Zero reasons not to homeschool

Those annoying anti homeschoolers are at it again, Grove Street's Weblog post 9 reasons not to homeschool. Why I wonder do they feel compelled to give their stance on homeschooling? Since they do not consider it a viable choice for their family, why do they waste their time thinking about it?

• Time efficiency = LAZINESS - Not true! Employers are always looking for ways to make their work force more efficient. Efficiency does not equal laziness.
• A fraction of the cost of private schools -CHEAP-SKATE! - This would depend on the individual homeschool family. Many homeschool families spend a great deal on textbooks, lab equipment and field trips. We choose to homeschool because their were no secular private schools in our area.
• Promotes good reading habits - NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND- CAN’T HELP IT IF SOME PARENTS REFUSE TO READ TO THEIR CHILD- NOT IN MY HOUSEHOLD- 15 MINUTE TO AN HOUR DAILY-AT HOME! - OK, she is right NCLB can not make parents read to their children and I am very glad that she takes the time to read to her child. Many public school parents do and I am sure these children learn good reading habits. But homeschooling allows you to instill a love of reading in your children. Parents who choose other educational options can also instill a love of reading in their children but to list this as a reason not to homeschool is ludicrous.
• Strengthens family bonds and reduces the risk of developing a “peer orientation” NO PEER ORIENTATION- NO DEFINITION OF CHARACTER-”WHERE DO I FIT IN?” MOMMY CAN’T BEAR TO LOSE CONTROL OF CHILD - This is utter BS. Strengthening family bonds is a good thing. Numerous studies have been done that show that children with both parents in the home generally do better in school (Family values: The importance of strong family bonds , The Future of Children). The majority of homeschooled children have ample opportunity to interact with their peers and have no problems fitting in. This does not mean that parents who choose to send their children to public or private school don't have strong family bonds but again listing this as a reason not to homeschool is ludicrous.
• Promotes getting the father involved in the child’s education -WHAT FATHER ISN’T INVOLVED- UNLESS YOUR IN A BAD MARRIAGE- MY HUSBAND ATTENDS EVERY FUNCTION, DOES HOMEWORK, ATTENDS PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES… - I am glad to hear that her husband is involved in their child's public school education. Many schools discourage parental involvement, it's nice that the public school their child attends doesn't. But again this isn't a reason not to homeschool.
• Allows religion to play central role in the child’s education - CATHOLIC SCHOOLS,JEWISH SCHOOLS, BAPTIST SCHOOLS- LAST TIME I CHECK THEY WERE CENTRALIZED AROUND RELIGION- I WAS RAISED IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL. - She totally misses the point that this doesn't apply to all homeschoolers. Many secular homeschoolers have no wish for religion to play a central role in their child's education.
• Promotes patriotism - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EVERY AM- FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS AND MY SECOND GRADER IS LEARNING HOW TO VOTE AND SITTING BY MY SIDE AND LEARNING ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS- GO HILLARY!!!!! - Yes, public schools promote patriotism too. But again this isn't a reason not to homeschool.
• Allows children to remain innocent longer - NAIVE PEOPLE WILL LEARN ABOUT THE OUTSIDE WORLD AT SOME POINT AND NOT KNOW HOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES- NO COMMON SENSE- PLUS HOMESCHOOL CHILDREN ARE NOT THAT INNOCENT- I HAVE MET THEM.THEY INTRODUCED WEAPONS AND GUNS TO MY SON WHO IS NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY WITH THEM. - Again this would depend on the individual homeschooling family. I assure you my children aren't naive and I know many other homeschoolers who do not bend over backwards to 'protect' their children. Our children have plenty of common sense and know how to protect themselves. Public Schools are not the only places children can learn about the world.
• More positive socialization-NO SOCIALIZATION- NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SOCIALIZE PROPERLY. THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT MYSPACE SOMEDAY. - It's sad that she buys into the same old canard about socialization. Homeschooled children have plenty of time to socialize. They belong to recreational sports teams, scouts, church groups, robotics teams. The list of activities they participate in is endless. They also hang out with their friends at the mall and connect online, just like public school kids.

She hasn't listed one valid reason not to homeschool.