I am obviously coming across the fundamentalist side of Home Education I was warned about - removes tongue form cheek and continues
I think perhaps purist is a better description than fundamentalist. People can be just as fundamental and dogmatic on any side of the debate. Keeps tongue in cheek.... in case she needs it later.
I was brought up to believe that everyone has the right to their opinion but that others should be allowed to have a different opinion
As was I.
I was also brought up to take the greater good into account, rather than just taking care of my own back yard.
You are absolutely free to set up whatever system works for you, just don't meddle in my freedom on your way to doing it.
don't be so scared that if a group or an individual wearing the label of Home educator does something different the whole Home Education community will be "threatened".
Again fear (or being scared) has nothing to do with it. You asked if people wanted to campaign for something, I am saying, you don't have the right to do so on my behalf. That is not fear, that is fact.
Again, difference of approach or opinion isn't threatening to me on any level. Where my eyebrows begin to be raised is when opinion moves to action, and that action then puts restraints on my freedom.
Even without direct government funding the government is contributing towards your childs education in some way whether through claiming tax credits- income support- using the local library- the swimming pool - the museums etc etc - should home educators who object to government funding so strongly not be allowed to use these services and be allowed to withhold a proportion of their taxes !?
Seems like a messy way of doing things. Tax payer = access to services regardless of education philosophy.
As for educational philosophy affecting what is taxed, that is an interesting debate.