Obama Address
President Barack Obama will broadcast a speech to American schools this morning at 10am. According to the White House, the speech will inspire kids to work hard and stay in school. This news has caused a bit of a controversy, and a buzz among conservative talk show hosts and columnists. They're criticizing this planned speech, calling it an attempt to "indoctrinate" children.
Nationwide, some parents on the conservative side have called their schools wondering if the speech will be carried in the classroom. They say they're worried about politics in schools, and are considering pulling their kids out of school for the day. Liberal parents seem to be upset by this idea, saying the President's message about staying in school and working hard - is a good one - regardless of his politics.
Here in Idaho, Superintendent Tom Luna says schools can decide not to air the speech, but he doesn't see anything wrong with what the president will be talking about. The Boise, Meridian, and Nampa School Districts are allowing students to opt out of the speech with parental permission. Some schools in Idaho Falls have already decided NOT to air it.
Here is the full text of today's speech. You can read it for yourself, and form your own opinions on it:
Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event
Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009
The President: Hello everyone - how's everybody doing today? I'm here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we've got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I'm glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could've stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday - at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn't too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I've given a lot of speeches about education. And I've talked a lot about responsibility.
I've talked about your teachers' responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.
I've talked about your parents' responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox. I've talked a lot about your government's responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren't working where students aren't getting the opportunities they deserve. But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself. Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is.
That's the opportunity an education can provide. Maybe you could be a good writer - maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper - but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor - maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine - but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life - I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can't drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.
And this isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You'll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You'll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You'll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.
We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don't do that - if you quit on school - you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country.
Now I know it's not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that's like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn't always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn't fit in.
So I wasn't always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I'm not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn't have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don't have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there's not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don't feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren't right.
But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life - what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home - that's no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That's no excuse for not trying.
Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.
That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn't speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I'm thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who's fought brain cancer since he was three. He's endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer - hundreds of extra hours - to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he's headed to college this fall.
And then there's Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she's on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren't any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That's why today, I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education - and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you'll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you'll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you'll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don't feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you're not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won't love every subject you study. You won't click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That's OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who've had the most failures. JK Rowling's first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can't let your failures define you - you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn't mean you're a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one's born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You're not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice. It's the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it's good enough to hand in.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust - a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor - and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.
And even when you're struggling, even when you're discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you - don't ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough. It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best. It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you've got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don't let us down - don't let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
You can watch the President's speech today too, by tuning into C-SPAN or go to the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ and watch it online. It starts at 10am our time.
What do you think about Obama's planned speech?
Soooo parents do not want someone that is successful in his life to share the message of study hard and stay in school? Allrighty then! Yeah, I guess having some drop our flunkie is a better role model rather than someone that DID study hard and stay in school. That is all it is...a successful person sharing with students a message that all parents share with their children. Get over it people.
This totally irks me. Here's a great opportunity for children to hear THE PRESIDENT and parents think he's going to brainwash the kids in 15 minutes? Come on folks. Put politics aside and think about an OPPORTUNITY of hearing a positive message from the highest office in the nation.
I wouldn't object to my kids seeing it. However, as a parent, I would like to preview it in advance of my children seeing it. I have not been able to find an advance copy of the speech anywhere.
The State of the Union speech is usually available in advance.
My greatest concern is how the Dept. of Education has a lesson plan to go along with it. (They did change it from, "Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president" (maybe to help his shrinking poll numbers) , to "Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short‐term and long‐term education goals" Are the teachers supposed to drop their plans for the hour?
Label me what ever you want, however, I am my child's PARENT!
Hello Red State...Hello Conservatives!!!
If this were John McCain or George W. Bush would this even be an issue? I received an "opt out form for the President Obama Address" from my child’s school. Opt out of President Obama speaking to our children about Working Hard and Staying in School? I'm certain that soon the school will be sending home in my child’s back pack a flyer for a book burning rally, or possibly a burn crosses in your front yard BBQ or better yet - a purchase your wolf tag hunt get together!
I am positive that if this were a conservative speaker I would not have received the opt out option......
I'm going to borrow a line from Paul above... "Label me what ever you want, however, I am my child's PARENT!" Thanks Paul! So am I!
If the president wants to address my child during a time when I can be present, fine. Choosing to subvert me, by doing an end-run around me, no. My daughter will not be in school Tuesday. Instead, she will be getting an American History lesson, followed by a German history lesson. Addressing children without parental input was a trick that Hitler was famous for. This president is not a true American. He did not grow up here. He does not share common American values. I do not like his one-world view, and I will not allow my daughter to be brainwashed by this less-than-American named Obama.
What is wrong with some of you people? If this was a white president we would'nt be having this discussion, and why don't some of you parents talk to your kids before hand and get there oppinion? You may be surpriced at their answer.
No matter what side of this issue you are on, consider this: PARENTS ARE PARENTS. If they don't want their kids to see the speech, that's fine. It's their right to do so. Don't judge parents because they're keeping their kids home, it's their choice. Let the parents be the parents, the major influence makers of the household, as it should be. Plus, there's a transcript of the speech available on Monday, so they can read thru it before the speech occurs. Cool it people, let the parents keep em home if they want to. You're not their parents, quit acting like it.
For the record, I don't care if it's George Bush, Barack Obama or the Pope, I want to be able to monitor what is packed into my kid's head. So let me clarify, this is the reason I object to this address by Obama. It's true that I don't share his views, but it's also true that I don't share Bush's or the Pope's either. Why didn't we know about this sooner, and why isn't a copy of the speach being furnished to us ahead of time? Most of all the "lesson plan" being pushed on the schools is very disturbing. When you add these things, along with the fact that this speach is being given at a most inconveient time for most job-holding adults, I question the motives. Again, thank you for reading my views and I do not expect you to agree, just think. - Edge
I believe the speech should be televised in the evening hours as this would allow parents to watch with their children. Schools should stay out of it.
I, as a teacher, tell my students every day to study hard, do their best, and most important, stay in school. I also tell my students that if they do not have a decent education they are not going to be very successful in their lives. It takes an education to achieve what they want to achieve. What difference is it going to make hearing it from the president one time, when I say it once or twice every single day. (if not more)
I think it is strange the title of this speech was changed from "What can you do for your president?" Kind of a take off from another speech if I remember correctly. This is not an original thought, it is borrowed.
I don't think a child should be asked what they can do for the president. - bronco fan
Give our students a little credit for the intelligence they have. Let them decide whether they listen or not, take from it what they will. It was evident from the election that the students had very strong opinions about who they would vote for if they had the opportunity. Parents should take this opportunity to discuss the speach with their student before and after. I would be more concerned about what the students are learning on the playground.
As a conservative person, I monitor everything my children do. Hearing a message from the President can be a great thing. However, my husband and I will be reviewing the speech before our daughter is allowed to be a part of it, just as we do with any material that is out of the normal functioning of her classroom. (We also review every paper and discuss every day what she talked about in class and if we have questions we are emailing the teacher.) When asked Friday if she wanted to participate, she said No. Her logic... she's been told before (BY HER PARENTS AND PRIOR TEACHERS) the rewards of staying in school and working hard. She knows her goals and has already discussed the path she should take to achieve those future goals. She'd rather be working on her school work then watch a Presidential Address on TV/the internet so she doesn't have homework to bring home. And honestly, I think that is a sound decision on her part and I applaud her. America is about Freedom and Freedom of Choice falls into that...my daughter is free to choose not to watch the President's speech. That doesn't make her any less American, it doesn't say that she's rascist. It says "Hey, I know this stuff at the age of 10. I've got good parents and had good teachers that express this to me consistently. A person with a title isn't going to sway me and it's not like he's singling me out and talking to me personally." Obama may very well just be speaking as a parent who happens to be the President but ultimately, as in all things, it should be up to the parent (and child) to determine whether or not the child should be listening to an address. I applaud the Boise School District for allowing the opt-out option so that kids like my daughter will be allowed to do what they go to school to do...learn. Besides, knowing my kid, she'd just pull out work and do that instead of listening to the address if she didn't want to watch it.
So, in conclusion, everyone has their opinion. Everyone has their beliefs they stand up for, but let's remember...this is America and we can share those views, but don't take it as a personal affront when someone else shares their viewpoints.
Thanks Maggie, as always, for allowing us to share our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences!
Brainwashing starts with just a few minutes to plant a seed, then a little bit of water and it begins to grow. Even if parents were provided a copy of the speech ahead of time, there's nothing saying he wouldn't change it. Whether or not the politian is black, white, green or purple, "THE PRESIDENT" or a regular joe in the neighborhood watch, we parents should be notified and present before anyone intends to address our children. Yes, I can be a little paranoid sometimes about somethings. However, when so many things are going wrong, "paranoia is just good thinking".
My co-workers and I were somewhat concerned when we noticed the absense of the most terrific weekly art we have ever seen. This most wonderful addition to the Morning Show hasn't been cancelled has it?
- concerned in boise
It's not an issue of race. Being "apolitical" I take a statement from one of the worlds greatest percussionist Neil Peart. I'm a right wing liberal, and left wing conservative.
Where did all these paranoid people come from? I grew up in Idaho, raised by Republican parents who taught me to love my country, respect my flag, obey my teachers and do my schoolwork. Now a message from the elected President of our country sending out that same message is viewed to be "indoctrination" and contrary to parents rights to educate their children themselves. Makes me wonder what those suspicious people want their children to think and believe. Stay in school, get an education, work hard to do your best and be something in your life you can be proud of is a bad message? Please give me a break
Being a grandmother with school age grandkids, and myself a child of a teacher. I would prefer to have had the President deliver his address while the kids were at home with their parents to view together. But, my real question is this.
The parents voicing consern about the speach, ARE THEY AS CONCERNED AND INVOLVED ABOUT WHAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM INSTILLS IN THEIR CHILDREN? They do, afterall have their children's full unchecked attention much longer each and every day.
This is absolutely ridiculous! Our children have the right to participate in a talk given by the President of the United States. Our children have the right to listen to what he has to say. Our children have the right to decide for themselves what the information delivered means to them.
Through the beliefs taught in the home, to what is taught in our education system, to what is learned from our government (Democratic or Republican), to friends and colleagues, our children will have a wealth of information to process throughout their lives. Our children are intelligent. Give them a little more credit. If they watch the speech, discuss it with them. Talk to them. Listen to their opinion. Make it an intelligent conversation. Don’t just tell them how to believe or not believe.
I cannot believe there is even any controversy over this issue.
I believe it is our responsibility as parents to set an example for our children, and that begins by giving the President of the United States our utmost attention and respect by supporting the Presidential speech by implementing it as a part of their childs education with no choice to opt out.
It truly doesn't matter who our President is or what political party he or she represents. It's about teaching our children values.
The Presidents job is one that I would not wish on my worse enemy. I respect every decision made by our President, as I know that noone in that position could ever make everyone happy. So, you non-supporters really do need to GET OVER IT!
What an emabarassment for all whom call themselves Americans. We are the land of opportunity and we have an elected US president that is reaching out to our youth with an opportunity to be inspired to embrace their educational experience and understand that they are empowered to make decisions that will impact their own lives, (not the lives of their parents.)
There are some very important messages shared in this speech that I will guarantee a percentage of children will not ever be taught in their homes, specifically the lesson of personal accountability, which is becoming the driving force in our national self-destructive acts.
For the parents who want to keep their children home, you should focus on truly damaging material for your children such as your example of poor decision making and choosing to be a victim, this will not provide your children with the skills needed to be open minded healthy adults.
Way to go President Obama for reaching out to the youth of this great country and enlightening them about what an education really is and trying to make a difference.
I think there are those that are reading too much into the basic message and/or concept that Obama is trying to communicate and that is encouragement; I doubt this is some covert operation to manipulate Americans. I would hope we are much more "educated" than that. Education is about being better informed, and learning from successes and failures ... Read Morein order to make better future decisions. Everyone has some great, intuitive thoughts that are being shared across political lines....isn't that the best lesson.
It is not what the president is saying it is who is delivering the message. If Hitler was giving the greatest motivational speech I still would not want my kids to hear it.
I Think that it is ridiculous that some people would actually be upset with the president speaking. I remember when I was in school if the president was speaking we showed respect, I think he has earned it, It shouldn't matter if if your republican or democrat he is the leader of our country. This just showing the small minded people. Shouldn't our kid's be able to form their own opinions or are some people trying to take that away from them. Honestly if it were a republican speaking we wouldn't be having this contreversy. I am pretty sure we live in a free country and we all have right 's that mean's our kid's have right's and are able to form their opinion.
Jim Larson Meridian
I cannot believe all the controversy caused by President Obama's speech to school children. Had it been President Bush giving it, you wouldn't have heard a peep out of anyone. People are concerned that the speech is being given during the day, an "inconvenient time for job-holding adults" - well, when are kids in school? People are concerned that the speech isn't available ahead of time for them to read? Yes it is, on many websites. If parents got this involved in their children's education all the way through school, we would probably have a much better education system, and better educated kids. President Obama was elected fairly, he IS our president, and as such should be given the respect the office deserves.
I also think our children deserve the right to form their own opinions, how can they do that when they are not allowed to read or hear anything but one narrow-minded view?
Come on people, don't just listen to Fox news, read, listen, learn, form your OWN opinion, don't just mindlessly repeat what you hear because you think it sounds good, take the time to learn the facts! Educate yourself! That's what President Obama's speech says to me. I think that is what scares some people, though, if we let our kids get a well-rounded education, they may grow up to disagree with us! More power to them, I say!
Edge of Idaho, our elected president DOES share many of the values of the majority that elected him. If you bothered to actually listen to him and learn about his views, you would probably find that you agree with many of them as well.
Laughter in my family always breaks out when someone speaks up and says, "two very conservative republicans, raised two very liberal democrats."
My parents taught me some very fundamental ideas that I truly appreciate today. They taught me about respecting others.
It did not matter if you agreed with the person or not, you still give basic respect.
That being said, they also taught me to give special respect, for lack of a better word, to those in authority; no matter what. and that, the Presidency of the United States no matter what deserves respect. I belive that if I were in school in this day and age, they would be concerned with a school that would opt out. versus the other way around.
I feel sadden that in today's society, many seemed to have lost that very basic trust not just in people, but in our country, and in God, as the only one who really knows the bigger picture of this universe.
Growing up, my parents did not teach me their political opinions, instead they allowed me and gave me the respect to be exposed to many views, many opinions, many experiences. Where they paid close attention was to ensure that I was taught the ability to be discerning and thoughtful about what I was experiencing. They didn't make sure that I learned specifically A or B. They made certain I learned how to learn about A or B.
As I grew up, They taught me that even though you might be fundamentally one faction or another, that is not how you vote or study the candidates for any office. As a result, I vote for the person, I don't vote for the politcal offiliation. Sometimes the person is republican, or democrat or independent.
They taught me to look at my moral standards and actions and responses to experiences in life.
I read the speech and it was exactly what you have heard from other presidents who have addressed school children. "Stay in school", "work hard", 'yes, you can..." "Believe in yourself."
In our school in Texas no matter what, there was always a parental opt out. whether it was watching the space shuttle columbia rocket into space for the first time, or a movie about puberty. I can never think of a time when my parents chose to opt out.
Campaigning? alterior motives? It just saddens me that many have no trust even in the supreme office of our country.
I agree that there are many problems in America. There are corrupt people, evil people, people who make bad decisions. I am included. I also know that I get to take responsiblity and I get to choose to amend my actions and strive to be a better person day by day.
I believe in an inherent goodness in all of this world, even though there are major problems. I as one human being get to live my life as best I can to do my part in helping this society.
I respect people for not lacking in commitment and apying attention to what is in their child's life. We, have that responsibility as a parent.
I feel that big response came more to the original lesson plan then this speech itself. about "how to help the President..."
Maybe wording was not the most graceful, but in the speech I read, I at no time thought he was trying to help "Obama". Instead, what I heard was about responibility to the future of this country. I did not hear anything specific about what that should be.
I like the original plan to help "the president." I see that as a means of teaching how to get outside our own self and to help others. That our personal goals and ambitions are linked to others no matter what. How can I, as an individual be a beneficial functioning member of society. A part, of a greater whole.
I can start by learning how to learn. How to be discerning, how to respect myself. Problem solving skills. To be compassionate with others and oursleves. That I can agree to disagree and still be friends.
It saddens me that our world lives and act in a state of fear, and that many are being taught to run and shield rather than to feel the fear and do it anyway (courage) in faith that there is something that has the bigger picture and trust.
I used to live in terror and was crippled by it, and now I live in joy and freedom. There is no guarantees in life of safety etc. I found safety and security in acceptance of myself with integrity. To have fortitude and faith.
I find it strange to feel the need to talk about these things as if there is a life/death situation occurring. That this is sparked by one president speaking to our youth (which several presidents have done in the past).
Thank you
I think it's wonderful that the Presidient of the United States of America is taking time to show the young people of today that he cares how they turn out tomorrow. When I was in school, I had difficulties at home. I dropped out in my Sophomore year of Highschool. I didn't think that anyone cared, so why should I? Part of the problem with America's youth today, is that no one ever takes the time to acknowledge or interact with them. The TV, the game station and the home computer have becomes America's babysitters. By the way,I did not vote for President Obama, but I am supportive of his address to America's youth. I wish someone could have taken the time for me when I was young.
I can not believe how ignorant some people can be. This is the President of the United States talking to our nation's children about staying in school, working hard and overcoming hardships....what is the hidden message here? What the President is trying to tell our children is something that ALL children need to hear. Maybe he was not the President you voted for, but he has a great message about working hard to become the person you want to be. I would like to thank President Obama for reaching out to help our nation's youth.
I have called my children's schools (Eagle High School and Eagle Middle School) to find that they are not showing our President's speech. I also called the Meridian School District (855-4500) to voice my concern. They said I was the only call supporting the speech.....Come on people! Speak up and be heard.
Three times I've tried to leave a comment, but the blog won't accept it. This better be the charm. I can understand why Idahoans don't want their children to hear this speech. This is a speech given by the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, duly and freely elected by the majority of Americans. He is urging children to stay in school and learn. Can you imagine? What if children heeded his advice? They might learn to think for themselves. They might actually tackle and solve some of the U.S. and World problems. They might intelligently discuss what they hear in the weekly religionist indoctrinations. Why, Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh might find themselves out of a job is people actually began to think for themselves and investigate issues. God Forbid! We ain't a gonna have any of that there stuff in Idyho.
Were any of these comments being made when Saint Ronald (remember, the man in charge the last time our unemployment was this high?) or Bush I spoke to our kids? I'd say that I was embarassed of my home state, but looking around the web I guess I'm ashamed of the whole nation. Dragging our kids into the mud has to be the worst form of bigotry - racial or political.
I challenge everyone to read the speech, before and after, (I'll bet it is the same one), and if they disagree, to list..............SPECIFIC, WELL-THOUGHT OUT, INTELLIGENT, ARTICULATE REASONS............as to what they think is wrong, bad, or a negative influence, and then to list what is right, good, or a positive influence.
This is our president! President of the United States. Stop making this about politics. It is about the President of the United States (the country you choose to live in)passing down a important message to our children. A message that some children don't get at home. Don't take that away from children that may need this. If this was Michael Jordan or any other sports person giving this speech, I beat you would allow your children to watch. Please check your political views at the door and give the man a chance!
Are you kidding me? Do parents really give their own children, whom they claim to have parented so expertly, so little credit that the little darlings will be so negatively influenced, nee "brainwashed," in a 15 minutes speech from the freely elected President of the United States of America. Give me a break!!
Parents, give your children and the relationship you have built with them a little more credit. If you've done your job right and continue to do your job right, this wonderful oppotunity for them to hear the President speak to them about education, personal responisbility and commitment, will be a conversation starter, a chance to discuss many related topics and issues.
Whether or not you agree politically with a particular President doesn't mean you give the office no respect. Both of my children were awarded the Presidential Medal of Acedemic Excellence under the Bush Administration. Although I deeply rejected most of the policies of former President Bush, I was proud that my children had earned the honor. It didn't occur to me to "opt-out". It was, instead, an opportunity to speak with my children about respect, gratitude, hard work and a whole host of other topics, political and non.
In all sincerity, quite possibly the most important thing parents can teach their children is to be able to think, really think, not just for themselves or of themselves but of others as well. Of course, respect for authority, charity, kindness, gratitude, responsiblity, earnestness, ambition, work ethic, humility (the list goes on and on) are important values, if children don't know how to think, then how will they ever be able to process all of the information that they will be subject to that parents are not able to "opt-out" of?
Helicopter parents, give your kids a chance. If you've raised them as well as you claim, they won't be brainwashed by listening to a presidential speech. They won't be brainwashed by anything or anyone, if you've taught them your values and to THINK.
At first, I was really taken back by the idea that some people would be concerned that this message would be given during the school day. After reading all of the comments above, I can now see and understand both sides of the issue. Personally, I agree and disagree with certain things that have been said. What I would like to say is this.....
When you think about it, the best time to give a speech about staying in school would be when KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL! The kids across America that actually need to hear this will not be at home in the evening, nor will they sit down with their parents to watch it. Most of them will be at school because during the school day this is where they HAVE to be. It was smart to schedule this speech during this time, the school setting is appropriate as it will capture the most KIDS who need to hear this message.
I applaud all parents who have already captured their children with this message. It should come from you first. As an educated parent I have taught my child the importance of having a good education. But, there are many parents out there who have not done this. These children are in school everyday wondering why they are there. Sometimes teachers do not get through to them because they are "teachers," something that "they" do not wish to be when they grow up. But everyone wishes that they could be the President of the United States. So imagine the impact that would be made if he speaks to these kids with this message.
I wish I heard something like this from the president, or anyone, when I was in school.
Where were all of the naysayers when President Bush was sitting in a classroom on 9/11. Do you remember that? Was he indoctrinating children. What about all of the wonderful advice and mentoring that Barbara Bush gave to students? Was that also indoctrination?
The objections are simply coming from, as far as I can discern, haters and obstructionists or very, very ignorant people that are being fueled into hatred by their "Hitlers".
I am 71 years old. I have grown children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I hope that I have been a part of instilling into them that when we elect a president, we owe that president respect. I guess that isn't taught to children any more, instead they are taught hatred. Sooooo sad.
God bless America, God bless President Obama. May God instill some semblance of intelligence into the haters.
Believe omaba has nothing of interest to say to my child.
Ridicilous as he is
As a teacher for almost 20 years, I would like to comment on the text of the speech itself. It is well written and organized around one simple idea: the President is urging students to stay in school and work hard. As near as I can tell, the speech does not promote any particular belief or point of view, beyond the student's responsibility to self and to country. I hope that the kids who heard the speech will tell the others about what they missed.
Seriously! people need calm down... there is nothing wrong in a president actually thinking of us students. We need as much inspiration from where ever we can get it. In response to "edge" and his statement, how could you compare President Obama to Hitler!? I can't grasp that idea. I'm proud to think that a president of the U.S. actually cares about me. He's inspiring to make us into better and more responsible Americans. I see nothing wrong with his address.
Comparing Obama to Hitler...really?! Now I'm more concerned about what parents are telling their children than what our present leader could possibly say in a public crowd. What an uneducated comment to make.
Parent Comments:
“As a conservative person, I monitor everything my children do.” “For the record, I don't care if it's George Bush, Barack Obama or the Pope, I want to be able to monitor what is packed into my kid's head.” “If the president wants to address my child during a time when I can be present, fine. Choosing to subvert me, by doing an end-run around me, no.” “I wouldn't object to my kids seeing it. However, as a parent, I would like to preview it in advance of my children seeing it.” “I was really taken back by the idea that some people would be concerned that this message would be given during the school day.” How many of you have a copy of your child's classroom curriculum? How many homeschool your children so you can completely police what your children learn? Give it a rest people. Idaho really needs an enema!
Dear Maggie,
Even before I read today's speech from President Obama, I had no problem with him speaking to the children. Weather you voted for him or not, he is the President of the United States. The highest office in our land and should be respected weather you agree with him or not. This is a way to teach our children that we don't aways have to agree with someone to have respect for the office itself.
I believe people have taken leave of their minds to actually believe that our President was going to talk about anything but what he did! And comparing him to Hitler is so over the top it is just unbelievable!
I remember President Kennedy and many others speaking to school children. I remember our teachers bringing in our small black and white televisions and discussing the speaches after. There is nothing wrong or dangerous with his speach today. This is something that ALL of our children should hear from parents, teachers, family and yes, even our President!
Get a grip people!
I just finished listening to the President of the United State give a uplifting encouraging speech! If you are really concerned about what messages your children get then monitor the tv they watch what movies they go to. Small minded bigots want to raise more small minded bigots! Its fear that drives people to say really ignorant things.
The speach to the kids was nothing but a cheap campaign speach for the next election. Obama was elected by younger people. Those of us with more experience didn't think he had a chance of being elected. We were wrong. He was able to motivate the young and inexperienced with empty, worthless, trendy slogans. I'll give Obama one thing though. He's a very good marketer. Here's a guy that didn't grow up in this country, who no one heard of 6 years ago, and now he's the president. That kind of background doesn't make you the least big nervous? Question authority. Always. Study history and you'll be surprised at the similarities. Also for the record, I compare EVERY politician to Hitler. It's a good excercise. Just because he's the president, doesn't make him trustworthy, Mr. Nixon. Also for the record, I didn't trust Bush, Clinton or Reagan. All were politicians and all had an adjenda. Ask yourself this question, all of you. Why would anyone want to be president of the United States? Only $300,000 per year to loose your privacy for the rest of your life? Yes, I'm cynical. The rest of you should be too.