Larry: I got the grammar. But here's a comparison. With your philosophical stance, anyone NOT wanting to use the public library, but desiring to build their own library (complete with card catalog, reference collection, etc.) because they find their own public library lacking, could get a "refund" of their tax dollars. Of course, that means the public library won't be building their collection, but. . . . And how would you set up refunding a percentage? That would be an interesting accounting problem! We set up systems like public schools and public libraries because funding one system is more efficient than funding many separate, individual systems. Your family's decision to home school isn't really different from my family's decision to send our child to a private school. I pay twice, also--once for my child's tuition and books, once for other childrens' books and "tuition." I realize that I opted in for this because I freely made (thank heavens for choice) a decision which is onerous, but was mine to make. My public school system isn't charging a "phantom" account. If you will, it's no more phantam than my agreeing to help the future, as many helped educate me (and you?). By the way--the elderly in my district came from the rust belt, for the most part. I assume they were well educated (our district's median income is the among the largest in the country) but like many, forget the greater good when it comes to their own pocketbooks. I enjoy the philosophical differences, Larry. I believe the cost you incurred upon home-schooling includes your taxes, not just your direct costs. Maggie Tucker arttucker@earthlink.net ---