First, let's tackle the "is it really homeschooling?" issue. See, in his book, he states that his mother (an english teacher) got him up at 4 am to educate him prior to both of them leaving the house for the day for school (her work, his learning). Now, if we split some very fine hairs (which some at a certain message board seem to be doing), one could call this "after-schooling" or "pre-schooling". Either way, I'd say he got his primary education at home, which would make him a home-schooler.
That he went to a brick and mortar building after he was done at home, means nothing simply because I can apply that (faulty) logic to those of you who after-school or even send your kids to school part time--you wouldn't be a homeschooler (according to this board's logic). That's not going to sit well with some of you, so why "name call" if you don't want to be called the same?
He's also stated that he never had any other intention other than to honor the choice of families, be it homeschooling or otherwise .
Yet some, are making the claim that since the NEA supports him, he can't possibly be in support of homeschooling. Now ignoring the obvious Straw Man here and ignoring the fact that McCain himself also stated he supports "school choice" (be it in the home, public or private), the fact that the NEA endorses Obama means nothing for Obama supporting homeschooling. He CAN do both and it looks like he will.
The proof:
Obama has expressed a clear, supportive, recent opinion about homeschooling. On p. 344 of his 2006 book Audacity of Hope:
" . . . Of course, none of these policies need discourage families from deciding to keep a parent at home, regardless of the financial sacrifices. For some families, that may mean doing without certain material comforts. For others, it may mean home schooling or a move to a community where the cost of living is lower. For some families, it may be the father who stays at home -- although for most families it will still be the mother who serves as the primary caregiver.
Whatever the case may be, such decisions should be honored. If there is one thing that social conservatives have been right about, it's that our modern culture sometimes fails to fully appreciate the extraordinary emotional and financial contributions -- the sacrafices and just plain hard work -- of the stay-at-home mom. . . . I want my daughters to have a choice as to what's best for them and their families. . ."
You must really be desperate if you believe that Obama is against homeschooling, is going to turn all 50 states into another California, and can't possibly be in support of both teachers (which we are) and homeschoolers (which we are). There is no "us or them" in this. And that's part of the problem--those of you who believe that it has to be an "us or them" situation. It does not. We are already divided with the rest of the country, why do we have to further divide amongst ourselves? Don't you realize that this only proves everyone else's point about us?
In reading the stupidity that is this board, I am seeing comments like:
Um, EVERY parent worth a child's hug teaches their child is some fashion, be in 4am or 4pm. I taught my children history, reading, literature, religion, gymnastics, etc BEFORE we ever homeschooled. Does that make me a candidate for sainthood. Not likely. It does make me a proactive parent.
Joe Blow across the street also educates her children before she sends them off to their respective schools. Sounds like Mr. Obama is placing Momma Obama on a pedestal instead of giving her a big thanks for helping him learn the basics.
Sorry, but I think he's full of hot air and hope he's simply a foot note in poli-sci textbooks next year.
AND:
He went to live with his grandparents when he was 10, so if they did homeschool, before school, it couldn't have been for very long.
A ten year old is in about 4th grade.
I'd like for you two morons to tell this to an after-schoolers face. Please. I'd like for you two to say this to someone who has their kids in public school, please. Natural Selection wouldn't work fast enough for me. I hope the after-schoolers of that board chime in on this thread and rip you two and the others, a new one. I hope they make you feel like the pathetic wastes of space that you are. How dare you say that that his schooling at home, no matter how little it was, is "hot air" and not worth anything. And like someone said--"so if you only homeschool for 4 years, it doesn't count?"
Oh someone please hit up that board and go to the "Obama was Homeschooled" thread. I want to watch the shit hit the fan on these idiots. I want to watch SWB crawl into a corner, sucking her thumb, crying for her mommy, because she's the Queen Asshat who started this mess. And if you aren't a member of that board, become one, go to that thread and be sure to tell these "nice ladies" just what you think of their opinion on you not being a legit homeschoolers simply because of your chosen time of day to do it.
For me. Please.
I'll love you forever. 
~~Toni
