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Why
Parents Should Decide
The
issue of whether to adopt the Parental Rights Amendment (PRA) or
ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) comes
down to one question: Who decides what is best for
children?
Proponents of the CRC believe that the United Nations has
already decided and should continue to decide, and that
governments should be obligated (and empowered) to enforce those
decisions. The specific policy states that “In all actions
concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private
social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative
authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the
child shall be a primary consideration.” (CRC, Article 3)
In application, “[this] ‘Best interests’
[standard] provides decision and policy makers with the
authority to substitute their own decisions for either
the child’s or the parents’, providing it is based on
considerations of the best interests of the child,” according
to CRC advocate and international law expert Geraldine Van Buren
of the University of London.
Proponents of the PRA hold another view: namely, that fit
parents act in the best interests of their children,
and every parent has the right to be assumed fit until proven
otherwise. We believe “the statist notion that governmental
power should supersede parental authority in all cases because
some parents abuse and neglect children is repugnant to American
tradition” Parham v. J.R., 442 U.S. 584 (1979).
But which is right? Who makes better decisions
for children, the government or the parents?
Two stories in the news this week give solid evidence once again
to the assertion that parents, and not government bureaucrats,
are in the best position to make decisions for their children.
First is the
case of Chief Warrant Officer Edward Cantrell, a Green Beret
just home from Afghanistan. When his home caught fire, Cantrell
and his wife escaped by leaping from the home’s second floor
– but their two daughters, ages 6 and 4, were still inside.
While a bureaucrat would begin compiling statistics and risk
analyses, Cantrell wrapped himself in a blanket and dove
back into the flames to recover his girls. Sadly, all
three died in the blaze. But Cantrell knew it was not in his
daughters’ best interest for him to stand outside and wait for
help, and he did all he could, even surrendering his life, to
rescue his precious little girls.
The second
story involves Stephanie Decker of Indiana, who was home
with her two children when a massive tornado struck. The three
had taken shelter in the basement when the house was torn apart
around them. Instinctively, Decker wrapped the children
in a blanket and threw herself on top, shielding their bodies
with her own as debris was thrown at her by the violent
twister. When the wind settled, Decker found her legs badly
damaged – one nearly ripped off – but her children were both
safe. A fast response by a neighbor saved Stephanie’s life,
though she did lose one leg above the knee and the other above
the ankle.
Unlike a paid bureaucrat or elected official, Stephanie counted
her own body a small price to pay for the lives of 8-year-old
Dominic and 5-year-old Reese. Why? Because that’s what a Momma
does. Because those children are not just her responsibility
– they are her life.
And that’s why parents, and not the government, are in the
best position to decide what is best for their child. Parents
naturally love their children and give their lives to them and
for them every day. Stephanie Decker and CWO Cantrell are the
obvious and incredible examples this week, but parents know that
they are not alone.
Action
Items
If you
haven't done so, please sign
the petition to support the Parental Rights
Amendment. Join the movement to support parents, and not
bureaucrats, as the first line of defense for our children.
Then, donate
today. Together, we are standing to protect the
right of fit parents to protect their children without the
burden of government interference. There are no grants for this
kind of work; our funding comes only from supporters like you.
Finally, pass it on. Click on the "Share
This Online" button in the left column of this email to
share this message on Facebook, Twitter, through email, or
however you communicate online.
I cannot say enough how much I respect the sacrifice of these
two courageous parents this week. I also appreciate the courage
of each one of you as we stand together on behalf of all
parents to protect their children by defending traditional
parental rights.
Sincerely,
Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research |
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