This morning I received an email reminding me of a critical principle of government that I have not pondered in some time: The purpose of government is to protect freedom and not to provide.... anything.
When we allow government to provide this service or that, we at the same time give up a portion of our freedom. Frederick Bastiet's essay, What is Seen, and Not Seen, explains that often in politics (and life) we make choices based on the immediate consequence and obvious results, but in reality the bigger, most impactful consequence is often delayed or not readily seen.
My favorite example of this is that when a child is crying, if you give them a candy (or whatever they are wanting) - they stop crying and eat the candy, that is seen. What is not seen, is that later they expect to be given what they want when they cry or whine, and it will be all the harder to teach them to ask appropriately or accept "No" as an answer. The immediate result was to stop the crying, but the long term result was a child who is much harder to work with.
This follows the pattern of nature that we reap what we sow. When I plant a seed, it is several months- and sometimes years before the fruits of that effort are seen, and ready for harvest.
So it goes in government - only the part that is "Not Seen" is often further from view - harder to identify the long term consequences as they pertain to a large group of people, and that outcome may not surface for many years to come.
The email I read was concerning a Utah bill to provide a tax break for homeschoolers. As a homeschooler this should sound really good to me - more money in my pocket. However, the unseen effects of such a law, do not fit in the proper role of government, it is providing a benefit to one sector of the population. The tax dollars spent in managing and regulating it, are an unneccesary burden on the people of Utah.
More importantly the long term consequence of having government "give" homeschoolers this benefit is that we give up a portion of our freedom to have it. Whenever government has a law, there are requirements that must be met in order to qualify for it. In the beginning, the requirements are usually simple - submit a home school affidavit, perhaps testing, eventually it always becomes more involved - receipts of educational materials or meeting with state teachers are possibilities.
I home school so that I can have the freedom to teach my children what and how I see best. Any government encroachment on that is undesirable, regardless of the cost benefit. It has been proven over and over that an excellent education is not directly related to the number of dollars spent per child - especially in the home school arena.
This is one tiny example of how our nation has lost most of its original power and greatness. Seemingly good ideas, easy to argue for in the short term view, get added to the books. But they become cumbersome over time, as more details are needed to manage them. If we can discipline ourselves to only pass laws for which government should have jurisdiction over, and not try to legislate benefits - for any one group, or for the people as a whole, we will have hope of restoring America's greatness.
Here is the email I received for reference:
When we allow government to provide this service or that, we at the same time give up a portion of our freedom. Frederick Bastiet's essay, What is Seen, and Not Seen, explains that often in politics (and life) we make choices based on the immediate consequence and obvious results, but in reality the bigger, most impactful consequence is often delayed or not readily seen.
My favorite example of this is that when a child is crying, if you give them a candy (or whatever they are wanting) - they stop crying and eat the candy, that is seen. What is not seen, is that later they expect to be given what they want when they cry or whine, and it will be all the harder to teach them to ask appropriately or accept "No" as an answer. The immediate result was to stop the crying, but the long term result was a child who is much harder to work with.
This follows the pattern of nature that we reap what we sow. When I plant a seed, it is several months- and sometimes years before the fruits of that effort are seen, and ready for harvest.
So it goes in government - only the part that is "Not Seen" is often further from view - harder to identify the long term consequences as they pertain to a large group of people, and that outcome may not surface for many years to come.
The email I read was concerning a Utah bill to provide a tax break for homeschoolers. As a homeschooler this should sound really good to me - more money in my pocket. However, the unseen effects of such a law, do not fit in the proper role of government, it is providing a benefit to one sector of the population. The tax dollars spent in managing and regulating it, are an unneccesary burden on the people of Utah.
More importantly the long term consequence of having government "give" homeschoolers this benefit is that we give up a portion of our freedom to have it. Whenever government has a law, there are requirements that must be met in order to qualify for it. In the beginning, the requirements are usually simple - submit a home school affidavit, perhaps testing, eventually it always becomes more involved - receipts of educational materials or meeting with state teachers are possibilities.
I home school so that I can have the freedom to teach my children what and how I see best. Any government encroachment on that is undesirable, regardless of the cost benefit. It has been proven over and over that an excellent education is not directly related to the number of dollars spent per child - especially in the home school arena.
This is one tiny example of how our nation has lost most of its original power and greatness. Seemingly good ideas, easy to argue for in the short term view, get added to the books. But they become cumbersome over time, as more details are needed to manage them. If we can discipline ourselves to only pass laws for which government should have jurisdiction over, and not try to legislate benefits - for any one group, or for the people as a whole, we will have hope of restoring America's greatness.
Here is the email I received for reference:
Emily,
I am happy to have you share this.
Here is the deal. I know that Connor, the actual author of this bill is trying to do a good thing. I don't not like him or anything like that. In fact, I bet on many things we would agree. But, there are some real concerns with this bill that I felt needed to be brought to light. There will be strong feelings on this topic, but I just had to say something as a warning.
HB 134, authored by Lifferth, is a bill we need to stop. Here is why. It is a bill that gives a tax break to homeschoolers. Sounds cool, but what is not seen? Tell people and contact your reps and senators. The best way to stop this is from a grassroots level. Talk to people!
When someone starts homeschooling, they always think, "It's too bad I have to pay education taxes when my family is footing the bill of ALL of their own education. It doesn't seem right." I thought this when I first made the choice to homeschool. But, after a year or two I read "What is Seen and What is Not Seen" by Bastiat as well as "The Law".
After reading those essays I started looking at everything through the lens of principle instead of personal interest.
Now in an ideal world the government wouldn't be legislating education, but since that is not the case there is an exchange of money that does take place between the government, the families and the schools. Too bad, but I don't think we will ever get rid of that beast which should have never happened in the manner it is.
These are the reasons this bill is not good for homeschoolers.
1. It puts all homeschoolers on a list with the government. The state then knows all the people who homeschool. (least of my worries. But, I would think it will be a NEW list at the State instead of just at the district.)
2. It is not a fair bill because it is exclusive to homeschoolers and doesn't mention private school families or other similar educational choices. And what about people who don't have kids at all or anymore at home or college students? They will have to have a tax credit too. Will that encourage people not to have children? Hmmmm. Just a thought.
3. It puts a law regulating homeschooling on the books of the state. At the very least this is dangerous for the years to come even if it isn't dangerous when it is first passed.
4. As we all know, a bill is often very different from it's original draft by the time it is completed. This bill could lead to mandatory testing or something worse. Whenever money is given accountability is always a factor.
5. We should not be luring people to homeschool for a financial reason. Parents need to be dedicated to the education of their children when they choose to homeschool. That is a principle they can go the distance on. And, as a lifetime homeschooler, I know that money is not required to make a great learning environment at home.
6. People will start feeling entitled. In fact, I'm pretty sure some already are. That is likely where this bill stems from.
7. The Law is not for people to get personal gain or perks. This issue is not meant for law.
8. I have always looked at my education portion of my taxes as an investment in the community even though I CHOSE for my children not to attend. Homeschooling is a choice. We pay taxes so that there is always a slot open for our children if we need it. That is how I look at it. Any homeschooler can go get supplies from schools even or participate in extra-curricular activities at school because of the taxes. But, some don't take advantage of that benefit. That is their choice.
9. This bill is totally one sided. If we take that money out of education, what are the chances that all taxes would go up for everyone to make up the deficit? Probably pretty high, especially if we make if fair and let private schooled families get a tax break too.
10. The bill is disturbingly like Obamacare. I fear it will turn out the same eventually. It promises perks but will just make us all more regulated in the end. Just like healthcare. Canada gets a kickback for homeschooling, but they have to account for everything they buy and they have to check in with a government worker every month or so.
Anyway, we need to fight against this one. It is not the proper role of government and will likely hurt the homeschool community more the help it in my view.
Here are a few other thoughts I have had.
This bill is too relative. What about parents who have a child who goes to one class at school but pay for all their other education. If I am only having my child there a percentage of the time. Shouldn't I get a percentage of the credit? I would still be paying twice. And, what about my other children? Would I lose the credit if Paije goes to one class at the high school when I am homeschooling all my other children? (or if I have one of my children in school full time? There are many families in this situation.) And, if families in this situation can get the credit, what would stop families who don't homeschool from trying to get a credit for one child being home part of the day too? People always want something for nothing these days. They will chase the tax break if there are any open loop holes. And, if there aren't any loop holes we are talking about a lot of auditing I would think. The law, if on the honor system will be abused. And, if it isn't on the honor system it is too intrusive. Do you see? This won't ever work as it is, and it will not be a step toward anything but confusion.
In my mind it is a matter of principle (what is seen and what is not seen, proper role of government etc.) VS personal interest.
I have always decided not to sell my freedom for a few free potato chips. I give up my personal interest sometimes to maintain true principles. We have to consider public virtue on this one too. When we stand for principles that don't even look like they benefit us in the moment because it is right for future generations it is public virtue.
There have been many comments on Facebook using the word FEAR.
What person that is homeschooling isn't doing it because of fear of something (or if you want to say it differently, wisdom)? Some are afraid of common core or sex ed. Some are afraid of the social or the conveyor belt education. Some are afraid their child will not get his needs met or have close relationships with family and God. Honestly, fear is not a cut and dry thing. It is relative and most likely not the correct word to use in this case at all.
For example: A hungry lion is lying in my bed? Do I just jump in because I don't want to look like I was afraid? No, I analyze the situation and then I wisely choose to not sleep with a hungry lion in order to preserve my life and my freedom.
I hope people will look past what will most benefit themselves, and look at what might happen to their children who want to homeschool when a law like this is on the books. I brought this whole thing up because I am trying to look ahead wisely too. I'm sure Representative Lifferth and Connor are trying to do good things, I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of "what was not seen" so that they could have their voices be heard on this.
Oh, about about the "being on a list" thing. Honestly, that is the least of my concerns listed. I probably shouldn't have put it as number one. It is minor compared to all the other concerns I have.
Warmly,
Nicholeen Peck
Parenting Mentor & Family Support
Author of: "Parenting A House United"
The Book: http://teachingselfgovernment.
The BBC show: http://teachingselfgovernment.
Site: http://teachingselfgovernment.
Email: nicholeen@
President of: Worldwide Organization For Women http://wowinfo.org/
Parenting Mentor & Family Support
Author of: "Parenting A House United"
The Book: http://teachingselfgovernment.
The BBC show: http://teachingselfgovernment.
Site: http://teachingselfgovernment.
Email: nicholeen@
President of: Worldwide Organization For Women http://wowinfo.org/
I'm so grateful that I get to continue to learn from people like you and Nicholeen!!
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