HSLDA ~ German Family Faces Trial

As a home school mom I find myself constantly interested in the goings on of fellow home school families around the world, especially Germany. Here is a story from my most recent HSLDA newsletter that you may find interesting:

HOME SCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOCIATION

HOME SCHOOLING / INTERNATIONAL

Germany

June 17, 2008

German Family Faces Trial, Possible Jail Time for Homeschooling

The Dudek family in Archfeld, Germany will be tried on June 18 for homeschooling their children. The Dudeks have quietly and successfully educated their children at home in obedience to God but in the face of Germany’s restrictive laws regarding homeschooling.

The family faces German prosecutor Herwig Mueller, who appealed the previous judge’s ruling that the family be fined. Prosecutor Mueller believes that a fine is insufficient to punish the Dudek family for homeschooling and told the family, “You don’t need to worry about the fine, because I am going to send you to jail.”

The Dudeks homeschool their seven children because of their religious convictions, and they have done well. One of their older son recently received the highest marks in a public school evaluation. The Dudeks are heartbroken at the thought of having to choose between their home and homeschooling.

In Germany, courts have decided that it is an abuse of parental rights to homeschool. Many German homeschooling families face a stark choice—hide or flee. This is not a choice that citizens of a free democratic country should face for homeschooling. Germany’s behavior and treatment of parents who homeschool is outside the boundaries that should be tolerated by freedom-loving nations. In fact, in response to a question recently about homeschooling, Jan Figel, the Commissioner for Education for the European Union, stated that even though education is a national issue, parents should have the right to decide what is best for their children, and that this right is protected by the European Charter.

In spite of this, the German Federal Government passed a law to make it easier for the Youth Welfare Office to take children who are “endangered”—a term that is not defined in the new law and would allow for complete discretion on the part of authorities to decide and when and how to intervene in a family. The Youth Welfare Office has shown a willingness to seize children of homeschooling families in the past, as in the case of Melissa Busekros and others.

The Dudeks are grateful for the prayers and encouragement they have received from homeschoolers in America and other countries. They feel that they are not alone, and they are confident that regardless of the judicial outcome, they are following their convictions and the calling of God.

HSLDA asks all of our praying members to remember the Dudek’s this week as they face this trial. Their brave example helps to point out the outrageous behavior of a so-called “free country” and demonstrates what we in America know—that freedom isn’t free—it is purchased with a price. The Dudek’s are confronted with the cost of following their convictions. And their example is one we should remember as we consider our own freedom.

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Boot Camp Pictures

I just checked the web site for the Sea Cadet Boot Camp, and they have pictures available. After wading through them I did manage to find some of Andrew.

It looks like they are working very hard. We did get a letter home. It was too funny! He was commenting on how he bets the food for Father's Day was so good and better than the food there. Not that the food is too bad there, but mom's food is the best. Gotta love that kid!

We are really looking forward to attending his graduation this Sunday at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois. There will be over 700 family members in attendance for the cadets.

Andrew is fourth back on the left.

Getting the famous military hair cut!

Running the track ~ second back on the left.


Third back, third row from the left.

Responsibility to Protect?

It has been years now that I have been hearing about the genocide in Darfur. This morning I viewed a PBS airing of Frontline's production, "On Our Watch", originally aired in November of 2007. This continues to break my heart.

Despite the ongoing crisis little has been accomplished. The genocide started in Darfur in 2003. Individuals have gotten involved, but the United Nations has been unable to accomplish much. Refugees remain in danger and in need of assistance. There is great need for security, shelter, medical care, and food.

There were eight resolutions through the United Nations in 2006. Specifically, number 1706 was seen as an opportunity to finally make a difference. It provided the impetus to boost troops in the region. Unfortunately, this offered little relief. The genocide expanded crossing the imaginary border between Sudan and Chad.

A grass-roots organization, Save Darfur Coalition, has amassed a large following including big name stars like George Clooney. This non-profit organization has managed to gain the support of 54 universities, 20 states, and 9 cities that have all restricted investments in Sudan and Chinese oil companies. The Chinese have hindered the ability to offer relief to the people of Darfur supporting the government of Sudan.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has managed to bring charges against some of the perpetrators in Sudan, but the government refuses to hand them over. It has been stated that Darfur is not important enough globally to warrant the necessary action from the United Nations. Darfur Activist, Eric Reeves, launched a campaign against China called, The 'Genocide Olympics'. This campaign has gotten much attention.

The 26,000 troops that were authorized for deployment to Darfur as protectors to civilians is merely political progress. It is just too little, too late.

Resources for further information:

A Problem from Hell by Samantha Power

A Long Day's Dying by Eric Reeves

The Best Intentions by James Traub

MiaFarrow.org

TheBostonReview.net

PBS.org

The Graduate

This year is a landmark year for our family. We just graduated our first home schooler! Amie Lynn Smith is our first home school graduate and youngest daughter. We are so excited to be with her as she ventures into the next chapter of her life.

Amie will be starting at Macomb Community College in the fall. She will be working toward a business degree. After she earns her Associates in Business she plans to continue her education at the Michigan School of Mayomassology.

This is a very exciting time for our family. Amie will be living at home while she pursues her continued education taking full advantage of the family support system. What a joy it is to be partners with her as she explores her interests.

Making Memories

About a week ago, Pat and I took two of our grandchildren, Harmony and Dustin, to the Detroit Zoo along with our youngest son, Adrian. What a great time we had! It was so much fun to see the kids get excited about the animals, the fountain, and the train.

Despite the fact that it was so hot that day it was pure joy for all of us to experience elements of nature that are rare and exciting. How often do we see a flamingo or a penguin? Harmony just loved the penguins. Although, it did take her a few minutes to warm up to the reptile house.

The highlight for Dustin was the train. Oh, how he loved the train! We had a great time sharing in his joy. Isn't it fun to watch the uninhibited enthusiasm of a child? He was so excited!

Our time was maximized due to the fact that we went prepared. We all had our hats, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks and water. We had everything that we needed to stay comfortable and healthy without having to spend a ton of money while we were there. Although, since our membership does give us a discount in the gift shops, we did get the little ones a memento from the day.

Despite the fact that they are two and almost three both of the young ones remember our day at the zoo. Harmony asks if we are going to see the animals every time she comes over now. Even Adrian, 14 years old, enjoyed the day and looks forward to going back. I am sure we will see many visits to the Detroit Zoo before our pass expires next year.