As seen elsewhere, it's probably worth pointing out what the Better Regulation Executive say regarding public consultations: 

6.1 All responses (both written responses and those fed in through other channels such as discussion forums and public meetings) should be analysed carefully, using the expertise, experiences and views of respondents to develop a more effective and efficient policy.The focus should be on the evidence given by consultees to back up their arguments. Analysing consultation responses is primarily a qualitative rather than a quantitative exercise.

Whitewash or no, it took me no more than 30 minutes to write short but concise justifications for my answers - which, given the arbitrary nature of some of the questions - wouldn't have made much sense otherwise.

Just something you might want to consider when you say NO to the DCSF.

Following on from comments on a previous post, here is what Just Say No means for me.

I say no to the legitimacy of the review, the consultation, the select committee and associated processes.

They are all illegitimate. Neither the state nor society owns my children and I do not have to prove my innocence to them - that is the starting point I am making it my business to promote and defend.

However.

Where necessary I will provide my perspective and commentary on those processes. It is important to set out a clear position to counter the incorrect assumptions, logical fallacies and misinformation we are up against as they arise.

I will also use those processes if I can see collateral benefit in doing so. The consultation is a good example of this - it will not persuade a government hell-bent on legislation. And yet sufficient responses just might convince other people to think again. So please do consider whether you can spare some of your time to use the consultation to just say NO.

Similarly, whilst I do not trust the mechanism of the Select Committee to effect any change within the system as it stands, I do trust Tech, Raquel and Ruth to say what needs to be said about our freedoms and this sham review in a public arena.

Now is the time to engage with everyone other than the present government, rather than wasting time with the government itself.

I fully support and stand alongside everyone who is fighting to defend our freedom to parent and educate as we choose. This is a collaborative effort - there are a great many very experienced home educators and civil liberties activists and bloggers out there who are already doing a sterling job.

This is what I say yes to and what I will do:

• Continue engaging with other home educators in real life and online.
• Continue engaging with other parents in real life and online.
• Continue engaging with other people who have an interest in civil liberties in real and online.
  
• Focus on building strong and long-lasting real life and online networks of fantastic people, collaborating where I can and using whatever available resources I have at my disposal.
• Challenge and correct incorrect assumptions, logical fallacies and misinformation where I have the time and opportunity to do so.
• Engage with political processes where I believe it will benefit the advancement of freedom, and refuse to engage where I believe it will not.
• Place a renewed emphasis on securing some kind of commitment from the Conservatives on this issue.
• Consider other allies to engage with on this issue.
• Contribute to a positive PR programme which shows EHE as a first class choice for children, whatever their parent or carers' circumstances, approach, religion or philosophy.
• Offer friendship and support to others.

We all have different beliefs about the best way of protecting our freedoms, but I know that I am amongst people who care about doing so. I'm incredibly grateful for that.

I'll finish off with a quote Bishop Hill made reference to. It's for those of us in that questionable "vociferous minority" who struggle with being pilloried for appearing angry, fanatical, or extremist:

Extremism in the defence of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. 

Irdial continues with Wednesday's session here.

Gill is working through the transcripts in detail, starting here.

Firebird shares commentary starting here.

I've a post on Just Say No to go up today, but then I am devoting the rest of my weekend to family, music (new Pearl Jam album), work (iPhone game development), learning (Rothbard), a Hallowee'en outfit involving temporary face inking (possibly relating to fertility deities/cults but suggestions welcome) and my consultation response.

So see you next week - have fun!