One of our long-time volunteer advocates recently spent a few days in our nation’s capital, lobbying for parental rights. We interviewed Corie to learn more about her experience.
Q: What was the itinerary of the trip? Who participated?
A: It was 3 days/2 nights, a Monday to a Wednesday. On Monday, we had a dinner with Michael Farris (attorney and founder of HSLDA – Home School Legal Defense Association). On Tuesday, we had a session with Jim Mason of HSLDA, and Will Estrada from PRO (Parental Rights Organization). We spent time at the Capital on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, we attended a session with Americans for Tax Reform, too.
Multiple organizations coordinated efforts to put this together. Children’s Health Defense and Moms for Liberty sent some volunteers; there were about 30 participants from multiple states.
Q: Any takeaways from the speaker sessions?
A: Michael Farris, who has worked toward parental rights for public school, private school, and homeschool families, educated on the rights and responsibilities of parents. He discussed some common misunderstandings which are roadblocks to support for parental rights. Parents don’t have absolute rights – they do not have the right to abuse or neglect their children, for example. But they do have fundamental rights (that’s legal terminology). The system should operate that people are innocent until proven guilty, but of course that isn’t the way things often play out with regard to parental rights. Many times, parents are assumed to be guilty because of how Child Protective Services operates.
Q: What exactly did you do at the Capital?
A: There were over 70 hearings at the Capital during the days we were there. Therefore, a lot of legislators were not available. We walked around to various offices and spoke to staff members, educating them about parental rights.
Q: What specific bill or bills were the focus? HJR38
A: HJR38 is a House Joint Resolution – it would protect parental rights on the federal level.
Q: HJR38 is broadly worded. Why is that?
A: The purpose of the broadly worded text of HJR38 is to avoid the false notion that rights are granted or enumerated by the government. HJR38 does not ask for government-granted rights. Instead, it reminds the government via the law that it is to respect God-granted, fundamental parental rights. The Declaration of Independence declares that rights are endowed by the Creator and that the government is instituted to secure human rights. HJR38 would require strict scrutiny before parental rights could be limited. The burden would fall on the government to prove guilt or neglect before parental rights can be limited. Abusive parents would not be immune from adjudication with HJR38. HJR38 would, however, limit CPS power, which is to a large degree unrestrained.
Q: What was your impression of the Capital? What were some takeaways?
A: A lot is run by lobbyists and staffers. Staffers, often in their early 20s, have a surprising amount of power. There is a cold, dark feel in the Capital. It seems easy for those in Washington to lose touch with reality. They need to hear from constituents; without that, they simply won’t get accurate information.
Q: You’ve been at this quite awhile! What keeps you going when it gets hard?
A: I do this for my children and grandchildren. I’m concerned for their future. We must protect our liberties; only then can we have a good future. I have gratitude for being able to be a part of the grassroots movements for our freedoms.
Q: What is your advice to other advocates or those who are interested in grassroots lobbying efforts?
A: We are the constituents. We are the voters. While others are paid lobbyists, we are volunteers, which says a lot. Be genuine when you speak with legislators, staffers, and others, and your true motivation and knowledge will shine.
Remember – the elected civil servants must be held accountable. We can’t just sit back and allow the government to limit our rights. Learn more about the issue of Constitutionally-limited government, and get involved!