opposed to any bill that would send tax dollars to a private institution. Others hold that the tax dollars earmarked for education should be used for that purpose, regardless of what school parents choose; private school (and home school) parents pay the same taxes as everyone else.

“School choice for low-income parents and students across America is a way out of the poverty cycle,” sponsoring Senator Rand Paul stated in a Senate.gov release last week. “Allowing Title I funds to follow the student creates an opportunity for students to get the most out of their education in the best environment available.”

While ParentalRights.org does not have an official position on this amendment (which failed on a 39-60 vote), we do support the right of fit parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their child. 

We believe every fit parent has the right to shape their child’s education, 

and we do not believe poverty should take away this right.

The right to direct the upbringing of one’s child is one of the fundamental liberties traditionally upheld by the Supreme Court, but it is now being eroded in federal courts. This is a result of the fractured and ambiguous ruling in Troxel v. Granville, the 2000 case in which the Supreme Court called parental rights “fundamental” while refusing to accord them proper legal protection.

This ambiguity is a primary reason for our proposed Parental Rights Amendment, which begins:

The liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right.

Action Items

1. Pass this email along to your friends and family who might support a parent’s right to direct the education of their child. The Parental Rights Amendment would not ensure tax dollars for private schools – it has nothing to do with funding. But it will preserve the role of parents in deciding the kind of education their children receive.

Ask your friends and family to sign the petition at ParentalRights.org/petition. (If you received this email directly from us, you have already signed this petition.)

2. Volunteer to take an active role. Whatever your passion or skill set, we would appreciate your help in promoting the Parental Rights Amendment. Simply fill out our online volunteer form.

3. If you have not done so lately, please donate to continue our efforts to preserve parental rights. We regret that because we are a lobbying organization, donations cannot be deductible for income tax purposes, but we depend on the support of donors like you to keep us moving forward.

Whether you enroll your children in public school, private school, or home school, we appreciate your support of parental rights. By standing together regardless of our educational choices, we can preserve every family’s right to choose for themselves.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

A Tale of Two Measures from Parental Rights email

 Here is the latest email from:

 Hopefully, many are at least following the development Or even better yet becoming a part of this movement?
It is going to take a lot to make a difference, but we ALL must join together.
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March 13, 2013 A Tale of Two Measures Two state measures are facing important votes this week, and they provide the perfect opportunity to clear up a few things about what is going on in the states. The first measure is Oklahoma’s HB1384, the Parents’ Bill of Rights bill. It passed the Human Services Committee on Feb. 20 and now faces a floor vote in the Oklahoma House. If it passes, it will go to the Senate, where it will again be assigned to a committee before it can go to the floor. (Oklahomans can read the current alert here.) The second measure is Nebraska’s LR42, a legislative resolution that would call on the U.S. Congress to adopt the Parental Rights Amendment and send it to the states for ratification. LR42 faces a hearing in the unicameral Judiciary Committee on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. (Nebraskans can read the current alert here.) So, how exactly does a bill like HB1384 differ from a resolution like LR42? What is our plan for using these measures in the states? A Bill Creates Law A bill such as Oklahoma’s proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights is intended to make law. It has a direct and binding effect within the state that passes it. Generally, the parental rights statutes we are championing in various states take the legal standard that has been established by the courts, and add it to the state code, or written laws. This preserves the standard so that it will not erode under future courts or legislatures, but it does so without disrupting the legal balance already in place. States continue to exercise jurisdiction over matters of child abuse or neglect, for instance, but the fundamental right of parents to direct their child’s upbringing is secured. Oklahoma’s bill will also preserve this balance, but it is a more involved statute than for instance the one passed in Virginia last month. HB1384 seeks to establish the rights of parents in a number of specific areas impacting children. Boiled down, it would still equate to a preservation of fundamental parental rights; it just involves greater detail. If it passes, HB1384 will become binding law on every court in Oklahoma. However, even HB1384 is not sufficient to protect parents and children if the U.S. Senate chooses to adopt the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) or the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Once ratified, those treaties would become “the supreme law of the land.... anything in the law or constitution of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.” So why pass it? Because the law would provide clarity and security for families in the courts until such time as one of these treaties is adopted. A Resolution Impacts Congress On the other hand, Nebraska’s LR42 doesn’t make any state law at all. Rather, it constitutes a request from the government of Nebraska to the government of the United States: send us the Parental Rights Amendment so that we and our sister states can ratify it. Resolutions like LR42 have already been adopted in Louisiana, South Dakota, Florida, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, and though they have no legal effect, they have an impact on the U.S. Congress. First, the Congressmen and Senators who represent that state in Washington, D.C., are encouraged to support the aim of the resolution. Second, both grassroots supporters and other members of Congress can see the support spread across the country. Finally, enough resolutions could ultimately put Congress over a barrel. While 6 or 7 may not seem significant, if we start to reach 28 or 30 resolutions, Congress will be under a lot of pressure to propose the amendment. That’s because the Constitution allows two methods of amendment. The first is for 2/3 of each house of Congress to pass the amendment, then to send it to the states for ratification. (Ratification requires the approval of 38 states.) The second way is for 2/3 of the state legislatures – that’s 33 states – to apply to Congress for a convention to propose an amendment. If 30 or more states have called on Congress to propose the amendment, it becomes clear that those same states could decide to call for a convention. The handwriting would be on the wall, so to speak, so Congress may as well pass the amendment along. (Ratification still requires 38 states.) Planning Our Efforts Initially, we were working on resolutions at the state level to engage grassroots volunteers and involve the state legislatures. Recently, though, we have come to realize that parental rights in America may or may not have the time to wait for passage of the amendment. Statutes provide real legal protection right now, and until we get the Amendment adopted. That’s why some states have tried one method and others another. Virginia’s House of Delegates adopted a resolution 3 years ago (which died in the Senate), but the full legislature just passed a parental rights statute earlier this year. Resolutions are currently being considered in Texas and Mississippi as well as in Nebraska, while Oklahoma is joined by Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas in attempting to secure legislation this session. Other state efforts will soon be getting under way, too, while we hope to engage many other states next year. Action Items If you live in Nebraska or Oklahoma, please see the respective alerts and take action in your state this week. If your state is otherwise listed in this email, be prepared to take action when an alert comes your way. Decide now that when you receive that message, you will take the time to act. Finally, if you would like to help with the launching and championing of a resolution or a statute in your state, please email David and let him know of your interest. And no matter what state you live in, your generous donation* today will help support and continue our efforts in every state until parental rights – and the children they protect – are secured throughout the United States. Sincerely, Michael Ramey Director of Communications & Research * Because ParentalRights.org is a 501(c)(4) lobbying organization, we regret that donations cannot be deductible for income tax purposes.

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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,

 GranPa Chuck

  "We the "Little" People"

    Defend Yourself http://nfpcar.org/Jurisdictionary/

  My Family Reform Blog
  My Family Rights Affiliation

Victory for Virginia

February 26, 2013

Victory in Virginia!

Virginia’s Parental Rights Act has been approved by both houses of the General Assembly and sent to Governor Bob McDonnell for his signature. This is a major victory in Virginia, and hopefully just a first step as these statutes take hold nationwide.

The Parental Rights Act, which in Virginia is both House Bill 1642 and Senate Bill 908, states: “A parent has a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” The measures were adopted in both houses with bipartisan support.

There was opposition, apparently over fears that the bill would somehow impact existing laws, even though the standard it codifies is already the legal standard of the courts in the state. Virginia lawmakers got around that fear by adding a second section which specifies, “That it is the expressed intent of the General Assembly that this act codify the opinion of the Supreme Court of Virginia in L.F. v. Breit, issued on January 10, 2013, as it relates to parental rights.” The case cited recognizes parental rights as a fundamental right and requires strict scrutiny in their protection.

The Family Foundation, the Home Educators Association of Virginia, and the Home School Legal Defense Association provided vital support as Delegate Brenda Pogge and Senator Bryce Reeves led the way in passing these bills. ParentalRights.org is especially grateful to our state leader, Teri Beatley, and to HSLDA attorney Scott Woodruff who testified on behalf of our organization as well as his own. We are indebted to all of these and to you who called to bring this victory to pass.

Once Governor McDonnell signs the bill(s), the rights of parents in Virginia will be safe not only in the present, but even if federal court decisions continue to erode parental rights in the future.

Unfortunately, this will not be enough if the U.S. Senate ratifies a United Nations treaty – such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) or the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – that would shift the responsibility for child welfare from fit parents to the federal government. Under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, a ratified treaty supersedes state laws.

So we continue to work toward passage of an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prevent the abuse of this treaty power. The article would prohibit the President and Senate from adopting any treaty that would impact the rights of parents like those addressed in this new Virginia law.

And we continue to work in various states to see more victories like the one we are celebrating in Virginia today!

State Updates

Oklahoma’s HB 1384, for instance, passed the House Human Services Committee last Wednesday (Feb. 20) on a 6-3 vote. From there it goes to the full House for a passage vote. On the same day, Senator Griffin signed on as the principle Senate author to guide the bill through the second chamber.

Kansas and Missouri also have bills pending. Though there is no specific progress to report from Kansas, Missouri’s HB 513 is likely to be voted on in the House Children and Families Committee this afternoon.

Several other states are also working on resolutions this year. Pennsylvania’s HR71 calls on the U.S. Senate to reject ratification of the CRC because it poses a threat to parental rights. If it passes, Pennsylvania will join Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Alabama in rejecting this dangerous treaty.

Nebraska’s LR 42 and Mississippi’s SC 530 both call on the U.S. Congress to propose to the states for ratification the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If they pass, these states will join Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Louisiana, and Florida in calling for the Amendment.

Action Items

Even if there are no pending bills or resolutions in your state, ParentalRights.org is active there. Please continue to spread the word about the need to protect parental rights in your state and in the U.S. Constitution. And if you would like to volunteer in an even more active way, send an email to Deputy Grassroots Director David Scheurn at David@parentalrights.org. Tell him your city and state and ask him how you can be more involved in fighting for parental rights.

Finally, if you are able, please consider adding ParentalRights.org to your monthly budget. Even $5 per month adds up over time, and will help support our efforts continually until parental rights are preserved in our Constitution and parents in every state enjoy the protection that Virginia has just secured. Just click here to start your giving today*.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

P.S. – Facebook Fan February ends in just 3 days. Please encourage your friends one more time to like our page as we strive to reach 30,000 fans! (Just 727 to go!)

* Because ParentalRights.org is a 501(c)(4) lobbying organization, we regret that donations cannot be deductible for income tax purposes.

May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

I AM A BAD AMERICAN

YES, I'M A BAD AMERICAN

by: George CarlinMay 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

 

I Am Your Worst Nightmare.

 I am a BAD American.

 I am George Carlin.

I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some

mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!

I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!

I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and

does not entitle you to anything.

I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.

I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where                they want to.

My heroes are John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers, and whoever

canceled Jerry Springer.

I don't hate the rich.

I don't pity the poor.

I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or

arguing about it.

I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches

or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you!

So, shut up already.

I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you

came from and change your own country!

 

This is AMERICA.

I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse

Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of

the problem and not the solution.

Can I get an AMEN on that one?

I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running

from them..

I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are.

..and, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license.

I think it's good..... and I'm proud that 'God' is written on my money.

I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want

you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the

world for the next four years.

I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me

stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their cause.

I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.

..and what is going on with gas prices... again?

I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.

I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA!

If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.

If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know.

We want our country back!

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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Shooting VS Psychiatric Drugs - Is There a Connection??

Just click on the LINK in the left-column, if you want to read all the details on each listed incident.It's a little easier to understand when you can see it in a list......Rx drugs.  School Shootings looked at............. What Drug Date Where Additional School Shooting Prozac WITHDRAWAL 2008-02-15 Illinois ** 6 Dead: 15 Wounded: Perpetrator Was in Withdrawal  from Med's; Acting Erratically School Shooting Prozac Antidepressant 2005-03-24 Minnesota **10 Dead: 7 Wounded: Dosage Increased One Week before Rampage School Shooting Paxil [Seroxat]       Antidepressant 2001-03-10 Pennsylvania **14 Year Old GIRL Shoots ; Wounds Classmate at    Catholic School School Shooting Zoloft Antidepressant &       ADHD Med 2011-07-11 Alabama **14 Year Old Kills Fellow Middle School Student School Shooting Zoloft Antidepressant 1995-10-12 South Carolina **15 Year Old Shoots Two Teachers, Killing One: Then       Kills Himself School Shooting Med For Depression 2009-03-13 Germany **16 Dead Including Shooter: Antidepressant Use: Shooter   in Treatment For Depression School Hostage Situation Med For Depression 2010-12-15 France **17 Year Old with Sword Holds 20 Children ; Teacher Hostage School Shooting Plot Med For Depression       WITHDRAWAL 2008-08-28 Texas **18 Year Old Plots a Columbine School Attack School Shooting Anafranil Antidepressant 1988-05-20 Illinois **29 Year Old WOMAN Kills One Child: Wounds Five: Kills Self School Shooting Luvox/Zoloft Antidepressants 1999-04-20 Colorado **COLUMBINE: 15 Dead: 24 Wounded School Stabbings Antidepressants 2001-06-09 Japan **Eight Dead: 15 Wounded: Assailant Had Taken 10 Times  his Normal Dose of Depression Med School Shooting Prozac Antidepressant       WITHDRAWAL 1998-05-21 Oregon **Four Dead: Twenty Injured School Stabbing Med For Depression 2011-10-25 Washington **Girl, 15, Stabs Two Girls in School Restroom: 1 Is In Critical  Condition School Shooting Antidepressant 2006-09-30 Colorado **Man Assaults Girls: Kills One; Self School Machete Attack Med for Depression 2001-09-26 Pennsylvania **Man Attacks 11 Children ; 3 Teachers at Elementary School School Shooting Related Luvox 1993-07-23 Florida **Man Commits Murder During Clinical Trial for Luvox: Same Drug as in COLUMBINE: Never Reported School Hostage Situation Cymbalta Antidepressant       WITHDRAWAL 2009-11-09 New York **Man With Gun Inside School Holds Principal Hostage School Shooting

 
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org