Wisdom of the ages: Children ought to listen to the president urge them to greatness

I received this e-mail about President Obama’s speech today from a woman who is a parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. I thought it was worth sharing:

In viewing the 5 p.m. news today on Channel 2 that reported parents in Duluth being upset over the president of the United States offering advice to school students, I was disappointed tremendously.  Schools are designed for students to learn positive information from teachers, counselors and other significant personnel.  Mr. Obama is the leader of this country and he should be respected in his position in caring enough about the future welfare of our children today.

Any parent who wishes to “opt-out” of their children listening, learning and being encouraged to strive toward a great education is missing the message. Nor do they understand the need for our nation’s leader and other leaders  to encourage them.

It seems to me that some of these negative parents need an education about how children need to excel in their lives.  Do they not understand that we are living in perilous times now?  What type of education do they want for their kids?  To become the president is the highest honor anyone could achieve.

What is wrong with these parents?  Would they rather have a rapper lecture their kids or encourage them to go out in society and commit crimes or drop out of school?  Children all over the world admire the president and the children should be encouraged to hear the most positive information that is offered.

–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog