Let Obama speak to kids: He is proof of education’s power
With nearly four out of 10 Georgia students dropping out of high school, I wish everyone would talk to them about the value of an education, the bus driver, the cable guy, the lunchroom lady.
And certainly, the president of the United States whose own story is vivid testimony to the power of education to transform lives and history.
President Barack Obama will speak to students nationwide Tuesday, the first day of school in many parts of the country. (Not here, of course, where we went back three weeks ago.)
“During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation’s children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning,” said a statement from the U.S. Department of Education.
How could anyone fault that message?
And given the history of presidents talking to students — can anyone forget that President Bush was reading “The Pet Goat” with schoolchildren when the horror of 9/11 was unfolding — why is this speech under siege in the media?
It’s not clear yet to me whether the controversy extends beyond TV and radio talk show hosts, who are extolling parents to keep their kids home on Tuesday to protect them from indoctrination. Most of the gasping for air over the Obama speech is coming from people paid to hyperventilate for the cameras.
Syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin — who lost me when she warned parents of the dark side of Pokemon cards — said, ‘‘We know that the left has always used kids in public schools as guinea pigs and as junior lobbyists for their social liberal agenda.” Former Atlanta radio host and Fox commentator Sean Hannity said, “It seems very close to indoctrination.”
Just seems like a pep talk to me. What do you think?
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131 comments Add your comment
Resolve
September 4th, 2009
10:29 am
Malkin and Hannity are prostitutes for the right. They will say or do whatever to keep their pay checks flowing. I believe this more than ever especially when Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. also spoke to students in a back to school address without these distractions. The election is OVER!!!!! Our PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES wants to encourage the students of the country.
Carole
September 4th, 2009
10:40 am
There is a vast difference between reading a storybook to a group of children at a school and doing a live televised address to every school in the nation WITH a Dept. of Education provided “lesson plan.”
This is a waste of class time and school resources at a time when our schools are already woefully short of both. If Obama wants to improve education he should focus on providing better pay and incentives to attract qualified and dedicated teachers not a cult-of-personality agenda in which we ask school children what they can to do to “help the President.”
Seen it all
September 4th, 2009
10:43 am
I think that it’s honorable for the president to give a word of encouragement to our young people. It’s a shame people are trying to ruin the event because of politics. Whether or not you like the guy or not, he’s still president of the United States. All United States presidents make speeches and appearances. The idea of a president’s speech being shown to schoolchildren is not unheard of. Obama’s a rather inspiring speaker anyway. You have to give him that.
Ernest
September 4th, 2009
10:47 am
Gotta give our local talking head Neal Boortz credit. He acknowledged that if this is a message that encourages students to do well and take advantage of opportunities presented to them, it will be a good worthwhile. Let’s wait and either read what will be posted or listen to the speech before passing judgment as to whether it was appropriate.
RCD
September 4th, 2009
10:51 am
Every kids should watch this address. They may actually learn something from the president of the United States. There is no more respect in this country (probably because he is our first black president). This was not an issue when G.W. Bush gave a speech several years ago – why is it a problem now? What has changed? The only thing that has changed is the president. It is sad that parents and school administration are pressing their views on our kids. I am sure the kids would love to watch it.
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
10:52 am
The president’s message is an important one. Americans must face up to the fact that way to many children don’t complete high school. America used to be a country of innovators and producers. Now we are a country of arrogance and consumers, and finding it difficult to understand. If this country is going to turn this around, and assume a leadership position in the world, we must educate our young people. They will need to contribute to the work force, and assist in developing the economy of this country’s future.
old teach
September 4th, 2009
10:56 am
I could be mistaken, but I seem to remember that Ronald Reagan’s tete-a-tete with school children was heavy on his big tax cut agenda. Tempest in a Teapot here!
Bobby Iwabucci
September 4th, 2009
10:58 am
Liberals have destroyed the institution of education over the last few decades and have enslaved the poor in ignorance and failure. Michelle Malkin isn’t the only parent to correctly speak out against the liberal brainwashing of students in our public schools, and she won’t be the last.
jim d
September 4th, 2009
11:01 am
my only problem is the scripted lesson plan–scrap it and let the man speak–even the children will figure him out
Mom of Three
September 4th, 2009
11:02 am
I think you are missing the point of the outrage. Yes, maybe there are kids who need the message because their parents do not participate in their children’s education. But most parents are involved and spread this message at home. Did you read the before, during, after, and extension activities for the speech and the recommendation that teachers incorporate activities around his speech in their lesson plans? That is what the outrage is about, not with the message. The outrage is about an elected official taking time out of instructional time. Check out the US Department of Education’s web-site and the document for Menu of Classroom Activities, President Obama’s Address to Students Across America.
Rosie
September 4th, 2009
11:06 am
I don’t think this would be such an issue if the White House would just provide the address ahead of time so everyone could hear what he has to say. Why keep it such a big secret unless it really is a political ploy? I do take issue w/the White House providing lesson plan ideas to go along this speech. We don’t have time in the school day for fluff. Stick to the facts.
redhat
September 4th, 2009
11:11 am
Why just kids? In you workplace, you will watch an obama message. You will be asked to submit a written pledge about how you can help obama. You will later be held to account if you are not fulfilling your pledge. Okay?
Stop Socialism
September 4th, 2009
11:12 am
History will repeat itself if people don’t stop and pay attention. The classroom should never be used as a political stage for any message. Have you bothered to read the follow up questions, which distinctly talk about how kids can support the President. This method to begin to talk to school children is well documented by Socialist, Communist and even was a first step by Hitler. People have good reason to be concerned about this action by our President who should be focused on getting this country back on track and remember that he works for us we do not work for him.
JOHN L
September 4th, 2009
11:20 am
Has anybody stopped and thought about WHY the people are against this guy speaking to our children. He is not like any president WE have had. Socialism 101-start with the kids and build from the ground up.
jim d
September 4th, 2009
11:20 am
I agree–STOP SOCIALISM———-CLOSE ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS!!!
Reality
September 4th, 2009
11:21 am
Who in their right mind would deny a child (or anyone) an opportunity to listen to the President (any President)? You don’t have to agree with what is said, with their policies, with their skin color, with their religon, or whatever – that isn’t the point.
The point is that listening to a President of the US is historic and will be a lasting memory for their life. It is a learning opportunity. I can remember a number of speachs given by Carter, Reagon, Ford, etc. Did I agree with all of them? Heck no! But, I am very glad that I listened to them.
An informed citizen about all issues from all sides is the best citizen.
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
11:23 am
I have read the lesson plans and still see no problem. I cannot tell you how many letters to the president I wrote in school, and that was a Catholic school. I understand that some people don’t like the president, but as John McCain himself said in November:
“I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
11:24 am
Mom of three, you are contradicting yourself. First you complain that the speech is taking away from instructional time, then you point people to a website that has instructional activities to go along with the speech. The speech itself will be available to perusal on Monday. Why don’t you want and see what it is all about before you bash it.
As someone said earlier, Ronald Reagan used his speech to advocate for his tax-cut program. Can’t get much more political than that.
Cere
September 4th, 2009
11:27 am
I think Obama will give a very positive, uplifting speech and will inspire many young people to think about what they can do to take advantage of their education. He’s very good at this. He has the power to really change young people’s expectations.
If you would like to read the letter Arne Duncan sent to principals about the speech go to
http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html
You can also download the class activities to view for yourself.
If you would like to watch a live video stream of the speech (which is now scheduled for NOON on Tuesday) go to
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/
Or watch it live on CSPAN
And yes, President George H.W. Bush spoke to students in 1991, counseling them to stay away from drugs. The U.S. Department of Education broadcast the speech live. President Ronald Reagan also addressed high school students in a televised speech. Afterwards, Reagan took questions from students.
The entire transcript of Reagan’s address and Q&A can be found here -
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/111488c.htm
However, I would say that involving a “lesson plan” for all U.S. teachers to teach is where it gets a little dicey. Depending on the voracity of the teacher – and especially if you are not an Obama supporter – you may wish to monitor exactly what your child’s teacher is saying to students, as there have been cases of very intense political support for Obama captured on videos such as this one by a (Russian?) film crew, in NC where a teacher almost reduced a student whose father was in the military in Iraq to tears saying that John McCain would keep her dad there for 100 years — Isolated yes – but it happens. Both ways.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDEAYgm0Dv8&feature=player_embedded
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
11:29 am
Thanks Cere, Your organizational skills are awesome to behold. I need a lesson.
Maureen
Hypocrisy abound
September 4th, 2009
11:31 am
I guess we knew it already, but so many of so-called “conservatives” are just plain hypocrites. Mom of Three, what’s wrong with suggesting and recommending some learning activities? There is no requirement that any teacher actually use them, is there?
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
11:33 am
This Hitler comparison is just crazy. Anyone who mentions this needs to go back to school and study history. There is no merit to this argument. As for others who express a brainwashing agenda, this is equally silly. If you’re child can be brainwashed by a speech, then maybe it’s hereditary. Stop listening to this nonsense. Be smart. Your child’s mind should be stronger than to be brainwashed by one day’s speech and lesson. Learning requires multiple issues addressed with multiple views. How else do you expect anyone to become analytical and able to understand and make educated decisions. This is a speech from the president, as smart, or a smarter more accomplished person than anyone posting on this blog. Maybe some of you should put aside your partisan, prejudice and listen more often.
carly
September 4th, 2009
11:33 am
The far right is out to get Obama on anything he does and to divide this Country.Time to shine a light on these extremists.There is a related post at http://iamsoannoyed.com/?page_id=588
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
11:33 am
You have to look suspiciously at people that will judge this before they even know what it is about or the content of the speech. This country has an astounding drop-out rate and it’s comforting to see that the POTUS sees this and wants to take time out of his schedule to address our children. Instead of rushing to judgement over a speech and making this a political debate just makes me want to shake my head.
This is a man who knows what a good education brought to him. This is a man whose single mother made sure he had the best education – at all levels. I find his story inspiring and I did not even vote for the man.
ScaredToDeath
September 4th, 2009
11:35 am
Imagine a society where the children idolize the president so much that they would be willing to turn their parents in for commiting crimes. Sounds nice, right? But what if it became a crime to disagree with the president? What if it was a crime to not participate in certain government funded programs? Imagine a society with children so brainwashed that they would turn in loving parents for “Crimes against the president.” Quite frightening.
Cere
September 4th, 2009
11:36 am
I do like the words Reagan used to close his speech to high school students – words that are perhaps even more powerful today and words that support Obama’s plans to speak to our children — we’re all in this great experiment together and Obama is our current leader and deserves our respect. Obama loves this country and is one of our best examples of its ability to make dreams come true.
“I just want to tell you one little added thing about our country, and then I leave. This, again, is a letter I received not too long ago from a man, who wrote and told me this: He said, “You can go to France to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Japan; you cannot become a German or a Japanese, or a Turk, or Greece a Greek. But the one place in the world,” he said, “where anyone from any corner of the world can come: America — come to live and become an American.” And no other country has that but ours. This continent, I’ve always believed, must have been put here for a purpose, between the two great oceans, because it had to be found by people who were dissatisfied with the lack of freedom or religious persecution or whatever in their own countries and came and melded together in this great melting pot and created the United States of America.”
Bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
11:39 am
Where were all the neo-cons during W’s eight years of bragging about being a C student? Oh, that’s right…they were home-schooling their kids about how the earth is only 6,000 years old and how dinosaurs walked with man (Sarah Palin believes that!). Anyone who would object to a Harvard-educated president extolling the virtues of education to our nation’s children is nothing but a bigot who can’t get over the fact that the majority of Americans elected a person of color to the highest office in our land! Neo-cons, there’s a NASCAR race in Atlanta this weekend, please go there and stand in the middle of the track!
Cere
September 4th, 2009
11:41 am
You’re welcome, Maureen. I think you have been able to raise the level of discussion on this blog. For the most part – this is a very thoughtful group of people able to discuss and disagree – with the same end goal in mind — better schools.
oldtimer
September 4th, 2009
11:41 am
It probably cannot hurt…but as always he will be preaching to the choir. The kids who do well sill listen those who don’t care won’t care what he says…..In all it will be a waste of time.
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
11:42 am
ScaredtoDeath:
It is already a crime not to participate in some government programs, and I am not so sure that you would object to many of them:
For instance, government requires all of us to obtain driver’s licenses and pass driving exams before letting us loose on the road.
As a worker, I appreciate government programs on workplace hazards. And as an allergy sufferer, I really appreciate government programs banning smoking.
Which programs are scaring you?
clr
September 4th, 2009
11:43 am
President Bush also addressed school children on Oct 1st 1991 at Alice Deal Junior High School His remarks were broadcast live by the Cable News Network, the Public Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the NBC radio network. Here is the site. http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/research/public_papers.php?id=3450&year=1991&month=10 Ronald Reagan took questions from high school students at the White House in 1986, and the question-and-answer session was broadcast nationally.”
Was that boycotted? No. Comments from Democrat polititians about the waste of money, but no one calling for a boycott like this one. Which makes me question why the Repulicans are calling for a boycott.
ScaredToDeath
September 4th, 2009
11:47 am
Maureen,
I appreciate your response, but if youo re-read my post you will see that I am speaking hypothetically. I am not speaking about programs that are already in place, I am speaking of hypothetical programs.
(For example, if the Obama healthcare plan is put into effect, what if it became a crime to not participate?)
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
11:47 am
clr, it’s not all the Republicans calling for a boycott. It sounds like just the “normal suspects” who would denounce anything that Barack Obama is involved in. If Obama’s speech just causes one child to rethink the decision to drop out of school, it is well worth it.
Phyllis T. Albritton
September 4th, 2009
11:48 am
There is a precedent for presidents speaking to school students across the country. Both President Bush and President Reagan gave national speeches to students. Here are the websites:
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/51386d.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/13/us/bush-urges-youngsters-to-help-friends-on-drugs.html
I hope all reading this will share these sites with others.
Cere
September 4th, 2009
11:54 am
And followed with a quote from George HW Bush to students
“Let me leave you with a simple message: Every time you walk through that classroom door, make it your mission to get a good education. Don’t do it just because your parents, or even the President, tells you. Do it for yourselves. Do it for your future. And while you’re at it, help a little brother or sister to learn, or maybe even Mom or Dad. Let me know how you’re doing. Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.”
Now really – does anyone think Obama is going to say anything terribly different? He will touch on the very same points and hopefully – he will be heard – like someone pointed out before – some won’t listen because he’s African-American – but conversely – think of the millions who will listen – for that very same reason. And the many more who will listen because they are enlightened enough to realize that he is an American – and he is our president.
Heidi
September 4th, 2009
11:57 am
If we can’t have religion in public school, why are we having politics brought into our children’s classrooms? It is one thing to have our president come into a class and read a children’s book to a class in person…this is entirely different.
Ben
September 4th, 2009
11:58 am
Carol below must be insane. The level of fear on the right is absolutely remarkable. What the #%@! is wrong with people? This is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!! What could be more appropriate in the school day than to watch a live speach from the president? Honestly, indoctrination? to what? getting a good education? Since when do the public schools, WHICH ARE A PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, have the right to sensor the President? Can any of you Republicans honestly say that you would have even paid any attention to this at all if Bush spoke to the students? I would fully support Bush or any President speaking to our students. And by by the way, where is our trust in our own childrens discernment? You all let your kids watch TV, play video games, go to movies, listen to music, surf the net, and you are afraid of the President speaking to them? Remember that this country overwhelmingly elected him, and that we are all Americans.
Ben
Okpulot Taha
September 4th, 2009
12:02 pm
Maureen Downey comments, “He [Obama] is proof of education’s power.”
Oh come on, Obama is certainly not amongst the brightest colors in the crayon box. You only need to look to this mess he is making of his presidency and look to this mess he making of our nation to realize the boy is educationally challenged; the boy is about as smart as a bucket of rocks.
Maureen Downey continues, “I wish everyone would talk to them about the value of an education, the bus driver, the cable guy, the lunchroom lady.”
I cannot decide if you are labeling the bus driver, the cable guy and the lunchroom lady as failures of education or as successes of education. My presumption is you are looking down upon our hard working salt-of-the-earth, our carpenters, electricians, welders, mechanics, looking down upon all those without whom our nation would collapse.
Maureen Downey adds, “How could anyone fault that message?”
Clearly you are not in touch with reality. There are millions of mothers, fathers, parents, all across America who are objecting to this political ploy on the part of Obama. This is not a “how could” question rather a “how many” question. Rather obvious you are dismissing those millions of Americans who are uncomfortable with Obama as ignorant gits. Rather arrogant of you, yes?
Americans are uncomfortable with Obama because of his clear Marxist leaning socialist stance, because of his being a racist, because of his surrounding himself with radicals, extremists and communists. Obama serves as an icon of antipathy to our traditional American way of life.
Those since modified “lesson plans” of his are all about a “Dear Leader” philosophy, all about Obama. What can youth do to support Obama? What can youth do to effect this socialist philosophy of Obama? This school speech of Obama is entry level political indoctrination.
Maureen Downey, you should change your logo from “Get Schooled” to “Get Socialism”.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Puma Politics
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
12:03 pm
Heidi, what makes you think his speech is about politics? DId you have a problem with Ronald Reagan and George Bush speaking to students?
Gaelic Gal
September 4th, 2009
12:03 pm
The real reason parents don’t want their kids to hear Obama? Because then they’ll know their parents are idiots for dissing him
clr
September 4th, 2009
12:05 pm
“As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education — it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality,” said Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell. “This is something you’d expect to see in North Korea or Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.”
Even the chairman of a state Republican Party, Jim Greer in Florida, has joined the fray, warning that Obama is trying to “indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.”
The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the president justify his plans for government- run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other president, is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans,” Greer said Sept. 1 in a statement on the party’s Web site. This is what it says on the web site.
RPOF Press Release – September 01, 2009
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Tallahassee- Â Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement condemning President Obama’s use of taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.
“As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology. The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other President, is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power.
“While I support educating our children to respect both the office of the American President and the value of community service, I do not support using our children as tools to spread liberal propaganda. The address scheduled for September 8, 2009, does not allow for healthy debate on the President’s agenda, but rather obligates the youngest children in our public school system to agree with our President’s initiatives or be ostracized by their teachers and classmates.
“Public schools can’t teach children to speak out in support of the sanctity of human life or traditional marriage. President Obama and the Democrats wouldn’t dream of allowing prayer in school. Christmas Parties are now Holiday Parties. But, the Democrats have no problem going against the majority of American people and usurping the rights of parents by sending Pied Piper Obama into the American classroom.
http://www.rpof.org/article.php?id=754
that is basically calling for a boycott without saying the word.
The Democrats have clearly lost the battle to maintain control of the message this summer, so now that school is back in session, President Obama has turned to American’s children to spread his liberal lies, indoctrinating American’s youngest children before they have a chance to decide for themselves.”
HSR0601
September 4th, 2009
12:09 pm
Little affection for children and young adults is seen as roots of this great recession :
1. Too few parents know about CHIP program.
2. They are more worried about the Afghanistan war than future energy.
3. Of young adults ages 19 to 29, 13.2 million, or 29 percent, lacked coverage in 2007.
current generation is to build a bridge for generations to come, and it will be great for both, too. By converting Incredible waste in health care system into funding for the uninsured young adults, both generations are better off after all, otherwise, Medicare and Medicaid system are also facing insolvency.
4. Two thirds of Americans don’t understand what the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress are proposing, according to a new CBS poll.
5. War-focusing allies are afraid of Science / Innovation as they atempted to derail measurable educational investing in Recovery Act.
clr
September 4th, 2009
12:09 pm
Dunwoody mom
read this
http://www.rpof.org/article.php?id=754
they may not have used the word boycott, but they ment it.
RUKidding
September 4th, 2009
12:12 pm
Left wing indoctrination is already part and parcel of much of government education and the recent Demi Moore led propaganda video is demonstrable evidence that Obama propaganda was already been infiltrating the classroom prior to Obama’s address.
What is a little more propagandizing by Obama? Socialism is here to stay and in socialism’s “long march through the institutions”, public education is the first point of socialist indoctrination. The left owns education is entitled use its property as it see’s fit to indoctrinate our children at will.
The original, albeit recanted, directive from the “PreK-6 Menu of Classroom Activities: President Obama’s Address to Students Across America”” produced by the U.S. Department of Education illustrates the left’s claim to ownership of education in its instructions that students should “Write letters to themselves about WHAT THEY CAN DO TO HELP THE PRESIDENT. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.”
True to their mission, this socialist administration is out to wreak change, beginning with pre-schoolers. Get used to it.
clr
September 4th, 2009
12:13 pm
People need to read this statement by a Repulican.
RPOF Press Release – September 01, 2009
Tallahassee- Â Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement condemning President Obama’s use of taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.
“As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology. The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other President, is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power.
“While I support educating our children to respect both the office of the American President and the value of community service, I do not support using our children as tools to spread liberal propaganda. The address scheduled for September 8, 2009, does not allow for healthy debate on the President’s agenda, but rather obligates the youngest children in our public school system to agree with our President’s initiatives or be ostracized by their teachers and classmates.
“Public schools can’t teach children to speak out in support of the sanctity of human life or traditional marriage. President Obama and the Democrats wouldn’t dream of allowing prayer in school. Christmas Parties are now Holiday Parties. But, the Democrats have no problem going against the majority of American people and usurping the rights of parents by sending Pied Piper Obama into the American classroom.
The Democrats have clearly lost the battle to maintain control of the message this summer, so now that school is back in session, President Obama has turned to American’s children to spread his liberal lies, indoctrinating American’s youngest children before they have a chance to decide for themselves.”
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
12:14 pm
Gaelic Gal…RIGHT ON, BABE!!
clr
September 4th, 2009
12:14 pm
RPOF Press Release – September 01, 2009
Tallahassee- Â Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement condemning President Obama’s use of taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.
“As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology. The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other President, is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power.
“While I support educating our children to respect both the office of the American President and the value of community service, I do not support using our children as tools to spread liberal propaganda. The address scheduled for September 8, 2009, does not allow for healthy debate on the President’s agenda, but rather obligates the youngest children in our public school system to agree with our President’s initiatives or be ostracized by their teachers and classmates.
“Public schools can’t teach children to speak out in support of the sanctity of human life or traditional marriage. President Obama and the Democrats wouldn’t dream of allowing prayer in school. Christmas Parties are now Holiday Parties. But, the Democrats have no problem going against the majority of American people and usurping the rights of parents by sending Pied Piper Obama into the American classroom.
The Democrats have clearly lost the battle to maintain control of the message this summer, so now that school is back in session, President Obama has turned to American’s children to spread his liberal lies, indoctrinating American’s youngest children before they have a chance to decide for themselves.”
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
12:16 pm
RUKidding, when you go to church on Sunday’s, do you pray to a rich, white god?
clr
September 4th, 2009
12:16 pm
sorry about the same messages, It is not showing up when I did it and thought it wasn’t up sorry.
DAVID
September 4th, 2009
12:19 pm
NO…NO…NO…no…no…no
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
12:19 pm
Face up people and admit it. Don’t be Cowards!! Stop dancing. You are making this stink because the President of the United States is a Black Man.
You don’t have to be a racist to be a republican, but if you are a racist, you’re a republican. It’s a fact.
White Mike
September 4th, 2009
12:22 pm
Okay, somebody has to say it—this is a black and white issue.
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
12:22 pm
I second Gregory’s comment!
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
12:25 pm
Okpulot, Have to disagree with your statement that ” Obama is certainly not amongst the brightest colors in the crayon box.”
While I understand you may disagree with his politics, his intelligence is not in dispute. His ability to think on his feet and offer cogent responses to any question at any time – something not all politicians can do — is remarkable. Even his biggest critics admit the fact that he is brilliant and quick.
Maureen
what's right for kids?
September 4th, 2009
12:25 pm
The speech isteslf is useful to teach rhetorical devices, and there truly is NOTHING in the lesson plans or activities that suggest students “tell on mommy and daddy” or that they proclaim allegiance to any helth care system. The handouts and lessons talke about personal responsibility and setting personal goals. The lessons are quite elementary for 7-12, but who am I but a high school teacher. I hope that our children are a little higher level than what they gave us to look at. But there is nothing in there that anyone should be scared to death over. But then again, I guess we shouldn’t have been scared to death when Bush said it was perfectly acceptable for the government to tap into our phone calls for the sake of our country’s safety.
Again, put aside your own interests and think about what is best for kids. Or would you rather little Johnny idolize Michael Vick?
Lee
September 4th, 2009
12:28 pm
While we’re on the subject of a civics lesson, maybe Obama could explain that pesky Consitutional requirement that the president is supposed to be a native born American and why he has never provided documented proof of where he was born.
Hell, the politically correct pathogens have been social engineering our education system for the past 50 years, why should obama be any different?
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
12:30 pm
It’s people like Lee that really make me shake my head in wonder at the level of ignorance in this country.
Dave
September 4th, 2009
12:37 pm
To: What’s Right for Kids?
Maybe there is some information in there about ending a sentence with a preposition. And we wonder…
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
12:38 pm
I’ts ignorance with a healthy dose of stupidity, and prejudice. Not just uninformed, but the inability to comprehend and learn.
V for Vendetta
September 4th, 2009
12:39 pm
As the most outspoken individualist here, I have to say that I don’t have a real problem with this. Though I’m against the socialized school system in America, and against Obama in general, I don’t believe a message encouraging kids in their educational pursuits is a bad thing. I don’t necessarily see this as a form of indoctrination, at least no more so than hard Right-wingers who teach their kids about a magic man who walked on water and cured blindness.
Lee, allow me to quote Bill Maher in response to your (very tired) anti-Obama statement.
“I’ll show you Barack Obama’s birth certificate after you show me Sarah Palin’s high school diploma.”
smart
September 4th, 2009
12:41 pm
Given what students were shown in Utah, which was a Obama Campaign ad, no I don’t want to allow my child to see that. If advance text of the speech was provide, I’d consider it and I’ll still consider showing it to my young child. However, what I read on the ed.gov site was troubling. “How will you support Barrak Obama?” “Why should you listen to your elected leaders?” It’s the other way around. Elected leaders should listen to their constituants. That’s my problem with the “supplimental” lesson that went with it.
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
12:42 pm
Dave, I have to tell you the preposition question is debatable. See below from University of California:
SANTA CRUZ, CA–If you’ve ever been cited for breaking traditional grammar rules you will rejoice at the publication of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (Cambridge University Press,). Coauthor and University of California, Santa Cruz professor of linguistics Geoffrey Pullum hopes that among other things, The Cambridge Grammar will help debunk what he dubs “grammar myths” that have long plagued the world’s most widely used language, such as:
Myth: It’s wrong to end a sentence with a preposition.
Pullum responds: Sure, if you’re talking about classical Latin or standard French. But if we are talking about languages like modern English, then prepositions at ends of clauses have been normal for a thousand years.
m12blh
September 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
WOW. What a wonderful state we live in. Here we have a President that is a living example of the benefits of education, that wants the opportunity to speak to children about educations benefits and rewards, and that is being questioned for political reasons. Is there any more evidence needed to see why we are at or near the bottom in education. Some of these children may be inspired by the President’s speech and decide to work harder in school. But, why let them listen to it, he is only the President of the United States, nobody really important. They don’ need any more encouragement to do well in school. We are doing just fine without him.
Okpulot Taha
September 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
Maureen Downey replies, “His ability to think on his feet and offer cogent responses to any question at any time….”
Reality indicates otherwise. During the last primary debate, Charles Gibson caught Obama lying about capital gains taxes. Obama fell apart, took to stammering and stuttering, switched topics then subsequently refused more primary debates.
Without a TelePrompTer feeding Obama a scripted and rehearsed speech, Obama falls to stammering and stuttering; he is lost for words. Rather comical, Obama is the king of run-on sentences which is an earmark of scatterbrained thinking.
His “stupidly” comment, his labeling the Cambridge Police Department as racist, this very clearly exemplifies Obama does not think very clearly and exemplifies Obama is not a critical thinker. In this distasteful case, Obama exposed himself for being a racist. This is not good thinking.
Obama is only talented at reading scripted speeches which are, most likely, ghost written for him.
I could write for hours on this topic. Bottom line is Obama has educational background credentials but is not an intellectual. Personally, I could talk circles around Obama’s pointy little head, and I have no need for a ghost written TelePrompTer presented speech.
“Vocabulary is the yardstick of knowledge”
On my personal knowledge yardstick, Obama rates about one inch.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Puma Politics
Beth
September 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
As a public school teacher, I find it wonderful when anyone encourages students to do their best and stay in school. Such a speech corroborates what I do every day. In addition, it is wonderful for the students to hear a president speak to them. How important they will feel!
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
12:52 pm
Anyone who questions who says Obama is “not the brightest crayon” or whatever is just mad that a person of color is president. The man went to Harvard on his own, not a drunk, cocaine-snorting, frat-boy legacy as W was at Yale! Obama edited the Harvard Law Review, a very respected journal produced by the Harvard School of Law. Maureen, I would bet a week’s pay that Okpulot never went to college and is jealous of those of us who did! Reading such drivel makes me long for Portland and Seattle where they don’t ever talk about the Civil War and they are, mostly, college-educated!
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
12:55 pm
Okpulot Taha: First, I doubt you are a first-nationer! Second, you are a fool!
Please remember this Arab proverb: It is better to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt!
David S
September 4th, 2009
12:58 pm
If you are unwilling to acknowledge that government schools are nothing more than government indoctrination centers then you are hiding your head in the sand.
It doesn’t matter what he says or what he promotes. So long as your children are being educated by the government, they are being filled with propaganda that is destroying their individuality, their love for freedom, their love for independence, and their true understanding of the dangers of government control of anything.
It is completely wrong for the government at any level to be involved with the education of anyone. By turning your children over to them to be raised and “socialized” you are doing them a great disservice and a great disservice to the american ideal.
Homeschool. There is nothing more worth saying.
JP
September 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
Meanwhile, 90% of the parents who claim Obama will brainwash their kids let their kids watch TV 6 hours a day abd view whatever they want on the internet…….
Dave
September 4th, 2009
1:00 pm
Maureen,
This is something that I wasn’t aware of. Tee hee.
I stand corrected.
Maureen Downey
September 4th, 2009
1:07 pm
Okpulot: On your comment: “I cannot decide if you are labeling the bus driver, the cable guy and the lunchroom lady as failures of education or as successes of education. My presumption is you are looking down upon our hard working salt-of-the-earth, our carpenters, electricians, welders, mechanics, looking down upon all those without whom our nation would collapse.”
As a daughter of salt of the earth people, I was not intending to insult them. I was trying to say that every person a student might see during the day — beyond the classroom teachers expected to promote education – should talk about schooling and its importance. I did not intend their occupations to suggest anything; I was thinking of the people students might run into during their week.
cobbteach
September 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
I, for one, will listen. Luckily I have a conference period then, so I can watch the speech. We in Cobb are not allowed to show it unless each child within earshot of the TV has a signed parental release. This is for high school. What a bunch of bureaucratic baloney… He’s the President because we voted for him. Let The Man speak!
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
1:11 pm
Maureen, pls accept my condolences for the loss of Bo’s grandfather. He must’ve been an amazing man. I read the obit with much interest. On a personal note, isn’t funny how we writers also tend to play an instrument. Music keeps the mind alive! BD
Lee
September 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
V – to which I would respond: I’ll show you Palin’s diploma when you show me the Constitutional requirement that the President is required to have one.
Dunwoody Mom
September 4th, 2009
1:18 pm
Lee – does not your ignorance embarass you? You know very well, Obama has a birth certificate – the same type you would get if you requested yours.
Okpulot Taha
September 4th, 2009
1:20 pm
Ronald Reagan presented a speech to school children. The content of his speech was inappropriate.
George Bush Sr. presented a speech to school children. The content of his speech was appropriate.
Laura Bush performed a great service for our nation by her promoting literacy amongst our young.
George W. Bush, well, despite Laura’s best efforts, George remains an illiterate fool. I would not want George Bush Jr. addressing our school children.
Each case example of a president addressing school children is to be both weighed upon and judged upon a case-by-case method; Reagan was wrong, Bush Sr. was right, and Laura Bush is beyond reproach.
Obama, his main theme for our school children is appropriate. However, Obama is (was) wrapping his speech within a context of, “You will support Obama and we will periodically check to make sure you are supporting Obama.”
Dare I use the expression, “fascism”? Probably not. Nonetheless, this speech by Obama is indoctrination; “You will support government and we will make sure you do support government.”
No, this is all wrong. This is offensive. This is a slap across the face of Lady Liberty. We are to teach our children to be independent, skeptical and critical thinkers. We are to never teach our children, “Government is good. You will support government.” This is obscenely Orwellian.
Many claim Obama to be a brilliant man in direct contradiction to reality. Each time Obama opens his mouth, he creates controversy, he creates anger, he causes fear amongst Americans. His behavior is not that of a smart man. Obama has served to polarize our nation more than ever before in history; he is creating acrimony and division amongst our peoples.
There are clear examples of this “indoctrination” right here in Maureen’s blog. Look at all those personal insults being slung about by left liberals, slung out at participants who do not agree with Obama. This is not smarts, this is intellectually insulting behavior by the brainwashed ignorant.
All across the web, I read left liberals resorting to personal insults rather than engaging in intelligent debate. This is a reflection upon both the thinking of and the behavior of Barack Obama; mindless socialist thuggery.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Puma Politics
bigdawg
September 4th, 2009
1:22 pm
Dunwoody Mom: Of course Lee’s not embarrassed. Obviously, he supported W, who hated education as evidenced by the idiotic “No Child Left Behind.” W and Cheney were fascists; they let business run our country into the current Great Recession, pollute our skies and oceans, attack science and mock global warming!
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
1:24 pm
Great Lee!!!!!! Great message. No education necessary, you should run for president.
Gregory
September 4th, 2009
1:31 pm
I thought that birth certificate thing started by that communist / Russian / lawyer / real estate agent / dance instructor / prostitute / self claimed sister of Putin (I for one don’t believe her) / neighborhood watch commander / gun rights for domesticated rabbits advocate / ex girlfriend of Pootie-Tang
was no longer an issue.
Tony
September 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
Much ado about nothing. Such shrill voices from both sides, too.
clr
September 4th, 2009
1:40 pm
Lee not sure how much you know about even if a child is born abroad. But I have had to deal with this a lot. Our daughter was born in Canada, to American Citizens(my husband was in the US Air Force and stationed in Canada). Just to let you know if one parent is an American Citizen the child no matter where they are born is an American Citizen. Since the President’s mother was an American Citizen that would make the President an American Citizen. Also Hawaii even though it was just a territory till 1959(2 years before the President was born) all people born there are American Citizens even when it was just a territory. It is not unlike what Puerto Rico is now. Those people born there are American Citizens even though Puerto Rico is not a state and only a territory. They do not need a passport to enter the United States just like anyone in the US does not need a passport to enter Puerto Rico(my sister that was in the military gave birth to a child there, and the child is a US citizen by just being born in a territory of the US)
Dave
September 4th, 2009
1:41 pm
Maureen, I stand corrected. This is something that I was unaware of.
Ha Ha.
The larger point remains in “I hope that our children are a little higher level than what they gave us to look at.” But I don’t feel that strongly about it and I genuinely appreciate the work our teachers do.
Joy in Teaching
September 4th, 2009
1:50 pm
I am an American. As such, I try my dead level best to model respect for the office of the President of the United States to my students. It’s just a speech giving encouragement to school children.
Period.
Other Presidents have given similar speeches in the past.
I think the adults on this blog should try to NOT project their personal feelings about this President and his politics onto a simple speech aimed at encouraging children to do well in school.
Period.
Okpulot Taha
September 4th, 2009
1:52 pm
Maureen Downey responds, “As a daughter of salt of the earth people, I was not intending to insult them. I was trying to say that every person a student might see during the day — beyond the classroom teachers expected to promote education – should talk about schooling and its importance.”
I accept this as a mere blunder in wording. We all make blunders. I know you are writing truthfully.
However, I now must question your “daughter of salt of the earth people”. This suggests to me you hold yourself above hard working typical Americans; your parents are salt-of-the-earth but you are not. Rather odd distinction to make. This brings me back around to Obama.
My personal opinion is Obama is a megalomaniac. This can be debated. However, millions of Americans view Obama as arrogant. This would be challenging to debate. Best I know, Obama has never held a “salt-of-the-earth” job. He has never worked the oil fields of West Texas as I have. He has never picked cotton in Arizona as I have. He has not been a waitress, has not been a typist nor been a secretary. Best I know, Obama never had any real job until becoming a short term senator. Well, he worked for a law firm for a very short period of time. I suppose this is a job but certainly did not earn him calluses on his hands, as this red skinned girl has earned over many years.
Obama cannot be in touch with average ordinary Americans. This is well reflected in his arrogant attitude, and this attitude is reflected in his original “lesson plans” presented. This is his, “You will support me and I will check to make sure you are supporting me.” This is rancid arrogance besides a reflection of his being a socialist which is contrary to our American ideals.
Returning to his smarts, before publishing his lesson plans, a smart person would self-critique: “What will average Americans think of this lesson plan?” Obama did not engage in self-critique because he is arrogant and believes himself always right. Rather clear Obama is rarely right evidenced by ongoing concern, disagreement and rage by millions of Americans.
Should Obama be a smart boy, he would spend a season over in Arizona under a blistering sun picking cotton to learn of what this means to be proud salt-of-the-earth. However, this type of hard work is beneath his elitist dignity.
I suppose this elitist notion could be applied to just about any politician, regardless of political party.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Puma Politics
extremerightwing
September 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Now, let’s don’t let the libs get away with the lie that when Bush 41 spoke there wasn’t any protest from the left. I submit for review. So everybody on the left get off your high horse about how “nice” everyone was to Bush 41 when he addressed the students.
As reported by the Washington Post on October 3, 1991
In fact, the House Majority leader at the time, Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.), said “The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students.”
House Democrats criticized President Bush yesterday for using Education Department funds to produce and broadcast a speech that he made Tuesday at a Northwest Washington junior high school.
The Democratic critics accused Bush of turning government money for education to his own political use, namely, an ongoing effort to inoculate himself against their charges of inattention to domestic issues. The speech at Alice Deal Junior High School, broadcast live on radio and television, urged students to study hard, avoid drugs and turn in troublemakers.
“The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students,” House Majority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said. “And the president should be doing more about education than saying, ‘Lights, camera, action.’ ”
Two House committees demanded that the department explain the use of its funds for the speech, an explanation that Deputy Secretary David T. Kearns provided late in the day in a letter to Rep. William D. Ford (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander was out of town. [...]
Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colo.), chairwoman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families, said it was outrageous for the White House to “start using precious dollars for campaigns” when “we are struggling for every silly dime we can get” for education programs.
Rep. Martin Frost (D-Tex.) said that if Bush feels obliged to use government funds to hire outside consultants “to make him look good,” then he should fire some of the public relations experts on the White House payroll. “Then the president might be more sympathetic to unemployment benefits,” Frost said, referring to Bush’s threat to veto legislation to extend benefits.
Mac
September 4th, 2009
2:08 pm
“government schools are nothing more than government indoctrination centers”
If you REALLY believe this then WHY do you continue to send your children to them day after day?
Not one of you ‘indoctrination’ yahoos has ever been able to answer that, and you keep on sending them. All talk and no walk.
nick
September 4th, 2009
2:18 pm
You folks keep talking dangers of government??? WTF? What has the government ever done to put you in danger? In case you can’t remember GW sent troops to an unjust war, thats the most danger our government has put us in. Homeschooling should only be temporary and takes away a childs social skills. Since you phonies feel like you’re in such danger leave the country, give up your medicare and social security benefits, give up your police and fire protection and we’ll hear your cries for help. You’ll never be able to afford anything privatized. You people are such illogical thinkers and your ignorance will bring the destruction of our society as we know it. What would Jesus do about education and Health Care?
V for Vendetta
September 4th, 2009
2:28 pm
I don’t know, Nick. Die on a cross again? Didn’t seem to work the first time . . .
Hypocrisy abound
September 4th, 2009
2:32 pm
Joy,
I think you are giving too much credit to so many of people posting here today – they may be adult in their physical structures, but their minds are far less than the worst of Kindergarteners.
what's right for kids?
September 4th, 2009
2:34 pm
Dave,
The Modern Lanuage Association also deemed it appropriate in many cases to use a preposition at the ends of sentences. I do apologize for all of the typos in my response, however.
nick
September 4th, 2009
2:36 pm
their minds are completely undeveloped. This is a result of the lack of education and rational thought. They are so afraid to think on their own and let students think on their own. Obama is simply telling kids what all parents should be telling them. Who would oppose this??? Any parent trying to take Individualism away from their child!
Cere
September 4th, 2009
2:37 pm
Well, I guess I’ll rescind my earlier comment about the people on this blog being able to hold discussions and disagree respectably.
I find these things mortifying:
People who disagree with Obama are called racist (it couldn’t be that they don’t approve of his politics).
Racists can only be Republicans (there are apparently no racist Democrats).
Those people calling anti-Obama people racist usually continue on in their diatribe to declare George W. Bush an idiot, ignorant and uneducated and his supporters bigots and neo-cons. They then go one step further and bring in Sarah Palin – as if she is still someone to compare Obama to.
I do think that Ben had a point though when he said, “You all let your kids watch TV, play video games, go to movies, listen to music, surf the net, and you are afraid of the President speaking to them?”
But IMO Joy in Teaching said it best, “I think the adults on this blog should try to NOT project their personal feelings about this President and his politics onto a simple speech aimed at encouraging children to do well in school.
Period.”
On another note -
And as a good old midwesterner and am damn glad to hear that it is acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition, a habit I am quite fond of.
Jessica
September 4th, 2009
2:48 pm
When did GWB give a speach to every child in every school in the nation!?? I will be the first to admit I was wrong if this is nothing more than a pep talk, but be mindful, there is a special running on all Viacom Stations then that evening to do the pep talk thing. This is not an issue of race, or of religion, nor is it an issue of Politics. Just LEAVE MY KIDS ALONE IN THEIR SCHOOL! If it is such a benign issue why did the Dept of Ed retract the ‘write a letter to yourself’ portion of hte lesson plan? Why if parents ask, (as I have done) to be allowed into the classroom to watch with my kids are we being told we will see if something can be worked out? Why can’t Mr. Obama address the parents of the nation first to inform them of what he wants to tell our kids. Would you allow a crack addict to address your child? Would you allow a member of Al-Queida to address your child? Woudl you really allow anyone to address your child whom you do not know, and i mean really know, on issues of values and what is important? Things in this world (the whole not just hte USA) are changing a such a fact pace and I believe we are all being pushed to believe certain doctorans and not allowed to form our own opinions. Since some of the Parents dont agree we are considered horrible. Look at the Consititution remember the 200 year old document that tells us the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, when did we forget them?
Cere
September 4th, 2009
2:49 pm
Some suggestions for the classroom participation -
After the Speech PK-6
•Teachers could ask students to share the ideas they recorded, exchange sticky notes, or place notes on a butcher‐paper poster in the classroom to discuss main ideas from the speech, such as citizenship, personal responsibility, and civic duty.
•Students could discuss their responses to the following questions:
What do you think the president wants us to do?
Does the speech make you want to do anything?
Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?
What would you like to tell the president?
7-12
Guided Discussion:
•What resonated with you from President Obama’s speech? What lines or phrases do you remember?
•Whom is President Obama addressing? How do you know? Describe his audience.
•We heard President Obama mention the importance of personal responsibility. In your life, who exemplifies this kind of responsibility? How? Give examples.
•How are the individuals in this classroom similar? How is each student different?
•Suppose President Obama were to give another speech about being educationally successful. To whom would he speak? Why? What would the president say?
•What are the three most important words in the speech? Rank them.
•Is President Obama inspiring you to do anything? Is he challenging you to do anything?
•What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?
•How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?
Video Project:
•Teachers could encourage students to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s “I Am What I Learn” video contest. On September 8, the Department of Education will invite students age 13 and older to submit a video no longer than two minutes in length, explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams. Teachers are welcome to incorporate the same or a similar video project into a classroom assignment.
OH the horror!!!
clr
September 4th, 2009
2:52 pm
extremerightwing
yes there were comments, but mainly about the cost. They were rather bland compared to the comments like Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda or Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell. “This is something you’d expect to see in North Korea or Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.” or
Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, a possible 2012 GOP presidential contender At a minimum it’s disruptive, number two, it’s uninvited and number three, if people would like to hear his message they can, on a voluntary basis, go to YouTube or some other source and get it. I don’t think he needs to force it upon the nation’s school children. Or Two Republican members of Congress, John Kline and Thaddeus McCotter, sent a letter to Obama challenging the broadcast decision: “Questions have arisen about the purpose of this address and some of the specific tasks suggested for young students.”
What about Fox News presenter Glenn Beck urging parents to take their children out of school for the day in protest.
Lee
September 4th, 2009
2:56 pm
Let’s see, where to begin….
CLR, re “Our daughter was born in Canada, to American Citizens”
Key point, you were BOTH American Citizens. Obama’s father was a Kenyan citizen, remember?
Dunwoody Mom, re “You know very well, Obama has a birth certificate – the same type you would get if you requested yours.”
Then why hasn’t he provided it? Then why are his records sealed?
There is one persistant case which has made it’s way to the Supreme Court. Instead of settling the issue, they dismissed because of “lack of standing” by the plaintiff – which basically means that in the courts opinion, he was not the correct person to file suit. Read the case documents for yourself. Berg makes some pretty interesting claims, which could be settled by the courts subpoena to obtain documents from the State of Hawaii. Everytime they dismiss on a technicality, it keeps the controversy brewing.
http://www.obamacrimes.com/
clr
September 4th, 2009
3:00 pm
Jessica
Oct 1st 1991
and if you want the site here it is
http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/research/public_papers.php?id=3450&year=1991&month=10
it was carried by Cable News Network, the Public Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the NBC radio network
or what about the questions and answer that President Reagon did with students on Nov 18th 1988 here is that site
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/111488c.htm
oldtimer
September 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
Bigdawg, by definition Bush and party were not facists…..They were not true conservatives, but they were not facists. On the matter of the speech; If I still had children in school, I would spend the day are part of it listening to the speech in the class and watching the lesson the teacher presented with it. Then we would plan a talk at home along the same lines. I have always spent time in my girls’ classes and discussed events at home. They need their education was so important I took time from my job for it.
I really do not think there will be anything shocking and I just do not like the guy.
Sean
September 4th, 2009
3:04 pm
George H.W. Bush also did the same thing. I watched it earlier on CSPAN. The truth is, the majority of students who drop out have grown up with single parenting. When they lose the father figure they tend to latch on to whatever comes along. When mothers have to work to keep a household and miss the important developmental years of their children’s lives, it puts a heavy burden on that child later on down the road. This is a social problem, a problem with society, not with children. The problem can only perpetuate itself and become more a problem as early aged conditioned children turn into those who do harm to early aged children who are conditioning. We need a whole cultural movement to help our major problems like education and poverty.
clr
September 4th, 2009
3:04 pm
Lee
Does not matter if both parents are. Fact only 1 parent has to be an American Citizen. I could of been a Canadian Citizen and my husband an American Citizen, our child would still be an American Citizen because the father was. Or the other way around, me being the American Citizen and her father a Canadian Citizen, she would still be an American Citizen because 1 parent is an American Citizen. You need to learn the facts of who is an American Citizen by who their parents are. Only 1 needs to be.