AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The highly-anticipated and much-debated President's speech to school children is set to broadcast Tuesday at 12 p.m. The nation-wide live broadcast to students was initially presented by the U.S. Department of Education as "a historic moment", claiming that "this is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school."
The text of the Obama's speech to America's kids was released Monday and can be read here. In light of the speech transcript, objections to the live broadcast are now being re-assessed and, seemingly, some will conclude that the controversy was much ado about nothing. Conversely however, some may also contend that if it were not for initial concerns being voiced in advance, that the speech may have taken on a different tone altogether. One indication of this may be how White House Spokesman, Tommy Vietor, announced Friday that some of the suggested classroom lesson plans, which were causing the most outrage, had been modified.
“We changed it to clarify the language so the intent is clear,” said White House Spokesman Tommy Vietor. ABC News
Miami City Buzz Examiner previously wrote: "One particular lesson suggestion that drew the most scrutiny involved what appeared to be an activity centered on children pledging how they can 'help' the President".
"Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."
This activity has now been revised to:
"Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals. Teachers would collect and redistribute these letters at an appropriate later date to enable students to monitor their progress."
Last week, this writer began a short series of reports on the controversial subject of President Obama's address to school children.
It was suggested in these articles that the brunt of criticism for the President's speech to school children was based on the suggested lesson plan and activities offered by the U.S. Department of Education to administrators and educators.
"While most activities and plans primarily focus on students' educational goals and achievements, some critics may feel the suggestions transcend the basic message on 'the importance of education'".
From the Grades 7-12 Menu of Classroom Activities:
President Obama’s Address to Students Across America, recommendations and focus questions include the following ideas:
"Short readings. Notable quotes excerpted (and posted in large print on board) from President Obama’s speeches about education. What are our interpretations of these excerpts? Based on these excerpts, what can we infer the President believes is important to be successful educationally?
Why does President Obama want to speak with us today? How will he inspire us? How will he challenge us? What might he say?
What other historic moments do you remember when the President spoke to the nation? What was the impact?
What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?
How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?"
From the PreK-6 Menu of Classroom Activities:
President Obama’s Address to Students Across America, suggestions and focus questions include:
"Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama.
Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important?
Teachers could ask students to share the ideas they recorded, exchange sticky notes or stick notes on a butcher paper poster in the classroom to discuss main ideas from the speech, i.e. citizenship, personal responsibility, civic duty.
Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."
Miami City Buzz Examiner also did a follow-up article on how Miami-Dade school district would not be mass broadcasting the speech Tuesday and how teachers would have the option to show their students via the White House website live stream.
It was also noted how Broward County Schools Superintendent, James Notter, had stated that the school district would broadcast live the speech, even though Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties had decided against making the broadcast a requirement in the classroom.
Now, on Monday, The Sun-Sentinel has reported how two members of the Broward County School Board (comprised of all Democrats) attended an annual Broward Democrats Labor Day picnic and "politics-fest." According to the article, the unifying theme of the picnic was "attacks on President Barack Obama’s speech to the nation’s schoolchildren".
Complaints about the President's speech to those attending the picnic were said to be "ridiculous". But, Bob Parks, a 22 year Broward School Board member took his indignation over opposition to the President's speech one step further when he attributed parental concerns to racism.
“I believe a part of it is underlying racism, and of course the Republicans aren’t in power.”
Michael Albetta, president of the Dolphin Democrats gay and lesbian political club also implicated race as the cause for the school speech controversy:
“The racists are waking up and they’re finding out there’s a black man in the White House — and it’s not the butler.”
Broward Democratic Chairman, Mitch Ceasar, backed off from assessments of racism, reasoning that contentiousness is being contrived in order to grab power.
Given the current knowledge of the President's speech, It can be reasonably concluded that said opposition is "silly" or politically motivated.
Is it judicious, however, to label concerns about the President's speech as racist-- presumably based on the sole notion that Barack Obama is the first black President?
Comments
Behold the Miami-Dade County Public Schools dishonorable act of cowardice! Perhaps they should have declined the ARRA money on principle.
A message from [Miami-Dade County Public Schools]
Message sent - 9/7/2009
[President] Obama's Message for Students
On Tuesday, September 8th, President Barack Obama will deliver a national address to the students of America. The mission of Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the delivery of effective instruction. Teachers may choose to use the speech as an educational resource, if it fits the instructional mission. Student participation in this activity, however, is not mandatory. Students who do not wish to view the broadcast will be accommodated. The President’s speech is available and can be previewed at whitehouse.gov/mediaresources or ed.gov. Parents who do not wish to have their child participate in this activity should send a note with the child to the school on Tuesday morning.
The “Rush” party is lashing out at the President for reaching out to children on education, this border’s on mass psychosis.
It is interesting to me that for the first time in history, every single person that criticizes the president is labeled a racist. Every president in history has been criticized by one party or another. Be careful though, if you are caught disagreeing with anything this president does...you are quickly labeled a racist by everyone around you. If you don't agree with the way this president handles health care? Racist?
I didn't see parents getting upset when Bush and Reagan talked with America's school children. They didn't have to modify anything. What do you think?
12pm..really? pm means post meridian =after the middle. 12 IS the middle and cannot be after itself. 12 is noon or midnight.
Home school
no matter what political party you support, the message is universal in that, after studying the context, is nothing more than a pep talk to jump start our kids for the upcoming school year. Us as parents rarely have the time to sit down and deliver a message like this one to our kids. The parents that do, great. But think of all the other kids that have parents that are not capable of this type of communication. The kids that have parents that don't care at all... There is nothing in this speech that goes against the grain.....unless you are a parent that doesnt want their children to succeed or to be proud to be american. Truly, anyone against this speech should look in the mirror and decide if maybe they should live elsewhere. I know I don't want any of the people who oppose it to be encouraging, coaching, teaching my kids in any way . I couldnt stand Bush, but I certainly wouldn't withhold my child from hearing an encouraging message. Ridiculous. And Julianne, nice contribution
.....and the "racists" that people are mentioning are in all actuality probably just idiots who are upset with themselves that our "black" president has much more encouraging words for your kids than they do. Anyone that opposes this speech is an absolute idiot in my book. "Oh no! the president wants our kids to do well in school! I can't believe this guy! What next? Universal health care for all Americans? But this might mean the end of the $12 band-aid! You Bush lovers have absolutely nothing to be proud of. I suppose that explains the disdain for this speech. It must hurt to have to watch the guy you didnt vote for fixing all the messes made by the one you did vote for. This isnt a political issue, its a self examination issue....if you oppose this speech, based on its' content, then yes, you have some serious self examining to do! Doesn't matter the source of the speech, all in all it's a GREAT message.
Broward County Schools Superintendent, James Notter, has mandated that ALL students are required to watch the broadcast... No exceptions, there are no "opt out" for students. When Notter was confronted with Education Secretary Arne Duncan's statement that viewing the speech is "purely voluntary", Notter continues to insist that Broward students will be required to watch the speech or they will face the consequences.
I wonder if Obama would say that James Notter is acting "stupidly"?
lee says:
"no matter what political party you support, the message is universal in that, after studying the context, is nothing more than a pep talk to jump start our kids for the upcoming school year"
-------------------------------------
Lee,
I don't think it's the content of Obama's speech that's so much in question. It's what comes after... The worksheets/activities prepared for the students. The content of the classroom worksheets were actually changed last week after parents questioned the content that sounded more like indoctrination than a teaching moment.
I don't blame parents who want to be in their child's classroom after the speech to see for themselves how the teachers interact with the students.
When we call someone names (i.e. racist), I suggest we look at the mirror first.
Just as was predicted by many people, if you don't agree with this president (who is half black by the way) or you DARE to challenge him you are a racist! What a load of garbage.
.....and the "racists" that people are mentioning are in all actuality probably just idiots who are upset with themselves that our "black" president has much more encouraging words for your kids than they do. Anyone that opposes this speech is an absolute idiot in my book. "Oh no! the president wants our kids to do well in school! I can't believe this guy! What next? Universal health care for all Americans? But this might mean the end of the $12 band-aid! You Bush lovers have absolutely nothing to be proud of. I suppose that explains the disdain for this speech. It must hurt to have to watch the guy you didnt vote for fixing all the messes made by the one you did vote for. This isnt a political issue, its a self examination issue....if you oppose this speech, based on its' content, then yes, you have some serious self examining to do! Doesn't matter the source of the speech, all in all it's a GREAT message.
It is INSPIRING, and should be commended that the President honor students today by addressing them. Teaching should come from all levels, why not the Executive Office? This President is sharing that responsibility to ask this generation to take responsibility for their future. School is for the children today - a small community, the preparation for them to be part of the world community, the future productive adult work force who need to be aware that their present day learning, (or lack of actions)impacts their ability to succeed. The President wishes to help instill that deep sense of purpose to the children. Let it happen! It is shameful and sorry to say- ignorant when critics perceive this address to be anything less than what is intended.
.....and the "racists" that people are mentioning are in all actuality probably just idiots who are upset with themselves that our "black" president has much more encouraging words for your kids than they do. Anyone that opposes this speech is an absolute idiot in my book. "Oh no! the president wants our kids to do well in school! I can't believe this guy! What next? Universal health care for all Americans? But this might mean the end of the $12 band-aid! You Bush lovers have absolutely nothing to be proud of. I suppose that explains the disdain for this speech. It must hurt to have to watch the guy you didnt vote for fixing all the messes made by the one you did vote for. This isnt a political issue, its a self examination issue....if you oppose this speech, based on its' content, then yes, you have some serious self examining to do! Doesn't matter the source of the speech, all in all it's a GREAT message.
right on AJ!
To James Notter What ever happened to Freedom in this country?
I thought Parents had RIGHTS to choose in this country. Evidently not any more. If I was a parent in your school system I would be exercising my freedom to have you removed from your office. How dare you use a public office to deny freedom of choice to anyone. You are a servant of the public not it's master.
I would also be questioning Bob Parks objectivity and racist comment. How does someone exercising their right to choose constitute racism? I believe he is the racist in this situation.
If it is not racism, then it is ignorance. You have the freedom to pick when label fits you best! I could not stand George Bush, but I would have never had my children removed from the room if he came to speak at their school or gave an address similar to this President Obama's. If it is neither racism nor ignorance, then where was all of the uproar when other president's made similar address? Again, pick which label fits you best. Or just mark both!
If it is not racism, then it is ignorance. You have the freedom to pick which label fits you best! I could not stand George Bush, but I would have never had my children removed from the room if he came to speak at their school or gave an address similar to this President Obama's. If it is neither racism nor ignorance, then where was all of the uproar when other president's made similar address? Again, pick which label fits you best. Or just mark both!
So we are either racist or ignorant because we choose to exercise our freedom of choice? Your choice would be to leave your child in school. Last time I checked in this country we are suppose to respect a person's right to choose. I fail to see how resorting to name calling and labeling proves your point. I respect your choice raise your children anyway way you see fit without criticizing you. I would appreciate the same courtesy from you.
So we are either racist or ignorant because we choose to exercise our freedom of choice? Your choice would be to leave your child in school. Last time I checked in this country we are suppose to respect a person's right to choose. I fail to see how resorting to name calling and labeling proves your point. I respect your choice raise your children anyway way you see fit without criticizing you. I would appreciate the same courtesy from you.
As a parent I want my children to go to school and learn. I personally do not feel it is the President's duty to instill motivation in my kids. We read the speech at home with our children then had a family discussion on what we all could gain from what President Obama had to say. There was freedom in our home to agree or disagree and open discussion on all points. Our children had a healthy debate in an enviroment they felt free to express their own opinions. I do not feel they would have been as comfortable discussing this at school where different political parties come into play and the constant threat of being labeled a racist is out there if you don't happen to agree with everything President Obama says. Bottom line in my opinion it's the PARENTS responsiblity to inspire their children to do better in school and in life. President Obama has much bigger issues he should be focusing on.
So if I am black and I despise the policies of the sitting president, does this make me racist too? No!!!!
Stop this pathetic and lame attempt to cause division between people who in the year 2009 have no problems with each other. The ones who use the race card are the racists. How shameful!! Stop it!!!
Amina says:
I didn't see parents getting upset when Bush and Reagan talked with America's school children. They didn't have to modify anything. What do you think?
September 8, 7:27 AM
While I am not sure about Reagan, I know that the democrats went berserk over Bush calling for an investigation and hearings. "The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students," said Richard Gephardt, then the House Majority Leader. "And the president should be doing more about education than saying, 'Lights, camera, action.'"
You can read this full article at Drudge Report or the Washington Examiner.
Sure, there may be tons of reasons why some parents have over-reacted, but circumstantial evidence makes clear that "racism" must be considered.
Case in point: On 9/11, GWBush was where? At a school, talking to children. Was there an uproar? No. His father gave a speech to school kids in '91 (I believe). Was there a large-scale effort to pull children out of school? Of course not. Reagan gave a politically-charged speech to students. Did he receive anywhere near as much grief as Obama has? Not even close.
What is the difference between Obama and the other three? He's a Democrat! Oh... and black!
Racism is DEFINITELY a possibility, and the way I have heard his detractors in Miami speak at their "tea party" it is very likely!
By the way, I love the irony and hypocrisy of a woman I read some days ago. Explaining why she was pulling her child out of school for the day, she stated "Obama's speech is a distraction from the children's schooling."
But taking them out completely isn't???
Many people are having issues with any politician talking to their children because they have proven themselves to be bigots, liars, thieves, and those are the nice connotations that can be used to describe the government today. The last 3 presidents have no business telling children of this nation how to conduct themselves or grasp the brass ring, due to their own performances.
It seems as though you "forgot" to mention the reason for the objection to the speech (it was later modified). The U.S. department of education provided lesson plans activities and questions for teachers including.. 'build background knowledge about the president by reading books about Barack Obama..asked to write about 'what they can do to help the president.' That would be soft indoctrination, for an example..google you tube for "Obama Youth Corps".
HMMMM- let's just think about this one for a moment. If Obama were a Republican (just the thought of that is absurd!) would the liberals be calling him a white president since he is half white? Would they be racists? HMMMM
I am protected by the Thirteenth Amendment. If Obama hopes to douse the capitalist flame in the souls of Americans, why incentivise voluntary action? If I get $4000 for school, why not volunteer? And why should I care about the people I am being paid to serve? If I do the time, will I not get the money? It would be stupid not to enter into such a program. I see this as another well intended program helping few, but also feeding the self-serving nature of every individual. I spent years in the Boy Scouts of America doing volunteer camps. I taught leadership skills. It benefitted me, and all those who participated. But this was all before I had a wife, a car payment, even before paying rent. I see expansion of such programs as a very constructive and beneficial idea, but not while the middle-class is evaporating. Where there is economic growth, there will be the means (tax money) to support this kind of philanthropic atmosphere.
Much ado about nothing!
There was nothing about this that had to do with Racism. I am sick and tired of always hearing that claim when someone opposes something by an african-american person. It has to do with the initial speech he was trying to give to our minor children without our permission. The only Racism I've seen involving Obama has been from Obama himself.....
I think whoever is name calling about those people who choose to disagree with the president's actions should go live in a country that has a dictatorship. Our country was built on the premise that we have the freedom to choose and to state our opinions. Quit trying to compare Bush speaking at one school with Obama thinking he has the right to broadcast his opinions to a captive audience of minor children all over the nation.
An alcoholic doesn't admit he is an alcoholic until he's ready to stop drinking and all of you who keep saying that the protest had nothing to do with racism is just like the alcoholic, you are so drunk with racism you don't recognize your racism. Presidents have spoken to children numerous times, and no one made such a fuss about it. President Obama is a law school graduate, and he knows how to spell potato, but you object to your children listening to his speech. Racism!!!
When you assume somethings you make an ass out of yourself. ladyvke Bush speaking and Obama speaking has the same premise, but no one objected. Whats the difference. His inital plan was to get the children to pay attention and express themselves. You are an idiot if you think that the President thought that he could get a kid to help mixed up mommy and dufus daddy to change their minds about policy. Thats about as dumb as not wanting to hear the president talk to your children. This is America I guess you have the right to be ignorant, but don't blame the president, he tried to offer some encourgament, but you refused to listen.
@George no that was taken care of long before today. Anytime an its obvious that a person has a hint of African blood he is defined as African American. And besides President Obama is too dark to be a Republican, you conservative racist wouldn't allow it.
@Stop the BS if you are black and doesn't want to hear the President speech it simply means that theres always a few in the crowd. When Nat Turner was hanged for planning a revolt, one of your relatives ratted him out. it doesn't make you a racist, it makes you something else, and it makes me sick.
I agree with CLP,it's either being racist or being ignorant.Try this,Arlington,Tx.,the ISD would not let the children hear the speech,parents could however take their children out of school to hear the speech,hang on.in November Arlington ISD is going to take by bus select 5th grade classes to Texas stadium to do what,hear the former president talk about education,learning.It's clear to me that there is alot of racism still left to deal with or is it ignorance?
If Obama wasn't a terrorist, he was a Muslim. If he wasn't a Muslim he was Arab. Well, now hes a socialist. You conservatives are idiots. I hate you Bible freaks with a passion. We all know you're racist, stop hiding the fact and just accept it. You're making fools of yourselves.
I did not allow my children to watch Obama's speach because Obama has proven himself untrustworthy and his lesson plan was outrageous (before the uproar caused it to be changed). e.g. Why has he not spoken against Van Jone's racism and hate speach? Why does he assume "the police acted stupidly."
In my opinion, people shouting racism are the racists. They are intolerant of any perspective other than their own.
I opposed the growth in government under Bush and I am shocked at the growth in government under Obama.
What is race anyway? My family is American. Our ancestors were people from Western-Europe, Mexico, Africa, American-Indian tribes and many other "races." I am a gun owning member of the NRA. I am registered as republican but I did not vote for McCain or Obama. I love liberty and I observe that liberty and equalization of outcomes are incompatible. How does any of this make me racist? (Oh, by the way, I am well educated too, BS & MBA.)
President Obama has views for the direction of this country are contrary to many of us. The direction he is taking is most similar to a Fascist régime. I love and cherish the principles this country is founded on and anyone who tries to sway my children in any other direction does not deserve the right to speak to them in an environment that is not controlled by me. My children will make up their own mind on what they choose to believe and who they choose to help when they reach an age that I am no longer responsible for their wellbeing. Until then I will make their choices not my government.
I agree with MA. I did not vote for obama and I am not racist. I am tired of being called one for expressing my right to disagree with the man. And as far as I am conserned I think obama needs to address the problems of the adult world and get to work on it. He also needs to stay off of the air a while and do the job he was elected to do.
Angela says:
@Stop the BS if you are black and doesn't want to hear the President speech it simply means that theres always a few in the crowd. When Nat Turner was hanged for planning a revolt, one of your relatives ratted him out. it doesn't make you a racist, it makes you something else, and it makes me sick.
September 8, 7:37 PM
Ohhh, I see, so you think all black people should have listened to Obama because he is black. How racist is that? Get over yourself. LOL!
Either the people in this discussion are really stupid or you are communist sympathizers and hate the freedoms this country gives you. Sorry to tell you all one day you are going to wake up and realize all too late that you've been punked by this regime. By then all your freedoms will be gone. How sad.
Whether it is Racism or not, I think we have major issues to deal with in our country. In my opinion, it is an issue that as a democracy, a country of free speech, that we would try to boycott of all people, our elected President, from speaking to our children about doing well in school and where that will take them in life. I think it is somewhat irresponsible, and should probably be embarrasing, for a parent, school, or institution to prevent their children from at least listening to the President of their Country suggesting that they should work hard in school and be respectful to their parents. Thats just my opinion. By the way, I am not black.
I do not get the impression that anyone in this discussion is stupid or remotely communist. It is obvious that we all have our opinions, which have been formed by one thing or another. Some may have been formed by influence from family, by life experiences, by actual knowledge, or by just by a gut feeling.
I know for sure that there is not a single person in this conversation that would like to wake up to having their freedom taken away from them. I feel confident that as long as our President loves and cares for his Country and the people that live in the United States, regardless of Class, Gender, Race, that he will do the best that he can to make it possible for each of us to make a good life for ourselves. I am confused about what anyone else may think this President wishes for his Country (and ours), and why? Please do not accept without some thought, information that may be questionable based on its negative implications...probably brought to fore by negative, biased people.
There is noone here that is Stupid. We were all born with the ability to think. We will have different thought processes, we will think differently for sure. Some of us will base our opinions on things they have heard, things they have been taught, and others will question these things. That does not make anyone of us less intelligent than the other. Those that question will often do some research to confirm or dispute their original thoughts. Typically, those that try to think for themselves develop intellectual skills that allow them greater opportunities in life. It is my opinion that we should allow our kids to try to think for themselves and develop intellectual skills that will serve them well in life, and especially in this society where original thinking and apptitude for learning are rewarded.
I feel bad for people like Angela who see Racism everywhwere she looks. I have no idea why she has a chip on her shoulder about Racism but you can see it in her posts. I believe she is the one drunk with racism. As long as people have such mentality Racism will never die in this country.
I don't have a problem with the president speaking to school children. I actually think it's a great idea.
It's about time kids had a positive role model to look up to.
Two positive things that were done. They made the text available prior to the speech and for the most part made it optional, With the exception of the ignoramus from Southern Florida James Notter.
I have no problem with the speech as long as it did not contain politics or religion. I have a huge problem with the fact that parents were prevented from exercising their freedom of choice. But what really angers me the most is that every time a person disagrees with the actions or beliefs of this president who happens to be of African decent they are called a Racist.
Drop the "race card" and have an intelligent conversation.
No, the complaints were not racist. The complaints came when it was first revealed that there was supposed to be included a class project after his speech saying "How can I help the President"...not how can I do better in school or better myself, but "How can I help the President".
That is what happened, but the media and the far Left, in order to block for Obama made it about race. That anyone who questioned that is a racist.
The "race" controversy thrown up the Left and the media is just a smoke screen by the far Left to label anyone questioning of Obama as Racist to try to stop any form of criticizing. If you notice ANY questioning of Obama is considered racism, and the press and the far Left is blocking for Obama by using that argument to protect him.
For the past 8 years dissent was the highest form of patriotism. Now dissent is the highest form of racism.
For the past 8 years Liberals said dissent was the highest form of patriotism. Now Liberals cry dissent is the highest form of racism.
Liberals are wrapping themselves in the cloak of racism to stop any dissent of Obama.
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