Friday, August 8, 2014

Anthony’s Persuasive Essay

In a free nation one can choose what they will learn and what they believe. Are we a free nation? Can we believe and learn the way we desire? What about our children? In the public school system today, we have no control or say in what is taught and what influences are set before our children. Public schools are not the answer for the future; our nation can’t afford to continue down the path it is currently on. Homeschooling!

As a young boy the outdoors called my name. The fresh air, bugs, dirt and plenty of adventure is what my heart desired. Reading, math, and arithmetic did not appeal. At a very young age, I learned what matters to me is not important. The teacher had other ideas, and if you resist, you will be pegged as the one with a learning disability. In this environment, ones love of learning is damaged or hindered.

In early American history we come to understand where public schools come from and why they were organized. Learning has always started in the home. The first idea of public school was for those who could not afford to educate at home. This is a responsibility of the parents, not the public. Brigham Young was very passionate about education, and had some inspiring feelings regarding free schooling. He said, “I am opposed to free education as much as I am opposed to taking property from one man and giving it to another who knows not how to take care of it…I do not believe in allowing my charities to go through the hands of robbers who pocket nine-tenths themselves and give one tenth to the poor…Would I encourage free school by taxation? No!” On the other hand, President John Adams said this, "The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves." Over the decades it has just become easier to send your children to a public school. They are now in every community. Have we ever asked why, or do we just follow?

“Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life.” Are these the things learned in our public schools? Brigham Young understood the future; he often spoke of the importance of being taught by members of the church in your home. God has been removed from our schools. This is a trend that is increasing.

President Eyring said, “It is clear that our first priority should be the spiritual learning. For us, reading the scriptures would come before reading history books. Prayer would come before memorizing those Spanish verbs. A temple recommend would be worth more to us than standing first in our graduating class. But it is also clear that spiritual learning would not replace secular learning.” This is what keeps families together, and strengthens our nation as a whole. He continues, “…it gives our secular learning purpose and motivates us to work harder at it.” These are the characteristics needed for a great nation.

Socialization is often a topic of concern. From a homeschool standpoint it is opposite. If the time is spent to truly look, public school is social retardation. Where else in life are you assigned to associate only with people of your own age? Will you have a job that will only focus on people of your own age? Bad behavior and habits are often introduce in public school. We all know the saying, “when the cat is away, the mouse will play”. Children are often this way. The public school, in this manner, is a place where the mouse will play. Sure, children need to experience life to learn and grow, but the need to be taught and nurtured at home and experience life with watchful parents is vital to becoming a self-thinking contributor to the community.

We need to take back control. What is taught needs to be at the discretion of the parents. Let the family lead the way, and put God back in the education of our nation.

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