Presidential Address to Schoolchildren

[Just_A_Guy]

Am I the only one who thinks this is getting blown out of proportion?

It's the president, not a porn star. Why is he such a danger to our kids?

If he were going to get up there and spout liberal rhetoric, that'd be one thing. But I don't see any credible evidence that this is going to be anything other than a (sorely needed) "get off your duffs and go to work" speech. What am I missing? Can someone point to specific passages of the current instructional supplements to the speech that they find objectionable?

[Just_A_Guy]

Of course, I was amused by the following from the above-cited website:

4. Does the White House Web site have the capacity to host all of the potential live viewers for this event?

The White House Web site is equipped with the appropriate amount of bandwidth to accommodate a large viewership.

HA! How quickly we forget the webcasts of the inauguration.

[Maxel]

I haven't heard about this yet. If I were a parent I wouldn't want my child to watch a presentation by him about any facet of personal responsibility (I feel he's a deceitful liar, and I don't want my child to "sit at his feet", as it were, and learn anything from him).

That being said, I doubt he'll do/say anything terrible to the children, and talking about goal-setting could help many children in public school. I looked through the 'Classroom Activities' PDF's and it looks like the speech will focus mainly on setting and achieving goals (which I think is admirable). For children who don't already know how to do that, they could benefit from the speech.

If there is widespread opposition to this, it probably comes from people fearing the president will insert liberal rhetoric (like you said, JAG) into the speech. However, in a 15-20 minute broadcast on goal-setting, I don't know how much 'rhetoric' he would be able to insert even if he wanted to.

[beefche]

I don't have children, but I was concerned about this. Here's one reason I was concerned (thankfully White House changed it)

"As one of the preparatory materials for teachers provided by the Department of Education, students had been asked to, "Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. “

Today, after Republicans accused the White House of trying to indoctrinate school children with liberal propaganda the White House and the Department of Education changed the section to now read, "Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals.”

It's one thing to give a talk to kids to tell them to take school seriously, it's another to ask kids what they can do to help President Obama.

[Maxel]

Wow- I didn't get on early enough to catch the first rendition of that paragraph. I actually like what they changed it to- a writing activity focused on the child's goals is, I think, a really good idea.

[john doe]

As Beefche stated, the issue is more to do with the White House-generated 'study aids' than the fact that the president has addressed the kids.

[annewandering]

If the President of the US was to speak to children wow that would be an abomination for sure! Lets not let children have the chance to have a president take the time to address them and to encourage them. Yep it must be the antichrist trying to convert our children to evil.

You know if he was as evil as some people think he has to be the antichrist for sure. No doubt a pediphile as well. Abusing the office of president this way to speak to children. So incredibly evil.

On a serious note one thing this whole furor has done is make the Obama haters look really incredibly stupid and over the top fanatic.

Obama might not be the greatest thing since cream cheese but with all the rhetoric it is is pretty much impossible to tell.

[Mahone]

I don't have children, but I was concerned about this. Here's one reason I was concerned (thankfully White House changed it)

"As one of the preparatory materials for teachers provided by the Department of Education, students had been asked to, "Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. “

Today, after Republicans accused the White House of trying to indoctrinate school children with liberal propaganda the White House and the Department of Education changed the section to now read, "Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals.”

It's one thing to give a talk to kids to tell them to take school seriously, it's another to ask kids what they can do to help President Obama.

The whitehouse responded to this criticism saying that it wasn't intended in that way and none of his speech is about policies. They say they didn't change the original question - rather they reworded it to clarify it. The question was supposed to be asked in the context of improving the increasing dropout numbers in schools. In other words, they wanted the children to say "we will stay in school and not drop out" - it sounds very similar to tactics I've heard in other motivational speeches to kids in the past.

[annewandering]

Similar and needed. A person such as the president talking to the kids about this very important issue has to be impressive to the kids.

You know the president may not be someone we all like but anyone who thinks he doesn't love his children is wrong. He knows how important our children are to us all. I think that this talk is born out of this fatherly concern.

[beefche]

If the President of the US was to speak to children wow that would be an abomination for sure! Lets not let children have the chance to have a president take the time to address them and to encourage them. Yep it must be the antichrist trying to convert our children to evil.

You know if he was as evil as some people think he has to be the antichrist for sure. No doubt a pediphile as well. Abusing the office of president this way to speak to children. So incredibly evil.

On a serious note one thing this whole furor has done is make the Obama haters look really incredibly stupid and over the top fanatic.

Obama might not be the greatest thing since cream cheese but with all the rhetoric it is is pretty much impossible to tell.

You know, I really don't appreciate these type of accusations. Explaining concerns over actions and possible reactions is not the same thing as "Obama hating", or interpreting it to convert our children to evil, or make me look stupid or an over the top fanatic.

I am very pleased that someone so powerful feels so strongly about our children's education and actually wants to do something about it. And (I'm pulling out the race card here) a black man is showing by example that all children, regardless of race, deserves a good education and that they should work on their own education.

What I don't like is using this as a platform to praise Obama, the man. Some of the materials/homework/activities (whatever you call it) tasted of worship the man rather than respect the title and office. I pointed out one that made me squirm. I'm happy that it's been changed to something more appropriate. I'm happy it's optional so those who do truly hate Pres Obama can opt out. I'm happy they are posting his speech online Monday for parents to review.

And I'm happy to live in a country where I can criticize our leader's actions and have the right to do so. Regardless if others think my concerns are over the top fanaticism or hatred, I am happy to criticize and support my President as he works to change our appalling educational statistics.

[Mahone]

Similar and needed. A person such as the president talking to the kids about this very important issue has to be impressive to the kids.

You know the president may not be someone we all like but anyone who thinks he doesn't love his children is wrong. He knows how important our children are to us all. I think that this talk is born out of this fatherly concern.

Oh I agree with you completely, which is why I bought this up. Plus it's always good to hear both sides of the story, which annoyingly isn't always possible with the media.

[Jenamarie]

I can't believe some parents are going to keep their kids home from school for this. What happened to all the "Respect the office of the President!" jargon conservatives were always spouting when people were critical of Bush?? What message are those parents teaching their children about respecting the office of the President? How about using the speach as a starting-point for a discussion with your kid about politics? How about using it as a way to teach your kid that sometimes you can agree with someone you disagree with, and vise versa? (if you end up liking the message, but not the messanger)

I hear all these cries of "indoctrination" and what not. EVERYONE is "indoctrinated". We all "indoctrinate" our children (or, aka "instill our values").

I highly doubt his speach on setting educational goals and staying in school is going to lead to the demise of the rising generation. Unless conservatives are against an educated electorate.

[Just_A_Guy]

Unless conservatives are against an educated electorate.

What, you haven't seen MOE's avatar lately?

[bytor2112]

I can't believe some parents are going to keep their kids home from school for this. What happened to all the "Respect the office of the President!" jargon conservatives were always spouting when people were critical of Bush?? What message are those parents teaching their children about respecting the office of the President? How about using the speach as a starting-point for a discussion with your kid about politics? How about using it as a way to teach your kid that sometimes you can agree with someone you disagree with, and vise versa? (if you end up liking the message, but not the messanger)

I hear all these cries of "indoctrination" and what not. EVERYONE is "indoctrinated". We all "indoctrinate" our children (or, aka "instill our values").

I highly doubt his speach on setting educational goals and staying in school is going to lead to the demise of the rising generation. Unless conservatives are against an educated electorate.

The Presidents handlers are inept and should have crafted their words better. I am fairly sure that given the mountain of demands on a Presidents time, this is light moment in his day. I would definitely let my kids go and though I am not a fan of President Obama by any stretch I would attend any public appearance that was made available....he is after all, the President. And for whatever it's worth.....I am pretty sure that most Presidents do this....GW, did, GHW did, Ronaldus Magnus did and I am fairly certain Bubba did as well.

But yeah......his handlers should have been a little more careful.

[annewandering]

"You know, I really don't appreciate these type of accusations. Explaining concerns over actions and possible reactions is not the same thing as "Obama hating", or interpreting it to convert our children to evil, or make me look stupid or an over the top fanatic."

I didn't realize I was speaking to you personally. I am sorry you took it that way.

I am referring to the over the top reactions that I read about so often in the news and blogs. Every single thing the man says and does is interpreted in the worst possible way and if there is no worst possible way then one is made up. It's getting just plain stupid. It was stupid with Bush and it is stupid with Obama.

What in the world are these people thinking? Do they want their way so much they are willing to sacrifice our country if they are foiled? This furor over the speech to the children is such a good example of how it has gotten so out of hand.

[bytor2112]

On a serious note one thing this whole furor has done is make the Obama haters look really incredibly stupid and over the top fanatic.

Obama might not be the greatest thing since cream cheese but with all the rhetoric it is is pretty much impossible to tell.

On a serious note one thing this whole furor has done is make the BUSH haters look really incredibly stupid and over the top fanatic.

BUSH might not be the greatest thing since cream cheese but with all the rhetoric it is is pretty much impossible to tell.

[beefche]

"You know, I really don't appreciate these type of accusations. Explaining concerns over actions and possible reactions is not the same thing as "Obama hating", or interpreting it to convert our children to evil, or make me look stupid or an over the top fanatic."

I didn't realize I was speaking to you personally. I am sorry you took it that way.

I am referring to the over the top reactions that I read about so often in the news and blogs. Every single thing the man says and does is interpreted in the worst possible way and if there is no worst possible way then one is made up. It's getting just plain stupid. It was stupid with Bush and it is stupid with Obama.

What in the world are these people thinking? Do they want their way so much they are willing to sacrifice our country if they are foiled? This furor over the speech to the children is such a good example of how it has gotten so out of hand.

Yeah, I'll admit I took it a little personally. And although I agree with you to some extent, I don't think it's bad to criticize our leaders (not that you are saying not to criticize). Honestly, I've never heard of a president addressing our schools in such a manner. The other presidents have made personal appearances, from what I can remember. I don't think they've used the media in such a way.

Now, that is a good thing--save some money and reach a broader audience and be in the 21st century. But, it's also disconcerting to see such a broad sweep and have actual work assignments handed out by the White House. I honestly don't remember seeing any other president who had agendas handed out to the schools (I'm willing to admit if I'm wrong on that). The teachers might have had some kind of assignments based on the president's speech (and well they should!), but I dont' recall the White House participating to such a degree.

Now that I think about it, why should they do that? What's wrong with the administrators, teachers, parents (the ones who are actually involved in their child's school work) not assign homework or quizes or whatever? Why is the White House doing this?

[Just_A_Guy]

Mmmm . . . cream cheese . . .

[beefche]

Mmmm . . . cream cheese . . .

Ok, I just don't get this. Cream cheese? Huh?

[farmer]

Clintons little talk with some school agers was splendid as long as your goal was to undermine the authority of every parent in the nation. Wish I could find that vid again.

Homie is just pimpin his brand. Nothing more nothing less. I'd be surprised if our district even acknowledges this crap. If they do my kids will get early release and we will go to the shooting range for some good instruction in the fine art of marksmanship.

[Moksha]

Can someone point to specific passages of the current instructional supplements to the speech that they find objectionable?

Perhaps it is the principle of the thing. Good conservative parents at this point should yank their children out of the public school system and begin a rigorous program of home schooling, so that the children have "Choose the Right" political values.

[Jenamarie]

Yeah, I'll admit I took it a little personally. And although I agree with you to some extent, I don't think it's bad to criticize our leaders (not that you are saying not to criticize). Honestly, I've never heard of a president addressing our schools in such a manner. The other presidents have made personal appearances, from what I can remember. I don't think they've used the media in such a way.

Now, that is a good thing--save some money and reach a broader audience and be in the 21st century. But, it's also disconcerting to see such a broad sweep and have actual work assignments handed out by the White House. I honestly don't remember seeing any other president who had agendas handed out to the schools (I'm willing to admit if I'm wrong on that). The teachers might have had some kind of assignments based on the president's speech (and well they should!), but I dont' recall the White House participating to such a degree.

Now that I think about it, why should they do that? What's wrong with the administrators, teachers, parents (the ones who are actually involved in their child's school work) not assign homework or quizes or whatever? Why is the White House doing this?

The "assignments" the govt. made to go along with the speach are all "suggested activities". Teachers can use them or ignore them. Being the daughter of two elementary teachers, and a prospective homeschooler, I would love to have a whole little lesson plan provided to go along with the speach, either to use as-is, or as a source of inspiration to come up with my own (taking and leaving parts I like and don't like).

There isn't going to be any sort of enforcement on teachers to use the specific plan provided by the govt.

[Jenamarie]

Perhaps it is the principle of the thing. Good conservative parents at this point should yank their children out of the public school system and begin a rigorous program of home schooling, so that the children have "Choose the Right" political values.

No kidding. I hope the loudest opponants of this speach are homeschooling their kids. Public School has never been apolitical. There's all sorts of "indoctrination" going on in Goverment-run schools; always has been.

[talisyn]

I can't believe some parents are going to keep their kids home from school for this. What happened to all the "Respect the office of the President!" jargon conservatives were always spouting when people were critical of Bush?? What message are those parents teaching their children about respecting the office of the President? How about using the speach as a starting-point for a discussion with your kid about politics? How about using it as a way to teach your kid that sometimes you can agree with someone you disagree with, and vise versa? (if you end up liking the message, but not the messanger)

I hear all these cries of "indoctrination" and what not. EVERYONE is "indoctrinated". We all "indoctrinate" our children (or, aka "instill our values").

I highly doubt his speach on setting educational goals and staying in school is going to lead to the demise of the rising generation. Unless conservatives are against an educated electorate.

I remember a long time ago I got a 'presidential academic achievement award', signed by Pres. Regan. I was not thrilled by Regan's policies and thought he was a bit of a blowhard, but I got an award from the president of the United States! That was sooooo cool. I would have been happy to let my daughter listen to Pres. Bush II, and I am happy she gets to listen to Pres. Obama.

[talisyn]

On a serious note one thing this whole furor has done is make the BUSH haters look really incredibly stupid and over the top fanatic.

BUSH might not be the greatest thing since cream cheese but with all the rhetoric it is is pretty much impossible to tell.

For a while there I was tempted to vote Libertarian just in protest against the likes of Janeane Garofalo. It passed. I still want to hit her, though.