Government Tested, Mom Disapproved

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Trish Lee, Conservative Mom & Businesswoman in Opinion

Recently, I heard something on the news that disturbed me to the very core of my parental heart. An elementary school in the Chicago area is banning lunches from home. I was so angry I could hardly express myself to my husband about why I felt so deeply this was wrong. He understood, because he knows me, but it is important that the rest of this nation see this for what it really is, usurping parental rights in raising their own kids.

I understand there are certain situations requiring intervention for the health and welfare of some children. Physical abuse, molestation, failing to provide the basics for life (food, shelter, water); however, taking a way a parent’s right to raise their child when it cannot be proven the parent is harming the child is unconstitutional and morally reprehensible.

Let’s look at an example.

In our “hypothetical” world, the government has determined we as a culture are becoming extremely Vitamin D deficient. In order to combat this epidemic, the government has issued a mandate that all children must attend school in their bathing suits. This will allow the children sufficient exposure to the sun, so they might synthesize the appropriate daily amount of Vitamin D. You as a parent feel that this is inappropriate. You have your child checked out annually to make sure they are in good health. You give supplements if necessary. And you feed them a healthy diet. Why then would the government have to intervene? You aren’t harming your child. You aren’t putting them in danger. So what gives the government the right to come in and raise your child? Who gives them the right? You do! You who don’t stand up for what is wrong. You who stand idly by twiddling your thumbs because it is easier to go along with the crowd than it is to stand up for what is right.

The government does not pay my medical bills when I give birth to a child. The government does not pay my grocery bills. The government does not pay my house payment or my utility bills providing shelter for my children. So they are not allowed to tell me how to raise my children.

This country was founded on individual rights and the right to pursue our own happiness. Why? Why did our Founding Fathers believe in protecting an individual’s rights and their right to pursue their own happiness in whatever way we saw fit. They guaranteed us these rights because no one person is exactly the same as another. There may be many similarities with your friends, your spouse, your family, or other community members, but none of them is exactly like you. Since none of them is exactly like you, then what makes you happy may not make them happy. The Founding Fathers knew this. They knew there were differences in religion, in what a person might like to do to pursue a career, or where they might want to live. Thus, they protected those rights in the Constitution. Never to be infringed upon.

What this school in Chicago has done has infringed on the parent’s right to feed their child what they feel is healthy and right for them. I have many Vegan friends. I am a proud omnivore. I would never force meat on their children. They have chosen a different path from me. With the ever-changing research in nutrition, who knows which of us is right? Or could it be we both are? Would you be offended if someone gave your child loads of sugary snacks without your permission? Why? Because someone took away your ability to decide what is right for your own children?

I don’t know what the motives are behind this position the Chicago elementary school has taken. I can’t say whether they are trying to increase their income provided by school lunches, or if they are just determined to take control of every part of our children’s lives. Whatever the reason, I must say that this only confirms my choice to homeschool my daughter and keep control of my parental rights and how I raise my family. Don’t stand back and let the government take over every aspect of your life. It is your life to live, and they are your children to parent. You need to make a stand. Let your voice be heard.

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