A speech to be made by President Obama on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at noon eastern time that will be broadcast live to all school children preK through 12 via a linkup with the WH website. Please also review the pdf files provided for before, during, after the speech.
Letter From Secretary Arne Duncan to School Principals August 26, 2009
Dear Principal:
In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 the first day of school for many children across America he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.
Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.
This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov 12:00 noon eastern standard time.
In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society's most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.
I think it's good that the president takes an interest, but I find his direct involvement to this degree and personal face time unnecessary, and in some ways creepy, too instrusive, even Orwellian.
I don't see an opportunity for parents to opt out. Are parents even aware that this is scheduled and that their children will be, might be, participating? Of course, the schools can opt not to broadcast (link up) but how many "national" schools will and who will make those decisions?
Since it is being presented live, there is no way to know what will be said live. I'm not saying there will be anything bad, but, imo, it would be better to tape this and then present it at a later date when it's been reviewed/critiqued for applicability in our classrooms. Why does it have to be live?
What's next? Obama in Uncle Sam garb on posters in each school, pointing his finger...I want YOU to join NOW!?
This is, imo, another community organizing mental masturbation (description sometimes used by Jim) that we do not need from the president, any president.
Someone said we should do the "fair" thing and pass judgement AFTER he makes his speech....wow....yeah, that sounds fair.
The O administration has gone to all the trouble to develop a "teaching" aide for preparation for his speech, and a lesson for after they hear it....would it be TOOOO much to ask they actually "include" a copy of the speech itself so we can be forewarned as to what is in the speech?
And of course...while they are at it...they could actually tell us WHY this is being done to begin with. It is yet another pig in a poke he is selling the American public...just like his health care plan. A bunch of wasted money.
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
Susan, a copy of his speech posted on the ed.gov website is in order, imo, BEFORE he gets the eyes and ears of all the students in pre-k through 12th grade. As I suggested, send a freakin' video or let schools view it online then decide if they want to use it. It's creepy that he wants this to happen live, and all across America students will be required to participate IF their school agrees to it. I wondered in my OP if parents are even aware and questioned if there is an opt out available.
As to why he's doing it....I think he's more comfortable with campaigns and community organizing, doing the 'speechy' stuff instead of the really hard work of the presidency and I also think he's stricken with self-adulation issues. This will give him an I am the greatest fix, albeit temporary. I guess he doesn't have to do the hard work because there are over 36 Czars performing their 'magic' behind the scenes and not being held accountable to congress, only the admin, so Obama is free to continue organizing our 'community'.
Letter From Secretary Arne Duncan to School Principals August 26, 2009
Dear Principal:
In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver,
(a student reporter... Ooooo now that's scarey)
President Obama announced that on September 8 the first day of school for many children across America he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education.
(good luck with that. Ask me... I think it's just gonna rile up a bunch of Obama/liberal haters. education smeducation! sigh...republicans, better arm yer childrens wif tape recorders or better yet go to class with them..Ooh Ooh better yet ...keep 'em at home. Uh huh... that's the ticket.)
The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.
(work? set goals? take responsibility? Obama are you nuts????)
He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible
(Oh great! here's that "responsibility" word again! Damn him always using them big words! Pffttt!!!)
so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.
Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues
(but but but... republicans and conservatives hate informed and educated people! Everyone knows educated people are harder to control! DAMN!)
affecting their lives, their families and their futures.
This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school.
(OMG! A POTUS giving a speech to children? WTF is that all about? everyone knows children are worthless little booger picking smart asses who are not worthy of hearing a POTUS talk.)
We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov 12:00 noon eastern standard time.
In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives.
(Oh great... here we go... the bastard commie actually thinks teachers should talk to students about the importance of education. All good Americans know this is Obama the commie setting up his re-education camps for our booger picking smart ass innocent childrens.)
We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society's most important work by preparing our children for work and for life.
(A politician pandering to voters! Folks be very afraid... cuz as I live an breath I ain't never heard of a politician pandering to voters. Ha! Stressing the importance of an education... pointing out that children and adults need to take responsibility? Ef off Obama! American children don't need no Effin' education and they don't need to learn bout responsibility!)
No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.
Sincerely,
Arne Duncan
(Huh? Oh yea... this isn't actually Obama's words here is it? Got me all scared and riled up about something that might quite possibly could might happen.)
I think it is wonderful. Schools can opt out if they want and I'm sure individuals can opt out if the school doesn't (believe me indivuals can opt out of anything the school does with a simple note from a parent).
I have been googling if other presidents have ever addressed children before and while I don't come across this format of a live speech, I do see parts of speeches that were directly addressed to children by presidents Kennedy and Johnson on the President's physical fitness program and by Reagan on the qualifications for putting a private citizen on the space shuttle and what children could do to become qualified for such a program some day.
Unless things have changed a lot recently, many schools are not going to have the capability for all students to view at once, so many schools will probably show it on tape after they have reviewed it.
I don't understand why HE thinks HE NEEDS to do it.
Doesn't he have enough to do already?
Don't you think he is capable of giving a few minutes, hours, even days in trying to help improve the education system, some of what is needed is kids that care and actually work at getting an education. I think you are making much more out of this than is necessary or even warranted. I think he is doing a good thing in this particular thing (not to mean that I agree with everything he has done since he was elected as some would have you believe and as others would swear was true)
Hello comrades. This 20 question quiz tests the general understanding and comprehension of '1984.' It is more focused on general ideas and philosophies. I would grade the results as follows: 19-20: Doubleplusgood- Big Brother salutes you on your superior intellect. 16-18: Plusgood - Big Brother is impressed with your knowledge. 12-15: Good - Acceptable, but Big Brother wants you to strive for more. 9-11: Ungood - Big Brother is not pleased with your performance. 6-8: Doubleungood - Report to the Ministry of Love
There is so much skepticism about this admnistration and frankly people are quickly losing trust in him and Dem led initiatives. Don't believe me? Just look at the predictions being made for the number of seats Dems are expected to lose in 2010. They need to pick one thing, detail it, and do it right before they attempt to change the world. Everyday, I read another story about auto dealers who have yet to see any funds reimbursed to them from the clunkers program. That was such a small potatoes program, but it is causing huge PR damage.
Can't find it on FoxNews yet but heard that he plans on using the term Superintendent-in-Chief. Will this make it official that the schools are government schools now?
Can't find it on FoxNews yet but heard that he plans on using the term Superintendent-in-Chief. Will this make it official that the schools are government schools now?
I am surprised it's not a CZAR...and don't we already have a secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare? See, none of his self appointed department heads are accountable....
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
No, our public schools have never been influenced by any level of our gov before , so why would they be now? ROFLMAO
Hmmm...ROTF and LYAO all you want....we have never had a president address all the schools in the nation on a simulcast...if BUSH had done this, all HELL would have broken loose.
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
My remark to Evelyn was not about the TV address. It was about her incredible statement that the gov might actually get involved in our school systems.
I personally would have cheered if any president addressed our children on the importance of getting serious about education............any president
Inka. You have become a good little neocon.... of the right.
***********************************
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
I say be a good parent. Let your kid listen but you listen too. If the prez talks bullshit tell your kids he's a liar. If he's actually honest, no foul.
I used to monitor a lot of what my kids were taught in school. I told them more than once that they were being taught lies but they still need to know what the books say in order to pass tests.
I'm still trying to figure out why this is a problem. Could somebody explain it in terms that a rational human being could understand?
The President of the United States wants to talk to school children.. he wants to advance a program of taking responsibility. He isn't suggesting "social promotion" or anything akin to "feel good" politics.
I think you assholes are afraid of anything that challenges your hegemony over the "truth" .. And, I doubt that you'll get over it before 2012. At least I hope not.
I'm still trying to figure out why this is a problem. Could somebody explain it in terms that a rational human being could understand?
To begin with, it's a matter of trust. You know, what we got pounded with for eight years when that other guy was president? Parents consider their kids at this age to be completely vulnerable to *anything*, and are understandably concerned. The man is a mass-marketer of the "Obama brand", and many people don't trust him to check that at the door here. Secondly, it is a matter of exposure, as in enough already! Kids don't vote! Give it a rest!(see: trust) Thirdly, it is wholly unprecendented, enough in itself to draw suspicion.
To begin with, it's a matter of trust. You know, what we got pounded with for eight years when that other guy was president? Parents consider their kids at this age to be completely vulnerable to *anything*, and are understandably concerned. The man is a mass-marketer of the "Obama brand", and many people don't trust him to check that at the door here. Secondly, it is a matter of exposure, as in enough already! Kids don't vote! Give it a rest!(see: trust) Thirdly, it is wholly unprecendented, enough in itself to draw suspicion.
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I don't know what your "school" experience was like. But, if I were a 3rd grader, I can tell you, the idea of watching the President speak on national TV to me, would have been of monumental less importance than getting my baseball mitt worked in properly.
I think you people are trying to find reasons to be pissed, and you find a different reason every day.
:::::::::POP...POP...POP... into the mitt::::::::::::::
You are looking for reasons to be offended and pissed off.. Well, ok, you piss me off. :::::::::::::::POP:::::::::::::::::::
I don't know what your "school" experience was like. But, if I were a 3rd grader, I can tell you, the idea of watching the President speak on national TV to me, would have been of monumental less importance than getting my baseball mitt worked in properly.
Perhaps that should be Obama's over-arching view as well. He has already bitten off about 10 pounds more than he can chew so far. So one could ask, WTF? BTW, it could just as well be claimed that the same 3rd grader is about equally impressed with creation theory as opposed to evolution.
I think you people are trying to find reasons to be pissed, and you find a different reason every day.
I would agree with an element of that, and I think it's terrific. Better too much than too little, and Democrats are developing a well-deserved facial twitch over it.
gus.
This message has been edited by gus-mccrea on Sep 2, 2009 10:57 PM
Trying to get everyone health care is bad enough, but behold the latest moral outrage that President Obama is inflicting on the poor innocent children according to the conservatives. On Tuesday, September 8th, that man is going to be on the TeeVee, in schools across the nation telling the children that education is importantand that they need to have regular attendance, and even..(gulp). graduate. Oh, the horror! Can you imagine the dangerous Democratic mind control that is going to be facilitated by our public schools? Why, if those lefty socialist Marxist Communist fascists had their way, all our kids would end up in college; or worse, Grad School! This cannot stand, sayeth the wingnuts!
So, theyve begun assaulting teachers, school board members and administrators of the Anchorage School District with emails saying things like:
We dont want our child to be doing what President Obama asks of her/him. We are the parents, and he/she is supposed to do what we ask. We may happen to agree with everything President Obama says, but our childs direction will come from us as we guide him/her according to our family values and teach him/her how to make choices on his/her own.
Yeah. If that President fella asks you to show up to class and stay in school, you just ignore him little Suzie. If our family values tell you to drop out, then drop out you will young lady/man! (Yes, at least one of the letters from an angry parent left in the him/her part of the form letter, rather than modifying it to fit their specific child.) So, now an address by the President of the United States telling our kids that education is important has become a p0litical issue.
Not one to let the lunatics run the asylum, Superintendent of Schools Carol Comeau today said in a letter to Anchorage teachers:
We have received a number of phone calls and emails from citizens and parents regarding this matter. There appears to be a presumption that this is a political activity. It is not a political activity in my opinion. I have informed those who have contacted me of the voluntary nature of this opportunity and the fact that I believe it is very important that our students hear from the President on the important part education played in his life, and that of his family. As I understand it, he will be stressing the importance of setting goals, and the importance of regular school attendance and the shared responsibility of students, teachers, and parents in education.
I want to assure anyone who is questioning the activity, that I believe our students will benefit from listening to the President if this is something that their teacher chooses to incorporate into their lessons. I would say the same for any other President, and for any other elected official such as our governor, members of Congress, legislators, and the mayor. We encourage elected officials to visit our classrooms and to speak to our students; Governor Parnell has already visited East High School, his alma mater, and will be visiting three other schools this month as he stresses the importance of staying in school, not dropping out, and the value of education and a high school diploma!
As most of you know, we have firm guidelines in place for any elected officials and candidates who choose to visit our classrooms and schools. These are posted on our website under Political Activities. Please feel free to familiarize yourself with them and share them with anyone who asks about them.
Oh, and the protesting emails want you to know that theyd be doing this no matter who was president.
Riiight.
The event will be broadcast live on whitehouse.gov so you can hear for yourself the secret communications from the President to the school children. Its sure to be diabolical!
The President of the United States wants to talk to school children.. he wants to advance a program of taking responsibility. He isn't suggesting "social promotion" or anything akin to "feel good" politics.
Once again, all we are asking for is the VERBAGE...He has NONE concerning his healthcare plan...he has NONE concerning this speech...why are YOU not asking those questions Jim? I absolutely believe if it was anyone else you would be there. What's up with that?
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
Once again, all we are asking for is the VERBAGE...He has NONE concerning his healthcare plan...he has NONE concerning this speech...why are YOU not asking those questions Jim? I absolutely believe if it was anyone else you would be there. What's up with that?
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It is because I AM NOT WORRIED ABOUT IT.. And, I would not have worried about it had GWB done the same thing.
Hell, I didn't even criticize him for reading "My Pet Goat" to a classroom full of 3rd graders when the country was burning down around his ears.
You think one speech, no matter how socialistically insidious, is going to turn our students into automatons?
""I'm reading on other boards about parents organizing boycotts of school on that day.
They are actually putting politics before their children's education.
Uneffinbelievable """
That's ok Sandee! What I find uneffinbelievable is that are comparing this to recruiting his civilian army. His 'Hitler' youth brigade!
I don't know! I am not crazy about him. But I don't think this is so wrong. I am not worried about it. I think it's a good thing that a president want to be involved in education on a personal sort of level like this.
i think they really need a black president to reaffirm to them that it is not "acting white"
to study, ask questions and excel in the academic realm....
and that taking responsibility for onesself is the most important part of being a student and a citizen.
I read on another board that after the speech every child in America will be required to draw a poster in favor of Obama's health care bill. Asked for a source for this nonsense, the poster replies "Fox news"
It's not bad enough that Fox News makes up crap , now people make up their own crap and give Fox News credit for it.
Why not, the fearfulrighties will believe anything if you just say it came from Fox News.
I think all these idiots should just take their children out of our public schools immediately. Let our tax dollars be spent on educating the chilren of rational people and let the idiots try their hands at home schooling.
Schools can opt out if they want and I'm sure individuals can opt out if the school doesn't (believe me indivuals can opt out of anything the school does with a simple note from a parent).
----------------
How are you "sure individuals can opt out" of this broadcast, or even schools for that matter? Oh, I know there are opt out papers sent home for some activities, but there have been none sent home with my grandchildren for this. AND, I don't even find it mentioned on our state education pages, nor individual school sites I've checked. Where's the opt out you're so sure is available? Have you checked your state's education or school sites to see if the event is listed OR checked to see if an opt out is available? You're merely suggesting, above, that parents initiate a note for opting out, when, imo, the education department and schools should initiate an opt out and not handle this as business as usual.
As I asked, above, how many parents even know that this is scheduled? If it's not on the school or education websites, nor an advisory sent home, opt out or not, just how many parents know, especially ahead of the broadcast so that parents can even send a personally initiated opt out note if they so desire?
Maw, I see, as usual, you don't have anything of substance to provide for discussion. As I've said, several times in several threads, I'm not doing anything differently now than I've done in the past...challenging the actions and policies I find questionable, or bringing forward items I find worthy of discussion.
Why don't you try to begin a thread, i.e. start a "thoughtful discussion"? No daily horoscopes, cartoons, smilies, or Palin-Trig-whose (sic) you mama threadstarters, please. TIA
The letter to principals invites schools to participate. It does not require schools to participate. How does a school opt out?.................They don't tune in. (duh!)
I have read posts where parents have said their school has decided not to tune in.
How am I sure that parents can opt out if the school does participate. ?
That would come from years of experience with children being excused from Halloween parties, class trips, family life classes, certain assemblies etc etc etc and all it takes is a note from the parent.
News flash schools can not legally require children to do anything the parents formally object to(or maybe in some really important instances they can after a court battle) and schools are not going to go through the legal hassle of requiring children to sit in front of a TV if a parent has objected. They can simply be sent to another room.
Your opt out "duh" does not even begin to address the items I brought forward, Sandee. Sure, a school can opt out, but if they don't....
You cannot opt out a student if you don't even know about this scheduled broadcast, haven't been sent a notice, nor given the opportunity to opt out. DUH!
Why did you ask me how can a school opt out if you already knew ? duh again
As far as parents being informed so they have the opportunity to opt out I don't know if schools are informing parents first or if they have decided in their infinite wisdom that this message is nothing to worry about.
Informed parents, like ones who listen to the news, can opt out very simply though. I am sure of that.
You know Inka, this is the first time I have seen you being completely unreasonable in your suspicions about Obama.
Debating health care is one thing, but when you are lining up with the people who see some dark ulterior motive in a speech about education, I wouldn't say it makes you a neocon, but I do think you are sharing tin foil hats with gus and evelyn and that really surprises me.
Nothing surprises me anymore sandee, since their beloved Hillary lost.
***********************************
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Many have opted out already. Of course NJ will show it but it's optional and students are allowed to leave the classrooms if they want to. In some cases teachers will watch it first and decided later if they want to show it. With something like this making so much noise in the news and papers I am sure parents who are against it will send along a note. After reading some of these comments in this article he is not to well liked around some of these parts. But if parents don't like him it's a great time to bring up political talk with kids. Hmmm maybe that is the problem with some? They rather not speak about any of this with kids now a days?
President Obama's back-to-school address next week was supposed to be a feel-good story for an administration battered for its health care agenda. But some Republican critics are calling it an effort to foist a political agenda on children, creating yet another confrontation with the White House.
Obama plans to speak directly to students Tuesday about the need to work hard and stay in school. His address will be shown live on the White House website and on C-SPAN at noon EDT, a time when classrooms across the country will be able to tune in.
Schools don't have to show it, but districts across the country have been inundated with phone calls from parents and are struggling to address the controversy that broke out after Education Secretary Arne Duncan sent a letter to principals urging schools to watch.
Districts in states including Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia and Wisconsin have decided not to show the speech to students. Others are still thinking it over or are letting parents have their kids opt out.
Calling the speech a historic event, the New Jersey Department of Education urged teachers to make arrangements for students to participate.
"I don't recall a previous president delivering a special message for students," said spokeswoman Kathryn Forsyth. "That said, we understand it's a local decision that must be made around the districts' back-to-school schedule, which can be pretty hectic."
Superintendents and other education officials in the state said the speech had not yet sparked heated discussions among parents or principals.
"I've spent the last couple of weeks dealing mostly with swine-flu issues, and there was a concern about the large assemblies of students coming to hear this message," said Kevin Brennan, the Warren County executive superintendent of schools. "But that was the only thing that was brought to my attention."
Some conservatives, driven by radio pundits and bloggers, are urging schools and parents to boycott the address. They say Obama is using the opportunity to promote a political agenda and is overstepping the boundaries of federal involvement in schools.
"As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education -- it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality," said Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell. "This is something you'd expect to see in North Korea or in Saddam Hussein's Iraq."
Arizona state schools superintendent Tom Horne, a Republican, said lesson plans for teachers created by Obama's Education Department "call for a worshipful rather than critical approach."
The White House plans to release the speech online Monday so parents can read it. He will deliver the speech at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va.
"I think it's really unfortunate that politics has been brought into this," White House deputy policy director Heather Higginbottom said.
"It's simply a plea to students to really take their learning seriously. Find out what they're good at. Set goals. And take the school year seriously."
She noted that President George H.W. Bush made a similar address to schools in 1991. Like Obama, Bush drew criticism, with Democrats accusing the Republican president of making the event into a campaign commercial.
Critics are particularly upset about lesson plans the administration created to accompany the speech. The lesson plans, available online, originally recommended having students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president."
The White House revised the plans Wednesday to say students could "write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals."
"That was inartfully worded, and we corrected it," Higginbottom said.
In the Dallas suburb of Plano, the 54,000-student school district is not showing the 15- to 20-minute address but will make the video available later.
In Wisconsin, the Green Bay school district decided not to show the speech live and to let teachers decide individually whether to show it later.
In Florida, GOP chairman Jim Greer released a statement that he was "absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology."
Despite his rhetoric, two of the larger Florida districts, Miami-Dade and Hillsborough, plan to have classes watch the speech. Students whose parents object will not have to watch.
"We're extending the same courtesy to the president as we do with any elected official that wants to enter our schools," said Linda Cobbe, a Hillsborough schools spokeswoman. Cobbe said the district, which includes Tampa, has gotten calls from upset parents but said officials don't think the White House is trying to force politics on kids.
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators is recommending against disrupting the first day of school to show the speech, but Minnesota's biggest teachers' union is urging schools to show it. Quincy, Ill., schools decided yesterday not to show the speech. Superintendent Lonny Lemon said phone calls "hit like a load of bricks" on Wednesday.
One Idaho school superintendent, Murray Dalgleish of Council, urged people not to rush to judgment.
-Star-Ledger staff writer Rohan Mascarenhas contributed to this report.
n Florida, GOP chairman Jim Greer released a statement that he was "absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology."
Okay how may I ask is telling kids to do there best to stay in school, get that education a socialist ideology???? Rep. specifically conservative ones don't think this is a necessary thing to take us into the next phase, Education is the key, it's a message most parents give and want others to reinforce. I really can't see a problem with this it is about encouragement. Afraid maybe there is a secret message in the speech, that your child will come home and start spouting socialist doctrines, or perhaps your child will realize even democrats want you to explore what a good education will bring your future and they will no longer be the " monsters" conservative's like to portray them as?
Nothing surprises me anymore sandee, since their beloved Hillary lost. -------------
Maw, you've been using this for over a year now. It's simply not true, at least in my situation and current political analyses. In some ways, yes, I was disappointed in Hillary's loss, but it in no way impacts my thought processes or attitude toward Obama policies, or politics in general.
But, let me ask you this: when Gore and Kerry lost to Bush, and I voted for both Dems, was I supposed to just suck it up and get used to the fact that Bush was president and not argue or debate the issues facing our country and it's people? Did you accept Bush as president and not argue or debate issues? No, you didn't. Well, to clarify...you carried on with your expected smilies, cartoons and one-liners you are reknowned for here and that's the best you can do, imo, but you did not sit back and accept Bush as the president and agree to his policies and actions.
So, now why am I supposed to, at least in the Obama world you live in, stop what I've been doing for over 8 years, i.e., debating the issues and bringing forward items that I believe are worthy of discussion?
Is there anything you take issue with as far as things Obama has done during his campaign and, now, as president? If so, bring it forward for discussion. Heck, if there are things you think are great, bring them forward. I won't count on you doing that, because you don't discuss anything, really. If it weren't for your usual snarks, name-calling, smilies, cartoons, tabloid articles, birthday threads, you'd be mute.
You know Inka, this is the first time I have seen you being completely unreasonable in your suspicions about Obama.
Debating health care is one thing, but when you are lining up with the people who see some dark ulterior motive in a speech about education, I wouldn't say it makes you a neocon, but I do think you are sharing tin foil hats with gus and evelyn and that really surprises me.
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I'm being unreasonably suspicious? How so? By bringing up this item for discussion? By asking if this has been brought to parent's attention or if it's was just going to be aired without an opt out? Wondering why it had to be live? Asking why a tape couldn't be made, or a transcript provided, then reviewed, advising parents it will be shown on what date, giving them the opportunity to opt out or voice an opinion on it's usefulness? What???
I said in my OP that I thought Obama's interest in education is good. But, I still think he's being too instrusive, giving too much face time and could have approached the ed issue in a different manner. I found some of the classroom instructions too detailed and focused more on Obama than school/student improvements. And, these things are generally handled locally within a city/state's jurisdiction.
What you need to do, imo, is look at Duncan's education record in Illinois and Obama's for that matter. Speeches, face time, bills, interviews, etc. did not improve the situation.
I think it's good that the president takes an interest, but I find his direct involvement to this degree and personal face time unnecessary, and in some ways creepy, too instrusive, even Orwellian.
..................................Is this a reasonable and thoughtful response? creepy? intrusive? Orwellian? It is totally over the top. You are not saying it is good that the president takes an interest, you are saying he is dangerous.
I don't see an opportunity for parents to opt out. Are parents even aware that this is scheduled and that their children will be, might be, participating? Of course, the schools can opt not to broadcast (link up) but how many "national" schools will and who will make those decisions?
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.................................What exactly is a "national" school and why don't you know that it will administrators at a local level making that decision?
Since it is being presented live, there is no way to know what will be said live. I'm not saying there will be anything bad, but, imo, it would be better to tape this and then present it at a later date when it's been reviewed/critiqued for applicability in our classrooms. Why does it have to be live?
.............You sound very worried for someone who should know that it won't "be anything bad"
Well problem solved now because the speech will be available first. Time to critique it? By whom? Rush? or some perfectly level headed citizens who are already using words like "Orwellian"
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What's next? Obama in Uncle Sam garb on posters in each school, pointing his finger...I want YOU to join NOW!?
This is, imo, another community organizing mental masturbation (description sometimes used by Jim) that we do not need from the president, any president.
Hey, President....leave our kids alone....
..............................Tin foil hat time. To respond with these kind of words about a speech about education is just incredible. There is obviously some strong reason why you do not want the children of America to have a positive experience in viewing our president. I can't even imagine where this is coming from .
"I said in my OP that I thought Obama's interest in education is good. "
No you didn't , I had to go back and read it carefully. You do not even give the possibility that he might care about education. Your whole concern was the children might in some way be harmed by hearing him.
"Leave our children alone" Does not say that you think his interest in education is good.
Are you fooling yourself? Take off the hat and think about it.
I guess I am wondering WHY NOW? Why are we demanding speeches be pre-screened? Did we ever do this with any other president? I to the best of my recollection don't ever recall the public at large demanding Bush show his speeches prior to making them or any of his plans for this country for that matter. And another thing, this is not a precedent set by Obama. President George H.W. Bush did the EXACT same thing. I don't recall there being an outcry then, again, WHY NOW??
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"If you are not the LEAD dog, the scenery never changes."
In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.
Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.
Everyone has a photographic memory, some don't have film
I've got my issues with this administration, but this one is just completely irrational. If there's one thing Obama can do superlatively, it's make inspirational speeches. Why anyone would be freaked out about him using that talent to inspire kids to work harder in school is beyond me.
And another thing, this is not a precedent set by Obama. President George H.W. Bush did the EXACT same thing. I don't recall there being an outcry then, again, WHY NOW??
IMO the reason is because there are far more people hurting emotionally from their loss in the 2008 election than any election previous. You thought the moonbats were sore losers? OMG! The lies that the idiot followers of the GOP are swallowing and regurgitating as truth are proof of their stupidity. They seek out lies to further their hate filled adgenda never aware that they are being played. It sickens me.
And as far as my cartoons and smilies go, a lot of posters do that. I find most amusing. If you don't like them, well too bad. I do discuss certain things when I feel it's appropriate for me. I don't get in to every discussion like some do, not meaning all. I do support Obama so far because I truly believe he is really trying. He has a lot to clean up after the disasterous President he replaced. Now This......
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
It is the fault of this admin. [not Bush's, get over it] that this has become such a row. Coming into office and making statements like "we have to seize the opportunity we've been handed" [paraphrasing] and proceeding to 'take over' GM, the banks, instituting a questionable stimulus package, cap and trade bill passed by the house and now waiting for debate in the senate that will increase taxes on Americans at a time when people are losing their jobs and families are hurting. I could give more but this is enough to get the point across that this admin. is scaring the American people into the greatest revolt in my lifetime. All this in the first 6 mos. of taking office. Now health care. When will the take over be complete? What's next? I believe the American people are giving this president a lesson in civics. You don't come into the highest office in the land and start acting like a dicator.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
Good word "irrational" There definetely is an irrationality to this whole discussion on the part of those who want the children protected.
I think I get it now.
Obama is as was said capable of giving a very inspirational speech. The children might be impressed not just with education, but with the speaker.
They are scared shitless that their children might actually form a positive opinion of the president of the USA.
Next time elect a scumball who doesn't give a crap about education, responsibility or anyone's children. Or just have the court appoint one . The precedent already exists.
The children are the keys to his socialist transition...they realize there's only so much they can do now....but by continuing the socialization of the public schools their indoctrination will be complete. America's schools are the starting place for skewed political brainwashing.....that's why the government is so dead set against vouchers and are doing their best to get rid of charter schools and home schooling!!! Wake-up! This is really happening!
The language of priorities is the religion of Socialism.....Aneurin Bevan
I will not debate with someone who is so irrational (yup that is my word of the day) and ill informed, but I will give you one example of your lack of information.
Obama has been supportive of charter schools. That is one of the points I disagree with him about.
I am a retired educator. I can assure you that I am not worried about my job.
The concept of charter schools provides an opportunity for some while it does nothing to improve the educational system as a whole. It is a band aid solution ( got that tag line from Hillary). The money could be better spent.
But, if I were a 3rd grader, I can tell you, the idea of watching the President speak on national TV to me, would have been of monumental less importance than getting my baseball mitt worked in properly.
That would be a totally fair statement in a pre-Obama world...when you didn't get a STUDY GUIDE beforehand and a REVIEW afterwards......but just can't manage to get a copy of the speech.....Nope..3rd graders can't discern this, so it is up to the parents.
and once AGAIN....i can't figure out why people can't understand the concern....it is NOT the man, or even the speech, it is the fact he won't give us information.
~~life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain~~
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
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