I have some question about HSLDA, help?

Question:
I know this was addressed a long time ago in these website's. My husband is interested in joining HSLDA, but I have my reservations. I know the arguments for HSLDA, but I am interested in the cons. Can anyone address this? Notably, can anyone direct me to resources which back up the opposing points of view? OK, if anyone can point out advantages of joining HSLDA, I would be interested in those, too. I should ask for both sides of the story to be fair.

Answer:
- We are members of HSDLA but thanfully never had to make use of their services. I know others that have used them and they sing their praises. Of course you can never satisfy everyone so here is the "con" that you asked for: http://www.home-ed-press.com/INF/FREE/hsinfo_far1.html The main gripe appears to be that HSDLA will compromise in similar fashion as the NRA does when it comes to guns.

- We have been homeschooling for seven years and have been members of HSLDA for seven years. I wouldn't homeschool without them. In a previous school system, we were challenged by the school authorities three times in four years. The first year, they sent out their interpretation of homeschool laws which basically included everything but the kitchen sink. The worst part of this kitchen sink included home visits. We sent the info off to HSLDA and HSLDA proceded to educate the educators on homeschholing case law, etc. The school system left us alone for a year. The next year, enter a new school administrator who promptly told us that he would not let us "fall through the cracks" this year....this included "socialization". Another call to HSLDA. HSLDA "reminded" them again of what they could and couldnot expect. The last year, they questioned our science program. HSLDA came through again. Between my husband and myself, we have three education degrees. Yet, this school system felt that we could not properly educate our kids. Through the NCHE, they also keep us informed on legislation and case law, provide parents and children with the skills necessary to effectively lobby for homschool freedoms, have an extensive grassroots lobbying organization. HSLDA also provides many resources to help the homeschooling family, provides discounts for support groups, and aids support groups in other ways. Are they worth the $100 per year? You bet! Just a letter typed by a lawyer can cost up to $100. As to the compromise issue, idealistically courts should know and properly interpret the law. Realistically speaking, especially at the district court level, often times they will not. I sat in our district court and watched in dismay as the court ordered my friend's daughter back to the public school because she was "not being properly educated". Her crime? She didn't send her letter of intent via certified mail. And the school lost her letter of intent. So, when someone called DSS to say that she was not in school....they ended up in court. (she also didn't send in her HSLDA application). She had her daughter's school work from the past year for the judge to review. He dismissed them stating that he was not qualified to evaluate her work and then promptly made the evaluation that she was not being properly educated. It should also be understood that the outcome of any court case has the potential of affecting every homeschooler in the nation. Lawyers are the ones who would have a much better understanding of those judges who do not correctly interpret the law (including the Supreme Court). Past decisions by judges give lawyers an idea of how the judge will decide in upcoming cases. If the lawyers feel that a proper decision isn't possible, then the lawyers will aim for those outcomes that are realistic. Again, they realize that the outcome of any case has the potential of affecting every homeschooler in the nation. I know that there will be those who will disagree with what I have to say. That's OK. HSLDA is out there to represent our homeschooling freedoms. They are doing an excellent job! They are worth every penny and then some!