President Obama talks with 9th graders at Wakefield High School
We all know the flap leading up to the president's speech to the nation's school children. It was an over-the-top controversy then. In retrospect, these fears were unfounded. Those last week and over the weekend who said there was nothing to worry about were chastised by some on the right, particularly in the media who were banging the drum, suggesting that Barack Obama was going to employ his office as president to propagandize or indoctrinate America's children.
Some right wing tubthumpers were even suggesting that he was going to deliver to this captive audience of school children a socialist agenda. There were parents interviewed and quoted saying "I don't want my children to be exposed to this socialist agenda."
The White House, taken aback, tried to explained that the president would take a few minutes and address America's children as the new school year opens, and he wants to suggest that they work hard, stay in school, get a good education so they will have a better life. And he hopes to share some of his own experiences as an example of what you can accomplish when you work hard in school.
But no, some of the conservatives in this country were just not having it. No, he can't be allowed to speak to America's children; he'll poison their minds!
Well, the president spoke to America's children. Anyone who objected to the idea of the president speaking to America's school children, are you at all chagrined or embarrassed at your opposition? Did you actually prevent your children from listening to the president?
Many school districts gave parents the option of keeping their children home and not allow them to go to school to hear the president. In fact, at the school district in New Braunfels, TX, the speech wasn't being shown so what the parents had to do was keep their children home so they could listen to the speech. That's how backwards this became. These parents wanted to hear what the president had to say.
And what the president had to say was what the White House said he would say: School is important, it won't always be easy but you need a good education to get a good job.
In fact, one newscast showed an exchange between the president and a 9th grader who was talking to him during the Q&A period. The student was a child of divorced parents living with one of them, asking the president about that since the president was raised by one parent --he was raised by his mother.
This youngster asked the president what it was like not having your father at home. The president was very candid in his answer. He said that his father was a very smart man but arrogant and condescending and someone who did not live up to his responsibilities as a father. It was difficult for him, the president, as a child because there were some things that fathers teach their children that he had to learn on his own, and that made life more difficult.
How can you object to an exchange like that between the President of the United States and a youngster who lives in a divorced home getting some reassurance from the president that even though you might live in a broken home you still have a great opportunity if you go to school, take it seriously, study hard and persevere. He's being told this by a man who has become, against all odds, the president of the United States. That had to be an absolutely incredible moment for that kid (which I wish I could provide for you now but haven't been able to find the video). I can't imagine there were people who actually thought that Barack Obama would do anything in this speech to school children that would cause any harm. And you can be sure --that is, if you had any common sense about it at all-- that had he delivered a political message, the harm would have been far greater for him politically that it would have been for children emotionally.
Yet, parents insisted that "I'm the parent, I'll be the one to tell my child about the importance of this that and the other. I don't need the President of the United States telling my child."
No one said you need the President of the United States telling your child, but why would you object?
Ironically, Obama's speech sent the right message to many who tuned out. The parents who raised such hell over what the president might say, complaining that he was going to indoctrinate school children in some sort of socialist agenda, were in fact denying their children an opportunity to listen to a very good speech by the president because of their political agenda. That's how twisted this became.
So I'm curious about any of you who did not want your child to hear what president had to say. Now that you've heard what the president said, do you feel a little sheepish or, if you did opt your child out of hearing the speech, do you feel good about that now or do you think you might've overreacted or done the wrong thing, or do you think your child might've missed out on a positive message because of your ardent political agenda?
Obama's full speech
Newt Gingrich reacts to the speech
Comments
What is every ones problem with this man? He is trying to get us out of this hole that both of the Bush Pres. put this country in. Most people don't like him because they say he is black. But if they take that time out to see he is just as much white as he is black. I thought this country has came so far since slavery days but it just goes to show how alot of people are still being raised in this country. I am a multi-racial woman with six kids and to tell you the truth I made sure that all my children had the chance to watch and learn what he had to offer.
Sometimes I'm ashamed of what this country is focused on. He is trying to build a strong america.
It is very understandable to me why people have had the reactions that they had to the Presidents speech. Many of his policies up to this point have been controversial, so why wouldn't his speech be controversial. I had no problem with my son hearing the speech, because he is well attuned to the political agenda of the man. However, in all of your whipping of the conservatives who were leary of their children listening to Obama's speech, may I remind you of the uproar that the liberals had over President George H.W. Bush's speech to students back when he was the President. I guess that frenzy was entirely understandable????????????????
Anyone that does not question the motives of this man is a fool. Obama said himself "Judge me by the people I surround myself with." Well start looking. It was obvious this speech was changed from its original content. Look at the post speech recommended lessons (before they were changed)
- Write a paper on what I can do to help the president.
- Write a paper on what the president wants me to do.
Hmmm... not how does the president want to help me. Ask not what the country can do for you but, what you can do for Barak Obama.
How does that first question even fit with the speech as it was given? Well, it does not. I guess the original speech was going to be different.
Barak is trying to create a cult of personality among the young and the brainless. Look at the "I Pledge" video on Youtube if you want a real eye opener. Top entertainers of the young generation pledging to be servants to Barak Obama - not "President Obama" - the man Barak Obama as if he were a god. Pretty scary.
I do not want my children to get used to seeing this man in there schools. The schools tacitly condoning this man (he must be ok if my school wants me to see his speech). This I am sure is the first in a line of several planned "speeches" to build upon this "cult of personality". I have heard that there is already a planned "Get your parents to complete the census speech.
Yes, I did keep my 8 yr old from seeing this speech but allowed my 11 yr old to see it. We discuss politics at home and my 11 yr old has a grasp of what is going on and is able to differentiate between facts and fiction. My 8 yr old still thinks that a rubber ball in a gumball machine for 50 cents is a good deal. Kinda like the Obama supporters. Momentary satisfaction without forethought - kinda like Obama supports, liberals, and other cult followers.
Gary says: "in all of your whipping of the conservatives who were leary of their children listening to Obama's speech, may I remind you of the uproar that the liberals had over President George H.W. Bush's speech to students back when he was the President. I guess that frenzy was entirely understandable????????????????"
Maybe you should be more thorough in your reading: www.examiner.com/examiner/x-15870-Populist-Examiner~y2009m9d4-I-Pledge-critics-should-pledge-to-use-common-sense
That's first. Second, only politicians made fools of themselves. Citizens had a better sense back then and didn't get played like Glenn Beck puppets.
David says: "...my 11 yr old... We discuss politics at home and my 11 yr old has a grasp of what is going on and is able to differentiate between facts and fiction."
Correction:
"...able to differentiate between my version of the facts and fiction."
Fixed that for you.
And you worry about indoctrination by someone else?
Krystal, For the most part people are not against Obama because of the color of his skin, it is the his dishonesty and his liberal policies that have turned people off. I agree with you that George W. Bush grew the federal debt immeasurably, but since when does one get out of debt by spending twice as much money. I am glad that as a nation we finally have a black president. However, I would prefer that it would have been someone like Alan Keyes or J.C. Watts. We need a President who has a morally based policy. Which is something that Barrack Obama does not have.
"It was obvious this speech was changed from its original content. Look at the post speech recommended lessons (before they were changed)."
All lesson plans are recommended, not mandated. That means teachers don't follow them to the letter.
"I guess the original speech was going to be different."
Google: argumentum ad ignorantiam
"Write a paper on what I can do to help the president."
Go here: www.examiner.com/examiner/x-15870-Populist-Examiner~y2009m9d8-Jim-Greer-lets-his-kids-watch-Obamas-speech-but-still-spins
--Go to the fourth video clip.
--Go to 4:40 of the clip.
--Eat crow.
"Look at the 'I Pledge' video on Youtube if you want a real eye opener. Top entertainers of the young generation pledging to be servants to Barak Obama - not 'President Obama' - the man Barak Obama as if he were a god. Pretty scary."
Did the White House produce that video? What's scary is your irrational fear.
Gary says: "...since when does one get out of debt by spending twice as much money."
The majority of economists agree with the efforts being done to get us out of the recession, efforts which, so far, are working. Some thought the feds should have spent more.
"We need a President who has a morally based policy."
Whose morals, the minority of people who selected the losing candidate last November? I'm reminded of those people who demand that we pray to God in school. Really? Which one? Yours?
Gary says: "George W. Bush grew the federal debt immeasurably..."
David says: "...first in a line of several planned "speeches" to build upon this 'cult of personality'..."
It begs a question then, Gary: Why, if George Bush committed this serious error, was he elected twice? I think they were swayed mostly by propaganda. He had his loyal supporters in that "cult of personality," and is there not a similar "cult of personality" among Palin supporters? Her supporters would deny that, just as Obama supporters would. Very interesting that polar opposites would share this trait.
Voters are always suspicious of the "other" side but their biggest mistake is that they fail to question their own side, and that's where the toughest questions need to be asked, especially of their spinmeisters (like talk show hosts). The worst thing about bias isn't the scrutiny we put the opposition through; it's the scrutiny we fail to put ourselves through.
Gary,
I guess that I should follow your reasoning and allow my children to be raised by the state and only believe what they are "supposed" to beleive - or maybe only what you percieve to be facts.
My facts are based upon my life expereince, education (pre Bush), teaching by my parents & grandparents, and my understanding of history. Is there any better way? Or should I just drink the "Kool-aid" and pledge my service to the master as well.
The "I Pledge" video is an irrational fear? With the brainless pop that elected a marxist into office based upon his personality. You think that it is irrational to think that these idiots won't continue to follow him like lemmings to the sea?
Perhaps it is your sense of facts and fiction that needs to be checked? Don't try to reject my reality and substitue it with your fantasy. I will raise my children to be free thinking and personally responsible and don't need you, the government, Barack Obama, Acorn, congress, or anyone else to assist.
Bruce, Since when are morals decided by the majority rule??? Morals are based in truth. Certianly not my truth - but the truth of the the Bible.
Secondly, you're hard pressed to prove that most economists support what Obama has done to spend our way out of a recession. And where is your so called improvement??????
David, I agree with you. The only reason I let my son watch Obama's speech is because, like your 11 year old, my 12 year old can tell fact from fantasy. I didn't say that you should allow your son to be raised by the state. Bruce is the one who eluded to that.
Gary says: "I didn't say that you should allow your son to be raised by the state. Bruce is the one who eluded to that."
No I didn't. It's not even possible. The state is no match for parents raising their child no matter how many speeches are given or how many lessons are taught. That's why there was never anything to fear. Ever. Go: www.examiner.com/examiner/x-15870-Populist-Examiner~y2009m9d6-Barack-Obama-the-imaginary-Pied-Piper
"...the truth of the the Bible."
That's not everyone's idea of the truth.
"You're hard pressed to prove that most economists support what Obama has done..."
Google it. The economy is beginning to improve. It doesn't happen overnight, just like recessions don't happen overnight.
Bruce, there is definitely no "Cult of Personality" with George W. Bush. He was clearly the better of the two choices over Al Gore and John Kerry.
Bush is definitely not the polished swooner that Obama is. But Obama clearly has a "Cult of Personality"
"Since when are morals decided by the majority rule???"
I dunno Gary, but "majority rules" sure tends to be the popular argument out here in California when it comes to gay marriage.
You can insist that your view be the majority rule but that's not how the country operates and that's especially difficult for people to swallow in a pluralistic society such as ours. Governing is far easier in mono-cultural societies, but I'm not sure you'd like a totalitarian state or a theocracy, which is where most mono-cultural societies exist.
Bruce, Truth is not subjective. God is the one who sets truth whether you like that idea or not. What goes on in California is has absolutely nothing to do with what goes on in the rest of the nation. And, it has absolutely nothing to do with truth. Have you noticed that as California's morals continue to slip, so does its economy, its crime rate and the intensity with which natural disasters are occuring, not to mention forest fires. An absolute truth is unpopular these days, I know. But, so is morality itself.
Also, a jobless recovery is not a full recovery. If the economy is improving then why is the unemployment rate continuing to slip. All signs are pointing to a double dip recession according to what I have seen.
"Truth is not subjective. God is the one who sets truth whether you like that idea or not."
Gary, I could make that statement in a temple, a Madrassa or a church and congregants of each would agree. The question isn't what is true but what truism works for you. Not everyone believes in the God you were taught to follow. It is unfair to assume that others are wrong based on a belief system that's no less or no more valid than those who prescribe to other faiths. Religion's biggest problem isn't the faith, it's their unyielding practitioners who think they're right and everyone else is wrong. That is an untenable and potentially inflammatory position in a world (and country) as diverse as ours. I'm glad it works for you, but that doesn't make it right for everyone else, or anyone else.
"If the economy is improving then why is the unemployment rate continuing to slip."
Because employment is a lagging indicator. You're looking at the wrong figure. The number you should watch is whether unemployment is slowing, not increasing. Unemployment is not increasing at the rate it once did. Fewer people are losing their jobs month-to-month than they were six months ago.
In the jobless recoveries following the 1990-91 and 2001 recessions, unemployment stayed at a high level for more than a year. One can hope this deeper recession will lead to a quicker employment rebound but the reality is likely to be messier.
"Bruce, there is definitely no "Cult of Personality" with George W. Bush. He was clearly the better of the two choices over Al Gore and John Kerry."
Right... the fact that more people would prefer to have a beer with W in their living room had absolutely nothing to do with his winning...
As far as Gore, there you have the antithesis of cult of personality - he was famed for his woodenness. ; )
I for one was opposed at the outset for what I think are valid reasons ... still do. I saw it as a political move and would not have believed otherwise without adequate review of the material, just like every other event that occurs at the school my children attend. All events, curriculums, plays, whatever, are reviewed by interested parents and the School Board. As it turned out, a review period was provided, I read the speech ahead of time, found it to be a good one, and dropped my objection. I even printed it out to discuss it with my kids when I got home that evening. They thought it was pretty cool, I thought it sent a great message and gave me an opportunity to follow up which is the role I play in their education. If I were home all day, I would home school, but as a single dad, that ain't gonna happen. He may be a “Cult of Personality” POTUS, but so was JFK, Reagan, and others. Doesn’t make him evil, his politics do … ;-)
Murph
"I read the speech ahead of time, found it to be a good one, and dropped my objection. I even printed it out to discuss it with my kids when I got home that evening."
Murph: Based on other comments you've contributed to previous articles, I'm not at all surprised you did all that. I'd be surprised, however, if the majority of parents in this country did. Kudos.
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