Parent's Rights

Who possesses the right to make decisions concerning a child's education, growth, activities, and relationships? The child's parents do, so long as these decisions are not proven to be harmful to the child, right? That's what I thought too. However, there have been many instances in which the reasonable decisions of parents in Texas have been overrun by the law.

In a newsletter on the THSC website, "THSC Pac Announces Effort to Restore Parental Rights," Tim Lambert of the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) notes specific cases of such infringement. He reports cases in which grandparents have used the Grandparents Access Statute, an amendment to the Family code meant to give grandparent's access to their grandchildren, to challenge decisions made by parents concerning their children, specifically the decision to home school them. " Lambert states that the Grandparent Access Statute ,"... has had unintended consequences that are destroying Texas families and undermining the fundamental right of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children."

What can be done to help solve this problem? In his letter, Lambert encourages the readers on behalf of THSC to support the Texas Parent's Rights Restoration Act (TPRRA), which will amend the Grandparents Access Statute and restore it to its original purpose. Supporting this legislation is one small step in supporting parent's rights.

Texas needs to pass legislation that explicitly protects the rights of a parent in contrast to legislation that determines when their rights maybe taken away.

Compassion or Consequences?

Define the right choice for any circumstance. Tell me where we draw the line between compassion and just deserts. I am certain this question has run through the minds of many legislators and political viewers alike as they observed Gov. Perry's bill mandating girls of a certain age get vaccinated for HPV get shot down and state Sen. Bob Deuell's needle exchange legislation being tossed around. Recently Gov. Perry compared these two issues. He believes that there is no difference in the arguments for or against either piece of legislation. Some believe each has the potential to encourage a bad activity (illegal drug use and promiscuity.) One political blogger comments on this comparison on his blog Grits For Breakfast. He observes that the biggest difference is cost. The needle exchange program is done by non-profit organizations while the vaccination program would be financed by tax payers. Otherwise, both pieces of legislation could potentially save many lives and a lot of money. At first glance at least, I would support the needle exchange program. It has the potential to bring drug users into rehabilitation programs. But it all boils down to the question should we let those who have made wrong choices face their consequences, or should we show some compassion? Grits provides many additional links to information pages for the needle exchange program. I'd encourage you to read his blog and form your own decision.