Obama to make unprecedented address to all public school students

[Mike.357]

I am still not convinced this is such a terrible thing as far the original news story reads.

What network is showing this? Or is it piped directly closed circuit into public schools? Parochial school students getting shut out?

Some needs to remove the tinfoil hat and 'splain to me what is so bad here. And I am a tinfoiler hatter first class, but I am not feeling it here.

[Mike.357]

Fox News just did a bit on this.

They seemed most concerned with the worksheet and in particular with students writing letters to themselves saying what they can do to help Obama. And they also touched on reading books about Obama and who will choose them et al. But the news story reads books about presidents.

[Guest logicprevails]

I am still not convinced this is such a terrible thing as far the original news story reads.

What network is showing this? Or is it piped directly closed circuit into public schools? Parochial school students getting shut out?

Some needs to remove the tinfoil hat and 'splain to me what is so bad here. And I am a tinfoiler hatter first class, but I am not feeling it here.

I believe it is a webcast, but I'm not 100% sure. It may be piped in using a different means; I don't believe it is a network broadcast. From what I gather from talking to a couple of private schools in our area, they aren't getting the feed.

I understand that one man's 'unprecedented' is another man's 'thinking outside the box'. However, my main concern is that this is an emergent situation (not previously announced as part of the curriculum) involving the government having an unfettered, unilateral opportunity to establish 'the president' as an 'authority figure with a message' to our youth that should be adhered to; as encouraged by their teachers, administrators and the proposed 'suggestions' by the current administration's dept of Ed.

The message at this point is a positive one. However, if you study history, you will know that the first address Adolf Hitler delivered to the 'Hitler Youth' was one of achieving excellence in their education and health; along with being lovers of peace. I am not saying O is Hitler, or that he has the same ethos. I am saying that we should be concerned that a seemingly innocuous situation could be the first opportunity of many for an activist, radical, socialist administration to establish a 'trusted' relationship with our youth outside the care and concern of their parents; thus being the crack through which 'groupthink' can begin to seep. If you look at the 'astroturf' methodology of the current administration, it is evident that they are subversive in getting their message out to all that are impressionable. I feel that parents have a right and responsibility to closely interact with, and monitor the actions of, those who are, on a daily basis, shaping our kids' minds.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Fox News just did a bit on this.

They seemed most concerned with the worksheet and in particular with students writing letters to themselves saying what they can do to help Obama. And they also touched on reading books about Obama and who will choose them et al. But the news story reads books about presidents.

Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama Not just books about presidents, but Obama as well.

What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about? "Do well in school" is not a new idea. So what are the new ideas?

Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? "Because they know what is best for us...et al." No thanks.

[Guest logicprevails]

Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? "Because they know what is best for us...et al." No thanks.

Amen. Incidentally, my avatar choice is a reflection of the feeling that this is 'my island' as stated by Stephen in the movie Braveheart. This big ole' hunk of real estate from the 49th Parallel to the Rio Grande is 'my island' and yours. Our elected and appointed officials at all levels are accountable to us. It is high time that we flip the organizational pyramid and hold them accountable for what should be servant leadership.

[poak]

I don't know about everyone else, but when I was a kid, every time an authority figure came to school to give us a motivational speech, he was immediately dismissed as a douche. So maybe this will be beneficial.

Then again, maybe I was just a little bastard...

[Guest tnvolfan]

This man has an ulterior motive for everything he does, and the only person he's interested in is someone he can use. I'm glad my children are not in the school system anymore. I hope the private schools will keep him out, but I bet they don't. If Obama had his way, there would be no private schools.

[timcalhoun]

As for me, I will be asking if our school is participating, and if so I will pull my kid from school during this. Not on my watch obama!!!! Not now.....not ever!!!!!! STAY AWAY FROM MY KIDS!!!!!!

[Guest slothful1]

Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor?

Gack.

[Guest Swamprunner]

No one ever said it was about politics. It's a well-known, respected public figure telling children to do well in school so that they will be competitive in the global economy. If your grandson calls him a communist, then I don't think he deserves to be in public school...because after all, it is government funded.

I appreciate the support from y'all, but I can defend myself from a troll. I have shoes older than he is. Speak again about my family, sonny boy, after you get some years, military experience, raise six kids, run a business, fight for your country, and pay taxes through the nose. If you want to trash folks on this post, go away and return to the huffpo.

I have raised all of my kids, and now my grandson to love their country, serve, and make contributions to society.

You say that my grandson doesn't deserve to be in public schools, well that is your opinion.

And yes, my "panties" are in a wad. I'll not waste any more time on you.

[Guest slothful1]

God forbid a highly visible and prominent figure tells our kids to stay in school and study hard. The horror.

Well, he *says* that this is going to be the content. He also said he was going to cut the deficit in half.

If it's a generic, innocuous "work hard, stay in school" message, then why is it being done as a live, simultaneous event rather than simply posting the video on the WH website and encouraging schools to use it at their convenience?

[Guest clsutton21]

I appreciate the support from y'all, but I can defend myself from a troll. I have shoes older than he is. Speak again about my family, sonny boy, after you get some years, military experience, raise six kids, run a business, fight for your country, and pay taxes through the nose. If you want to trash folks on this post, go away and return to the huffpo.

I have raised all of my kids, and now my grandson to love their country, serve, and make contributions to society.

You say that my grandson doesn't deserve to be in public schools, well that is your opinion.

And yes, my "panties" are in a wad. I'll not waste any more time on you.

Well first of all, you should probably buy some new shoes. Secondly, I said if he calls Obama a communist, then he doesn't deserve public school, it doesn't take life experience to recognize ignorance. Thank you for your service to our country, thanks to people like you, I can say whatever I please. I'm sorry that you took what I wrote wrong.

Edit: By the way, there is a difference between being a troll, and being a rational, intelligent human that stands by his principles and makes his own decisions, I'm glad that my parents raised me to be the latter.

Edited September 2, 2009 by clsutton21

[Guest logicprevails]

Well, he *says* that this is going to be the content. He also said he was going to cut the deficit in half.

If it's a generic, innocuous "work hard, stay in school" message, then why is it being done as a live, simultaneous event rather than simply posting the video on the WH website and encouraging schools to use it at their convenience?

Or possibly offered as an 'after-school' special, or even a major network simultaneous pre-emption? These formats would allow the parents of the children to monitor the message; interact with the children regarding the family's views on the message; and establish an understanding that the president's office is one to be respected, but accountability begins in the home. Seems like this is being purposefully evaded.

[Guest Ghostrider]

Here's why I think this is a "bad thing".

I think every citizen, parent or not, should take this into account. Talk is cheap, it's actions that count, and your "friends" actions reflect on you if you keep them as friends. For example, if my friend deals heroin, should I stay friends with him? Of course not, then it appears I'm condoning his activities.

You can separate Obama from radical Ayers’ neighborhood. But you can’t separate Ayers’ radicalism from Obama.

Bill Ayers declares education “the motor-force of revolution”

Source: Bill Ayers’ 2006 speech at the World Economic Forum in Caracas, Venezuela

More info at MichelleMalkin.com

[Guest logicprevails]

I appreciate the support from y'all, but I can defend myself from a troll. I have shoes older than he is. Speak again about my family, sonny boy, after you get some years, military experience, raise six kids, run a business, fight for your country, and pay taxes through the nose. If you want to trash folks on this post, go away and return to the huffpo.

I have raised all of my kids, and now my grandson to love their country, serve, and make contributions to society.

You say that my grandson doesn't deserve to be in public schools, well that is your opinion.

And yes, my "panties" are in a wad. I'll not waste any more time on you.

I can remember back to when I was 21 and thought I knew it all, too. I hope in a couple of decades or so he'll look back and realize that he didn't.

Didn't mean to jump in and rain on your parade, Swamp. Kid just really got in my craw with that statement about the grandkid. Guess I shouldn't have flamed off like I did. I kinda stooped a bit, there.

[Guest Swamprunner]

I can remember back to when I was 21 and thought I knew it all, too. I hope in a couple of decades or so he'll look back and realize that he didn't.

Didn't mean to jump in and rain on your parade, Swamp. Kid just really got in my craw with that statement about the grandkid. Guess I shouldn't have flamed off like I did. I kinda stooped a bit, there.

No offense taken. You are correct. a kid.

Here is another link to enlighten y'all:

Parents upset over 'leftist propaganda' video - Salt Lake Tribune

[Guest logicprevails]

No offense taken. You are correct. a kid.

Here is another link to enlighten y'all:

Parents upset over 'leftist propaganda' video - Salt Lake Tribune

Yup. Saw that. Threw up in my mouth a little.

[Guest FroggyOne2]

Parents' outrage preview of Obama TV Sept. 8?

Parents rebel against Obama TV speech to schools

Right blasts Obama speech to students - Nia-Malika Henderson - POLITICO.com

Some parents ask schools to excuse kids from Obama speech | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

WH, Dept of Education Revise Language on Students Outlining How they Can ?Help the President" - Political Punch

[BrasilNuts]

[USMCJG]

I know firsthand that one school near here WILL NOT be showing any of Obama's speech, in any class, period. They have already had several calls from parents saying that their children are not to see any part of it.

[Guest logicprevails]

My kid's school is. The county school board hadn't even informed the teachers of this event as of 2 days ago (trying to slip it in, I'm assuming). Heard back from the principal last evening, and they are allowing it to be 'optional'. Kids with notes can sit in the library (and likely feel singled out, as well). The principal said there would be no assignments regarding the webcast. However, upon consulting with the teacher, we found that there will be for her classroom...evidently the principal doesn't know or is full o' crap. Too many conflicting issues at hand. Looks like an unexcused absence is upcoming.

[Guest nozzle13]

I have a son in the 8th grade. What scares me most about this is the way Obama is protrayed in the schools. Last year before he was elected my son came home talking about him like he was the second coming. They were required to write reports about him, and told about how great things would be if we had him as president. Stating he was the president for the youth. I know the Hitler comment was pretty far off, but when he targeted the youth he opened a line of communication to the youth. These very same youth also ended up being his most arduent followers. Surely this can't end well.

[Guest cowboy20th]

Well school just started back for me, MTSU not grade school, so I won't be subjected to this form of inappropriate propaganda. Interestingly enough though I am apparently studying Hitler for the fifteenth time in another one of my classes. There are some very interesting parallels between Obama and other dictactors er... leaders excuse me.

Guidelines every dictator follows:

1. Control the media

2. Remove and discredit all opposition

3. Inject positive immages of yourself in society even if you intended

to mame and kill most everyone in the next few years. (very important)

4. Inject yourself into the lives of the youth to ensure your own and your successors success

5. Control religious beliefs

6. Have complete control of economy

7. Inject more propaganda

8. Last but not least, REMOVE THE PRIVACY OF THE HOME FOR GOOD. Once the government has complete access to your home, it is over.

EVERY DICTATOR in modern history have used these techniques to forcefully take over their countries. Look it up if you don't believe me. Obama's message on the 8th might be ok, but he is promoting blind devotion to government to children who are extremely impressionable.

Obama's actions on the 8th could very well be ILLEGAL. We as citizens of this nation of the right to free speech not our government.

I urge each parent who has this wonderful oppurtunity to educate your child to GO TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND WATCH THIS MESSAGE WITH THEM. We cannot fight against these tactics if we close our eyes, turn our heads and shield our children. We must expose them and then show and explain to them why this is not your belief and see which one the child chooses, I bet it will be you. Who knows, maybe the teacher will let you help teach, and you can help straighten out 30 or so kids on the 8th. If I had a child I would happily go to school and then teach them why I do not believe in the president. This will not be the last time Obama goes for the children, we need to educate them against these lame tactics.

[greenego]

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Thanks for the history cowboy20th.

[56FordGuy]

I heard on the radio this afternoon that Wilson County will not be participating in the broadcast.