Video: 13-year-old defines conservatism at CPAC, gets standing ovation
posted at 12:00 pm on February 28, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Remember that 12-year-old girl’s stemwinder on abortion? This kid is an order of magnitude beyond even that. So astoundingly precocious is he, in fact, that I’m a little unnerved after watching it. It’s like seeing a newborn baby suddenly start speaking in complete sentences.
If they ever do a remake of “Big” with Tucker Carlson, consider the child’s role cast. Exit question: Krohn in 2040?
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Two of us!
Vntnrse on February 28, 2009 at 1:30 PM
You do have that right, but I suppose if you are opposed to certain liberties you would also support slavery and segregation no? You are missing my point, you are saying you support the government telling people what they can’t do…if you oppose abortion then don’t have one, if you don’t want gay marriage then don’t turn gay and get married. It’s all about our own responsibilities. Alcohol and Smoking are dangerous and in some cases immoral but at least the government lets us choose to be reckless or not. Like I said I don’t support those things either but after losing this last election isn’t it obvious that people don’t want to hear what they can’t do from a party and instead want to be told that THEY are the ones in control? And btw I voted for McCain and I NEVER said that Obama is offering those things I listed….I agree with you that Obama DOESNT stand for those things but what I am telling you is that CONSERVATIVES DO need to stand for those things or they are going to continue to FAIL on voting day because they can’t make their principles sound good to the majority of America. Obama is a socialist and I hate everything he’s done so far in 2 months! But Republicans/Conservatives are only portraying themselves as religious rulers that are more interested in telling everyone how abortion and gay marriage are going to somehow ruin America when they should have been focusing on how Obama’s beliefs were going to do so. They’d rather be bipartisan and shoot themselves in the foot than attack liberal policies that are going to bring everyone down in the name of fairness!
dalejrfanfreak on February 28, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Leave the kids out of politics.
Geez.
getalife on February 28, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Excellent.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Johnathan Krohn Video Interview
***
This story been on HuffPo for nearly a full day already. What’s up with that?
Also, don’t put any stock in YouTube comments. A substantial proportion of all the comments are meant to push buttons and antagonize. Many are simply hateful. Don’t give the losers credit by taking them seriously.
Go Johnathan Krohn.
The Race Card on February 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Im not quite sure what you’re getting at.
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Intelligent speaking youths make you nervous?
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM
He turns 14 this week. He will likely have a chance to vote for the next Republican POTUS.
The Race Card on February 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM
(btw i’m not saying I agree with gay marriage, abortion, or stem cell research but i’d rather vote for a party that says “yes we can” over the one that says “no you can’t”).
Cool. You remember this long screed of yours when the “Yes We Can” party decides that you and everyone else can’t be trusted with a gun of any kind.
That you can’t be trusted to vote properly when the union thugs decide to scrap anonymous ballots.
That you can’t heat your house to whatever temp you want.
That you can’t smoke in your car or house or on your own land.
That you can’t eat transfats, salt or fatty foods.
That you can’t send your kids to the school YOU want to send them too.
“Yes We Can” Party my ass. You’re too ignorant to notice that the dems aren’t going to allow you to do whatever you want and stay out of your life.
Bishop on February 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Hey, don’t knock her. She was reading from a prepared text not winging it like Jonathon. We need more young intelligent youth like Jonathon and HER.
docdave on February 28, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Intelligent speaking youths make you nervous?
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Uh huh…as camo-clad inner city kids march into the room extolling the virtues of Great Leader Ogabe.
Bishop on February 28, 2009 at 1:38 PM
I know the family personally and Jonathon is not being pushed. This is 100% him. Let him live out his dreams and reach his own individual potential.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Operative word: Intelligent
:-)
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:41 PM
I just think Life is the defining right, all else stems from it. With all that progress has given us we have clouded the founding goals. I struggle with it all of the time, we have added a lot of gray over the years. It was probably never as black and white as it seemed to be at the beginning.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:44 PM
And now the MSM wil play palace guards to the Whitehouse’s King Herod
oldernwiser on February 28, 2009 at 1:44 PM
“if you oppose abortion then don’t have one”
And if you oppose slavery, then don’t own slaves, and if you oppose robbery then don’t steal, and if you oppose murder, then don’t kill people.
That’s one of the oldest, and most intellectually vacuous arguments regarding abortion there is.
Believing that a human fetus is, in fact, human, and therefore entitled to certain basic rights, is not intrinsically a religious position. There are atheists who hold this position, and there are Christians who do not.
Why you’d think that people who oppose abortion might support slavery, I have no idea. The abolitionist movement’s continuation into the “right to life” movement, is one of the few consistencies in the Republican Party.
notropis on February 28, 2009 at 1:45 PM
You are the best.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:45 PM
What a amazing young man. I use to say keep kids out of Politics. But in this day and age I have changed my mind. They need to know the dangers of the future. To know what is going on. So, getalife, go get a life. You are a true idiot.
sheebe on February 28, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Come on. You know this is no longer allowed.
/sarc
Conservative_SAHM on February 28, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Did you say the same thing when the Hollywood set got the little folks together for that little ditty “Obama’s Going to Change the World”? It was moving.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:48 PM
How can he do that when he hasn’t had liberal professors tell him what his dreams and potential are yet?
s/ also
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 1:50 PM
That was my first thought. Not only McCain but the entire so called “leadership” of the Republican party. That’s because too many aren’t really conservatives. They simply want power and picked a side perhaps the one with the least resistance to achieving that power.
TheBigOldDog on February 28, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Although my kids are adults I am always surprised when they espouse conservative views. I guess all that eye rolling didn’t mean they weren’t listening.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:50 PM
:-)
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Life may be the defining right…but that says nothing about the virtues of smaller government. And I agree that our founding goals have been clouded. One of them, I happen to think, was civic progress. The idea that governing systems are never indefinite…that nothing about government or its responsabilities is to be taken for granted as “truth”…even if that “truth” was the government they themselves founded. Im sure Ben Franklin and James Madison would find ways to improve even “conservative” orthodoxy. But then again thats just me, i always say our founders as embodying civic progress, rather than defending some sort of tradition. in fact, they were quite the opposite of “traditionalists”
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Operative word: Intelligent
:-)
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Yeah, my bad, I accidentally referenced Thomasaur rather than Getaclue.
The left has no problem bringing kids to Ogabe rallies and speeches and letting them tell sob stories, but they quail at the thought of a teenager expressing his own thoughts and opinions.
Compare this young man to those pinheads who took over the NYU cafeteria; the differences couldn’t be more obvious.
Bishop on February 28, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Oops. Forgot the link. More on that thread here. Watch the trailer.
http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/welcome.html
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Once Olby and his kid brother Maddow get ahold of this kid, he’s going to wish he was never born. It’s a shame, but I know they’ll do it. “Zombie, Child of the Corn” it’s all going to come spewing from the miscreants.
RWLA on February 28, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:48 PM
It was a moving experience alright, kiddo. It moved me to nausea.
You know what gets the Liberals’ knickers in a wad about bright young people like Jonathan, especially if they’re home schooled? It’s simple. They can’t be indoctrinated from the cradle on to adulthood into accepting the government as number one in their lives. Therefore, this creates another free-thinking Conservative who sees through all the propaganda.
kingsjester on February 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM
“he’s going to wish he was never born. ”
No, he’s just going to experience, first-hand, what hate-filled, ignorant douchebags Olby and Maddow are.
It’s all part of growing up.
notropis on February 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Hey, I like the kid, I agree with him. But the kid reminds me of what I detest most in politicians-particularly our President- the love of the way they sound to themselves…gives me the creeps.
LadinPlaid on February 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM
He reminds me of Tiger Woods as a youngster when he was beating kids twice his age and then winning three straight US Amateurs as a teenager. With some people, exceptional talent is apparent early on. Wasn’t Mozart a child prodigy?
Mallard T. Drake on February 28, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Yep, you’re onto the game. ;-)
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 1:57 PM
They were truly rebels. Why does the left want to marginalize them? Between religion and slavery these men have become villains.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Once Olby and his kid brother Maddow get ahold of this kid, he’s going to wish he was never born. It’s a shame, but I know they’ll do it. “Zombie, Child of the Corn” it’s all going to come spewing from the miscreants.
RWLA on February 28, 2009 at 1:53 PM
——————————————
LOL
Has anybody what is being said about him on KOS?
What a bunch of loosers they are.
Oh by the way Olby and Maddow better watch out, he’s smarter then both of them put together.
I can see it now. Olby smacked down by a 13 year old.
Rick007 on February 28, 2009 at 1:59 PM
I can only imagine that as I write this, a team of Obama’s thugs (err…friends *winks* lol) in the media have converged upon this kid’s home town looking for dirt on him. Lawyers and social workers are digging into the way he’s being raised. People will want to know if his mom is really his mom, and if his folks have any liens on their house. Someone is trolling Facebook asking his friends to dish up the skinny on Krohn.
All looking for a way to discredit someone who is smarter that the POTUS, the Veep, the Speaker, 52% of America, most of Europe, all of Hollywood…need I continue(Rhetorical)?
This speech was truly surreal… :]
bluelightbrigade on February 28, 2009 at 2:00 PM
That’s a great comparison. I normally don’t care much for kids making political statements; after all, they’ve got an awful lot to learn, yet. But a prodigy is a prodigy.
I wouldn’t pay money to watch a 14-year-old play golf, but I’d have paid to see Tiger at that age.
I wouldn’t pay money to listen to some 14-year-old’s piano recital, but I’d give a left body part to hear a concert from a young Mozart.
And I normally wouldn’t even click on the You-Tube link of some 14-year-old’s political speech, but I’m glad I listened to this one.
notropis on February 28, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Nope,….I didn’t drink the kool-aid for just that reason.
I oppose MURDER! You don’t have the right to get one for free with my tax dollars.
Don’t push the “gay” agenda into my home. Don’t break down the respect for marriage between one man and one woman. Don’t close the local amusement park for a “gay” day,…don’t ask to have “gay” marriage,..PLUS “special “gay” rights,..etc,..
In my opinion,..Republicans lost because they started to look more like the Donks…(acorn)
Republicans will win big next election,..let’s face it, we are a little on the spoiled side,..we may deserve to be, Hussein is going to take away so much even the liberals will start to dislike him, some already are.
BTW,..Republicans don’t ban ….The Donks do .
christene on February 28, 2009 at 2:01 PM
I have a problem with a young person of this age being exploited regardless of which side of an issue they are arguing. They simply have been programmed by an adult or group of adults. I doubt they can reach the conclusions they do because they have not had the experience or read in depth to the degree necessary to come to these conclusions. I certainly hope when they reach maturity and have been evenly educated they will choose and hold the convictions expressed by this young man but he certainly doesn’t understand what he is saying at this moment of his life. This “put up a kid testimonial” just doesn’t get it when it is used either side. The young are needed to expose the Emperor not to praise him and this requires innocence not indoctrination.
rsl775 on February 28, 2009 at 2:02 PM
We could probably discuss double standards for years.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:04 PM
What you are suggesting is tolerance and:
Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions.
G.K. Chesterton
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Wow! What a kid! He has a bright future in politics! I will definitely be buying that book! I wonder what mom and dad do?
Eyvonne on February 28, 2009 at 2:06 PM
rsl775, I know the family because they are in our homeschooling circle and your allegation is patently false. Jonathon is a go-getter and has been since the time I’ve known him as a 6 year old. He has amazing energy and this is just one more outlet for his many amazing talents.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 2:07 PM
You know, i have no idea. Im considered center-left around these parts, but im constantly put in a position to disagree with the left in this country.
My girlfriend teaches at a public middle school in the south bronx. A Peoples History by Howard Zinn is 8th grade social studies reading material. Granted the kids are all Puerto Rican and Dominican and atrocities were most certainly committed on my Taino indian ancestors…but I will never for the life of me understand why these messages…our transgressions…are what is taught to our children.
Our kids need to hear about the amazing things our founding fathers did…how truly trans formative their ideas were and how much of a force for good they were.
I go to bat every day for education and ideas like government funded arts and research and every day they give me another reason to stop…however my principles are what they are, the idiotic actions of those who share my views are of little consequence to how i form my own views.
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Someone who is almost 14 is hardly a small child. Do you know any? If he was a gifted musician would you tell his parents to keep him from the limelight? Talents are in many different areas. It will be interesting to see if this is something that grows with him or is just a passing phase. I doubt he is being mistreated.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I get what you’re saying but would you say the same about a child prodigy who shines in finite math? Would you say he doesn’t understand it and has just been programmed by an adult to do so?
Conservative_SAHM on February 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM
I dont think you address the point rsl made…how is the indoctrination of children in public schools different than the indoctrination they receive during home schooling. just because the stuff of indoctrination is different, just because the information is different, doesnt change the fact that a child is most likely going to spit out what was given to them until they reach a certain age…
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:04 PM
No doubt. I will not be surprised to see Fox start airing this clip. What will be interesting is if MSNBC and CNN will air it and what they will say about Jonathan. I also find it funnny that people do not believe a young man his age can have opinions. I’ve helped to raised raise two very different step-sons. Trust me. Young people have their own opinions and they will share them with you.
kingsjester on February 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM
If you fight for history, you are a hero. I am not suggesting that the “faults” of the founders be erased. Just put in proper context to the times. And the comparison of other countries because there are no purely built nations. How many of the great philosophers still quoted today believe in the flat Earth or Earth as the center of the universe but are still admired? You can’t totally discount what someone knows or did based on the things they got wrong. Especially if they did extraordinary things.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:16 PM
By that logic, everything is indoctrination of one form or another.
I cannot speak for the Krohn family but I will tell you about our family and the central thought in homeschool circles I travel. We expose our children to classics. Classics are not just novels. This includes things like the Communist Manifesto. How can you evaluate ideas and come to a conclusion unless you see both sides? I must see the other persons point of view and yes, even their valid arguments (even though I may disagree) in order to really know and defend my point of view.
In my daughter’s debate co-op class, they are assigned a side of an issue and have to persuasively present that point of view. Any good classical education will provide this training.
I wouldn’t worry a bit about Jonathon’s education. It’s solid.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 2:17 PM
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Sorry.
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:19 PM
first off, the classics and debate are the tried and true methods of producing functioning human beings. good luck on your work with your kids. my comment meant only to serve as a devils advocate call for tempering the way we refer to actual school education. everything there cannot be labelled as “indoctrination” simply by virtue of what they’re teaching children, or home schooling would fall under the logical limits of the term. i do not agree with that assessment, because i do not feel all real schooling is indoctrination.
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:21 PM
I love this age of life. It is when you can see young people put into practice what they have absorbed. Most people hate it because wrong decisions are made and it is emotional for all involved. I like it. It is part of the learning process and it is fascinating. Not without peril obviously.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:22 PM
indeed. extremely well put.
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Yes! I love it when people find out you homeschool and they say, “Yes, but are they socialized?” And I say, “Absolutely not! Precisely why I won’t send them to PS. They do have social skills, however.”
The media has taken the one or two bizarre cases to paint a stereotype of little mushrooms locked up in a dark closet somewhere. And yet when you look at the facts, homeschooled children outperform their peers on standardized testing. Most have better social graces including the ability to interact with people of all ages, not just their peer group. You know, like real life! Wow, what a novel concept!
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 2:25 PM
If you are interested in obtaining Jonathan Krohn’s book,–> “Define Conservatism” –for your book club or your school contact: sales@defineconservatism.com
heroyalwhyness on February 28, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Oh by the way Olby and Maddow better watch out, he’s smarter then both of them put together.
So is the copy of “The Little Engine That Could” sitting on my son’s bookshelf.
RWLA on February 28, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Because by definition, it is not indoctrination if you believe they are teaching the truth….
It is only labeled indoctrination once you disagree with the worldview/philosophy.
I have twins, High School Seniors here in Denver. BOTH have gotten both lowered grades, and counseling, because of their political beliefs.
On one particular paper, concerning global warming, my daughter was told that she was wrong, and therefore got an F on the assignement… because the teacher did not agree with her research. Problem was that she used sources like NASA, and the basic thermodynamics chapter of her Physics Textbook as sources…
As I had helped her with the research… needless to say me and the school had “words”. It was supposed to be a research assignment… and she was graded not on the research, but on the conclusion.
That IS indoctrination.
Romeo13 on February 28, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Conservative:
I want to conserve the principles that the USA was founded on, & one of the first our founders wrote of is the right to life.
jgapinoy on February 28, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Please…. don’t leave us hanging. What happened???
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 2:36 PM
If I am ever lucky enough to have grandchildren I will work until I die to make sure they an go to the best schools possible. I am for homeschooling but obviously that won’t be my choice. I use to give accreditation tests to teachers and although the vast number of them were fine, there are some scary folks teaching school. And I am not talking intellect, I am talking emotional stability. And the fact that they cannot weed these folks out is my biggest complaint about the existing system.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 2:39 PM
He looks like he wants to be there, to me.
capitalist piglet on February 28, 2009 at 2:49 PM
It’s this bizarre bigotry against home schooling that would suggest that home schooled children are little better than feral animals without the public school “socialization.” It’s laughable, especially since it’s the public school kids who are far more likely to act like wild animals in a pack.
Kensington on February 28, 2009 at 2:50 PM
LadinPlaid on February 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM
What he said.
saint on February 28, 2009 at 2:53 PM
BY DEFINITION:
Conservatives conserve.
Liberals waste.
maverick muse on February 28, 2009 at 2:54 PM
It is amazing to me that people have a problem with a young adult who has formulated opinions. If this young man had put together a recycling drive at his school, or started a charity that gave coats to the homeless, this would be viewed differently. If his idea of being productive is to define what conservatism is and he has an interest and a passion for it, why is that wrong?
To people who are saying he is spewing his parents/adults words, they have never had a 13/14 year old. My daughters first year in high school, she was 14, her honors social studies class (she goes to a catholic high school) required her to write a paper on “If God created everyone in his image and God is good, why is there war?” It was an amazing thing to watch the thought process this created within my daughter. After a week of researching, etc. she wrote her paper and asked me read it. I was amazed at the process she had put into this and how her mind worked and her eventual conclussion.
God bless children like this.
momof2 on February 28, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I am tearing up! Wow, how refreshing! Can I adopt him? He is a friggin’ GENIUS!
I tell ya people, kids born these days…watch it. My 5-year old plays online, DS, now my iPod and I have to read her e-v’ry-thing. My 8-year old plays MILITARY STRATEGY games, historic colonial games, big on Civil War, Native Americans (no heritage whatsoever) and I believe he can make it BIG in the Fed. Government (if there is one in the future). Can’t wait to take him to Gettysburg see if he has a deja vu moment.
ProudPalinFan on February 28, 2009 at 3:01 PM
On a thread yesterday, someone wrote that it is impossible to educate the public at this point. I differed with that opinion.
Simplicity is a virtue, and this kid proves that indeed, the basic content of conservatism is expressed through the 4 defined principles that are themselves simple and desirable to grasp, treasure and share.
maverick muse on February 28, 2009 at 3:03 PM
LOL… sorry… went for a run…
Teacher changed the grade to a “C”… but any further “punishment” for the teacher from the school was covered under confidentiality… or so I was told… ie… I don’t think they did anything…
But I did also get her transfered to another teacher.
Romeo13 on February 28, 2009 at 3:10 PM
He already has and He has blessed us with them.
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 3:20 PM
You are nicer than I am. I would have demanded to see the other papers for comparison, and I would have made that teacher painstakingly go thru each one of them and give a defense for what merited a certain grade. I probably would have appeared with a lawyer alongside me as well.
Did you say your twins had gotten counseling for their political views?
All I can say is that you are a much more patient person than I am.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 3:20 PM
He argues better than these two children:
http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/oreilly-and-beck-joke-about-torturin
getalife on February 28, 2009 at 3:21 PM
He’s just upset that this 13-year old makes more sense than Obama.
ddrintn on February 28, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I got involved into politics like perhaps some of you, through parentage. Partisan rallying, they were members of a party, volunteered at election time with ballot counts and making sure no cheaters were allowed *sigh*…so I understand and was passed on to me core values that I had to dig back up when time came up.
I find the idea of homeschooling interesting, fascinating and I would like to witness a whole day. I admire the sacrifice, courage and a wide understanding of history and other subjects to make them whole, educated young citizens.
You have the “teacher” advantage; yes, children must bloom with their own belief system, principles, manners and faith. That, and a close family unit that loves and supports children every single step. I feel a lot better knowing that children like this one is gonna be taking care of us in the future.
I support my children in every decision they may make, be close to them and ensure that they have our support. Of course, good discipline–that will be lost when they step into school–.
I am left wondering, why only two minutes?
ProudPalinFan on February 28, 2009 at 3:31 PM
The kid was great. It is totally obvious that he speaks from his heart, with intelligence and understanding. It would be very hard to fake the kind of passion that he displays.
If he were 9, I might be inclined to agree with those who think he is being exploited by adults, but at 13, he clearly has a sophisticated grasp of political ideology.
And it’s painfully obvious that he is not a product of our government schools.
Priscilla on February 28, 2009 at 3:36 PM
I got into politics way younger than 14, for me it began around age 5 watching my older cousins and uncles being shipped off to Vietnam and coming home and seeing Watergate on Tv. I was surrounded by politics EVERYWHERE. My baysitters, their boyfriends who were hippies, riding my bike past the LA Zoo near Griffith Park watching all the “Love Ins” and the protests going on. Getting letters from ‘Nam from my relatives. Aunts and Uncles traveling abroad, me looking at the globe to find out where they were going and learning about the places they were.
Political influences can come from a wide variety of places and things. I applaud this 14 year old, it is his natural curiosity to express his views. I see Jonathan going from strength to strength.
pabo on February 28, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Well… lets see…
My Son was “counseled” for his attitude when he politly demanded an appology from his Debate Teacher… who made the statement that Military people were in the military because they were mean people…
Seeing as how when he was born, both his Mother and I were Active Duty Navy, he took exception to that statement… teacher tried to blow him off and he got a bit “vocal” (which is what the counseling was for)…
Problem is that any disciplinary action given to a teacher is covered under “privacy” by their Union Contracts. So, even though they are paid by the public, we apparently don’t have the right to know what going on with Public employees.
Trust me… I would have loved to home school my kids… but as a full time single father, it was pretty much impossible.
So, I’ve done a lot of damage control… and REALLY pay attention to what they are being “taught”.
Romeo13 on February 28, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Allah 30 years ago?
SouthernGent on February 28, 2009 at 3:41 PM
It isn’t a “day” or a “week of days.” It is a lifestyle. Yes, we have a schedule, albeit flexible, but the real charm of homeschooling is that it becomes a lifestyle of learning.
In fact, I prefer using the term home education, rather than homeschooling. Homeschoolers merely do school at home. Does that make sense?
It is nothing to find one of the children perusing an encyclopedia or “doing research” outside of “school hours.” Learning really is fun when it is done right. It is a natural process but typical schooling usually squeezes all the joy out of it.
I highly encourage those looking into this option. It really is not as hard as it seems. You will learn right along with your children.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Alrighty but the anti-abortion girl’s video was much more substantial. This fellow didn’t really say anything that we haven’t already heard or that we don’t already talk about ourselves.
Brains on February 28, 2009 at 3:47 PM
My youngest helped his dad with Ollie North’s senate campaign. Unfortunately Mrs. Reagan and Sen. Warner eighty sixed that one. No hard feelings but it was said.
Cindy Munford on February 28, 2009 at 3:47 PM
We had actually contemplated PS for a year but when they would not allow me to visit for a day, there was no way. Something is wrong with that picture.
I am sorry. It sounds like you love your children very much and really that is the key thing. Life sometimes gets in the way of our dreams, but I believe that is where we see God’s grace the strongest. You seem to have maintained a wonderful relationship with your children and I’m sure they will benefit from that alone.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 3:51 PM
I joined the Teenage Republicans and volunteered on my first campaign when I was 13. I knew at that age that I wanted to be involved in politics and policy as my career. And I succeeded in doing that. I don’t know if I could have given a speech to 1000 people when I was 13, but Jonathon reminds me very much of myself.
rockmom on February 28, 2009 at 3:54 PM
honestly, theres a way to ignore the obvious biases of the educational community with regards to content and still learn craft. i understand the biases, but if you could have at all assumed that the teacher would be offended by the content of the research why go through with it? your daughter could have still dont meticulous research and used the exercise to learn without accepting the premise.
its obvious the teacher’s bias hasnt effected your daughters thinking…why cut your nose to spite your face?
ernesto on February 28, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Johnathan is great. Maybe you’ll be waiving at one or both or your kids up on the podium or voting for them as adults on a national ballot one day.
Youth is an amazing gift. Kids have a boundless future provided you prepare them well. But don’t imbue them with a overly prodigious self-identity. Praise their hard work and good habits.
Carol Dweck speaks about this more effectively.
***
Reading to your five-year-old is great. A shocking and sad number of parents fail to do so. Teaching literacy is a powerful bonding experience. If you haven’t already begun — start now. And don’t feel pressure from those My Baby Can Read infomercials.
The Race Card on February 28, 2009 at 3:55 PM
dalejrfanfreak on February 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM
.
Abortion=Killing people because they are inconvenient.
.
Embryonic stem sell research=Killing people so someone the State values more can live.
.
Evolution is a religion; just look how they go after heretics and nonbelievers.
.
Gay marriage.
You may have a point put the term pushes too many of our buttons, because the term spits on our beliefs, and religion. Try calling it Life Partner and make it just as hard to enter and leave, and have the same rights and burdens a married couple.
.
Yes we can murder babies.
Yes we can raise your taxes.
Yes we can shout down conservative speakers.
Yes we can force our belief on your children.
To this I say, “No you can’t.”
darktood on February 28, 2009 at 3:55 PM
waivingwaving
The Race Card on February 28, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Finally, a teenager you’ll never see wearing a Che-shirt.
Tony.
FierceGuppy on February 28, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Thread winner!
thomasaur on February 28, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Well done, Jonathan.
Otis B on February 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Why?
unclesmrgol on February 28, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Conservatives need all three legs of conservatism to be considered conservative: Social, Fiscal, and peace through strength.
You can’t remove God from the equation. Conservatives understand that rights as specified by the Constitution are given by God, not Government. The Bill of Rights is not a limitation on the people’s rights, but a limitation on government, because Rights come from God, not man and not from the grace of government. If there is no God, then rights become a measure of debate of what man defines as Good. And you therefore are dictated to the moral authority of the majority, versus the standard that God has set that ALL religions can agree to. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all…that is the definition of conservatism.
Conservative Voice on February 28, 2009 at 4:36 PM
That boy didn’t even say anything. “Conservatism is the principle of protecting the people and people’s rights.” That’s vague and rhetorical and meaningless.
AlexB on February 28, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Because it’ll give the liberals it’s okay to get a bunch of pre-schoolers to sing a completely impromptu I love obama song. No, really, they just came up with it.
hawkdriver on February 28, 2009 at 4:49 PM
liberals the idea it’s okay
hawkdriver on February 28, 2009 at 4:50 PM
AlexB on February 28, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Really? What would you say given 2 minutes?
Conservative Voice on February 28, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Absolutely. To understand our founding requires an understanding of the Middle Ages and the subsequent Reformation. It is out of the Reformation writings that our founding is based — not strictly so, but borrowed heavily. The Reformation writings are also the basis for the church/state understanding which so many people get wrong today. They just won’t go back and read those pesky primary source documents! Also, too, since we have a living language we must interpret the writings of that time to the understanding of words at that time. The Webster’s 1828 dictionary is an excellent source for that. Everyone should own one. Webster understood American English to be unique from British English and thus wrote our first American English dictionary. Amazing man. I think he was fluent in 52 or 58 languages, so he clearly understood word origins.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 28, 2009 at 4:51 PM
“Krohn in 2040?”
depends…maybe.
Unless the public schools dumb him down.
Handel on February 28, 2009 at 5:05 PM
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