I want YOU for the homeschool movement...
Last Wednesday, on February 6th, six hundred homeschool students and their parents attended the second annual Legislative Day at the state capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. Though the number in attendance was lower than the expected 1,000 (because of the ever-present snow) the capitol building was filled and senators kept busy. From 10:00am to 4:30pm, students listened to senators' thoughts on LB1141, met with and spoke to their own senators privately, and listened to various speakers on the importance of being involved in our Legislature, such as Al Riskowski of the Nebraska Family Council.
All in all, it was a very good turnout, with this being only the second year for NCHEA to hold Legislative Day at the capitol. Governor Dave Heineman stated that he would veto the bill 1141 if it reaches him, while many homeschoolers pray that it will not go that far. Senators that spoke strongly against the bill, and in great support of homeschoolers and the advancement of Christ's kingdom, were applauded and greatly appreciated. It's encouraging to see and be reminded that there still are Godly, convicted men still in office today, despite the decline in upstanding or backbone among our senate.
So we had one good turnout, but the fight for the killing of this bill is yet continuing, and requires even more attention and work than ever before Saturday the 26th, when the bill will be discussed at a hearing. This is a serious encroachment of the rights of homeschoolers, and I urge my readers, even those outside the State, to take action and make your voice heard.
Here's what you can do to fight LB1141:
- Write an article for your local paper
- Let your friends know; spread the word
- Pray and alert your Church
- Keep informed and up to date (join NCHEA and sign up for their newsletters)
- Attend the hearing at the capitol on Saturday, January 26th (where HSLDA attorney Michael Donnelly will be testifying against the bill)
Get out there and start fighting this! You may not be “into politics”, or concerned for the present, but I can assure you that if this bill goes through, your children and their children will be harrassed and restricted by it. This bill will not only bring to pass the harsh control that it spells out, but will open doors for harsher and even more restrictive bills to be passed. Join the army. Pick up your sword (the Word), and march with us into battle. The Lord wants YOU to join his army, and defend the God-given rights of the family.
Lex, Rex
600 passionate, conservative home educators all in one room. Quite the experience.
We met with our senator, Kent Rogert, to voice our opposition to LB1141. It was disappointing that he did not know much about the bill, or give us a clear answer as to whether or not he would oppose it.
Go here to read an article and watch the video of Lincoln's coverage for Legislative Day, as well as leave your opinion in the lengthy comment section.
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11 comments:
Aww...I would've LOVED to make it to that gathering and meet you! I mean, you're right, it *is* about time!!!!
But unfortunately, I couldn't make it. My two big sisters were there, though! So you probably met them.
And again, thanks for letting me quote you. And thanks for the comment.
We'll meet someday, okay? And I can't wait. That would be too cool! (We should start e-mailing or something...)
r"he was elected by my district mainly through his age and smooth looks" You mean some representatives are actually elected on other qualities?
You Nebraskans are in my prayers.
The United States gov't was founded on the theory of separation of church and state.
It is really disturbing to someone that is not a Christian to hear a young girl write things like this:
the advancement of Christ's kingdom, were applauded and greatly appreciated. It's encouraging to see and be reminded that there still are Godly, convicted men still in office today, I am glad I do not live in Nebraska.
Been praying, Jen!
Erica,
Feel free to email me any time! And let me know if you happen to be in Omaha.
Jacob,
Forgive my harsh words. They were not very diplomatic. But, it is disturbing to see how many Americans are deceived by smooth talking and looks; just consider Obama!
Anonymous,
Separation of Church and state is a whole different argument, however, it is a fact that every person in office is driven by his morals and religion, otherwise, where would one take a stand on, say, abortion? And I agree; Christians dominating America is something that is a definite "threat" to liberals. We are not only actually letting our children live, but we are raising them to be smart, educated, moral, and strong leaders. The name of the living God and the work that he does truly is to be feared.
Thank you all for your prayers! Nebraska really is a great State; I just want to keep it that way.
There is no place for religion in public education. There is no place for religion in the laws of our nation. You may practice your beliefs however you want, but the fact you are pushing them on others, nonbelievers, is offensive and threatening. And the fact you take pride on that is truly distressing. This is not Saudi Arabia. This is not Israel. This is the United States of America. Your religion is no better than anyone elses. Tht's the idea around here.
I found you blog on the Rebelution blogroll. You have done a great job on here.
I linked to this post in the homeschool carnival.
[...]Jennifer’s Musings has posted a call to arms on her blog. She needs people to send letters and make phone calls to the Nebraska State Legislature. I Want You for the Homeschool Movement.[...]
http://ericnovak.com/?p=145
Eric Novak
Anonymous: (#2)
You say there is no place for religion in public education (whether there is a place for govt-funded public education is another question altogether; but I digress ;) ). Consider, however; as Jennifer stated earlier, everyone acts upon morals, whether acknowledged or not. Furthermore, all laws are legislations of morality. You cannot go in life without taking positions on these important issues. Even your position (all religions are equal) is a position. :)
All religious beliefs are exactly that - beliefs. If you expect someone to hold to beliefs without attempting to convince others of their "rightness," then you are asking people to deny that they sincerely hold those beliefs - thus undermining the whole point of religious beliefs. :)
What Jennifer is advocating should not be perceived as threatening or offensive. (What happened to tolerance of other beliefs?) She is not trying to convert you by force or kill you if you don't believe her religion. She's not even trying to take away your freedom of religion, speech, etc.! (Unlike certain other countries in the Middle East if you openly hold a different religion.) She is only expressing her thoughts, and wants to convince skeptics (such as yourself) that she is in the right. Of course, you can disagree, and she clearly welcomes disagreements (or else she would have turned off the ability for anonymous comments). If you wish to disagree with her on here, give her the same courtesy: reasoned discussions, not just generalized "you're wrong" statements. :)
Do consider: You accuse her of pushing her beliefs on others. Are you pushing your beliefs on her? It's a two-way road. In order to truly discuss the issue, both sides need to realize that they want to convince the other side of their "rightness." I think Jennifer realizes that quite clearly (on her end). Do you? :)
Only when both sides are completely honest can meaningful discussion truly commence.
All religious beliefs are exactly that - beliefs. If you expect someone to hold to beliefs without attempting to convince others of their "rightness," then you are asking people to deny that they sincerely hold those beliefs - thus undermining the whole point of religious beliefs. :)
There is a time and place for sharing and exchanging beliefs. My point is that the education system and public school system and public government in this nation is NOT the place for advocating Christianity. I am hardly pushing any beliefs upon her, I am simply suggesting that community and churches and places of worship are the appropriate place for her to share her opinions and try to persuade people to see her way.
Asking the gov't to rule by the word of God is offensive. Pieces of legislations may have moral basis, but that does not mean it is a "religious" basis. You cannot legislate morality because neither you, nor Jennifer, nor I know whether our beliefs are right or wrong - they are simply our beliefs.
It is frightening to see outspoken Christian leaders use halls of Congress as they would a sunday pulpit - that is what offensive. NOT the fact that a Congressman may be a Christian man, but that he USES his position as an elected official to espouse his religious beliefs....THAT is what mimics the gov'ts of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. And that is what I hope this country will never become.
Anony. #3
Asking the gov't to rule by the word of God is offensive. Pieces of legislations may have moral basis, but that does not mean it is a "religious" basis. You cannot legislate morality because neither you, nor Jennifer, nor I know whether our beliefs are right or wrong - they are simply our beliefs
It IS important that God be in the educational system. Because when He isn’t, people (like yourself) forget that our country was founded on Christianity and has only survived and thrived for this long because God has willed it.
Hey Jennifer!
I'm so sorry that I didn't answer your question in one of your emails that you sent me. Yes, our family did go to the Capitol for the hearing on LB11-41! And where you there? we didn't even know each other then! That was an amazing day in lots of respects, and I'm so sad about our home schools being in such a threat.:(
I really like your blog! I so wish that I had one as well, but my parents have said no, so I need to honor them. And I know that they really care about me!
In Christ,
Hannah
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