Our Precious Freedom

By the time you get this magazine, the March Primaries will have concluded.  Did you take the effort to go down and vote?  The freedom to even have the opportunity to vote is one we should appreciate.

I hear many people say that it does not make any difference whether I vote or not.  The system is so corrupt…why even try?  I beg to differ!  Most post-election reports show that a minority of those able to vote do so.  Do you want others to vote in your place…especially if they have different beliefs and standards than you do?  Our founding fathers put their personal fortunes and very lives on the line to give us the freedoms we now squander.  Most of them never lived to enjoy the fruits of their labor.  However, they firmly believed in both personal freedom and personal responsibility.  A quote often heard is, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”  Are you living so as to preserve that heritage?

One of the rights that were fought for was the ability to have a Representative form of government. Yet, we neglect to appreciate and take advantage of that right.  Your participation is critical and your vote does count!  Don’t vote from a pragmatic point of view.  Vote for the person that represents you, not just a party.  We will never have a person who agrees with us on all issues.  However, if they vote for the one issue you elected them on and then undermine your personal liberties on other issues, you will wake up some day with no liberties at all.  I pray that you do participate, be involved, and support those who will represent you at the local, state and national level. 

On a separate topic, I want to address the numerous home education studies that have been conducted.  Both the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) and Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) have published studies that have shown the benefits of home education.  The results?  Home Education Works! 

Have you evaluated any of these studies?  We offer what I would consider one of the best national studies published.  Homeschooling on the Threshold by Dr. Brain Ray (NHERI)  can be purchased from CHEO for only $2.00.  This study is an excellent tool for educating others on the benefits of home education.  This study has been given to legislators, local superintendents, grandparents, skeptical friends, librarians, and many others!  Use this resource to enlighten all those that you know! 

CHEO is excited to let you about a new project on which we are currently. We are currently in the final draft stage of contracting with Dr. Brain Ray (NHERI) to conduct a state study here in Ohio!  We believe that this tool would provide homeschoolers with a resource that is relevant to  the issues of homeschooling in Ohio. 

We are asking your help!  In the coming months, we will be mailing out the questionnaires throughout the state…and we need your participation!  Also, in an attempt to make this study as broad-based and representative of all homeschoolers in Ohio, we need you to get these questionnaires into the hands of all homeschool families, not just those associated with CHEO.  Details will be forthcoming. 

We also need your financial assistance with this study!  The total cost will end up being several thousand dollars.  We believe the study will be well worth it.  If we would receive just $5.00 from each of our member families, it would cover the cost of the study.  If you can help us, please make your check out to CHEO and refer to the “CHEO State Study.” 

Thank you for your continued support in allowing us to serve the homeschoolers here in Ohio! 

In His service,