Sigh. Gwinnett students allowed to opt out of Obama’s speech
The parents of students at Hull Middle School in Gwinnett County today received permission to move their children out of range of President Barack Obama’s voice:
September 27, 2011
Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s):
We will air President Obama’s third annual national address directly to students on Monday, October 3, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. President Obama’s speech coincides with the beginning of school for many districts across the nation. His actual speech will be delivered on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at 1:30 p.m.
If you do not want your child to view the address, please complete the
bottom portion of this letter and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher no later than Friday, September 30, 2011. Those students who will not view the broadcast at their parents’ request will report to the gymnasium with an appropriate book, magazine, or newspaper after reporting to homeroom.Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions or concerns.
Regards,
Denise P. Showell
Principal*A hard copy of this letter will be sent home today with your student(s)
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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183 comments Add your comment
mum
September 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
I wonder what these parents will tell their children is the reason why they aren’t allowed to listen to the President of the United States?
LizBeth
September 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
I will never forget overhearing a conservative, homeschooling parent tell her little girl, “We never argue with the President!” Of course, that was when Bush was president. I wondered how that would go over when a Democrat was president. It seems like the Republican choice today is to act like we don’t even have a president.
seano
September 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
Only in America ! This is absolutely ludicrous !
Kim
September 27th, 2011
5:39 pm
Nothing but pure racism.
LizBeth
September 27th, 2011
5:39 pm
Thought about it after I posted it. “Conservative” is the key word; “homeschooling” has nothing to do with it.
td
September 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
I think this is the school system being a coward. Either Obama’s address is educational and needs to be seen by the entire student body or it is not and no student should watch it. We elect local board members to make these types of decisions and they do not have the courage to do it. What freaking cowards.
honested
September 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
When I was in the middle school grades (approaching a half century ago) the though that one would have ‘opted out’ of listening to the President speak directly to school children would have been labeled ‘communist’.
Funny how the labels have changed but the pinheads stay the same.
Jennifer
September 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
What an idiot and what an idiotic policy for GCPS to take on a President’s speech. Shame on Gwinnett County Public School School Board for not having a backbone. The President is the President.
G
September 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
It would probably be labeled as “un-american” if this action was taken during a Republican president. So……should this be considered the same?
DannyX
September 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
I can understand the frustration. The wealthy have been hit hard since Obama took office.
The Koch brothers have only doubled their wealth in the 2+ years Obama has been in office. Why does Obama hate the wealthy? Coca Cola extended their lead as the best selling soft drink, they could have been the extra special bestest selling soft drink company if Obama hadn’t stopped them.
Stop the madness. If the poor could sell all their belongings and give the money to rich people we’ll have more jobs.
Lets get that new stadium built for the Falcons, wealth envy is holding up the comfort of our executives. It would be a good gesture to show the wealthy that we here in Georgia idolize the wealthy as they have earned. Coca Cola, Georgia Power, Delta, and Southern Company execs love to be pampered, lets show them we care.
Have you hugged a rich person today?
MomPossible
September 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
I have opted myself out of listening to him, so I think it’s wonderful that parents can do the same for the benefit of their children.
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
That’s not so bad. In 2009, MY child did not even get to “opt in” to that opportunity. Apparently, all it takes is four or five whiny-azz Republican parents who are SO SCARED that the new BLACK President (yeah, I said it) would either (a) teach their precious ones to think for themselves, or (b) say something sane and rational, thereby causing precious ones to doubt the truthfulness of their parents’ nasty lies about him, that the entire faculty of the school just pretended that it wasn’t happening that day.
Gee, they saved the children from hearing that one should not expect to become a reality or sports star by luck, but should instead work hard in school, prepare for the future, and not give up when things are difficult. The future “Housewives of North Fulton” were SAVED from that evil message! Hooray!
td
September 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
G
September 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
It would probably be labeled as “un-american” if this action was taken during a Republican president. So……should this be considered the same?
Only if it was a war speech. If I remember correctly last years speech had a great deal of politics involved. If the President wants to make a political speech then school systems should be able to opt out.
lori_w
September 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
Parents received permission? Give me a break. Since when do parents need a school’s permission on making a parenting decision?
Red
September 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Yes and all of the nonsense spewed at Bush during his Presidency was called freedom of speech and freedom of dissent. Doing the same thing during Obama’s Presidency gets labeled racism. You’re right honested – labels change and pinheads DO stay the same. Amazing how things can be flipped huh? But no the “tolerant” liberals are only tolerant of their ideology.
Perhaps he’ll speak on why his staff mixed up Wyoming and Colorado. Or answer how many states there are – Mr. President there are just 50.
Yeah, the exact same thing was allowed during Bush’s years and liberals championed this behavior. Now all we hear is ‘racism’, ’shame’, etc. The classic double standards of the left.
LizBeth – sounds like you slipped up and really have issues with homeschooling there huh?
Jay Bookman
September 27th, 2011
5:59 pm
If Bush was President how many students would opt out?
Would Jim sigh?
Red
September 27th, 2011
6:00 pm
GaBlue – when you have nothing else to offer, always scream racism. Classic response every time. I guess you slept through the Clinton years.
td
September 27th, 2011
6:00 pm
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
It is not about black but about socialism. I am sure those same parents in N Fulton would not have a problem with their children listening to the message from Herman Cain or Clarence Thomas.
Red
September 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
td – I guess they’ve missed that poll showing Herman Cain’s surge post debate. Maybe those racist Tea Partiers just were confused?
And I guess it’s not racism to compare Jews to janitors…
Very Ironic
September 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
These parents are teaching their children to be disrespectful, close-minded and uninterested citizens. It is amazing to think that these people cannot allow their children to listen to the President of the United States even if they don’t agree with him. These are probably the same people who would claim to be true, patriotic Americans. The ironic thing is that a true, patriot American would show respect to the President and would be interested in what he has to say. Maybe these people are afraid that their children might hear something that would cause them to challege their parents’ political views. I would think an intelligent person would want their child to listen to all different viewpoints and form their own opinion. It is very sad how polarized, closed-minded, and controlling many in our country have become. Many people only believe what their Church (notice I did not say God) or their favorite biased TV news network tells them. Parents, be careful with trying to control your childrens’ every thought and deed. Often this type of control makes for a very rebellious child.
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
I guess y’all missed the part about Obama being elected the President of the United States (yes, including the one WE live in) via both the popular and electoral college votes. But hey, just name one white president whose “back to school” speech was 86′ed by parental whining, and I’ll retract the “black” part of my previous statement. I’ll wait right here.
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
6:15 pm
And again, in case you missed it, my child was not even offered an “opt in.” I said, “How was your day, Honey? Did you like the President’s speech?” Um, what speech?
Indeed.
AmericanNOTSocialist
September 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
Those who call Obama’s policies socialism don’t understand the meaning of the word, and likely never will. He’s the President of the USA, he was elected by the majority of voters (unlike GWB, ahem), and his speech should be aired to all students and then, if desired, used as a springboard for class discussion. There is no fathomable reason a student in this country should be allowed to miss this speech while in school, and no parent should allow that. If you disagree with the President’s policies, USE this opportunity to discuss current events with your child, rather than an opportunity to shield them from views that don’t mirror yours.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s racism, either.
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
Have to say I ‘m surprised. I assumed all public educators (along with their monopoly) would never allow parents to have a say in what propoganda their kids are exposed to. American patriots must have infiltrated the Gwinnett Co. system. They’ll probably be hunted down and smeared and labeled racist. Suffice to say, this country is past the “point of no return”. Progressivism, i.e. statism, has destroyed us from within. Our cell phones, mall addictions and lil’ debbie cakes deflected our focus on the most important job we have here on this earth…our legacies…our kids. I vomit.
M
September 27th, 2011
6:23 pm
“socialism” = “things Republicans don’t like”
Eric
September 27th, 2011
6:42 pm
For me, Very Ironic (6:10p, 9/27) and AmericanNotSocialist (6:16p, 9/27) sum up the issue very well.
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
By the way, idiots. The opposite of open-minded is not “close-minded”. Maybe you were searching for…uh…narrow minded? Anyone? Most of you mouth-breathing, basement-dwelling “trekkies” would do well in staying away from intellectual dialogue. Clothe yourselves with tight spandex and ride your bikes on roads alongside eighteen-wheelers and send a check to GPTV. You don’t deserve the right to vote in grown-up elections. Didn’t mean to offend…but you folks are so far off the reservation of common sense that you should have been lobotomized and ferried to pick up trash from our parks and roadsides. I have vomitted enough.
double
September 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
opposite open/closed.Narrow mind can be either.When you can’t vomit anymore.Dry heaves.Constipated need gutrake.
DannyX
September 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
I got a copy of the speech Obama is giving the kids, here’s an excerpt, powerful stuff.
“Yes kids, you paid more for your Coca Cola last year. Meanwhile because mommy or daddy or both got laid off your allowance shrunk in half. The big boss at Coca Cola didn’t have to cut back on Cokes kiddies. No the big bosses made enough money to buy 16,000,000 Cokes last year! Kids, that’s enough Coca Cola to fill 56 swimming pools.”
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
Loved your writing ability! Public schools?
Road Scholar
September 27th, 2011
7:03 pm
gutrake: “Didn’t mean to offend…” What? Everything you wrote in 2 blogs and YOU are offensive to the American People and to OUR President!
Very ironic: Right on!
What I want is a bunch of “hand fed” (un)educated people who have no ability to compare what the President says to any ideaology and to PROBLEM SOLVE for themselves. We are raising a generation of morons who are only motivated to be a rock star, a reality TV star, or even worse,people who spout drivel about where our country should go. The students that take a “bye” will do really well when the speech is discussed in civics class! Won’t they?
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
7:04 pm
“You don’t deserve the right to vote in grown-up elections.”
Unless, of course, you are a US citizen over the age of 18, who has not been convicted of a felony. Then it’s your obligation to vote, regardless of whether or not I agree with you.
I’m sorry if this offends gutraker, who thinks that mall addictions and lil’ debbie cakes are responsible for the “progressivism” that has “destroyed us from within,” and that the desire to wear spandex pants and become two-wheeled road hazards is indicative of one’s political preferences. Haha! (AS IF!) Bless his/her heart! Too funny!
Sha'Tanya
September 27th, 2011
7:04 pm
“Sigh” is my reaction too, Jim. I’m not a huge BHO fan but the guy is the elected President of the United States. You shield your kids from him just because you don’t like his politics? I am embarrassed for Gwinnett County.
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
7:09 pm
People like me fight and die for your right to be stupid. Actually, it’s the highest form of patriotism, a topic you would most likely find provincial and un-enlightened. Left to your own devices of survival, you would quickly fall victim to your own prophet’s theory; natural selection (survival of the fittest…) So, allow me to call it what it is. Thanks!
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
7:18 pm
“So, allow me to call it what it is. Thanks!”
gutrake,
You never died for me, and I’m pretty certain you never fought for me, either. Maybe you fought somebody, some time, for some reason, but based on what you write here, I am CERTAIN not one drop of it was for me or my rights. That you seek to elevate yourself with such bogus claims is indeed something to which I take offense.
Rick
September 27th, 2011
7:26 pm
The Dems whined up storm when George B #41 gave his one speech to students, did I say one. How many will this be for BHO?
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
7:27 pm
See. This is what I mean when I use the term “idiots”. GaBlue…you got me!!! I actually DIDN’T die for you…wow! How’d you know? God! How stupid can people be. O-K-A-Y…read the post again…notice the FIRST sentence. It reads…”People like me…” Duh? I hope you don’t have children.
td
September 27th, 2011
7:28 pm
DannyX
September 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
If that is true then it is nothing more than a campaign speech and not educational and no child should be watching it.
Atlantaman
September 27th, 2011
7:28 pm
Some of the folks that live in our state just make me shake my head. What is it that these so called parents object to their children hearing? What are they teaching their young, if they don’t agree with the person politically they don’t even have to listen to what is being said? I want my child to understand both sides of a position, not bury your head in the sand and say it’s my way or the highway.
td
September 27th, 2011
7:33 pm
Very Ironic
September 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
“Many people only believe what their Church (notice I did not say God) or their favorite biased TV news network tells them.”
If you do not stop talking about African Americans like that they are going to call you a racist.
td
September 27th, 2011
7:36 pm
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
And what President ever gave such a speech prior to Obama?
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
7:37 pm
I’ve forgotten how much fun this was!! Thanks AJC!
td
September 27th, 2011
7:38 pm
AmericanNOTSocialist
September 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
Those who call Obama’s policies socialism don’t understand the meaning of the word,
Then please explain to us all what socialism is? BTW: Even his on supporters call him a social democrat after the European socialist movements.
Paul Bianchi
September 27th, 2011
7:45 pm
Good for that principal for standing up to those brainwashing Democrats. Now he should move against thoe school’s history textbooks and replace the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt with a second term for Hoover, then Landon, maybe Willkie, and Dewey. Get all of those people away from Gwinnett kids!
Courtney
September 27th, 2011
7:49 pm
I will not listen to Obama anymore until he has the guts to have a press conference. The guy is nothing without a teleprompter and an arranged audience.
blacksheep
September 27th, 2011
8:00 pm
Hey gutrake– before you disparage other people’s writing abilities, you ought to learn a little more about spelling and punctuation. “Vomitted?”
Jeff
September 27th, 2011
8:01 pm
Why should parents not have a choice in this matter?
Jeff
September 27th, 2011
8:07 pm
Also, the students don’t have the option to opt out. Parents do.
Logical1
September 27th, 2011
8:14 pm
Kim, get off your friggen high horse and quit throwing out the race card. People like you that throw out the race card left and right are the ones that have an issue with race. Have you looked at the demographics of Gwinnett County? It’s got a pretty good mix and is hardly a place where something like this could be considered racist.
Go find a plunger and sit on it.
chillywilly
September 27th, 2011
8:20 pm
I always thought that Gwinnett County School System was run by a bunch of Klan members. Now we know.
iRun
September 27th, 2011
8:23 pm
Hell, I LIKE Obama but sometimes he says things I don’t agree with. So if/when he does and my kid hears it and repeats it, we talk about it. Because my kid isn’t stupid. And by that I don’t mean “not intelligent”, but “a state of stupor”.
Atlantaman
September 27th, 2011
8:25 pm
Racism only exists in the abstract. It is a fallacy. People only play the race card when they don’t have anything else to blame.
PLEASE!!! Racism is alive and well. Stop saying racism isn’t the issue just because you are uncomfortable with facing the fact that people in Gwinnett county probably don’t want their children to listen to a Black president. I don’t believe that everyone that disagrees with the president are racist. I don’t even think that Republicans and Tea Partier’s are all racists but I’m not going to sit around and listen to clowns pretend that their aren’t any folks in Gwinnett county that don’t have racist motives in their objections to their children hearing the president speak.
td
September 27th, 2011
8:29 pm
Atlantaman
September 27th, 2011
8:25 pm
“PLEASE!!! Racism is alive and well.”
I will agree with your statement if you will concede that racism goes both ways?
DC
September 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
that actually bears repeating….many of the same people who support the right of kids and parents to opt out of saying the pledge of allegiance are on this blog now crying bigotry and racism….what a bunch of hypocrites….amazing.
M
September 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
False equivalence is false.
GaBlue
September 27th, 2011
8:46 pm
DC,
Really? Can you name anyone who both supported the right to opt of the pledge of allegiance and is crying bigotry and racism now?
BTW, to the azzwipe named gutrake who hopes I don’t have children,
MY complaint was that my child was not given the chance to “opt IN” to hear the speech in 09 (something the administrators later told me was the result of a handful of whining Republican parents) not that anyone is being offered the right to “opt out.” I have no problem with options and choices, but I do mind having another’s bitterness limiting mine.
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
8:51 pm
Blacksheep…you got me! Notice how my posts started out appropriately and then digressed. Couldn’t help it…I WAS ECSTATIC OVER THE RESPONSES!! I’ll try to be more erudite and literate in future posts. Thanks for the reprimand. That being said, why is nobody hemmhoraging their talking points anymore? I was saving the “bed-wetter” comment for a future rebuttal. Come on people…Don’t let me get the best of you! Stand up for your delusions! Pathetic herd you are.
Juanita Johnson
September 27th, 2011
8:56 pm
Is the principal a fan of Hannity and Fox NoNews? The last time there was a protest to President Obama addressing students this ilk made a lot of noise about student brainwashing. This principal needs to report to the principal’s office to explain his politicizing critical thinking. This is not the cloak of a true educator. This principal is a door stop.
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
9:00 pm
blacksheep, you got me! Notice how my posts started out appropriately and then digressed. It was because I was sooo taken with the responses. However, the standard talking points have ceased hemmhoraging…can you explain that? Come on folks…stand up for your delusions!! Don’t let me make you run and hide. I like open and honest discourse. Learn to think for yourselves!!
gutrake
September 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
So much for free speech. I wish ya’ll well, though.
Beetzmee
September 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
Funny how folks on the left espouse racism and yet are okay with the black panthers showing up at voting stations to scare away republican voters in the last general election. One must either go back to the days of Jim Crow laws, Beirut, or Afghanistan on election day to experience that high handedness……can you say hypocrisy? And this coming from the party of inclusion…..go figure….the party that screams at anyone who disagrees and promotes real violence to the same…….Malcolm X anyone?
And yet, as much as I do not care for this president I find something fundamentally wrong with kids opting out of jack Shiite of anything let alone the president’s yawn inducing speech. as if the kids are paying attention…as if….at least it cuts down on the babysitting costs……if you want the kids to learn anything, instill corporal punishment. It more than worked in our day and I am sure if you could get the lawyers to shut up long enou it would work in their time too…..but I digress….
Look, shut up kids and parents, stick your kid in every assigned assembly no matter how unsettling because he is the president….the office has earned it. He’s just the latest caretaker. Besides, if I could endure 4 years as a US Marine under Carter as a republican, complete with his bumbling of just about everything, certainly your kids can endure an hour of this empty suit….er President pro tempor…get over it….go listen, imagine your future, if you can and remember, this is the guy that shoved a 10 Ton load of debt on you and yours….and then judge for yourself between your texting sessions and day dreaming…
Semper Fi…..or as we used to say, Simply Forget Us…..
DC
September 27th, 2011
9:12 pm
another year or so of this and the false cries of racism and bigotry will take their rightful place in the ash heap where they belong. Please keep them coming. It’ll only hasten the time when almost everyone realizes what they really are…..a way for the “user” to silence dissent and get what that person wants from others..
dawggirl95
September 27th, 2011
9:14 pm
Anytime we have a speaker come into our school we have the parents sign a permission slip or an opt-out slip. Children are a captive audience and parents should have the right to decide if their child hears certain speakers, even if it is the President. Many people are assuming the parents will take the opt out. Our school has had a total of one student opt out in the last 2 years. The schools are just giving parents the opportunity to make the decision for their child. There is nothing wrong with that.
DC
September 27th, 2011
9:16 pm
of course there is, Dawg….after all, it’s racist!!
Doug
September 27th, 2011
9:17 pm
This just makes me sick. Period. So much for respect four nation’s leader. Bunch of redneck racists.
Doug
September 27th, 2011
9:19 pm
I left a word out. Bunch of stupid redneck racists.
Amazing
September 27th, 2011
9:20 pm
These speeches are not political other than adults trying to make the speech political. His speeches have been nothing more than motivational speeches to encourage studnets to work hard to realize their educational dreams. He should be commended for starting this trend. We have become so cynical that the things we should unite on such as academic achievement become fodder for the political games played on both sides of the aisle. Some of the comments on this blog are simply pathetic.
Teach SS
September 27th, 2011
9:37 pm
It is a crying shame that if I choose as a teacher to allow a student to watch a speech by anyone else, I don’t need permission. I’m the professional and as long as I am not showing something with poor language or adult themes, for example, then I can show it if it fits in my curriculum. As a SS teacher, and studying government right now in 7th grade, this is a perfect example of many things: free speech and a leader expressing concern for their country (democracy vs autocracy at its best!). I can show Hitler, Mao Zedong or Ho Chi Minh (any of you smarties know who they are?),, Mandela, Gandhi: all leaders we study, yet are controversial.
So fine, your kid can go sit in the library and read a book and get singled out by because you can’t rise up and see that your child is an individual with the right to see all sides of the story. Congrats!
dform
September 27th, 2011
9:40 pm
My child is my responsibility and I have a say in what he is and is not exposed to. I don’t happen to like the last few speeches Obama has made and find those speeches racist. I don’t want my child thinking that it’s okay to talk to anyone like the way Obama has, so I opt for my child and I to sit and watch it together, so that we can discuss what is being said and the message that is getting across. As a former teacher, I see how our children are being indoctrinated in our schools and hopefully more parents are beginning to wise up and see it too. If our children understood our own history, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, other important documents, and points in history and even understand democrats and republicans throughout history, than I would have not problem with much of what is happening in our schools, but our children aren’t taught the country’s history and what little that is taught is very skewed to a particular point of view. Look at your children’s history books and you will see this to be true.
Teach SS
September 27th, 2011
9:52 pm
Yes, dform: you have a say by enrolling them in our public schools. but unless you receive approval for every lesson plan, then let teacher’s teach and continue it at home with communication. Opting your child out of a speech/lesson/video/movie that is about EDUCATION is not healthy. And have you watched the past 2 back-to-school Obama speeches: because they were well written and not racist.
CollegeMan
September 27th, 2011
9:55 pm
Outstanding! It is an example of true liberty. Freedom to choose to listen or to opt out of being propagandized by a hyper-partisan liberal. Well Done to the administrators for being pro-choice on educational options.
MiltonMan
September 27th, 2011
10:07 pm
Good for them. We already hear enough of this clown with his “Hope & Change” & “Fast & Furious” garbage.
I guess Obozo is going to tell the kids he wants to tax their lunch money.
MiltonMan
September 27th, 2011
10:09 pm
Can hardly wait seeing the teachers salivating when the see their man giving a speech about how great our elementary, middle & high schools are in this country.
Race Card? If the shoe fits ....
September 27th, 2011
10:10 pm
All of you closeted racists on this post should go ahead and admit it. At least we would have more respect for you.
The ONLY reason these parents were given the choice to opt out of a speech from THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, is because he is not 100 percent white. Not even Bill Clinton (who you righties HATED) was treated with as much blatant disrespect as President Obama. No need to wonder why. You know why. And you can try to intimidate people into NOT calling out racism and prejudice when they see it, by trying to marginalize them with the phrase “pulling the race card.” But you don’t intimidate me, nor any other person of reasonable intelligence. It is what it is. It’s not our fault you’re racist. You can either admit and and try to educate yourself to become more tolerant and accepting of others, or you can admit it and be proud of it. Either one is fine with me. Just know that you’re not fooling anyone.
And let’s dispense with all of this “socialist” nonsense. Half of you nitwits still don’t know what the word means. You just hear it a lot on FOX News and from the likes of Hanity (intellectual lightweight) and Limbaugh (dope fiend) and it sounds good. The other half of you are too unintelligent (I’m being politically correct in not calling you stupid or ignorant) to understand the concept.
If you don’t think our good ‘ol US of A isn’t rapt with examples of socialism, again, you’re pretty unintelligent. If you want to live an “unsocialistic” lifestyle, don’t call the police or the fire department the next time you need them. Call a private detective or a professional, privately owned fire fighting team. We wouldn’t want you to be touched by that nasty socialism, would we?
I Can’t Hear You… « Spurious Reality?
September 27th, 2011
10:13 pm
[...] Gwinnett students allowed to opt out of Obama’s speech [...]
DC
September 27th, 2011
10:19 pm
ahh, the “tolerant folks” are out in force again, it appears. Strange how, in life, it seems that:
- those who are quick to call others hypocrites, are usually the biggest hypocrites
- those who claim others are “intolerant” are often the least tolerant of other’s ideas
- those who claim “racism!!” at will are often the biggest racists of all……
Frederick Douglass
September 27th, 2011
10:23 pm
Good gracious, has this country gone collectively bonkers? I’m sure there are parents that wouldn’t think twice about their kids listening to Rush Limbaugh, whose message isn’t in any way positive, but they want to opt out of an innocuous speech by the president. These parents need to reevaluate some of the things they say in front of their children on any random day of the week, because given their response to this situation, clearly it can’t be all good.
@Beetzme
September 27th, 2011
10:28 pm
You know absolutely NOTHING about Malcolm X nor his teachings, only what you’ve heard others say he supposedly said. In short, he simply encouraged Black Americans, in no uncertain terms, to educate themselves, take care of their children and families and yes, arm and protect themselves — just as whites had been doing for centuries.
I guess that scared the bujeezus out of you and your ilk … a Black man who showed no fear of you, was smarter than you and was unrepentant in his quest to make sure that other Black men and women did the same. Malcolm X NEVER ONCE encouraged unprovoked violence against white society.
Additionally, toward the end of his life when he found and studied true Islam, he started an organization called the Organization of Afro-American Unity, with the goal of improving the condition of Black Americans through building coalitions with people of color from other nations AND well-meaning whites who were smart enough to realize that there was nothing to fear from having a strong, intelligent Black community in America.
Shame of Georgia
September 27th, 2011
10:33 pm
Td why do you hate on President Obama for any good thing to help people.
@DC
September 27th, 2011
10:35 pm
Spew as much neo-con, tea bagger rhetoric as you like. The bottom line is still you’re either a racist or you’re not. If you are, fine. It’s a very free country. If you’re not, then there’s no need for the attempt at lecturing those of us who already know what you are at heart.
Or as my wife’s grandma used to say, “A hit dog will holler.” I guess being called racist “hits” folks like you pretty hard. No wonder you “holler” so loudly. Sorry!
left wing
September 27th, 2011
10:37 pm
Kim—-Is that your answer to everything??????
Maybe you should expand your thought process
td
September 27th, 2011
10:43 pm
Race Card? If the shoe fits ….
September 27th, 2011
10:10 pm
I see you do not understand the term socialist. Fire and police protection has nothing to do with socialism. If Al Sharpton calls Obama a Social Democrat then why can you not tell the truth. Is he the only one on the left with the courage to be proud of what the left is? When Obama talks about redistribution of wealth and social justice then what does he mean if it is not socialism?
BTW: I said it earlier that if it was Herman Cain or Clarence Thomas delivering a speech about education then I am sure these parents would not have a problem. This is not about race but about socialism. If what Danny X said in his post earlier is true then this is nothing more than a propaganda filled campaign speech and has nothing to do with education and should not be heard by any of the children in schools.
Voice of reason
September 27th, 2011
10:45 pm
Parents have the right to opt out. I just hope they do it for the right reason. It believe it also reflects narrow-mindedness so prevalent in the nation among certain groups of people. I wonder how long will it take for them to realize that their children would have missed a valuable opportunity to hear from the leader of the free world. Listening to someone does not mean that you agree. Amazingly, this is probably members of the group that wants to be heard when they share the good news about our Lord or when they want to share how wrong abortion is even when others do want to hear it. Yes, they want to be heard but dont want to listen or allow their children to listen. How do you demand a respect you are not willing to give. When their children grow up on the wrong side of history, then maybe they will regret it. Nevertheless, this is America. It is one’s choice to be close-minded, ignorant, and even racist. However, there are consequences to one’s choices.
td
September 27th, 2011
10:49 pm
Shame of Georgia
September 27th, 2011
10:33 pm
I do not hate Obama. I think he is a good role model for the entire nation when it comes to family. I hate his policies with every fiber of my mind, soul and body. I have done my research and can tell you he is a socialist. Socialism is a disease that is ruining this country and must be stopped at any cost.
td
September 27th, 2011
10:54 pm
Shame of Georgia
September 27th, 2011
10:33 pm
Td why do you hate on President Obama for any good thing to help people.
BTW: What good things has he done to help the people?
Voice of reason
September 27th, 2011
10:59 pm
The majority of this country has elected socialists for hundreds of years. However, people wait until they have a President who happens to be African-American to magnify the designation. Sadly, since racism is often not recognized by the persons espousing it, those who identify President Obama as socialists only prolong their release from a character flaw that is so prevalent among so many uninformed people in denial. The Presidents who implemented social security, Medicare, unemployment, farm subsidies, pork spending, etc. are socialists. I can assure you that none of them were African-american but I do not hear the right calling them socialist. Much more, I do notv hear those benefitting from these social programs offering to abstain in order to not be socialists. America, the ignorance of the electorate is unbearable.
td
September 27th, 2011
11:06 pm
Voice of reason
September 27th, 2011
10:59 pm
Yes, FDR, Wilson, Carter and Johnson were all socialist. Wilson and FDR were probably closet communist.
For you to say that I am a racist because I think Obama is a socialist is total BS and you know it. I can guarantee you that I stood up, called and wrote my Senators when the liberals were lynching Clarence Thomas. I can just about bet you were either trying to help lynch him or did not say anything in his defense because you are a socialist as well and know that Thomas stood up and was a proud conservative.
jm
September 27th, 2011
11:08 pm
opt out? In N Fulton, my kid’s school made us sign permission slips to opt in. Seriously. They are the educators – let them watch the speech and determine if it’s worth losing the instructional time to hear what is likely to be an inspirational message geared at students. Don’t let dimwitted parents have to do that ahead of time. Any parent that opts out or doesn’t say yes is a pinhead. Yeah, O’Reilly…I said it.
td
September 27th, 2011
11:15 pm
Voice of reason
September 27th, 2011
10:59 pm
BTW: To show how your whole argument is made up and you do not evern know anything about history. Obama said that the critics of FDR called him a socialist:
“What’s happened is that whenever a president tries to bring about significant changes, particularly during times of economic unease, then there is a certain segment of the population that gets very riled up,” Obama said. “FDR was called a socialist and a communist.”
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/22/barack-obama/obama-roosevelt-socialist-communist/
• “Roosevelt is a socialist, not a Democrat,” declared Republican Rep. Robert Rich of Pennsylvania during a debate on the House floor on July 23, 1935. That remark came after Republicans hinted they were considering a move to impeach Roosevelt, according to the New York Times .
• “The New Deal is now undisguised state socialism, declared Senator Simeon D. Fess (R-Ohio) today as he pictured President Roosevelt as the New Deal’s leading socialist,” reported the Chicago Daily Tribune on Aug. 7, 1934. “The president’s recent statements,” Fess said, “remove any doubt of his policy of state socialism, which necessitates increased activities of the government in either ownership or operation of industry, or both.”
• “The Russian newspapers during the last election [1932] published the photograph of Franklin D. Roosevelt over the caption, ‘The first communistic President of the United States,’” said Sen. Thomas Schall, a Republican from Minnesota. “Evidently the Russian newspapers had knowledge concerning the ultimate intent of the President, which had been carefully withheld from the voters in this country. In fact, the voters of the United States were meticulously misled as to such intentions.” We found Schall’s comments in the book, All But the People: Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Critics, 1933-1939
td
September 27th, 2011
11:17 pm
Voice of reason
September 27th, 2011
10:59 pm
Just to prove your entire assumption is totally made up and you know not what you are talking about:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/22/barack-obama/obama-roosevelt-socialist-communist/
Douglas T
September 27th, 2011
11:20 pm
The GCPS board is in bed with the Republican power structure. Alvin Wilbanks is directly involved with Republican power brokers. That is reality.
cs
September 27th, 2011
11:50 pm
what a bunch of horsechit!! can we opt our children out of marchin looter king day, black history month, cinco de mayo, terrorist and unconvicted war criminal abe lincoln worship?etc etc? at least obama is president of the united states!
honested
September 27th, 2011
11:53 pm
tiny dog
‘even his supporters call him a social Democrat after the European Socialist movements’
HUH?
If you ever get out of the ‘villes’ and talk to grown up civilized people, you will realize just how dead wrong that infantile statement is.
I am an Obama Supporter. I wish he was at least a Progressive or better yet a Leftist Democrat, but it ain’t so. He is a died in the wool corporatist. I need look no farther than the Affordable Care Act which had the opportunity to free Americans from the vile parasites known as ‘for profit health insurance companies’. Yet, those entities are still with us and still shaving 35% off the top of every dollar every American spends on for profit health care. Tell me how that is ’socialist’.
B. Thenet
September 27th, 2011
11:53 pm
td: Taxes have yet to be raised since Barrack Obama has become President. Hardly the act of a socialist I would say.
It is certainly true that FDR was called socialist and a communist, then again all the pitiful minority of GOPers in the country back then had was name calling. The fact that tenants of the New Deal have lasted nearly a century in a country widely regarded as one of the most politically conservative in the world shows how absurd the claim is.
I feel sorry for the children of the people whose parents have so much hatred(political hatred, racial hatred, take your pick) in their hearts that they can’t stand to have their children listen to the President speak. It shames us all.
Canecutter
September 28th, 2011
1:09 am
I think it is a great idea that the childern are allowed to opt out of the speach. If the president would give a speach like he did when Congress woman Gifford was shot no kid should miss it but now since it is election time his tone has changed. he has turned into civil rights marching, racist, pick up your boots and march against the world you brothers. I don’t respect a man like this.
Look at the facts since he has been in office. Unemployment has not dropped below 9% for the nation and for blacks 15% since he has been in office. With these terrible numbers he has failed to create jobs and shifted the blame to the republicans. This is insane. The marching needs to take place and it needs to be done and the area needs to be right around his office demanding jobs for the middle class.
The Thin Guy
September 28th, 2011
1:22 am
Should German Jewish children have been required to listen to Der Furhrer back in the 30s? Why force anyone to listen to that low grade moron ØDumbø read his racist class warfare Marxist drivel rant? Just knowing the jerk exists is bad enough. Having to listen to it is unbearable. Great that parents can elect to not having their offspring brain washed by the left wing hate mongers running and ruining this country.
MM
September 28th, 2011
2:10 am
I could not believe what I was reading. Denise P. Showell should be ashamed of herself. By what fallacious reasoning can she convince herself she is justified doing this? I’m sure it can be difficult standing up to all the right-wing crazies in this land, some of them parents, but Showell is a coward, pure and simple. This is so sad.
Don Abernethy
September 28th, 2011
3:30 am
Why are most of the comments from liberals? Most of my friends avoid Obama speeches not because he is black but because he is a socialist. The fact that he is President does not mean we have to listen to him just because he is the President. We check out his speeches after he speaks just to make sure we know the high lights of his speech.
Buckhead Boy
September 28th, 2011
3:42 am
I find this talk of opting-out rights most bewildering. As someone with no children, who has paid mightily to educate present public school students, their parents and probably most of their parents’ parents, do you suppose that I enjoy the right to opt-out of paying for the administration of opting-out? I’ve assumed that I was paying to extend the privilege to others to attend the public schools. Now I find out that some of those who avail themselves of this privilege assert the right not to hear from the President of the United States as presented in the public schools. Presumably, the sperm conveys rights that I know nothing about. As I say, most bewildering.
Techfan
September 28th, 2011
4:53 am
It’s a simple test, research and see if parents were given the same option in 1986 with Reagan and in 1991 with GHW Bush.
Kevin
September 28th, 2011
5:32 am
Maybe, just maybe, some parents don’t want subject their children to the lies and brainwashing attempts(ie only democrats care about children, clean water, the environment, etc) Nothing to do with race, everything to do with the fact he’s a radical left winger(is that better than socialist???) But no worrries, Barry will be opting out of a 2nd term come 2012 and all will again be right with the world. And just for thr record, you morons should read his book. HE is the racist, not these parents. He is the one that was married and had his children baptized by an admitted racist and American hater. Oprah went to that church for yrs. too btw…so who are the racists again?
Concerned Voter
September 28th, 2011
5:57 am
This is ridiculous! Ignorance is dangerous. This school system is ignorant and therefore dangerous! What a sad day for public education.
The Centrist
September 28th, 2011
6:05 am
Just think. Most middle school kids of Dixiecrats are going to have a hard time if they make it to high school or college and have to take History and Science. They are going to be confused by what their parents and Rush Limbaugh, etal have told them, and the truth.
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
6:13 am
Who would want their child listening to a liar!
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
6:17 am
?
MiltonMan
September 28th, 2011
6:41 am
Walk into any school in the morning & they are blasting CNN Student News to the kids. Libs who control our schools & the teaching ranks just cannot get enough of forcing their crappy agenda down the throats of our kids. And people wonder why are school system is in the toilet?
MiltonMan
September 28th, 2011
6:49 am
To the clowns here that defend Malcolm X as a peaceful man truly are ignorant:
He was often quoted in speeches that blacks were superior to whites
He was good friends with Fidel Castro
He stated that the demise of white people was forthcoming
He favored complete seperation of black people & white people
He called MLK a chump
etc.
etc.
seabeau
September 28th, 2011
6:58 am
The only thing the little darling will hear is Obama running for office again! Telling everyone what they want to hear!
jt
September 28th, 2011
7:09 am
I suppose that there are some shining lights left in the Government School system.
.
To really have a positive effect on the “opt out’ students, a Ron Paul video should be shown.
A good future for these kids involves individual liberty and free commerce…………..not government dependency and coercion.
E. Ruffin
September 28th, 2011
7:16 am
Kim, chillywilly and others, it is NOT about race, it is about the fact that dumbed down voters put this anti-American in office. Number 1, my kids wouldn’t be in a government brainwashing facility, number 2, if they were I would be prone to sit down with the kids, discuss it, and come to a logical decision about whether there was a benefit to them for listening to a political speech by the current occupant of the W.H. (All of his speeches are political.)
Ol' Timer
September 28th, 2011
7:23 am
Looks like most politicians have morphed into spineless wonders — more concerned about keeping their jobs than doing the right thing without apology.
A politician is concerned about the next election. A statesman is concerned about the next generation.
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” William Shakespeare, Midsummer Night Dream Act 3, Scene 2
scott
September 28th, 2011
7:34 am
When you send your children to a government school don’t be suprised when you encounter stupidity.
tiredofIT
September 28th, 2011
7:41 am
The right wingers “opting out” probably send the kids to Jesus camp.
NB Forrest
September 28th, 2011
7:43 am
I do not like Obama one bit. However, the office of the President should be respected no matter who occupies it. No wonder kids have no respect for anything…anymore……
Judy
September 28th, 2011
7:45 am
That is sent to all students in the largest school district in our state….THIS NEEDS TO MAKE NATIONAL NEWS…… pure racism, sanctioned by the school district.
What the?
September 28th, 2011
7:50 am
He’s the President for gosh sakes! I dont’ agree with most of what he’s done, and will NEVER vote for him again, but at least give the man the respect he deserves.
Limey
September 28th, 2011
7:52 am
Gee Jim, it’s called free choice. (An odd concept, to be sure, these days.) Why do we insist on using schools and school children to push one political agenda??
Bill Johnson
September 28th, 2011
7:54 am
The level of the comments here reveals to me why AJC allows so few comments.
honested
September 28th, 2011
7:59 am
The Centrist
Nail on the head.
I guess it is to be expected that those raising their children in the Party of Superstition would want to avoid contact with the Party of Science.
Those who are convinced that reality is something that requires ‘belief’ want to stay as far as possible away from things that are indisputably facts.
Throw in the manufactured belief of a dangerous ’socialist’ and the cocoon is wrapped.
MrLiberty
September 28th, 2011
8:03 am
These parents should be opting their kids out of government schools entirely. There is far more propaganda shoved into their poor heads every other day of the year than will be spoken by the president whom we all know is a pathological liar. At least he and his lies are easy to spot. Not so much for the lies in the curriculum or those coming out of the teacher’s mouths.
Merry
September 28th, 2011
8:09 am
It seems the best test is that if the parents would opt out for their own personal reasons, then their children should not become a captive audience either.
Buzz G
September 28th, 2011
8:15 am
I send my kids to school to learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Obama is a leftist who spreads his evil wherever he goes. I sure would not like my kids being forced to sit there and listen to his propaganda.
jayone
September 28th, 2011
8:18 am
Again we as a people have not reached an accord of pleasent conversation. The President should be respected. If you dont like his message explain it to your kids of how you feel about what he said but to deny them this chance to hear what he has to say is out right disrespect for the President.
JDW
September 28th, 2011
8:20 am
“Why is it political for the president of the United States to discuss education?” Newt Gingrich
These words were uttered in support of George H. W. Bush’s address to school children in 1991. Could someone tell me what has changed the minds of Republicans. Couldn’t be hypocrisy now could it?
BTW there was no “opting out” allowed.
Wallis the dog
September 28th, 2011
8:20 am
Galloway, you old capon, why should kids in government schools be forced to listen to a campaign speech on top of all the leftist indoctrination they already have to stomach in that environment? Sigh.
jayone
September 28th, 2011
8:25 am
MrLiberty,Buzz G
Again no respect for the office of the President of the USA. I bet that if this was done by a Republican President you GOP’ers would be jumping to the high heavens to listen to what he has to say. But because the economy is so far down we have nothing good to say about any one in GOVT.
Alpha23
September 28th, 2011
8:30 am
So obviously a lot of people, including myself, really don’t think obumer has much to say of any consequence!!! He’s a joke, and the less kids that hear his lies, the better!
Alpha23
September 28th, 2011
8:31 am
And yes, I disrespect this president every chance I get!!!
Big Brother
September 28th, 2011
8:35 am
“It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion.” – Joseph Goebbels
stands for decibels
September 28th, 2011
8:36 am
the though[t] that one would have ‘opted out’ of listening to the President speak directly to school children would have been labeled ‘communist’.
Still is, if you think about it, and recognize that many of the modern day “conservatives” are every bit as radical today as the Bolsheviks of old.
Jerome Horwitz
September 28th, 2011
8:37 am
The drivel I’ve seen on this blog is just amazing. You can tell the posters who get their talking points from the likes of Limbaugh, Boortz, Hannity, et al. Come on folks do a little independent research.
As for the speech – the man is the President. Show the office the resepct it deserves. I did not support President Bush, but, would want my child to listen to his speech. It should not be political – just encouraging. If he shouts “Pass this Bill” then I would have a problem. That would be politicizing it and wrong.
Big Brother
September 28th, 2011
8:38 am
“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” – Winston Churchill
Alpha23
September 28th, 2011
8:40 am
People that post quotes from other people really don’t have much to say on their own!!
Boduk
September 28th, 2011
8:40 am
The school needs to focus on educating our students. Obama’s speech to students is a part of learning civics! It’s not about liberal/conservative or Republican/Democrat. It’s learning about our government and how it is suppose to work and students need to learn their civic duties. No wonder Georgia stays behind the rest of the country in education
Big Brother
September 28th, 2011
8:41 am
Alpha23 – Medications and education will make you feel better.
Nan
September 28th, 2011
8:41 am
Pathetic. Yet another example of why the rest of the world thinks Americans are racist nuts and intellectual cowards. What horrible message is the President going to convey that the parents might be afraid of? “Stay in school”? “Education is good”? Every President does this annual address to schools and it’s always full of the same platitudes, so the only possible reason for not wanting a child to see the President is his race.
findog
September 28th, 2011
8:41 am
this is not news, this is history
my kid got extra credit for watching the 2009 address from home as the Hall County School Board decided not to let any student watch
True American
September 28th, 2011
8:42 am
This is great! Finally, parents seem to be concerned about what their children are hearing and are being taught in our government schools. ‘Too bad those parents aren’t able to use all of the tax money (fed, state, and local) that’s being spent on their children and use that money to send their children to the school of their choice.
This is what our country is all about: individual choice, liberty, and freedom.
Big Brother
September 28th, 2011
8:43 am
“The keystone of the Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative.” Benito Mussolini
I Love Life Cereal
September 28th, 2011
8:51 am
“Nothing but pure racism.”
The idiocy of your comment is simply indescribable.
One could not possibly outshine your incredible beacon of stupidity.
I Love Life Cereal
September 28th, 2011
8:52 am
“so the only possible reason for not wanting a child to see the President is his race.”
You = FAIL
Wensax
September 28th, 2011
9:04 am
The President is a socialist, and in the old days, the fifties and sixties, a socialist was a communist and was hated for his plan of destroying America. Why is Obama different? He’s the same thing, a marxist socialist trying to destroy America and the Constitution. Parents have every right to protect their kids from socialist propaganda. Anyone who supports this president is aiding this communist cause.
joe
September 28th, 2011
9:08 am
Loony LIbs like Kim always play the race card when they have no valid points to make. Just because a person chooses not to vote for another 4 year term for Obama does not mean they are racist, you ignorant twit. If those same Gwinnett parents had the option for allowing or not allowing their kids to listen to a speech by Herman Cain, I’m sure the overwhelming majority would say Yes on that. If Herman gets the GOP nod, I won’t hesitate to vote for him because of his policies…has zero to do with the color of his skin. If the best candidate who has the policies and knowledge to turn around our country were purple, green, orange or any other color, I’d still vote for him or her.
Michael Marr
September 28th, 2011
9:16 am
I’m not sure how long presidents have been making speeches on classroom televisions. Maybe if little Johnny wants to see it he can find it on that newfangled internet thingy.
just a thought
September 28th, 2011
9:19 am
I think that as Americans, we don’t play fair. When we don’t agree with one another, instead of listening to the other side, we stoop to name calling and mud slinging. Regardless of what anyone thinks or likes, Barack Obama is the President of the United States of America. No doubt, he has had one of the toughest presidency since Abraham Lincoln. The fact that he decided that they were important enough that he created a speech just for school children says a lot. I have never heard of a President doing this before. He is not perfect. He makes mistakes and is flawed. He is a man..a human being. So why is he always crucified?
Parents have every right to control what their children see, hear and are a part of. Why take this learning opportunity from them though? Why not allow them to hear the speech and have conversation with them about what they heard? Who knows what types of discussions could come from President Obama’s speech? Who knows what type of inspiration the children could receive? Though parents might not agree with everything he says or does, that doesn’t mean that he does not have some valid points or good ideas/suggestion. Be open to those and leave the rest alone.
Garth
September 28th, 2011
9:23 am
It’s too bad the parents won’t allow thier kids to listen to the ramblings of this modern-day black Herbert Hoover. Then, when these kids grow up they can say, “We sat and listened to the President who turned the United States into Greece.” Of course you liberals probably don’t understand what’s happening in Greece but I’ll tell you so you get the punch line–They’re BROKE.
Obama derangement syndrome, part duh | chaingangelementary.com
September 28th, 2011
9:35 am
[...] Polictical Insider reports that students at a Gwinnett County (Georgia) middle school are allowed to opt out of listening to the president’s speech. You can read the principal’s letter here. [...]
Joe Mama
September 28th, 2011
9:39 am
LoriW — “Parents received permission? Give me a break. Since when do parents need a school’s permission on making a parenting decision?”
Then make a parenting decision and *keep your kids* home that day.
MiltonMan
September 28th, 2011
9:40 am
Libs = bi-polar group for sure. When Bush Jr. was president where were their concerns about disrepecting commenst by their fellow libs towards the president??? Oh yes, according to the libs it was oksy to bash Bush Jr.
How about you Atl libs? Where were you when John Eaves was talking garbage about the white man turning on the water hoses & letting the dogs free if here were not elected & his white opponent was. Or the New Orleans mayor saying he was going to turn his city into a chocolate city???
The ones who constantly play the race card are indeed the most racists of all.
Joe Mama
September 28th, 2011
9:43 am
jayone — “The President should be respected. If you dont like his message explain it to your kids of how you feel about what he said but to deny them this chance to hear what he has to say is out right disrespect for the President.”
This.
Take it as an opportunity to talk with your kids about what the President says. Explain your opinion about what he says. Tell your kids that it’s okay for them to have an opinion too. Ask them what they think. Ask them how they came to their opinion. Tell them that different people have different opinions.
Keeping your kids away from a Presidential address to students — no matter who the President is — is just silly and foolish, IMO.
Edmund
September 28th, 2011
9:43 am
What other classes are the students allowed to skip? The principal should have told parents, “You have permission to keep your “angel” at home if you don’t want them to hear what the president of the United States has to say.”
I’m curious to know how many students will not attend. If anyone finds out, please update us on that.
Ellen
September 28th, 2011
9:43 am
What ever happened to teaching your kids how to respect the office of the president? Or for that matter, just respecting people you do or do not agree with?
Maybe they can teach their kids not to listen to their bosses when they don’t like what he/she has to say…
MiltonMan
September 28th, 2011
9:48 am
Hopefully, Obozo will explain to the kids why he has been a failure. And if the kids live in North Fulton, hopefully he will explain to them why he wants to tax their evil rich parents.
For the children of border agents who have been killed under his watch, hopefully he will explain why his admin supported “Fast & Furious” and he really, really needs to have the Dream Act passed.
For the children of maimed/dead military personnel, hopefully he will explain why he did not bring home the troops within 16 months of taking office like he promised instead of “this is Bush’s war not mine.”
Maybe he will convince the kids to keep using Facebook so that he buddy Mark Zuckerberg can keep collecting data on the kid’s internet usage.
Maybe he will trot out Warren Buffet to talk to the kids about paying their fair share – giving up their lunch money at least once a week for a “better” cause.
etc.
etc.
Friend of the Pacific
September 28th, 2011
9:55 am
MiltonMan – Don’t be so angry. Your wang will always be undersized. Accept it. Move on.
Big Brother
September 28th, 2011
9:57 am
Here is what the poor children will miss if allowed to skip.
Rule # 1 – It’s George Bush’s fault.
Rule # 2 – Only Obama can save us.
Rule # 3 – All people paying taxes should pay more taxes so Obama can give more to those not paying taxes.
Rule # 4 – All corporations are evil and rich, unless they contribute to Democratic causes.
Rule # 5 – Anyone who disagrees with the above rules is racist.
Rule # 6 – Repeat Rules 1 – 5 above, over and over.
Filter
September 28th, 2011
10:03 am
Friend of the Pacific….
You owe me a new keyboard. My coffee spit take ruined mine.
Best post ever.
American
September 28th, 2011
11:33 am
Give a call to her boss:
Dr. Gale Hey
Area Superintendent
(678) 301-7257
td
September 28th, 2011
11:48 am
American
September 28th, 2011
11:33 am
I did and asked her why she only has one intellegent manager under her?
honested
September 28th, 2011
12:49 pm
I guess this is much ado about nothing.
Those raising their children into the Party of Superstition will keep said children in fear of ever voting against said party. Listening to the President will be unlikely to sway those fears.
Those raising their children into the Party of Science will allow those children to listen to this President just as they did the last (of course ‘My Pet Goat’ only appealed to a certain age group).
They will encourage their children to look carefully at the facts presented and determine what kernels of truth can be derived from the facts. Children in the Party of Science will have no reason to fear a speech from any President.
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
12:51 pm
ANYONE? Why listen to a LIAR?
honested
September 28th, 2011
12:56 pm
dawgdom,
I didn’t think the speech was going to be on FauxNewz or AM radio.
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
Of course it will,if they ever get over that degenerate MJ thingy!
Obama's in competely over his head
September 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
The O’ man is so far over his head its ludicrous. Our kids need no imposed exposure to ineffective leadership or to fawning, proselytizing and self-promoting thinly veiled attempts at class warfare. Our kids need exposure to solid and effective leadership, be it black, white, green or purple, period. Exposure to Obama is a waste of time except as a lesson in avoidance; spend that time actually studying something and someone that is relevant, effective, and matters.
D. Price
September 28th, 2011
1:05 pm
How sad! What can be wrong with the elected leader of our nation encouraging students to work hard, stay in school and strive to become productive Americans? Any parent who doesn’t want their child to hear that message, probably shouldn’t have had them in the first place!
Frederick Douglass
September 28th, 2011
1:38 pm
Hell let the little scoundrels sit on Memaw’s and Pawpaw’s porch, and hear about how they used to string up people like Obama, or burn down their shacks and run them out of town……ahhhh, family values.
mum
September 28th, 2011
2:21 pm
Every time President Obama gives these school speeches we hear the same drama about brainwashing our children, nobody has yet to show the transcript that confired that notion. When youi have the first black President, and since day one, everything he does is criticized as useless. Talk about brainwashing.
While the people you parrot continue to brainwash you, jobs continue to leave this country and the “job creators” continue to pile up the money, but, continue to blame Obama. I’m still waiting for the jobs bill Republican said was their priority when they came took over in January.
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
2:34 pm
A liar is a liar no matter his race.
honested
September 28th, 2011
2:55 pm
dawgdom,
I would like to challenge you for an example?
DC
September 28th, 2011
3:24 pm
and now we find out that Fulton county is run by a bunch of racists and KKK members as well…….and perhaps Cobb as well? But of course that didn’t fit Jim’s (the “author”) biased view of Gwinnett being a bunch of white red neck racists.
honested
September 28th, 2011
4:51 pm
DC
Having grown up in and escaped from Gwinnett, I would suggest that bias is not without considerable backing evidence.
Strong White Woman
September 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
These comments are HILARIOUS for a number of reasons. Man, the people of this nation are much dumber than I give credit for. First of all, Denise Showell- a BLACK WOMAN- did not make the decision to allow students to opt out of the speech. She is merely the messenger for GCPS. Secondly, since when was a “get good grades and stay in school” speech deemed politically charged?! How dare a Harvard grad encourage kids to stay in school. Lastly, all of the fuss is always comical. The students are also allowed to use their cell phones during school hours, thanks to many whiny parents. Most of these kids, race not withstandiing, will be texting/facebooking/on twitter when the speech is given, per usual. I’m always amused at the parental uproar about this. It is usually all for not. The kids will opt out of the speeches on their own because their cells will have their attention. But by all means, keep blabbing away about your “rights” *Guffaw*
Rupert Murdoch
September 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
Obama has the power to brainwash? Tell him I’ve got some work for him when his gig is up.
GTFOHWTB
September 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
Like SWW stated these damn kids are going to be preoccupied with whatever latest app they’ve downloaded oon their phones to care much about what President Obama has to say. Those of you bitching, I DARE you to ask your kids if they’re even aware of said speech.
TEA for 2
September 28th, 2011
5:36 pm
Public schools are SOCIALIST anyway. Oh wait, but that would mean these kids would HAVE to listen to the speech. I don’t think I really know what a socialist is ((twiddles thumbs))
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
8:31 pm
Every time his mouth moves. Its not class warfare to redistribute the wealth?
dawgdom
September 28th, 2011
8:36 pm
You can always tell the truth is spoken when not one of you challenged me about BHO being the liar he is!
hmplatt
September 28th, 2011
9:27 pm
I’m soooo, tried of all u people disrespecting OUR President, yours & mine, you all ought to be appalled at the way u are carrying on. I’m glad i do not reside in Fulton or Gwinnett, i would be too p***ed if my tax dollars went to pay for School Board salaries in those counties. You who reside in those counties have a say in what School Board members do, u pay their salaries. Never in the history of the Presidency have u had a President so disrespected, and we all know why don’t we? Not because of his politics, Right!
Beetzmee
September 28th, 2011
9:38 pm
Yeah, you are right Malcolm gave everyone a hug…..no one faults anyone for sticking up for his own family or race. However, don’t equate that to special rights in lieu of civil rights….now, that Lewis foaraconvict, Jesse Jackson et al those were some racist mofo’s. No one can top their racism against whites…..can they?
Or, are you going to say that racism only applies to whites? Is it okay for blacks to hate whites? Would you prefer a full out race war instead of vigorous debate? If I had to choose a black leader that went through he’ll and back for his own, I would stick with MLK and Medgar Evers….they knew a thing or two about suffering….and for the record I was a young kid at the time….which brings up another great point.
Black people born after say 1960, have little in threat or discrimination experience relative to their parents and grand parents and yet, take one class at Clark, don some wayfarers and voila, you have seen it all…..I am going to go out on a limb and say if MLK were alive today he would be saddened and Moyer to see the black youth of today, black culture in general, black on black crime, classism, cleat chasing pro athlete idol worshipping, and the true progress od blacks in the work place…..would be interesting to hear his take on the black race today……
Did the blacks suffer? You bet. So did everyone’s lineage. World history did not start 400 years ago you know…everyone has been screwed….get over it….ask the Chinese how they fared 150 years ago….the Italians and Irish? You are not alone….by the way, seeing how the hispanics, Asians and Hindus started out, and where they are today, what’s taking you so long?
Or is that a racist observation….too? Could it be that to some degree, your seething anger is holding you back? All I know is that I can’t find one dry cleaner, tailor, cleaning company, IT shop, call center, and trade not dominated by Asians, hindu’s, and Hispanics. Or, am I being racist regarding that as well?
I think you mistake white exasperation with racism. We couldn’t have thrown enough set asides, tax breaks, special interests ad nauseum and you still don’t get it……for those that succeed, it’s never been an issue (Herman Maine, Bill Cosby). We like them. They work, overcome, adapt, etc….I know your race hates to hear Cosby speak….truth hurts……Christ, what’s the point…you think ther is no end to our money…well, 2012 is a wake up call for you. Better start saving now….your gonna’ need it…..
Beetzmee
September 28th, 2011
9:57 pm
I guess the left just doesn’t get it…..here is why most on the right don’t like him…..
He’s on the left….just like when you hated bush….he was on the right…….
He has the financial where with all of a 3rd grader….
Thinks there is no end to our money…..
Never met a tax he didn’t like
Dirty tactics…will do anything for votes…us? We have 12 fuming it out….the left? 1 candidate…
The fact that he is black is only going to be icing on the cake….we didn’t like Bill Clinton either…if you recall, he like sex in the white house, pretty much perjured himself and walked away with a pension you and I now pay for…not good…
It really isn’t his color. He is a handsome man that mimics JfK as much as possible. He’s just a failure and you better get used to it. You throw the race card because that usually works…except in voting booths! Better get an army of black panthers this time to scare us all away because this guy’snumbers are going down faster than a $5 hooker in Bangkok….get over it…try practicing Pelosi’s rant, “we won”, excep in this case, it’s “we lost” and then promptly blame whitey for it…
The only irony is that it was the whites that carried him in the first time despite you voting 95% down racial lines…..how ironic…dontcha think? Better check on Hillary, she probably misses the perks and without a doubt, hasn’t been to busy as of late……whites carried your guy in, whites are going to vote him out and a white chick is probably your best shot next time….
god, you just can’t make this stuff up!
Producermom
September 28th, 2011
10:49 pm
Really??? Letting kids ignore the President? Have we become that rude – that jaded and that disrespectful? No wonder we ask where is civility? By dong this, we are teaching our kids that nothing should be respected. Not authority, not officials and not ultimately not our country. shame on these teachers and shame on Gwinnett County for letting it happen.
Ted
September 28th, 2011
11:06 pm
You don’t have to agree with the politician to respect the office of the President of the United States. I don’t agree with the President, but I still respect the office he holds. I’m teaching my children the same philosophy.
Ole Guy
September 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
Now we know where MINDLESS disrespect for authority comes from…MINDLESS PARENTS. As we mature (pc talk for “get old”), we have to learn that there’s a big difference between RESPECTING and LIKING someone. Those in whome we place trust may not always do the things which are to our liking; the respect we tender, regardless of our personal feelings, is a sign of maturity…something we can count on as being all but lost to the current crop of future “butchers, backers, and candlestick makers”. Good damn luck!
Aset
September 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
My daughter attends Creekland Middle School in Gwinnett and just handed me the letter, I read it and immediately searched the web for blogs on this. I am writing a letter to the Principal, Dr. Eddie Maresh and demanding an option for my daughters to “opt out” from saying the pledge of allegiance, learning about Mr. Button Gwinnett, the known racist and learning about the enslavement of Africans EVERY YEAR . It amazes me, that with all of the new anthropological evidence that this racist, bogus curriculum is still being taught and continues to exclude all of the MAJOR contributions Africans have made to humanity BEFORE and AFTER enslavement and that all ethnic groups share the same mitochondria DNA of the oldest fossils found of a woman in Africa. I don’t recall ever in my lifetime seeing such a letter for any other President, how ethnicist (since there is only one race, racist should not be a word). The beauty of it all is that karma is the great equalizer, if not in this lifetime…the next. George Bush / Fahrenheit 911