A Quiet Revolution

A quiet revolution has been going on in Illinois. A state senator proposed a bill that would require homeschoolers to register with the state education department.  Taken completely by surprise, Sen. Maloney was dumbfounded as 4,000 homeschoolers stood outside the committee room while the committee deliberated. The homeschoolers sang "America the Beautiful" in 4 part harmony....as though it had been rehearsed. 4,000 strangers lifting their voices in a common purpose and a common love of freedom, children, and the right to raise them without the state regulating how they do so.

I heard this morning that Senator Maloney has backed down, and will not attempt to bring the proposed bill to a vote.  Committee members seem confused. Folks there at the scene reported some committee members as saying, "Who would want to spend so much time with their children anyway?", and the bill was only meant to weed out the "sinister" element in homeschoolers.

I watched the video of the 4000 homeschoolers, moms, dads, and their kids all singing America. The guards stood by, watching. The committee members behind closed doors had to have heard. Did it occur to any of them that the government could never improve on the honest and respectful and beautiful citizenry being raised in the homeschool movement? If the song alone doesn't convince you, maybe all the studies and statistics on homeschooled students will. They outperform public and private schools on average in every area measured....including civic involvement.

The National Education Association wants to get rid of homeschoolers. At least we are equal in this respect. I want to get rid of the NEA.

I cried watching my fellow homeschoolers, united in love of their country,  and their children singing the anthem of freedom.

Isaiah 52:7-9

 ⁷ How beautiful on the mountains
   are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
   who bring good tidings,
   who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
   “Your God reigns!”
⁸ Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
   together they shout for joy.
When the LORD returns to Zion,
   they will see it with their own eyes.
⁹ Burst into songs of joy together,
   you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the LORD has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.