I don't think you have spent any time in the public schools. I live across the street from one. It's an institution. But I would like to get a tax rebate for homeschooling, instead of supporting public schools. I really think this should be optional.
Your argument is leaning towards your own lack(sorry) of religious education, if you say you were brought up catholic then you must know that you are always going to be one through your baptism. Lucky you, you can go to confession and all will be forgiven.(I know you don't want to hear that stuff :) The fact is that children should know both, the love of their parents and the love of God. If that is what their parents beleive. Theology can be argued forever. I do not think even 3 catholics in 1 Forum would all agree on what's best for their own individual children. Everyone is different that's what makes the world so great!
Regarding the infestation of corporate America and their brain washing of our beautiful and innocent young minds via pop culture; perhaps you should venture over to your t.v. and look for a children's cartoon that doesn't demean parents, cause sibling rivalry, or contain vast amounts of potty humor. Then you can switch to disney and let them teach your child. Not Mine! Look at the movie Shreck(disgusting, perverts). Why would I want to explain that potty humor(freak humor) to my small children. Most children's movies are full of flatulence and mislead jokes with sexual undertones geared for older people,(not really mature people just older)
Maybe this is too much for you because you aren't there yet. Literally, it all hits you one day when your child is watching something and you just start seeing it everywhere. It is a never ending job to filter out the garbage. I don't plan on having perfect children, but I do want them to understand the difference between human beings and animals. They know I care and then they ...care about themselves. You know garbage in, garbage out.
I have many thoughts of my own, so did Ghandi. Don't be condescending, it's not very nice. Just because I find peace in the Lord doesn't mean I am uneducated or "afraid" of the world. Personally I think everyone does a little indoctrinating when it comes to parenting. You teach your ideas and give your opinions to your child. That's the best part of being a homeschooling parents! :)
I do have friends in other faiths and non-faiths. The idea that I am small minded (trying to put me in a category) will never work, I have 5 kids, so this is highly unlikely just do to pure interaction on all levels. I am close witha small group of secular moms from doing midwivery work. I home birthed 3 of my babies. The reason I replied was, to let the catholic mom(read the message) know that having God on the agenda does not make things more stressful. BTW I make my own curriculum so my children are exposed to whatever they like and need. I don't know how many children you have. I have to keep mine a little more organized because of the numbers. We joke about it and call it an academy because my children all wear uniforms. Due to the large amounts of laundry. It's just polos and navy bottoms. My children and I make jokes about our fascist militant academy while we are really having fun all day : ).
Good Luck and really ...BE NICE!
