Obama spoke. Nobody died.
I sat with J.J. Carroll’s 4th grade class at Fernbank Elementary, a DeKalb County school, to watch the president’s speech at noon today. The remark by President Obama that elicited the most notable response from the 9-year-olds was this one early in the speech: “I bet some of you were wishing it was still summer.” They were in full agreement with the president on that point.
The speech was inspiring, well delivered and narrowly focused on education. (Before the speech began, Carroll asked the children if they thought the speech would be about health care or cash for clunkers. I was impressed that her class knew enough about current events for one boy to comment, “It should be about health care because we need it.”)
The strictly educational message from the president was something that could benefit all children. (I have to thank Fernbank principal Jason Marshall for allowing me to come last minute to his school after a technology problem at my children’s school meant they could not watch the speech live. They are watching a tape of it shortly.)
I still question the motivation and logic of critics of the speech.
I talked to many media colleagues about the rancor toward the Obama school address and none of us could remember anything similar when we covered members of Congress or senators speaking to school groups. National political candidates have even spoken to local high schools with none of these accusations of indoctrination or political posturing. Indeed, some rock groups have gone into schools without objection.
I even covered British royalty talking to U.S. school kids once, and no parent pulled their child out for fear of wild colonization rhetoric. I have covered school groups coming out to greet and hear presidents and senators with nary a single peep of dissent from anyone.
And I would be delighted for my children to have the opportunity to listen to a U.S. president, both out of respect for the office and because the president is our elected leader.
A woman called me earlier this week to insist that the president’s speech be followed by one from an opponent so there would be balanced views. I asked her if she worked, and she replied that she had worked most recently as a cashier for a Home Depot.
Would Home Depot CEO Frank Blake – the legitimate leader of the company – be expected to follow up a speech to his employees, some of whom may not like him or his policies, with an equal time by Lowes CEO Robert Niblock?
Isn’t this getting crazy?
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385 comments Add your comment
Dunwoody Mom
September 8th, 2009
1:31 pm
I have to say that this whole nonsense over the speech was not our country’s finest moment. Quite frankly, it’s embarassing. We hold our country up as some moral beacon for the rest of the world and yet a portion, albiet a small one, wants to keep their children from watching a back-to-school speech by our President. I’m sadder for this experience.
cobbteach
September 8th, 2009
1:37 pm
I second Dunwoody Mom. Shame on the political alarmists who raised this ruckus. Respect, people. It’s about respect.
B Williams
September 8th, 2009
1:53 pm
President George H.W. Bush gave an address to schools nationwide in 1991, from a junior high school in Washington, D.C. News reports from the time said the White House hoped that the address would be shown at schools nationwide, and Bush began his remarks by saying he was talking to “millions” of students “in classrooms all across the country.”
You can read Bush’s complete remarks via the Web site of his presidential library. Here’s an excerpt:
“When it comes to your own education, what I’m saying is take control. Don’t say school is boring and blame it on your teachers. Make your teachers work hard. Tell them you want a first-class education. Tell them that you’re here to learn. Block out the kids who think it’s not cool to be smart. I can’t understand for the life of me what’s so great about being stupid. …
“If you don’t work hard, who gets hurt? If you cheat, who pays the price? If you cut corners, if you hunt for the easy A, who comes up short? Easy answer to that one: You do. You’re in control, but you are not alone. People want you to succeed. They want to help you succeed.”
The presidential library noted that the president spoke at 12:15 p.m. and that his remarks were “broadcast live by the Cable News Network, the Public Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the NBC radio network.”
You may have guessed this already, but news reports from the time indicate that Democrats criticized Bush for giving the speech.
“The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students,” said Rep. Richard Gephardt, then the Democratic majority leader in the House of Representatives.”And the president should be doing more about education than saying, ‘Lights, camera, action.’”
Patricia Schroeder, then a Democratic member of Congress from Colorado, said the speech showed “the arrogance of power,” and that the White House should not be “using precious dollars for campaigns” when “we are struggling for every silly dime we can get” for education.
Republicans, though, defended the right of the president to address students. “Why is it political for the president of the United States to discuss education?” asked Newt Gingrich, who was then the House Republican whip. “It was done at a nonpolitical site and was beamed to a nonpolitical audience. . . . They wanted to reach the maximum audience with the maximum effect to improve education.”
We also found that Ronald Reagan took questions from high school students at the White House in 1986, and the question-and-answer session was broadcast nationally.
Reagan urged the students to stay in school and say no to drugs, but he also discussed overtly political matters, such as national defense funding, nuclear disarmament and — in suprising policy detail — taxes. (Read Reagan’s complete remarks.)
“When we came into office, the top personal tax rate that the federal government could put on your income was 70 percent,” Reagan said in his opening remarks. “Now, you can understand, I think, that if you were getting up in those brackets — there were 14 different tax brackets, depending on the amount of money in each bracket you earned. And when you could look and say, ‘If I earn another dollar, I only get to keep 30 cents out of it,’ you can imagine the lack of incentive there. Well, we lowered it to 50 percent, and the economy really took off.”
Later in the session, a student asked Reagan what he considered his greatest achievement as president. Reagan said it was that the House and Senate had separately passed legislation cutting taxes, and he was looking forward to seeing the legislation finalized and become law.
source:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/03/arne-duncan/barack-obama-not-first-president-address-school-ch/
DDForsyth
September 8th, 2009
2:15 pm
Yes! This IS getting crazy. As you pointed out, presidents and many others have been addressing school children forever and I’ve never heard of parents “opting out” because they thought the speaker would “indoctrinate” their children. From Kennedy to Bush, I never heard a complaint. The few far right- wingers that started all this nonsense did such a good job of getting people to listen to them, it unfortunately shows just how ignorant and uneducated so many people are. But please remember, those doing the “hollering” are in the minority – even if it didn’t feel like it. No matter who you are or what you believe, that is simply a fact.
Jamesr1991
September 8th, 2009
2:16 pm
http://blog.southfultonliving.com
Open letter to Fulton County School Chief Dr. Cindy Loe
The bottom line is
September 8th, 2009
2:18 pm
that there are some white people who cannot accept that there is an African-American as commander in chief. Its impolite to use the “N” word today unlike 30 years ago so these “closet racists” are going to strike back at Obama any other way that they can.
Nolagirl
September 8th, 2009
2:24 pm
What happened to RESPECTING our president???!!!
I agree with Dunwoody Mom and cobbteach.
fred
September 8th, 2009
2:34 pm
It seems that whenever someone of a political mind other than our own, wishes to speak or act, we can find fault. This seems to be try for members of both parties. It is so much easier to find fault in those whom we are ideologically opposed to. We can disagree or cry foul when someone on “the other team” does something and applaud the same action if it comes from someone that we happen to agree with.Politics seems to have become a polarizing force in our society to the point that we are no longer listening to each other. We seem to have come to a point that if the “other side” says it we automatically denounce it. We have stopped thinking as individuals and started screaming as two opposing sides, afraid to admit that what what “they” are saying may make sense, or that what “we” are saying doesn’t. Politics does not need to be about only 2 sides, left & right, wrong & right, us vs. them, it can be and should be so much more. We seem to be too ingrained in the idea of a two party system that fosters constant rivalry, much of which is to keep those in office employed in Washington. Stand up for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to cross the aisle once in a while. Just my 2 cents worth.
KT
September 8th, 2009
2:36 pm
Not interested in anything Barak Hussain Obama has to say…
Oh and bottom line, save the race card. It’s gotten old.
Allyana
September 8th, 2009
2:36 pm
I think it’s good that the people who had something negative about this speech spoke up. Now we all know who the morons are.
Mel
September 8th, 2009
2:37 pm
He’s OUR President… Not the ENEMY! Republicans are fueled by HATE. Sad.
Chris
September 8th, 2009
2:40 pm
This is really embarrassing for our country.
Read Neal Boortz...
September 8th, 2009
2:40 pm
…today – he sums up the whole fiasco very well!
Mom of Two
September 8th, 2009
2:40 pm
Thanks for showing up KT, you only go about proving this blog more dead on with your “Barak Hussain Obama” comment. Thanks for playing
JP
September 8th, 2009
2:42 pm
KT,
The race card in this situation will never be old because some people like you are still not embracing having a black president. I don’t care if President Obama discusses education or health care, people will have a problem with it simply because he is black. I bet anyone one million dollars no one would be making a big deal of this if Hilary Clinton were president.
By the way, excellent speech Mr. President.
He is THE President...
September 8th, 2009
2:42 pm
…not necessarily OUR president – there is a vast difference!
And there is no HATE involved, just real differences of opinion as to what his agenda really was until all the hoopla started.
And, yes, it is really embarrassing what the left will do to jump start the race issue, when that is a total non-factor nowadays.
Jennifer
September 8th, 2009
2:43 pm
So true Allyana.
I am curious — did anyone hear of a classroom in Gwinnett that aired the speech live ? Or was that just smoke and mirrors and the tape of the speech will be available for those kids who seek it out or for the masses after the one day vetting ?
csquared
September 8th, 2009
2:43 pm
Respect for the office of the Presidency seems to depend on which President is in office. Of course, I’d not seen anything like this level of vitriol from any opposition (PRE or POST SPEECH). Even remarks by Democratic legislators fell far short of the HATE speech from the right. Right thinking people, those who echo sentiments that embody personal responsibility, hard work and the importance of education, had to have cringed every time a legitimate discussion was taken over by the screamers. Like a child who wants attention, they embarassed everyone in the room. One can only hope that more moderate, if not respectful, behaviour will be seen in the future. Civilized discourse demands nothing less.
Ivory loves Ebony (BB)
September 8th, 2009
2:43 pm
I agree with all of you, especially the bottom line. This all boils down to race. Forsyth County did not even show the speech. Big surprise!
It’s a joke, this is our president at least he is my president and I’m glad to say I voted for him .I’m also glad to say my best friends are African American and have never been fake like some white people that claimed to be my friends. I’m also proud that the love of my life is African American, and if you can’t get over race then go join Bin Laden in a cave. This is the president, not a black man, not a demecrat, the president. Since when did we shelter our kids from the president?? I’m glad that Gwinnett Schools stepped up to the plate and showed the speech. My daughter will not be raised to be ignorant.
Nobody ask me if I wanted to hear Reagan in 85′ . He was our president, Obama can’t buy candy, take his wife out or enjoy a game without it making front page. Hell, his wife can’t even wear shorts!!
For those that think we’ve come a ong way don’t kid your self, we have a longer way to go. Now you hide in the shadows instead of yelling the Nword or using violence…
Please! Will we ever get over this race issue.. I think not!
tori
September 8th, 2009
2:44 pm
America should be glad that we have a President that truly cares about our youth. Unlike George Bush no child left behind slogan. Which was a bunch of bull crap.. Someone needs to address these kids , they are out of control. Most of the parents bitching about the speech are the same low lifes that dont sit down with there child and help them with the homework because they are too busy out running the streets and dating. People grow up. Our youth needed to hear that. Good job President Barack.
Vivian
September 8th, 2009
2:44 pm
What happen to respect for our Commander and Chief. President Obama’s speech was great. It was what the school chldren need to hear. Childen need to stay in school and study hard to be the best that they can be.
mg
September 8th, 2009
2:44 pm
I remember the Congressional Democrats calling for investigations when President Bush spoke to the children.
The people who protested President Obama’s address accomplished one thing – they made him change his tune about getting the children to pledge to help him take America into Socialism.
Those protests probably stopped the American version of the “Brown Shirts”.
Jim
September 8th, 2009
2:44 pm
You are all fooled if you think there is a difference in Democrats and Republicans. It’s all an illusion. Obama is supposed to be the great uniter…but he’s anything but. Divide and conquer is his M.O. This racist crap gets slung in anyone’s face that is “against” Obama’s plans….it is getting old and will backfire horribly.
Ivory loves Ebony (BB)
September 8th, 2009
2:45 pm
KT, save the race card!!! Please…. I mean really??? Thanks to white folks or people like you we’ll always have the race card. And nope.. I’m white ..
Greg Wright
September 8th, 2009
2:46 pm
The Obama administration made one crucial error in judgment by releasing the “Discussion Guide” without releasing the accompanying text of the speech. Certain questions in the Discussion Guide appeared on the surface to be somewhat political … especially since no one knew the content of the speech itself. After reading the text of the President’s speech, I am convinced that the controversy was much ado about nothing. While one might quibble with a few specific words, the overall theme of the speech is to promote personal responsibility, hard work, good study habits, and initiative. Why wouldn’t we ALL support that for our students?
I think Newt Gingrich and other Republicans from the George H.W. Bush era were correct in saying that the President has the right (and perhaps even the obligation) to speak to students. I hope that today’s Republican leadership will begin to take that same opinion.
YEAH C'Mon
September 8th, 2009
2:47 pm
When is going to speak to all the Drug dealing, Gang banging, unemployment using THUGS and tell them the are embarrassing HIM and The RACE. Go to the real root of the problem. Look in our jail system and tell me the % of illegal aliens and blacks using our free handouts and food stamps. I’m tired of hearing about how people do not like him because he is black! I dislike him because he is an idiot and an embarrassment to our great country which Black, White, Green and Yellow people died to give us FREEDOM not Socialism.
Hoorah Mr. President
September 8th, 2009
2:48 pm
This is a plain and simple fact: No one and I mean no one is better qualified to speak to our children about what getting a good education can do for you like our President. I am so very proud of him and his thought to even take on yet another challenge to something positive and inspiring for our young people. Remember how we as parents feel about our children, what makes us think the President feels any differently about his children? He is a father and he was a father before he was the President and thus, I cannot imagine anything he would say to our children would be any different than what he says to his own children.
This has been the MOST ridiculous argument about our President to date. I, for one, hope we have seen the last of the most uneducated of our citizens in protest of our President. It is one thing to disagree with his policies. I don’t agree with everything he has said or done but I respect the fact that he is the one in charge of this great Nation of ours. It is time for the non-sense to end. He is the 44th President of these U.S. of America and sad to say, if you’d don’t like it, feel free to leave at any time.
Dave
September 8th, 2009
2:48 pm
The speech gave me the opportunity to discuss with my daughter the importance of education and goal-setting. We even set some goals for her. It also provided a chance to talk a little about civics and how our government operates. Overall, I liked the message. I told her that there are some that do need help and advice and that it was a good thing for the President to offer encouragement. We talked about how education provides choices and how that can relate to your income and lifestyle later in life. In a very basic way, we talked about education, career, income, and how taxes on income are used for roads, bridges, schools, teachers,-and the salaries of our public officials. I wanted her to know that our elected offcials deserve our respect as leaders and that we can admire their accomplishments but have differences of opinion on how things should be done. Importantly, they work for us, the American people, and if the majority likes the job they doing, they’ll be re-elected. If not, they’re effectively fired. I was glad to have the opportunity to talk about it.
ATLQG
September 8th, 2009
2:49 pm
KT… I am interested in knowing why you are not interested in ANYTHING that the President of the United States of America has to say? Are you saying that it is impossible for you to agree with any views he may have, EVER?
I know many people are saying the race card is old, but a statement like this is why so many people lean on the race card. Simply because to paint a picture that is so broad, without any substanative reasoning does not seem logical.
I had my issues with G.W. but the fact still remained that he was the President of this country and the leader of the free world. That position deserves more respect that I think you and others that write him off regardless of what the issues are.
Ivory loves Ebony (BB)
September 8th, 2009
2:49 pm
This is our president.. He is my president at least and I’m glad I voted for him. Nobody asked me in kindergarten if I had a choice to listen to well, Reagan, well, taxes, well Nancy.. Please! He was our president. I’m tired of his race being the issue, you racist have gotten better with your silent techniques but we haven’t came as far as people think. I’m married to a wonderful AA woman and my best friends are AA so I’m very aware of things in this country and it’s embarrassing. The media tries to spin everything on this man! He’s wife can’t even wear shorts! Please God forgive these people…
Trinity
September 8th, 2009
2:50 pm
It is really sad the level of IGNORANCE our country is facing on a daily basis. Even if you disagree with President Barack Obama’s views you should still respect the Office of the President of the United States. The speech did not preach an agenda or saying anything negative. The entire uproar was just plain nonsense, blatant ignorance, and hate. I am ashamed at how our country looks as a whole because of these hate-filled people that will do anything to stop progress.
Glenda
September 8th, 2009
2:51 pm
The race card is not and has not “gotten old!” I have all my life respected the office of the President and the man who held the position. Now, have they all done things to help me? No, but the respect remains. The murmuring and complaining has everything to do with race. People need to think for themselves and not jump on the bandwagon with others. The remarks by President Obama were inspiring, so were remarks to children by former Presidents. The attacks on President Obama will never stop because some people have hearts of stones not flesh.
TED KENNEDY
September 8th, 2009
2:51 pm
HEY MEL, EXPLAIN THE F THE PRESIDENT BUMPER STICKERS BY YOUR DEMOCRATS! ISN’T THAT FUELED HATE?
Ivory loves Ebony (BB)
September 8th, 2009
2:52 pm
Big props to Gwinnett Schools for showing the sppech, in the hell hole I grew up in Forsyth County they did not show the speech. Tried to spin it that teachers could review it and put it in thier lesson plans! My butt.. We know what that meant, I can’t believe Sean H was telling people to keep thier kids home. I didn’t realize Hilter was giving a speech. This is all raceist based, if you don’t think so get help now! You people need to join Bin Laden in a cave..
Ivory loves Ebony (BB)
September 8th, 2009
2:53 pm
F Bush, he tried to destroy this country.. I can’t beleive he made it to the seat… It’s not hate it’s common sense…
Go Jackets!
shaquanza
September 8th, 2009
2:54 pm
yall a bunch of honkys!
MtnDawg
September 8th, 2009
2:54 pm
I am embarrassed at the ignorance of certain citizens in our nation. I am angry at those in positions of power who consistently use fear to manipulate our ignorant citizens.
Knowledge is power. I hope we can pass on knowledge to the next generation–not fear.
Mel
September 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
To so called “TED KENNEDY”, I suggest you pray to remove the HATE from your spirit. Hopefully you don’t have any kids to ruin. If so, I’ll pray for them.
Lynn
September 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
Kt and he is our President. This is Hate maybe not by race but because of ignorance. The KKK’s members were notorious for making racial hatred speeches because they had a lack of education ( Never had a KKK member who graduated from an IVY league school. Hate is caused by fear of the unknown. Which in this case is Barack Obama speaking to children. Again its hate either way you put it. The race card- The GOP should be ashamed of themselves- they killed both Kennedys (for being N lovers), Martin Luther King (He was just to bright and powerful) and a host of other intelligent people who could of made a difference in this world. Hate is also being taught to our children. Tell me one good reason children shouldnt have been allowed to listen to a two time Ivy league graduate who used Education to get where he is today. He didnt use Daddy’s name, the skull and Bones, etc. When you can come up with one good reason let me know.
V for Vendetta
September 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
Maureen, this topic is old. Let’s move on . . . .
jim d
September 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
Mo,
No one has died—–YET.
Sadly, with all this hate talk I’d be afraid to bet one way or the other that it wouldn’t happen.
nietha
September 8th, 2009
2:57 pm
I think all the negativity was and is a sad commentary on the real state of our nation. Whether you like the person or not, I was taught that you always respect the position. As a country that lags behind ALL other developed nations in education but first in crime, hatred and other social ills, we should embrace every opportunity to provide encouragement to our children. What a sad example the country set for them and what embeded concepts about those who are different have been birthed into a new generation….sad..sad..
But a great speech and it probably would have been more motivating if he was operating under such oppression!
lady kiki
September 8th, 2009
2:57 pm
There’s a lot of backlash over this speech and it goes to show you that people are so afraid of what they don’t know. After reading this speech there is nothing in there that could threaten the well being of our children in any way. Those people lashing out negatively have not taken the time to read this speech. Let’s not be ignorant like them. I’ve read it and will have my child read it out loud to me to make sure it’s understood and be prepared for any questions. A lot of what’s in this speech is what any sensible parent has already taught their child/children anyway.
Old School
September 8th, 2009
2:59 pm
Our students were given the option to not listen to the President. None of mine chose that option. I heard only one complaint: one student thought the President should have looked directly at the camera as well as to the right and left to make those who watch via television feel like he was speaking to them as well as to the Wakefield students.
Interesting observation.
Mary D
September 8th, 2009
2:59 pm
All of this mess about President Obama’s speech was based on the loudest speaking of the majority not wanting an African-American even if he is President to tell them about their children’s education.
It just lets us know that racism in American is just something that is inbred in some of the majority. Heaven help us all.
Republican Voter
September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
I did not vote for President Obama. I will not vote for him in the next election. I disagree with a majority of everything done by his administration and many things done by the prior administration.
However, I have no issues with his speech. I think it was an excellent speech and I agree with almost all of the points in his speech. I have two children that watched it in school this afternoon and I have no problem with it.
I can foresee no time when I will “embrace” our current president. However, it has nothing to do with his race. While I believe in some issues on his agenda, I don’t agree with how he wants to handle them. It also seems the democrats are acting like their majority means that the American people don’t care about compromise and they are free to force their agenda down our throats.
As someone pointed out, the race card *does* get old. Racism is alive and well in the United States and Georgia. However, it isn’t a one-way street anymore. There is racism from every race and even white people are victims of it.
oldmac
September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
I just wish they would release the speech he was going to give before word got out. I noted with much irony how this one was mostly about taking personal responsibility a theory sorely lacking in the Bama admin.
JB
Lynn
September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
Yeah c’mon I know you are kidding. I would like to know when you are going to educate yourself about racism and its lasting effect on the AA and Hispanic Population. Second, if it wasn’t for Reagan and Bush all the so-called illegal citizens wouldn’t be here. By the way your an illegal alien just the same as anyone thats not Native American. Check some History while you are at it. Europeans stole from Natives in what is know Mexico and here. So please stop with ignorant references to people. An alien is something foreign and I don’t think people can be foreign to any land especially since god created it. Check your stats and facts. In addition the majority of people using the system comes from Corporate Welfare- Look at Madoff and Haliburton that is using the system and benefitting from me as a tax payer. If you want to get people off welfare then you should have voted for Clinton and a Democratic governor- Welfare to work gave everyone 2 years to get off of it. But the Republicans called it a socialist program. The unemployement rate, companies failing is because of Corporate welfare no Jo Smoe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richard in Druid Hills
September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
The attacks on the president are personal. They have nothing to do with what he is saying and to whom he is speaking. He achieved excellence in school. I doubt that we have ever had a President with better academic credentials. He should be praised for being a role model to those kids. President Bush often talked to school children and he was an academic dunce.
There is a group in the country that wants the president to fail no matter the expence to the country. In my view they are traitors
Ian
September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
Dragging race into this discussion is way out of bounds. There are a number of comments before mine that are purely racist, i.e. “yall a bunch of honkys!”
I want no president interrupting the school day, either Mr. Obama, Mr. Bush before him, or, if my dreams were to come true and they won’t, a genuine Libertarian.
TrueDawg
September 8th, 2009
3:03 pm
What I find disturbing is the lesson that it teaches children, when parents pull their children out of school or petition their schools to allow children to leave the class, in order to avoid hearing the President of the United States give a non-partisan, pep talk. One of life’s great lessons, is that you can disagree with someone and still respect them enough to hear what he/she has to say. I fear for our society if children are learning that when they disagree with someone, they should run in the other direction and avoid all contrary positions.
Shopping List
September 8th, 2009
3:04 pm
Milk, eggs, bread, lettuce, shampoo, toilet paper, a new administration.
Educator
September 8th, 2009
3:04 pm
What is frightening is that a shrill minority actually got the White House to backpedal and give in. Misinformation that watching the speech would be mandatory ruled the day. The White House should have stuck to the original plan and told these hysterical conservatives to deal with it.
nestle73
September 8th, 2009
3:05 pm
I think that it’s a shame that as parents we are allowing our kids to disrespect the President. I don’t think that a permission slip was sent home to me when George Bush or Bill Clinton gave a speech. I think that it’s awful the way we are treating the leader of our country. They can say that the playing the race card is old, but it’s true. We’ve never had this issue before so why are we having it now. People to tell their children to to listen to the President, are showing how ignorant they are. Maybe if we would have had a leader to speak to different generation of student, our lives and economy may be in a different state than we’re in now. How can anyone be against education?? But then it you’re ignorant then you don’t know the difference either.
Barry
September 8th, 2009
3:08 pm
It’s not about race and the race card is worn out! Just because someone don’t believe in Obama and his polices don’t make them racist so get over it! When Bush was in office there were a lot of news channels that blasted him, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Edward Kennedy, and the list goes on and on that blasted him, din’t respect him and wanted to blame the war on him! People…Bush didn’t start the war, the idiots that flew the planes into building did! So, when this bunch of alledged leaders bash Bush and don’t respect him don’t think I’m going to sit still and all of a sudden relish in the fact that Obama is President and I’m drinking his Kool-Aid! This man has done more to destroy America than all presidents in the past and is fast turning it into a Socialist Nation! The man believes in taking my money and redistributing it to someone that sits on their butt and doesn’t go to work every day! He believes in killing innocent children, i.e. abortion! He gave people cash for clunkers that came from the tax money I contributed and I don’t want to buy you a new car and pay your down payment! He has spent trillions of dollars that my children and grandchildren and future generations will never recover from! So…I’m not racist, I could give a Rat’s A** what color the man is…I don’t respect him because he is in way over his head he’s not smart like a lot of you want to taunt him to be! There’s a big difference between smart and common sense and he doesn’t have common sense!
ShoeShee
September 8th, 2009
3:08 pm
“if it wasn’t for Reagan and Bush all the so-called illegal citizens wouldn’t be here. By the way your an illegal alien just the same as anyone thats not Native American.” .. blah blah – weird stuff – blah … more weird stuff.
Whoa, Lynn, whoa! “So Called Illegal CITIZENS?” Get back on your meds, honey!!
ummm..
September 8th, 2009
3:09 pm
I think maybe we should all realize that the President is not just Black…now I know that by societys standards he is black, however he was raised by his white mother and white grandparents. So we continue to call him the first african american president, um no…he is the first bi racial president. Is he not allowed to embrace both his cultures or are we all going to just deny he is white as well. The race card is going to be played in this world always, because the reality is…it still exists…racism is like and unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality, and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a mans sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to to describe beautiful as ugly and ugly as beautiful, and it confuses the true with the false adn the false with the true..come on ppl….Our President is Bi-Racial….lets all say it. bi-racial. Not just blk.
Tax Person
September 8th, 2009
3:09 pm
I am reading some of these comments and I can’t believe that some people still have this type of attitude in 2009. We have alot of praying to do.
Joey
September 8th, 2009
3:09 pm
Conservatives were on a roll with Health Care and the economy and should have pause to think about this issue before making it so important.
But I suspect that the speech would have been a different speech if no one had raised this rukus.
OK
September 8th, 2009
3:10 pm
Conservatives have proven that they will attack this President for doing ANYTHING. The extremist on the far right have taken over the once Grand Old Party and turned it into a Klan meeting. Their vulgar attacks against this country and the Commander in Chief may play well among their base, but come election time their words will come back to haunt them.
I Get Around
September 8th, 2009
3:10 pm
Once again, there is NOT an “African-American” president. He is only HALF “African-American” (better known as black). The only thing that makes him African-American is the fact that he was born in Kenya, and is trying to ruin MY country since his in such crappy disorder.
ummm..
September 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
Our kids need to hear how important it is to stay in school, considering GA school system sucks big donkeys!!! So blk, white, asian, hispanic, they should be hearing it….anyone school that decided not to let the kids listen to it…should be ashamed…!!!
tricks720
September 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
umm Ian..the speech was only 15 min long. Was it really interupting anything?
Peadawg
September 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
“Its impolite to use the “N” word ”
I hear African Americans use this word everyday while talking to each other. It must not be too impolite.
Gary Schaber
September 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
The Republican Right’s efforts to disparage every single thing that Obama says or does is getting extremely tiresome and ridiculous. Never before has any president been attacked so viciously by a group that contend they live according to Judeo/Christian principles. But, there is no evidence of that in their actions. Do they not see how absurd they seem. Why is there so much hatred? Do these people really believe what they spew, or are they in so much distress because our president is a Democrat, or because he is African-American? How can this country overcome so much hatred? How can we get these people to give the President the opportunity to succeed before they condemn him to fail?
Chell
September 8th, 2009
3:12 pm
Ahh, the left only remembers what they want to remember.
Str8 Off Candler Rd
September 8th, 2009
3:12 pm
I think this is the reason the vents changed so drastically. There are people who hide behind the fake names and spew hate upon one another. We need to stop with the name calling and hate comments. Shaquanza, WTF? C’mon. We really don’t need or want a race war. Mr. Barack. H. Obama is our President KT. Sorry. Bush was there for 8 years and there were plenty ups and downs. I almost voted for him the second time around because of his “Go get em’ spirit. Everyone was hyped until our gasoline prices soared to places we never imagined. I don’t recall people being this critical then.
Ran
September 8th, 2009
3:13 pm
America is model for other countries. In such case, we should show the “Respect”,”Delightfulness” to the President no mater what. If you don’t then you didn’t know what is mean by RESPECT.
BonitaAppleBomb
September 8th, 2009
3:13 pm
KT…perhaps you should do what I tell all of the other “lovely” people that are not interested in what YOUR/OUR POTUS has to say: MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY…because as long as you’re a resident of the USA for the next 4 years plus-YOU WILL HAVE NO CHOICE but to listen to what he says. Whether your ears follow him directly or indirectly…you WILL listen.
Dan
September 8th, 2009
3:14 pm
The speech was exactly the right message to the students, focusing on personal repsponsibility and earning ones way in the world. Bravo !
Unfortunatley that message is contrary to any of his policy proposals or actions thus far in his presidency. Lets hope this signifies a move to at least center left.
Now regarding the controversy, I must say I too considered the opposition to the speech to be counter productive, however I subsequently read that much of the original angst was primarily driven by the “teaching points” distributed to facilitate the post speech discussion in the classroom. Hard to imagine a more narcissistic and selve serving diatribe than what was contained in those docs
“What inspired you most about Obama?”
“What does Obama want you to do?”
etc.
How about instead of that
“Did the POTUS speech inspire you”
“How do you need to change your behavior to take respobsibility”
Tony
September 8th, 2009
3:14 pm
Maureen,
Please end these silly discussions. The same arguments continue to reoccur and none is related to education.
Schools should never have been put in the middle of this controversy, but they were. It’s done. It was a good speech. Now, it is time to move on.
OK, OK...
September 8th, 2009
3:14 pm
…please enlighten us regarding the “vulgar attacks by the extremist right” to which you refer!!!
Larry Orange
September 8th, 2009
3:15 pm
I read the speech last night and was wondering what the hubbub was about. It was much ado about nothing. I had nothing against Reagan or Bush41 or any other president telling children stay in school and stating the personal responsiabliities that come with quitting school. And i have nothing against this one.
bob
September 8th, 2009
3:15 pm
JP, was it racist when people did not want Hillarycare ? Why is it racist now ? Harold Ford wanted an investigation of the DOE after Bush gave his speech to schools, was he a racist ? Ask Robert Byrd how to run a Klan meeting.
mom of two boys
September 8th, 2009
3:16 pm
My second grader came home from school happy he heard the President speak. He thought it was cool. He is Our President and I will respect him. I will also pray for him and his family because some people are so full of hate.
Just curious about the cars
September 8th, 2009
3:17 pm
Speaking of the Cash for Clunkers, I see where rapper Ludacris has gotten with a car dealership and is giving away 20 used cars to poor people! Wonder where those free cars are coming from? I swear, I do recall people getting all excited when Obama got elected cause they were sure they were going to get a new car!
http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-music/rapper-ludacris-gives-away-132706.html
TW
September 8th, 2009
3:18 pm
Republican Strawman politics deprived many school children from hearing some very inspiring words today.
Tara L. Brooks
September 8th, 2009
3:19 pm
I thought President Obama’s speech was wonderful. It was concise and to the point. I love when he said, “Don’t let your failures define you, but let your failures teach you”. I think this speech should have inspired our youth as well as everyone in the world. Thankyou, President Obama, for continuing to be a beacon of light to the world.
mom of two boys, will you...
September 8th, 2009
3:19 pm
…please expand upon your comment “because some people are so full of hate”. How does that fit into this discussion? We are talking different ideologies, not about hate – just because we do not agree on politics does not mean our differences are “hate” driven.
Barry
September 8th, 2009
3:19 pm
BTW, I had no problem with him speaking to today’s youth. But these are the things he should be talking to them about: pull up your pants, quit robbing, raping, doing drugs, killing each other, don’t get in the gangs, get a job and support yourself, stay in school, go to college or learn a trade, don’t have kids until you can fully support them…just to name a few things that should have been in his speech!
TW
September 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
No doubt al qaeda was pleased with rightwing efforts this afternoon.
Who needs al qaeda when you got the GOP? After all, who’s screwed America harder over the past decade?
Oh well, as long as none of this nonsense gets in the way of Saxby’s golf swing…
Mr. R
September 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
It just reinforce the the innate hypocrite nature of the right wing conservatives. they spew patriotism to the multitudes, but when it comes to the “Office” of the Presidency of President Obama, they show their true colors. RACISM. Not only they don’t respect the person, also the office. They expect people to clink to their party line with actions of treason. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions, but let’s be construction. It about making America a great and respected nation as in the past. With behavior within our own country like this, what other nation will respect us? HHMmmmmmm!
TED KENNEDY
September 8th, 2009
3:21 pm
Hey Mel what hate have I show? I just asked you a question.
Peadawg
September 8th, 2009
3:21 pm
Amen Barry!
A Parent that Cares of All Children
September 8th, 2009
3:21 pm
It has become really sad when children are smarter that adults. Thank you President Obama for taking the time to speak to our children
Please note Cobb and Cheerokee County would not air the speech. The Superintendents sent out e-mails on Friday banning our Presidents speech through PTSA. The news and ajc had it all wrong
Laura Binkley
September 8th, 2009
3:21 pm
I believe President Obama’s speech to our future leaders is exactly what they should have already been hearing from their parents. I do not always agree with his political positions but appreciate his outreach to our young people.
But, Barry...
September 8th, 2009
3:22 pm
…that would have insinuated that he was talking to, as others have referred to them, the “AA” community, as if no one has ever heard of Eminem, or other “white” rappers.
ShoeShee
September 8th, 2009
3:22 pm
“I will also pray for him and his family because some people are so full of hate.”
I hope that you explained to him that these are the nasty discussions of politics. Politics are not for children – children can only see issues in hard core right and wrong – they don’t see gray and don’t have the filter to understand what is being said. It sounds to me like this is something his teacher said and he is just parroting her opinion of people who don’t like Obama. I’m sure she doesn’t think of people who don’t like the Bushes as “haters”… See what happens when you open up politics to children?
ginn
September 8th, 2009
3:22 pm
If this were a white repubplican president, there would not have been a problem with him speaking to students. The entire situation was out of control. Sad to say that it’s more about race and what party you are. America, sad to say is still a very racist nation. I pray that the first family will be safe going and coming.
jr
September 8th, 2009
3:22 pm
He should have published the speech when he announced he wanted to make. This is the 1st thing he has been honest about since he has been sworn in. The speech was appropriate, and had it been published earlier, he could have avoided most of the issues. It is amazing how he can challenge our kids to step up to the plate and be responsible for their actions, yet he doesn’t follow his own advice! He is sailing us down the river of no return and all the education in the world may not be enough for our country and our kids to survive!
pat
September 8th, 2009
3:23 pm
No one can argue with close-mindedness so just ignore and let their hate and direspect and lack of caring for others continue. They feel better about the hardship of others.
jerome
September 8th, 2009
3:23 pm
go back to dunwoody! Obama da mans.
Once again, Mr. R...
September 8th, 2009
3:24 pm
…please expand how this sentence “they show their true colors. RACISM” fits into this discussion.
Ernest
September 8th, 2009
3:24 pm
I agree with V and Tony! This ship has sailed. Lock this blog and let’s move on to the next topic.
An interesting topic would be on what appeared in the 9/8 AJC regarding tightening administrative transfer rules and how much latitude school staffers should have with placing their children in various schools in the district. The numbers for DeKalb were not as high as some would have you believe however it still remains a concern for many.
Peadawg
September 8th, 2009
3:24 pm
“If this were a white repubplican president, there would not have been a problem with him speaking to students”
You had a typo. That sentence should be: If this were a republican president, the Democrats would have done the same bs. It goes both ways.
jim d
September 8th, 2009
3:24 pm
I’m with you Tony,
Perhaps we should attempt to hi-jack the blog back by discussing how the Surge in Homeless Pupils Strains Schools.
there was a pretty good article in regards to this that appeared in the NYT a few days ago.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/education/06homeless.html?_r=1&ref=education
whatta think?
ken
September 8th, 2009
3:25 pm
This in in response to “Yeah C’Mon” I am curios to know if the meth head drug dealers and gang bangers and WHITE THUGS are embarassing to you as well. Are you embarassed that the White Crackhead in Brunswick murdered 8 members or his family? Or does that only apply when its a crime by a black person. I can tell you are very ignorant and don’t know any facts so let me give you some. I am a white male that works for the Department of Family and Children Services and i assure you that the majority of handouts and food stamps go to white people not black people or mexicans, that is a flat out lie. So do not hide your racist remarks behind a bunch of ignorant rantings with nothing to back them up. The bottom line is white people are the reason this country is in the economic situation it is in, and they expect a black man to clean up there mess and a small minority like yourself will never accept the fact that a black man (who is also half white)is the President of the United States of America. If you don’t like it move to Germany.
Larry Orange
September 8th, 2009
3:25 pm
Barry ,Bush did START the war in Iraq, based on a lie. And it willl take almost 2.5 trillion dollars of your childrens and grandchildrens money by the time we get out. Thats the reason why Bush did not get any respect. He had no credibility . Its funny , i never heard anything about the 6.5 trillion dollars Bush spent in the last eight years. Future generations are will be paying that back as well.
M
September 8th, 2009
3:26 pm
I am a republican who watched President Obama’s speech. I thought it was outstanding and touched on the same important issues about education that I address in my home. My son is a junior at a Henry County High School. He did not get to watch the speech at his school. I will make sure he watches it on the internet tonight! Democrat or Republican…can we not all agree on the importance of education?
Kennesaw Mom
September 8th, 2009
3:27 pm
It is sad that we allow our kids to disrespect the president and expect respect from them.