And, as I see it as a youth libber, therein lies the problem.

I do agree it is a problem. One reason I will homeschool is because I am a youth rights supporter.

I think the evidence suggests that the majority of parents today (certainly not including you) are either unwilling or emotionally incapable of such objectivity. As noted, many of them are influenced by their personal moralistic belief systems--including but not limited to the prevalence of conservative religions with a strong anti-sex component, particularly in America--or simply firmly believe that control is more important than objective safety.

I'd expect most parents to stick with the status quo, however a good portion would not and I am always in favor of removing power from the government. Mandatory reporting laws and the fact that even if I accept it as a parent, my daughter accepts it and her adult lover accepts it our opinions are still all overridden and it is bullshit. Remember I am not advocating this as an end all be all let's wash our hands and call it a day solution. Just a step.

This is why I think Epstein's proposal is a better compromise with society, and promises more objectivity without sending the message that children are the de facto property of their parents, which is inimical to the youth liberationist platform. Also, the Epstein-Dumas test does a good job, IMO, of directly addressing the concerns that society has about kids who may not have the merits to achieve emancipation at this time.

I do think it would be a better compromise for our side, the youth liberation side, I just think it would be harder to get society to accept. It's not that I am saying it's a bad idea when compared to the status quo, I just happen to be of the opinion that it is easier to implement my guardian approval idea. Still you have brought my attention to Epstein and I really like what I have been reading! Thanks for that.

The constant battle between parents and government agencies regarding which of the two "should" have more control.

I do like Murray Rothbard's idea. Of course given the man's views government wouldn't exist, thus power lies with the guardians, yet the child, when they can express the ability and desire to be their own being, can leave to live on their own or seek out another more respectful guardian at any age. If the youth decides to be on their own a test, like the one you describe, would be a good idea for letting people know the child has the ability to be on their own.

I believe that in the future more and more parents will achieve the level of thought that you have and support youth liberation in large numbers, and if that happens before any equivalent of the Epstein-Dumas Test is established, then I would certainly shift my support to guardian approval.

So do you think that society will come to accept the Epstein-Dumas Test before accepting the idea of guardian approval? Or do you just have an issue with guardian approval because of our adult centric (in regards to power and freedom) society that disenfranchises youth severely and would rather see the test come first? I can definitely respect either position.