Michael Bozym:
Monday’s article in the Muskegon Chronicle regarding the Mock Terrorist Attack prompted me to write to you. While anyone would applaud your district’s terrorism response preparedness, the enemy selected for your practice drill is extremely offensive.
From the Sept. 20, 2004, Muskegon Chronicle:
"The exercise will simulate an attack by a fictitious radical group called Wackos Against Schools and Education who believe everyone should be homeschooled."
Can you please explain to me how these ‘Wackos’ are against ‘schools” and ‘education’ when they believe in homeschooling? It is apparent that whoever devised the simulation premise is completely ignorant of homeschooling and homeschoolers. Homeschoolers are all about education. Homeschoolers are not terrorists seeking to blow up buses or schools. In fact, it would appear that homeschoolers in your district are far more likely to suffer at the hands of your district’s maligning. If anyone is under attack, it is the homeschoolers.
Before you write this off as a silly complaint, consider your own reaction to a news article that reads:
"Homeschooling families in [your] district are staging a Mock Terrorism Attack …. The exercise will simulate an attack by County School Officials who do not believe that children should be homeschooled."
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Shaffer