President Obama is planning a speech directly to America’s youngsters.The White House says that the speech is going to emphasize importance of education and urge kids to work hard in school. The Administration insists that the message is not partisan, nor compulsory.
So why are some parents up in arms?
There seems to be several issues, depending on who you listen to.
Some are concerned that the speech has not been screened for political content.
Jim Greer, the Republican Party chairman (FL), said :
“I am appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology.”
Others feel uncomfortable that the President will have such direct communication with their kids.
Talk show host, Chris Stigall, said:
“I wouldn’t let my next-door neighbor talk to my kid alone; I’m sure as hell not letting Barack Obama talk to him alone."
What may be catching most of the criticism is that US Ed Secretary Arne Duncan sent out communication to schools in preparation for viewing the speech.
Some say these contents communicated with schools and districts should be screened by the Department of Education which should, under law, approve curriculum.
It seems that it may be more acceptable today to receive “be cool, stay in school” messages from folks dressed as giant yellow birds or purple dinosaurs than the President of the United States.
Then again, it has not been announced what Obama will be wearing.
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Comments
I think it is fine for students to MEET a President of our USA BUT, I do not think he should talk politics. If we are not allowed to speak of The God who created us and everything or even be allowed to pray in school, then politics should be off limits too. Play fair or don't play at all. Let parents teach their children the politics and religion they want for them.
So we pledge allegiance to the flag (under God), but we aren't going to listen to the president say, "Stay in school?"
Karin, as always, great article.
You make a great point...but perhaps think of it a little differently than I do. My concern is that he is NOT a yellow bird or purple dinosaur. He is the President. And the supplemental materials being pushed into the classroom by a presidential administration is an intrusion of politics into our schools that I am not comfortable with. While the questions appear benign, I fear it opens a door and sets a precedent that is inappropriate, at best.
My husband and I are responsible for motivating our children to do well in school, not a politican. Further, I'm very thankful they attend a school (charter!) that instills a rigorous work ethic, encourages goal setting, and models strong academic values. There is no need to take time away from academics for them to listen to the president talk about what they are already doing.
Joanna, the Pledge is always optional for individual children. So should this activity on Tuesday be optional.
This is not the forum. The technique of politicians reaching out to children with their own political propaganda is well documented in history through Communism, Socialism and even Hitler used it as a first approach. In our country Obama needs to focus on the nation and understand that we do not want this man speaking to our children. He is doing enough messing up the country without impacting my children. I will not allow my children even see him on a commercial without me being present because I do not want them to believe the lies he continues to tell the American people.
Public school children are constantly being indoctrinated by the ultra liberal school "system." Why are parents just now seeing this?
So what about when George Bush addressed the school students. Don't remember that? Look it up. Was it OK for him to do this? I don't remember anyone yelling about spreading lies to our children when that happened. Or maybe Bill O'Reilly was sick that day...
Finally! Proof that not all charter school writers are conservative.
Joanna, the Pledge is always optional for individual children. So should this activity on Tuesday be optional.
Donnell, it is optional to say, yes, but I heard it every day at school, and to avoid hearing it you'd have to go to the bathroom or something similar every morning. It should also be pointed out that the Obama address is also not compulsory, so what's the difference? As long as it is in fact bipartisan, it sounds just like a PSA telling students to work hard in school.
How many times have we seen celebrities announce anti-drug or stay in school messages? But we should censor the president? Gimme a break.
Teaches have lesson plans to go by daily, these plans take time and use up every minute of thier days. With the economy as it is, teachers are made to take furloughs and are in reality losing time in school but still have to work , without pay, to fit everything in. Now Obama wants to take even more time from them...I'm not for it!
When I was in school, we regularly lost an entire period every week to a pep rally. I doubt the one-time address from Obama would take as long, or be as useless to teacher's lesson plans.
What is all the fuss ! Did you read speach- ?! It is motivational not political !
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