WH, Dept of Education Revise Language on Students Outlining How they Can “Help the President”

Hey Obamba, leave them kids alone!

I have no problem with him encouraging kids to stay in school.
It is the suggested activities the administration has produced that is objectionable.
Asking children how they can help the President, and why it’s important to listen to the President, etc.
We teach critical thinking to our children. We don’t teach them to please political leaders.

Ryan C. I highly doubt you would feel the same if Bush were developing curriculum and asking DURING the school day for his curriculum to come into your child’s classroom. Why can’t we as parents get an advanced copy of this so that we can decide what to do with OUR children? He asked schools to approve watching his speech before the schools were even able to see his curriculum. No school allows anything to be taught in their schools without reviewing it extensively first. He is overstepping his bounds big time. This is not his place!!!

“Ryan C. I highly doubt you would feel the same if Bush were developing curriculum and asking DURING the school day for his curriculum to come into your child’s classroom”
Presidents have addressed school children for decades.
Also you may remember something called the NoChildLeftBehind Act which certainly had a much larger affect on curriculum than a President’s speech being broadcast on 1 day.
But hey Glen Beck said be scared so right wingers cowered.

Um, why is it controversial to ask students, parents, and schools to jointly share in the responsibility of an education.
Jeez

I hope Sunlen will add a link to the Department of Education worksheet meant to accompany the speech.
Posted by: MayBee |
1. Do mommy and daddy have a picture of Rush Limbaugh in the house?

But I guess its better whip up hysteria huh maybee?
Posted by: Ryan C |
- Do mommy or daddy say back things about President Obama?

• Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short‐term and long‐term education
goals. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to
make students accountable to their goals.
===============
So innocuous the wording was changed on this list.
It’s actually not from the NEA, but from the US Department of Education.
And it’s actually:
“Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the President”
But that’s why a link from Sunlen would come in handy.

“Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | Sep 2, 2009 5:28:23 PM”
Classic right wing.
When confronted with facts, create bigger lies.

Did mommy and daddy have a Sarah Palin sign in their yard?

“So which is it? Is this a historic new thing or not? If Bush regularly did this, then it is no big deal, and the conservatives have no reason to be alarmed.”
Darin K | Sep 2, 2009 5:25:33 PM
Our schools really need to work on reading comprehension. Read the actual announcement:
“This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school,”
It narrowly defines the “first time” by attaching it to the subject of persisting and succeeding in school. There is a reason the whole sentence is there.
And while the ‘Did a Republican do it? Then it’s OK’ is a ridiculous metric (Republicans have to do everything once before it is safe for a Democrat to do it?), yes Republicans have done it before.
“Thank you, Ms. Mostoller, and thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.” Bush Sr, 1991

“So suddenly, encouraging kids to do things for the President, and reinforcing the importance of listening to the President and other elected officials is just dandy with the left?
Really?
Posted by: MayBee | Sep 2, 2009 5:38:08 PM”
For elementary school children?
You think disobey authority is a good message?
Seriously were you taken in for re-education for displaying too much independent thought?

“My son will be staying home from school that day. Educating my kids are my job and the school’s job”
ROFLMAO!
The lack of self awareness in that statement is quite funny.

“So innocuous the wording was changed on this list.”
You mean its not the same as the right wing websites say?
I am shocked, shocked I tells ya.
That’s a copy paste directly from the pdf and the Dept of Ed home page.
Why don’t you tell us your source of give me a clue as to the link.

Also note “the Left” had no problem with Bush mentioning his Administration’s education policy in his ‘invasive abuse of power’ address to millions of impressionable young minds. The hysterical paranoia shown by the Right is just not normal.
“thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.
“We made a start nationally now by setting six National Education Goals to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
“Block out the kids who think it’s not cool to be smart. I can’t understand for the life of me what’s so great about being stupid.”
I miss Bush Sr. and am proud I voted for him.
(The President spoke at 12:15 p.m. in a classroom at the school. His remarks were broadcast live by the Cable News Network, the Public Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the NBC radio network.)

“Block out the kids who think it’s not cool to be smart. I can’t understand for the life of me what’s so great about being stupid.”
Ryan, you wanna field that one?

That Bush Sr was a regualar abuser of his power to indoctrinate our school kids it seems. From 1990:
“Cheered on by a crowd of screaming and sign-waving school kids, President Bush visited Orange County for the second time in a year…
Bush stood in front of colorful banners with cartoon characters and anti-drug slogans as he told about 13,000 elementary and high school students packed into Santa Ana Stadium, “Anyone who thinks America lacks the will to win the drug war better take a look at the spirit we have here today in Orange County.”

“Did mommy and daddy have a Sarah Palin sign in their yard?”
Foghorn Leghorn | Sep 2, 2009 5:36:27 PM
This is what passes for intelligent debate for Republicans nowadays?
And as the historical, documented record shows – no, “libs” never had this kind of vicious, irrational melt down when President Bush did the exact same thing.

“He should concentrate on winning the war and securing the nation, which he is neglecting while he dabbles in areas that are none of a president’s business.”
mr | Sep 2, 2009 5:57:19 PM
Don’t you mean none of a Democratic president’s business? Since literally no one complained when President Bush did the exact same thing.

Anyone care to comment on the Democrats who are getting upset at the recent expansion of BOTH parties?

omg!! this just shows that repubs are whack jobs. only tthey could take a well intentioned message and twist it up into some garbage. where in any of this did it say that the president was going to speak on his beliefs or agenda? spread socialism? i swear these people are drunk. obama is simply going to speak to the children about taking some responsibility for themselves. how in the world is anything wrong with that? im just sittting here shaking my head in disbelief at these whack jobs.

If Bush sent out questions asking school children to list ways they can do what the president asks, I heartily denounce it.
Posted by: Maybee |
As do I.

We need to get these kids minds right, the dear leader needs to speak.

it’s the worksheet questions that are creepy to me, all about “what can we do to help the president…” how does that relate to the kids staying in school. let’s admit it: sounds statist and weird.
if you’re interested in seeing the questions, check out the .gov site. easy to find.

“If Bush sent out questions asking school children to list ways they can do what the president asks, I heartily denounce it.”
Maybee | Sep 2, 2009 6:03:51 PM
Funny that no one did. The question is clearly intended to ask kids how they can meet the Presidents challenge to persist in school. This is simple enough that third graders will understand it.
Again, NO ONE freaked out about President Bush flogging his Adminstration’s National Goal Report directly to millions of school kids.
“Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.”
President Bush, 1991 to millions of schoolkids live.
That’s reality. You’re completely irrational to freak out about the President challenging kids to work hard in school, and NO the left did NOT show this sort of irrational hatred in the identical situation.

well i guess we might as well just stop having the kids pledge allegience to the flag since their parents don’t like the president of the country it represents.
before i read this article, i knew people were stupid. but now, i just… i’m completely beside myself. who in the frikkin world, in their right mind, would be angry that the president would make a speech to children encouraging them to stay in school and take responsibility for themselves? no matter what said of the aisle… this is a good thing.
i guess the birthers are happy with their children’s present role models: scantily clad teenage girls and rappers.
down with obama!! up with hannah montana and britney spears!!

“Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.”
President Bush, 1991 to millions of schoolkids live.
Imagine the meltdown Republicans will have if Obama says that exact same line. Of course, no liberal was in the slightest concerned by Bush saying it – extolling staying in school and working hard is bipartisan. Just a snippet of DOCUMENTED REALITY before I leave the board to the paranoid rantings.

“A school teaches critical thinking by saying “what did you think of the President’s speech? What did you agree or disagree with?”"
That lack of self awareness again….

Speak Dear Leader, SPEAK!

OMG! The President telling children to work hard in school is SOCIALISM! How dare the President tell my child to get good grades. That’s brainwashing! Who does he think he is? The President of the United States or something!? It’s outrageous!

The indoctrination begins, soon all of the text books will hail President Obama as the one who brought balance to the force. Oh wait that was the prophesy about Darth Vader and that didn’t go so well. “The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is.” So true…..

joey — the “gifted” younglings will be brought up to know the “socialist force”! — How many can he turn to the dark side?

There is no way I would allow my children to watch this propaganda. Parents, call the schools and opt your children out. It is your right.

“Of course, no liberal was in the slightest concerned by Bush saying it – extolling staying in school and working hard is bipartisan. Just a snippet of DOCUMENTED REALITY before I leave the board to the paranoid rantings. ”
Phillsmart… is your name an intentional joke? Are you really 18, or just too forgetful to remember that liberals DID freak out.
And in case you hadn’t noticed, staying in school isn’t exactly the only topic.

Most people would want an authority figure, like the president, telling kids to work hard in school. Certainly we and our kids have to put up with the military coming into the schools now trying to recruit which I am completely opposed to.
Republicans want to keep their kids home? Let them.

As long as it’s not a policy speech, I actually like the idea of the president speaking to school children and telling them to stay in school — so many communities struggle with high drop out rates and students who simply don’t try, I don’t see how this can hurt. But, on that same note, it would be an abuse of power to use this opportunity to talk about healthcare or other policy.

Remember that these kids are future voters…. many of these high school students will be voting in the next election. Campaigning 3 years early, maybe?

YES thank you!!!! now finally ppl realize what a mistake it was to elect obama!!!!!!
also in response to mwester: Bush is WAY different than obama, 1st Bush did not promote socialist activites!!!! 2nd the 1991 was asking for feedback and what can you do to change the country..
re phillysmart:: people are not saying that scantily clad kids are good, in fact 99% of parents do not agree with the way their kids dress, its immoral. AND yes we do have a right to be mad at a president who does not uphold AMERICA’S ideals, who promotes socialist ideals, that is just wrong and he is wrong and i personally believe that he wants to destroy the economy in this country
mshare: agree with you!!
The Loyal opposition re: a lot of kids know what brown shirts are, there are a lot of smart ppl out there, its just that you are not one of them
way to go ChicagoBob!!!!
I also recommend to everyone read the Obama Nation, if you say it really fast it sounds like abomination!!!!
BOO OBAMA

Socialism! It’s all Socialism! Beeee Afraid!!! Beeee Afraid!!!! Obama will hypnotize the children. Socialism…socialism…socialism. Beeee Afraid!!! Beeee Afraid!!! Good grades equals Socialism. Don’t want my children to hear that…getting good grades and staying in school will indoctrinate them to…Socialism. Beeee Afraid!!!

atheist1,
i’m not a republican. never have been. what in the world are you talking about? what could any president have done once the planes hit the buildings? and would it make a difference had he been reading war and peace? what else is he supposed to be reading to children? and what do you expect a president (say obama) to do in front of 30 seven year-olds when he gets the news? flip out, horrify the kids and go crazy? bottom line dude, there are a whole bunch of independents who have big problems with the obama administration. just like they had big problems with the bush administration. everyone who supports obama is not a democrat and everyone who opposes him is not a republican. but the president beaming into every classroom in america to make a political speech (and let’s all be real…EVERYTHING a president does in his presidential capacity IS political) should be disconcerting to any american, regardless of party or not. it is NOT a good thing that politicians are becoming more effective in using the media to advance themselves. regardless of political viewpoint, things have been getting orwellian since the reagan era…and the pace is increasing. the most troubling thing about obama to many is not so much is policy proposals as it is concern over his mastery of media. once government commands the media, we’re all done, regardless who is in power. beware.

We have all witnessed quite a show since Barack Obama became president. Because the country was facing “crisis” after “crisis,” Obama and his team were more than happy to inject government into the private operations of banks, the auto industry, and energy sector.
But, of course, that’s not enough. Now with the latest cybersecurity bill making its way through Congress, Obama not only will have control over General Motors but could also have control over the Internet. With the power to “shut down online traffic by seizing private networks,” Obama would take one more piece of freedom and add it to his growing list of industries and activities which fall under government “supervision”
Whatever happened to “By the People For the people?”

I do not appreciate taxpayer funds being used to spread Obama’s socialist agenda to my grandchildren! This is absolutely unbelievable. He can keep his socialist/community-organizing rhetoric away from young children with impressionable minds, especially Pre-K and Elementary levels. His audacity is growing at a dizzying pace……….

“As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology,” Jim Greer, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.
This guy needs to get on the next plane and get the heck out of the United States – for GOOD!! Is he for real??? real? He thinks that talking to kids about taking responsibility to succeed in school SOCIALIST? This guy needs to be locked up in a rubber room.

Didn’t we have an election? You voted, your vioce was heard. We have an elected President, now let support him!! Go USA,, the greatest Nation on Earth!!!

Since when is the President of the United States not a good role model for our children? If the President can’t give the students of America a pep talk then who can? Rush Limbaugh? Yikes. If the goal of the address is to encourage the young people to stay in school learn to think for themselves and wade through the B.S. that surrounds us, then what is there to be afraid of?
Maybe you are afraid some will listen.

These comments are outrageous. I can’t believe how these partisan folks will, apparently, take ANY opportunity to be disagreeable and just plain stupid. One comment here asked why ABC wasn’t giving us the rest of the story – and said FOX news had more information. I looked it up on FOX news and, apparently, what the poster was talking about were the quotes from the super-partisan Cato Institute and the American Enterprise Institute. These people’s opinions are not worth hearing – certainly not on this subject – I’m guessing that’s why a more credible organization like ABC decided not to include them. These people bashing the suggested “lesson plans” from the DOE are idiots. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the DOE is suggesting that teachers do with their classes about the upcoming speech. All of it is designed to help the students become better listeners and to set short-term goals for their education. Anyone who thinks otherwise is obviously being told what to think and, therefore, cannot think for themselves. You people are unbelievable. Saying that this is an attempt to “glorify the President” in our children’s minds is too ridiculous to even respond to. What a perfect role model and background story to inspire kids. Even Newt Gingrich is working with Obama and the DOE. You people that are opposed to the President encouraging schools and school children need to have your heads examined. I applaud the President and the DOE for trying to make a difference in our children’s lives.

I’m now convinced that the Obama haters are truly nutty racists. I’m convinced also that whenever they say “socialist” they mean “black man”. It makes me a little angry, but it makes me much more sad for this country that people are so engulfed by hatred for the first black president that any innocuous thing (that has been done before by white presidents) he does is eyed with such code-worded suspicion, based on his race.

“I read the letter from Obama to teachers accompanying the President’s speech. The letter encourages teachers to have their students write letters about what they can do to support Obama’s policies. NOT the US policies, but the DEms policies”
I have posted the suggested activities list and they say nothing of the sort.
The lesson as always? Right wingers lie.

The point is being missed, folks: giving a speech to students about taking responsibility to succeed in school is not socialist – the problem arises when he attempts to INDOCTRINATE young, impressionable children whose parents may not agree with his political agenda.?”
Except this speech will not be doing anything of the sort.
Seriously this is about as non controversial as it gets but apparently Republicans have gone insane.

i am so confused. how did things get so crazy. i try to read the republican veiw points to try to understand their point. but i swear – these people are absolutely nuts!

Bravo Mr. Greer!
PhillyMann, I’m glad your voice was heard, but I did not vote for Obama nor did my family so our voices were not heard. Therefore, we do not support any of this. There are many strings attached to Obama’s plans and people think they are getting stuff for free. Nothing is free. Just like the Muslim religion, he is trying to brain wash children to believing things without the facts. Better yet, why don’t we put a picture up (that we as citizens have to pay for) with Obama’s face on it in every classroom so that he could be praised instead of God, who is not allowed in the classroom. Why should I have Obama brainwash my kids. My job as a parent is to lead my children in the right direction and protect them any which way I can. This is not an area for children. Children can’t vote and should not be subject to any of this. Fortunately, my children are smart and will not believe everything they hear without searching the facts first.

Maybee: LOL, went to the website, can understand how you would twist it, the exercises are suggested not mandatory, doubt they would be done in the GOP leaning states anyhow, and the school district I reside in, is a three way…Dems, Repubs, and Independents…Don’t you get it? We are losing on education, why do you think Asia is doing so well and becoming very innovative? Education…their average student is an equivalent to our academic superstar, pretty sad occurrence, don’t you think? We’re in 21st century not 20th century-jobs are in technology, math, engineering and science(particularly chemistry and physics)…And who are gracing the most premiere Universities in the United States? We are a culture of get rich quick without putting in the effort and dedication towards it, we have in essence become spoiled…and I don’t worship the president and I also do not agree with all of his policies, but I give this man kudos for an honest effort to serve our country and I wish him to succeed because we will all benefit…

It’s sad further proof that Republicans have gone waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay ’round the bend.
And I’m so damned sick of ignorant people using “socialist” as a political “n” word, an epithet to be flung at anyone who is not as right-wing as they are (which means about 95% of the population). If Obama suggested opening schools days with The Lord’s Prayer, these nitwits would be screaming “socialist” and pulling their kids out of school. Anything that’s different from what THEY want is “socialist”, as if they are all some kind of paragon of capitalist virtue. An oxymoron for sure.

Will he tell them it is bad to smoke cigarettes and do drugs too?
His administration is so inept it is frightening.

Some Americans are opening their eyes to the true reality in America. It’s not so much about Obama policies that’s initiating this current “Socialism” outcry. It has more to with the fact that he is a black man who has been given power that has traditionally belonged to white males. They will never come forth and state that they dislike him because he’s black. They would prefer to attack his policies and scream Socialism in order to frighten those Americans that doesn’t have the ability to think for themselves. Is this racism? You couldn’t call it anything else.

I am an educator in an elementary school. I have read the suggested lesson plans and for anyone to claim this is anything other than encouraging our students to take responsibility for their actions and their education is completely false. There are so many people in this world that are full of anger and resentment and I fear that anger and resentment is being passed on to our children and students. The president stood before an african american audience and encouraged them to become better fathers and to take responsibility for their actions. He is doing the exact thing here only he is talking to the future of our country. Please research and read the lesson plans with a clear train of thought. He is doing a good thing and for that I thank him.

noguilt: LOL, they are suggested not required…give it rest, you can request your child not be a part of it…get a grip

I have not heard ANY of obama’s speeches and I do not intend to. I also will not allow my children to hear them either. When he lied about contacting Canada re: NATO during the OH primaries, then his people bullied and intimidated the caucus attendees, then he allowed the superdelegates to be intimated; partnered w/Acorn to steal or make up votes; flash forward to all the broken promises and lies (tranparency, bipartisanship, etc.)
This guy sat in a hate filled church for 20 years; he is not a good role model for my children and I will not have my children exposed to his lies and deception.

johnnyle: I tend to agree with you, however, not all republicans are racists we should make that clear…

Thanks for the update, Jake and Sunlen.

This speech sounds like an excellent idea. Obama can be a great inspiration to school kids all across the U.S.A.
Pay no attention to the wing nuts, hell if Obama said Good Morning they would accuse him of pushing a socialist agenda.

Andrew: Thank you for the very well thought out and well written post. It is great to read a rationale, intelligent, and calm post. It presents with so much maturity, and openness for productive discussion. Too bad the majority of posts are just not at this level.

THE LESSON PLANS ARE SUGGESTED, NOT REQUIRED…and you might as well take your kids out of the socialist public schools…

Examples from the classroom activities suggested:
“Why is it important that we listen to the president and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important?” 
OR “We heard President Obama mention the importance of personal responsibility. In your life, who exemplifies this kind of responsibility? How?  Give examples.”
Whoaaaaa! ”Personal responsibility!” That’s sooooo SOCIALIST! And how dare he ask students WHY what elected officials (note no notice of Democrats or Republicans) say is important. It’s only Republicans who are worthy of being listened to!!
Yes, God Forbid Our President talks to school children!! So threatening! So scary! OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH! I’m so scared!

Ann, who said I admire Bush? And alcohol is a LEGAL drug unlike cocaine.
Posted by: honey92345 | Sep 2, 2009 8:12:59 PM
Sorry to butt in but I believe George Bush had a problem w/Cocaine too.

Wow. . .I haven’t seen this much vitriol and hatred for a president since, well, George W. Bush. It was the media-enabled liberals who first made it okay, even cool, to openly hate a sitting president as a matter of policy. Now they have to reap what they sow, since conservatives can’t be expected to act with decorum, especially with so arrogant a man in office.

Jenny, sorry to repeat myself but I never said I admire Bush.

Fair enough. Will you be burning his books too?
Posted by: julieterra | Sep 2, 2009 8:06:03 PM
Maybe . . . Posted by: Jenny | Sep 2, 2009 8:07:45 PM
——————————–
Oh good, that completes the extremist picture. Refuse to let your children listen to the President and burn his books . ..
You’re way overboard, tone down the rhetoric. It’s not healthy for you, your children or the country.
Extremists, whether Islamic, Christian, Jew or other . .. are a BIG part of the problem.

honey92345: I never said you were a Bush admirer, never implied that either. I did say to be careful what you say (accusations you use to bring someone down, to put them in a poor light). Whether the drug is legal or not is not the issue or concern. What you said was Obama admitted to drug use (no reference in the original post to legal or illegal). Alcohol is a drug and Bush had problems with it.

“…thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.
Don’t do it just because your parents, or even the President, tells you. Do it for yourselves. Do it for your future. And while you’re at it, help a little brother or sister to learn, or maybe even Mom or Dad. Let me know how you’re doing. Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.”
President Bush, 1991
No one, not even the farthest left, was unable to comprehend his context and freak out. Documented history is that everyone thought it was a fine thing for the President to address school kids, and no one was insane enough to attribute nefarious intent to his words. This paranoid ranting is strictly an illness of the Obama haters on the far right.
————————————–
I agree jhw. It`s the paranoid, fanatical Republican right – and it`s because President Obama is not a `good old boy`.

the problem is we don’t trust him!

I think if I were in these parents position I would be letting my kids have one more day of summer vacation. Ultimately I have been so disgusted with the failure of the public school system that I have chosen to home school my kids.

If this had not leaked on that .doc site, would any of the language have been changed? Why didn’t President Transparency release the language himself, before there was a firestorm? Because, had it slid through unnoticed, the media would not have reported on the firestorm from parents…..period.

So many Obama cultists assume everyone who questions Obama is a right wing nut… This is not true, I’m an independant who supported him early on and now I cant stand his administration. Please stop with calling everyone racist,right wing, crazies….It’s only making his approval numbers drop faster along with congress.

The largest bank in the U.S. is under the stewardship of the US Govt, as well as the largest insurance company, largest car company and quite possibly the largest healthcare insurance entity (if the President gets his way)within an industry that represents 1/6th of US GDP.This president has spent more of the people’s money in the last 8 months than all previous Presidents in the last +230 yrs.
Yet, jwh thinks paranoid Republicans are the problem…

SueQ: will he lie to us? Who knows haven’t met the perfect politician without lies and distortion but hey, I doubt he’ll be as brazin as Bush was with his…we all know how we trusted Bush after the Iraqi quagmire and found no WMD, lives were lost…

“The largest bank in the U.S. is under the stewardship of the US Govt, as well as the largest insurance company, largest car company”
Pardon me for being rude, but the TARP funds to those entities were initiated and largely dealt out by the Bush administration, at the direction of his Financial advisers.
Why do you paint the current President with such an evil brush? Could it be your agenda?

Maybe the President should also go back to school,not just address the students of schools. Maybe then he could learn about the Constitution and The Bill of Rights.

phantomniter – China and India can’t be held down forever. With their huge populations, they are going to end up with a larger number of educated people someday. We can’t be scared of them.
Currently, getting a good education in either country can be a struggle because there is so much poverty and lack of access. There are some amazing schools there, of course, but people from around the world work hard in often sub-par schools precisely because they want an opportunity to come to our American Universities.
That said, state universities limit the number of non-state and foreign students they’ll accept. The opportunities for our students are the envy of much of the world.

“It’s the Liberals who are the big problem and your time is over.”
Oh I see now Jenny, you’re a Democrat who supports Clinton and you’re anti-liberal and pro-religious extremists. Excellent.

Jenny, surely then your honest enough and insightful enough to agree that MANY if not MOST of those currently posting their anti-Obama rants here are the paranoid, fanatical Republican right – and it`s because (to them) President Obama is not a `good old boy`.
Posted by: julieterra | Sep 2, 2009 8:43:04 PM
************
It’s not that. It is that obama marketed himself as a moderate. Blue dogs, Indies, and many Repubs bought it. Now that he is in office, it’s a different story – he is scaring people with his ideology and policies. Average Americans who are prideful of their country are watching their president apologize for the country they love. It’s not sitting well with moderate America at all. That’s what you see stirring. Yes there is racism and hate but it goes both ways. EVERYONE has prejudices – everyone was raised differently.

“There is one reason the President loaned GM money…union votes.”
It was Bush who made special provision that TARP funds could be used for the auto industry – sorry to disappoint you.

Obama’s speech to the kids may be benign, but the problem is that a lot of people don’t trust it to be. And that trust is well founded. Just look at the radical views Obama has espoused over his entire career. Look at he radical people he surrounds himself with and the points of view they espouse. And the fact that they believe in using the education system to further their agenda — look up Bill Ayers and his thoughts on education for example. Then there are all the “community” agitating and Saul Alinsky tactics Obama and team have been employing since the campaign. He just can’t be trusted to speak the kids without their being some underlying motive of advancing his views behind the speech because that is his track record and the track record of all those he surrounds himself with. And this is not paranoia. It’s plain fact that anyone can look up, if they were not predisposed to give Obama the benefit of the doubt ahead of time because of their own support for him.

“Just look at the radical views Obama has espoused over his entire career.”
What radical views?

“You ask what Bush could have done when he heard the news of the Twin Towers, instead of sitting there like a moron for seven minutes? He could have gotten up, calmly excused himself, saying as the president he has very important issues to attend to, and then go attend to them.”
I guess he never thought of that. He had too many ‘radical’ views to do anything that sensible.

I really want to vote Mr. Bush out but couldn’t in 2 tries. I have one more try to kick Mr. Obama out of office. Mr. Obama is as inexperienced as he is hypocritical.

Julie,
Sorry to inform you that bailing out GM was on Obama’s watch (I’d post the link if they’d let me), but I’m not defending Bush.I’m not a Republican and I didn’t vote for him.
The first (TARP), and all ‘bailouts’are fundamentally wrong.
He had the GM CEO fired….surely you read the paper.
And I was against the ‘bailout ‘ of Chrysler, which you probably don’t even remember.Believe me, that was for union votes too.

Well jeepers! I didn’t vote for Obama but Republicans are making fools of themselves by fearmongering and predicting the WORST possible scenario for everything Obama proposes.
Republicans have gone farrrr rrrrright – too far for me!
Our students need a lot of encouragement – and his basic message will resonate with many.

Maybe people should try the left wing approach, have them attend class but tell them to turn their backs to the president while he is speaking?? I seem to remember students doing this to Bush… simply employ their tactics against them!

The schools should be required to show “Pinocchio” after Obama speaks. How else will the kids understand why Obama’s nose is growing?

One man’s “inartful” is another man’s propaganda.
I personally am totally creeped out to find that the Department of Education is writing political lesson plans for the nation’s schoolchildren. If my kids were still in public schools, I would forbid the school from forcing them to watch this.

So Obama is reduced to brainswashing school students.
What a pathetic excuse of a President he is.

Let me be the first to say that I was wrong. Jimmy Carter is not the worst President ever – Obama is.

In the U.S. department of education they also tell the teachers to get students to “read books about barack Obama.”. That is a problem.

Oops, that should say “in the *letter* by the U.S. Dept of Education to teachers, they ask that students “read books about Obama”. Pretty sure Chinese students had to read about Mao too.

Are we able to do what the President is asking of us?

Why does Obama have to be ‘caught’ at something before he changes his tune? He was going to use speaking to little school children as a way to demonize people who disagree with his health care program. Look how he used the 11 year old daughter of one of his aides to act like she was asking a question at a town hall meeting.

“Do you remember any other historic moments when the president spoke to the nation?”
This is a historic moment, apparently.

Maybe they will listen to him… (kids in the 6′th grade and under) 1/2 of America is not! The more he opens his mouth and pushes us in further debt…the more the dems will pay in 2010…Wake up moderates…your watching your country crash! It want be Bush’s fault in 2010!

“What specific job is he asking me to do?”

“Under NHS guidance introduced across England to help doctors and medical staff deal with dying patients, they can then have fluid and drugs withdrawn and many are put on continuous sedation until they pass away.
But this approach can also mask the signs that their condition is improving, the experts warn.”
Fascist Hyena | Sep 2, 2009 9:23:42 PM
And yet they STILL have a longer life expectancy than Americans by a full year. Amazing. Particularly if you know their cuisine. Two of my grand parents lived long happy lives in the UK and passed away peacefully under the NHS’s care, although my grandfather was down a throat by the time he went due to aggressive measures against cancer during his last couple years. (OK, mostly happy lives- my granddad was pretty ticked when one of my aunts took away his motorbike after he fell off it and broke his arm on the way home from the pub – while at a stop sign.)

I am so sick of this nonsense ranting off the right. Second to that I’m sick of the Obama administration feeding it. They sure are rather naive in how they put stuff out there.

“And yet they STILL have a longer life expectancy than Americans by a full year.”
Not if you exclude automobile accidents and homicides. How about we reduce the speed limit to 55, we outlive the Brits, I don’t have to pay for a $10,000 per year health plan for people who would rather not have to work for a living?

It’s past time Americans stood up for their Country, but now STAND UP FOR YOUR CHILDREN!!

GOOOO WAKEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

“Not if you exclude automobile accidents and homicides. How about we reduce the speed limit to 55, we outlive the Brits, I don’t have to pay for a $10,000 per year health plan for people who would rather not have to work for a living?”
Bridget | Sep 2, 2009 9:36:58 PM
Are you serious? You are just randomly picking off America’s two highest stats… why exactly? Why don’t we randomly zero out tobacco related deaths and see just how much better the UK looks versus America then?
I’m not sure what your 55mph nonsense is. The max speed limit in the UK is 70 mph, motorcycles are far more common, and their roads were laid out by drunks staggering home from the pub. I guess if their emergency treatment system is better at handling car crash victims you consider that bad or something.

” I don’t have to pay for a $10,000 per year health plan for people who would rather not have to work for a living?”
Yes Bridget, we must make absolutely sure that those lazy, good for nothing, children don’t have access to health care or medicine. If they want health care they should get a job like the rest of us. Ooops! Most jobs don’t come with health care benefits anymore do they? Let them die, there is plenty more where they came from. I am particularly incensed by “conservatives” who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that all of the “pre-born” are born. Then, once born will fight tooth and nail to make sure that these same children do not have enough to eat, a place to live, warm clothes, or access to health care. Hypocrites.

I am the parent of a 9 year old in 4th Grade. Shouldn’t I be allowed to see the exact text of the speech Obama i going to give my child? If it is strictly about the importance of education that is fine with me. But if he starts preaching faith or politics I do not want my child to be part of it. Each school should schedule Gymnasium time for parents who want their children to opt out of the address if requested.

“I see a key difference there.”
MayBee | Sep 2, 2009 9:48:53 PM
I am immensely amused at your selective editing after your earlier attack on me for not posting the context for that exact quote. It is hardly surprising that someone who irrationally hates Obama sees evil in his every word.
I would note, that in 1991 no one on the left- NO ONE- was so consumed by hatred that they attacked Bush by taking a snippet of his speech out of context.
“Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals.” President Bush 1991 (cue ominous music)

“I am the parent of a 9 year old in 4th Grade. Shouldn’t I be allowed to see the exact text of the speech Obama i going to give my child?”
Dan | Sep 2, 2009 10:01:25 PM
Do you review every single day’s lesson plan too? Fire up the helicopter to check in on your child’s lunch options? No one freaked out about President Bush’s speech to millions of schoolkids – no one. Not a single mention in the media. Why is that?

jhw539, I agree with your question – why is that? Could it be that Obama is a radical and the American public has finally opened their eyes to his ways? Could that be why people are concerned?

“Not a single mention in the media. Why is that?”
Prolly because his Department of Education didn’t draft obsequious lessong plans.

In response to:
Do you review every single day’s lesson plan too? Fire up the helicopter to check in on your child’s lunch options? No one freaked out about President Bush’s speech to millions of schoolkids – no one. Not a single mention in the media. Why is that?
You are kidding right? I see my son’s homework and textbooks every night during homework. I see his daily agenda book he fills out. I talk to my son everyday so – yes – I know exactly what takes place in his classroom. Heck … I even pay for his school lunches online and I can see daily whether or not he ate lunch and even if he grabbed an extra bag of chips.
I also know that none of his books teach Socialism as a positive style of government and also know that none of the books are discussing religion. I guess you don’t have kids …

“Could it be that Obama is a radical and the American public has finally opened their eyes to his ways? Could that be why people are concerned?”
Marcy | Sep 2, 2009 10:09:18 PM
Seems extremely unlikely. He hasn’t done anything radical – to the point he has irritated the left end of the Democratic caucus. Meanwhile, his poor secret service agents are left to deal with 400% more death threats than last year due to the unprecedentedly crass and insulting attack tone Republicans have taken. Contrast this to President Bush Jr, a true radical judged by his Iraq invasion and extreme economic policies, who was near record approval levels around this point in his term, with Democrats in Congress grudgingly but in good faith allowing him to implement his first trillion dollar Bush Tax Cut.

jhw539, Key difference between the two speeches, Bush did not hand out “lesson plans” that are supposed to be taught to them. Obama is.
Posted by: honey92345 | Sep 2, 2009 10:05:21 PM
***************************************
While I’d agree Obama’s PR people are STUPID right about now? I’d also agree this paranoia is pretty dang stupid as well. Oh how I hate the Fox “news” channel.

“I am particularly incensed by “conservatives” who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that all of the “pre-born” are born. ”
So what are you blathering on at me about? I’m prochoice.

Bridget – sorry about the non-sequitor. My comment wasn’t directed at you.

Bush did not hand out “lesson plans” that are supposed to be taught to them. Obama is.”
honey92345 | Sep 2, 2009 10:05:21 PM
That’s your key difference? That the advent of the internet made it possible for Obama’s administration to post a 2 page suggested, entirely optional, absolutely no requirements, discussions pamphlet? Rather than incorporate suggested activities into the speech itself (write me a letter)?
Sorry if I just don’t find that credible. Do you think for Bush’s speech teachers just turned it on and walked away or something? Come on.
Posted by: jhw539 | Sep 2, 2009 10:10:45 PM
Actually, it was optional then as it is now but they did not say how historical it was for Bush to be doing that speech. Also, there are many examples in Obama’s lesson plans about how the children can help him and what they think about him, not encouraging them to higher standereds. I could keep listing the many examples if you wish, I just choose to point out the flaw in your statement “I would note, that in 1991 no one on the left- NO ONE- was so consumed by hatred that they attacked Bush by taking a snippet of his speech out of context.
“Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals.” President Bush 1991 (cue ominous music)”
Actually, it was optional then as it is now but they did not say how historical it was for Bush to be doing that speech. Also, there are many examples in Obama’s lesson plans about how the children can help him and what they think about him, not encouraging them to higher standereds. I could keep listing the many examples if you wish, I just choose to point out the flaw in your statement which I reposted above.

Obama needs to get down to business and pull out all the stops – someone get Oprah on the phone.

“I talk to my son everyday so – yes – I know exactly what takes place in his classroom. . .
I also know that none of his books teach Socialism as a positive style of government and also know that none of the books are discussing religion. I guess you don’t have kids …”
Dan | Sep 2, 2009 10:14:08 PM
So you talk to him AFTER THE FACT about his days lessons. Yet you need to pre-vet a stay-in-school speech?
And it’s appalling that your son’s school apparently doesn’t teach the correct definition of socialism (the US and every modern nation has a socialist military, food safety system, education, and at least some degree of health care – medicare only in the US) and its essential role in modern societal structure. This is a matter of basic educational literacy about the role and forms of government. This kind of willful ignorance and apparently incorrect education is why they implemented a representative government – I guess they were right not to trust the masses to be properly educated without superstitious bias.
As for no comparative religion education, that’s sad but unlike education on forms of government unlikely to result in a voter unable to comprehend the value and danger of government.
(My daughter’s lessons consist of colors and shapes at the moment, but my nieces are 10 and more than capable of digesting opposing viewpoints rationally.)

Jhw- but you know the full quote. I highlighted the difference in the motivation bush was offering the students vs what the us department of education wants teachers to stress as the motivator for their actions.
This has nothing to do with hating Obama. I dislike his policies, but as I said I am fine with him giving this speech. I am unhappy with the product the DOE put out for classroom discussion. It is too much about the man, and not enough about critical thinking.
In my opinion, the best thing you can teach a child is good decision making.

Racism is as much alive today as it was 40 years ago.

I knew the race card couldn’t be far away! It’s getting old, very old.

(My daughter’s lessons consist of colors and shapes at the moment, but my nieces are 10 and more than capable of digesting opposing viewpoints rationally.)
Posted by: jhw539 | Sep 2, 2009 10:21:27 PM
So your 10 year old nieces are more interested in the current state of affairs in the USA and why the majority of citizens dislike Obamas policies than they are Barbies and Hannah Montana? And they can rationally digest all of this? I’m impressed. More than likely they will be forced (with being able to rationally decide to do it) to make I love Obama posters and write thank you letters like all the other kids after the speech on Tuesday.

Can anyone explan why Obama has Ezekiel Emanuel,Holden(Science Czar) and Van Jones as advisors?
There is nothing in the past or present that Obama has accomplished that deserves such blind allegianceand trust
Yes, you may think that the Repubs may make fools of themselves but so do the liberals by trying to win an argument by calling them racists.It appears that the liberal/radicals argument can not be won with facts.People know very little about his
accomplishments because there are so few.His educational records are sealed.So liberals can’t use his intelligence and academic work. Community organizer and Senator.Better read his books and Senate record.His votes are mainly present and absent.

“No one freaked out about President Bush’s speech to millions of schoolkids – no one.
Posted by: jhw539 |
Bush was a simpleton remember? What harm could he do?
Foghorn Leghorn | Sep 2, 2009 10:14:49 PM
? Our President in 1991 was (and is) a very intelligent man and was widely admired for it. He had held positions ranging from Director of Central Intelligence to a part-time professor. I don’t recall anyone, of any partisan persuasion, calling our President in 1991 a simpleton (and I am happy to say I voted for him in 1992, although I am ultimately pleased with how Clinton shaped up).

K-6 kids are in a world of their own, and that is how it should be let them enjoy these years, they sure don’t need Obama introducing his way of thinking to them, and besides is he going to be POTUS for life?
By the time these kids are voting age would they really give a hoot as to what he thought, that man is ill and I really cant understand what is the motive behind all of this

THis has nothing to do with race. There have been plenty of bad WHITE presidents as well.

SueQ!!! Yes, yes! I can explain it! See, Obama has only filled 43% of his appointments. This is because congress must advise and consent. Only republicans have put 100′s of holds on his nominations. He nominated a republican for Sec. of War and they have put three holds on that so far. With a hold nobody can vote. Never fear – the dem’s play this game too on republican presidents. Anywho, what this means? Well, Obama appointed czars to get some staff. I mean, after all – we have two wars going on and it’s a little important we have a Sec. of War? So, to rest your mind here? As soon as the immature boys on the hill allow some appointments to go thru these czars should go away after a period of time.

So far, to me, the real failure of the Obama administration is that they’re unable to silence the spin from the left that accuses conservative white independents and republicans of being racist everytime they argue against the democrats and the President’s proposals on principle. This is the surest way for 2010 to become a repeat of 1994 in Congress and for Obama to be a one-term President. A number of white independents I know who voted for Obama in 2008 are already regretting that decision now in light of the Gates incident and several pontifications from Obama that are just patently offensive to them. Their objections to the Health Plan proposal are well thought out and not due to misinformation or ignorance or the fact that they are white. Enough said. If the democrats ram Health Care through with no republican support, they’ll seal the end of their control of Congress in January 2011.

Dan: There have been plenty of bad WHITE presidents as well.
I agree 1000%, so why the big fuss over this one? You name airports and parks after those “bad” ones, but you are upset that this one wants to speak to the youth about making good choices!

“So your 10 year old nieces are more interested in the current state of affairs in the USA and why the majority of citizens dislike Obamas policies than they are Barbies and Hannah Montana?”
I’m proud to say they’re more entranced by soccer than Barbies, (a little less pleased with the Nintendo DS fascination) but what does this have to do with a standard stay in school speech?
“More than likely they will be forced (with being able to rationally decide to do it) to make I love Obama posters and write thank you letters like all the other kids after the speech on Tuesday.”
There’s that irrational paranoia again. Completely and totally unsupported by the ACTUAL contents of the oh-so-controversial lesson plan. If thank you notes are required, then it will be entirely due to the local teacher – just like when President Bush in 1991 asked for letters during his speech.
And my nieces are quite good at writing thank you letters and will rip a polite one off at the drop of a hat even for a gift they really didn’t like (like a Barbie, or Hannah Montana poster). And if they were forced to make an I Love Obama poster I would be concerned they would strain a muscle from the eye rolling that would ensue. They’re kids, not idiots.

honey92345 – I suppose if you wish to “see” something like that in this you could make it out to be that. In your republican head. I read the plan. Whoop. Sounds like a normal lesson plan (I happen to not think all schools are breeding Commies tho.) Now, if the President goes on air tomorrow and tells them to all grow up to be good little Commies? I might agree with you. But since he’s telling them what all other presidents have told them? Stay in school, get good grades, behave? Not real controversal to ask them what the President wants them to do.

Who can doubt that the estimable soi-disant Communist Mr. Van Jones will do a wonderful job as Mr. Obama’s “Green Jobs Czar?”
Who knows what a Green Jobs Czar is? What is he being paid?
Why did Mr. Obama squander our national unity?

secondlook, wow did you not read any of it? How many presidents have said, go read books about me and tell what inspires you the most?

honey give me the link again for that one because NO I did not see go read a book about me.

Actually the document recommended teachers read books about Obama ..

Dan: Don’t you remember the majority of his campaign was directed to college age students and first time voters??
That’s because the younger generation don’t suffer from white supremcy like the older ones do, like the ones represented here in this blog. Young whites are growing up with other races and realizing there is “no” difference. We play sports togather, work side by side and it’s a beutiful thing. Most of there idols are of different races, but you older ones still think that white is right and everyone else is wrong.

Dan, yes it did reccommend that teachers read it and then ask the children questions about him. So that implies that the children are supposed to hear about it from the teachers..

I predict another drop in the polls of 5% after Obama gives his speech. Does anyone know if he will be bringing Mr. Telepromptor?

“As one of the preparatory materials for teachers provided by the Department of Education, students had been asked to, “Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. “……… I see no reason to doubt the explination put out by the WH on this. These are the same people that flew low planes in NYC. The make mistakes. Feel free to continue thinking he’s gonna get you tho. Or eat your children.

secondlook, here is a direct quote from the page.
Before the Speech
•
Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama. Teachers could motivate students by asking the following questions:

second look: ” – Read them both again. There is nothing about reading a book about “him.”"
====
From the Department of Education:
“Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama.”

No, I don’t think he has another agenda. However, the same thing that created this change is not Obama himself, it that white children don’t believe in that white supremacy crap their parents are feeding them. They grew up watching black excel in all different phases of life so they know success is not a color thing, it’s a determination thing.

I’m no literary expert … but … Aren’t the only books available about BHO … books that he as written about himself ???

secondlook,
“So. Good grief. It’s about “current events” and trying to excite kids. I hated Bush and could have cared less if he did this in the schools. Anything to get them involved.”
Wow you think 4 years old is a good time is a good time to get involved in current events? Or even 10?

Oh heavens! Actually mention or talk about the CURRENT president in school! Like to actually know or mention his name!
Sacrilege, communism!

honey, He’s NOT trying to use this for an agenda. I am sick of this out of you guys. We didn’t accuse Bush of this every time he did something.

It’s safe to say that Obama will be a one-term president. Amen.

“What about where teachers are instructed to teach kids why it is important that they do what the president tells them to do? ”
Posted by: Tim | Sep 2, 2009 11:08:59 PM
Teachers are instructed by a two page pamphlet posted on a government website? Wow, what strict orders. And lets see what happens when we take a line COMPLETELY out of context (right after a stay in school and be responsible for your own success speech) and mix well with paranoia. What if Obama said something like this:
“Let me know how you’re doing. Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals.” President Bush, 1991
Of course, no one – NO ONE, not even the farthest right hippy – attacked President Bush for his (well written and appropriate) speech to millions of school kids.

Whether you understand it or not, America is a country that was created by radicals.
Posted by: julieterra | Sep 2, 2009 11:13:43 PM
yes .. freedom fighters that wanted as little government intervention as possible in the lives of the citizens. Our country has been tilting more and more the other direction … and Obama is ready to put the fat kid on one side of the seesaw and get it over with.

Didnt the Dixie Chicks caught heat for talking about the president …why is it okay now?

Remember how, so recently, we thought we were a nation unified behind a post-partisan leader?
Now he has dashed our hopes, squandered our national unity. He’s even trying to indoctrinate all of our children. At taxpayers’ expense.
We never really thought that Big Brother could insinuate himself into our society. But here he is.
So sad. So disappointing. So much Hope, all squandered.

Does anyone in the WH actually think before they make decisions?
They just don’t get it.
Many people are very suspicious of Obama and do not trust his motives as reflected by the polls and protests.
Encouraging all school children to think of ways to help Obama–a very bad idea.
Just looks like another government power-grab.

Banks, mortgages, car companies, freedom of speech, the internet, health care and now government take over of our kids.
What’s next for the control freaks in the White House?

I personally know of two kids who will be watching and being glad they have parents raising and advising them, and not this empty suit who apparently believes – in addition to all the other crap he’s trying to pull – that he’s a surrogate parent to every child in this country. The arrogance is astonishing.

Despite continued attacks from Republicans in August over his health care plans, President Obama’s overall approval rating has only dipped a couple percentage points. In the latest CBS News poll released Tuesday night, the president’s overall approval rating is 56 percent, which is down two points from the last poll taken at the end of July.

Obama and his gang are just inept. It’s not surprising that people expected the worst, given Obama’s constant lying.
“Inartful writing”? Maybe. Maybe not. Can’t believe a word he says, so it makes no difference. He blew it.
He seems to blow everything.
He’s incompetent and should resign. He’s doing the opposite of what a president should do: He’s frightening the people!
Go away, Obama. Go far, far away, please!

“WOW! The President sees an opportunity to help motivate our nations students (who by the way have close to a 50% high school dropout rate and a 32% college graduation rate) focus on completing school and he’s criticized for spreading liberal ideology? I guess if he were a football player or a rock star completing community service for a DUI he would be more acceptable to the American people. And any parent who takes their child out of school because the democratically elected leader of our country wants to encourage them to do their best is insane. When Bush read to children on 9/11/01 no one said he was influencing a generation to become Republicans; he was encouraging them to read. This is sad people…please think for yourselves and stop watching Fox News for the latest hate speech and fear mongering!”
============================
Couldn’t agree more S. Law.
On the postive side, I notice it’s mostly just the same old Obama-haters posting the same old nonsense. They’re on here day in and day out posting their ‘Obama can do nothing right’ doctrine.

Posted by: Dave | … “was Pelosi the one who said those who oppose Obama are Natzis”
No, she never said that. She said protestors were “carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on healthcare.” Which was true. The intent was to say no to Obama’s Nazism, I believe. And IMO it was and is beyond the pale. Nancy Pelosi made an observation. She didn’t call anyone a Nazi.
“I guess this is a dems way of bringing our nation together, call all those who oppose their policies enemies and belittle them personally.”
Personally, I’ve observed the GOP calling liberals, progressives and Dems their policies enemies– communists, socialists, lefties, be afraid– and belittling them personally– see commentary regarding Obama, Dr. Emanuel, Van Jones, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and so on.
It would be nice if we and our representatives in Washington could all put our differences aside and work together, but it takes compromise on both sides to do that.

Obamabots, we LIKE Obama. We really do. He’s a nice guy. He’s intelligent. He’s very personable.
We don’t like his budget of spending more than any other president, his authorizing funding abortions for mothers outside of this country, his cap trade program to escalate our utility costs, his conduct of the Afgan war, his constant apologies for prior administrations policies, his handling of our economy, his judgement in hiring tax cheats and lobbyists on his staff, his bloating of the federal government and his constant “I am my brothers keeper” line he keeps using while his real brother lives on $20 per month and doesn’t get a dime of Obama’s millions and his aunt he claimed in his book he greatly appreciates but has been here in the US for years illegally, living in public assisted housing and also not received a dime from him or Michelle.
So, other than being ineffective and a hypocrite, he’s a really nice guy!

Posted by: Dave
damn,..you’ve got it all figured out, you should call up the GOP, volunteer, and figure out where you can run for office… Michael Steel’s number is somewhere’s online..

It would be nice if we and our representatives in Washington could all put our differences aside and work together, but it takes compromise on both sides to do that.
So far the ONLY time Dems have ever reached out for Reps input is when the Dems put together bills so bad not even enough Dems will vote for it. So far Dems have only asked for Reps to support bills Dems or their lobbyists have written.
Evidently the Dems in Congress and the Pres don’t like to read the bills they pass, nor do they know who wrote them or what is in them.

By definition, if Obamabots would read and could think for themselves, they wouldn’t be Obamabots.
====
stay tuned
Obama will look up at the sky, and be accused of trying to destroy the sun.
No Obama is the first President by his own words to ever believe he can change the weather, the tides from rising and what the temperatures will be throughout the world. He can command the heavens…
And as he stated, he will bring god’s kingdom to here on earth. Wow. What a guy!

“They would prefer to attack his policies and scream Socialism in order to frighten those Americans that doesn’t have the ability to think for themselves. Is this racism? You couldn’t call it anything else.”
Yawn. Get a new line. Seriously. If Americans were truly that racist, Obama would have never become President in the first place.

Dems idea of ‘going Galt’:
Harry Reid going from a federal salary from Searchlight Nevada to being a multimillionaire.
Nancy Pelosi and husband has millions up the kazoo.
Ted Kennedy railling we should keep the death tax while making sure he doesn’t pay a dime of it.
Last but no least the let’s all give up high paying jobs to become community organizers while landing sweetheart jobs and book contracts, the Obama millionaires !!!!
Oh, but make sure not a dime is given to my less well off relatives.

“How about bringing American History back to the class room and teaching children the wonderful, wise words of our Founding Fathers?”
Psst. Sunnyr . . . American history IS taught in the class room – and the wise words of the Founding Fathers. It’s just that all the teachers are alien invaders from Zoron! Run for your lives!

Oops! My mistake,
“What three countries fight in WW 2?” should have been “What three countries did we fight in WW 2?”

Hey…… what a great idea for a new reality show.. Going Galt With the GOP’ers
Posted by: Treace | Sep 3, 2009 2:20:24 AM
***
I like it!! Although, alas, I thought part of it was that they were kinda MIA too. Like, hard to find. Off the grid in their own utopian society where no man lives for another and vice versa. Oh well.

Hitler, like Obama and all socialists/marxists/communists like to target children for indoctrination. Clearly Obama was trying to indoctrinate the children into little Obama fascists like Hitler did with his Nazi Youths. Be very afraid…very very afraid.

I wonder when we will be required to have a photo Obama in office, home, school building, and street corner. Funny History just keeps repeating itself—Hitler is back just with a bit darker skin color and a bit taller. Heil Obama!!! ya’ll.

Wasn’t it the Communists that held the belief that if you got a child by age 10, you had them for life? Hmmmmm….gotta start somewhere, right?What is happening to our country is truly scary.

“What can you do to help the President?”
“What can you do make your parents think like the President?”
“What can you do to make your neighbors think like the President?”
No mention, of course, of how you can help your country- just the President.
That is Barack Obama.

Obama,like Hitler, Chavez, Castro and many others has personality, attitude, charisma,and boldness. It got him the presidency . Problem is he doesnt have the wisdom and knowledge to operate on. When in trouble TALK,TALK,TALK. Lie distort,promice,blame. The liberals want to believe him, the press cant afford to let their man sink so they dont ask the questions that reveal his shallowness. If the press gave Obama the scrutiny they do Palin his ratings would be below 20%.

This is frightening,you know the NEA is going to support this. If this isn’t stopped say good by to the America we know and love. It won’t happen over night but if this goes unchecked it will happen slowly and steadily. The novel 1984 might just be dated wrong!!!

Does Obama ever intend to just stay in the Oval Office and WORK? Perhaps he thinks he IS working, as giving speeches to sway the masses is probaby all he’s ever done before.
Why isn’t that working now? Why aren’t we swayed?
Because we aren’t the poor and disfranchised looking for a handout. We’re workers and tax payers (unlike so many in DC) and people who take care of ourselves and each other without being told to. We’re people trying to find a single entity operated by the federal government that isn’t corrupt and overly expensive. We’re people who want the government to stay within the limits of the Constitution.
So, Mr. President, roll up your sleeves, turn the TV cameras and teleprompters off, and do what America wants you to do. Balance the budget and pay down the deficit. Don’t spend another red cent on a single other program or trip until you do.
Start saving money. Strip out the pork like you promised to do. Get rid of unauthorized, unelected, unconfirmed positions (Czars) that drain the American coffers. Get rid of agencies that operate in the red or work to make them profitable. Be a good steward of our money, our rights, states rights and our futures.

To all the lefties accusing critics of being stupid, crazy, evil paranoid, etc. presidential aides have admitted “helping” the Department of Education write the lesson plan accompanying the speech. They have also admitted it was inappropriate and are “rewriting” the plans. I think they are sorry they got caught, not sorry for propagandizing to little kids. But regardless, you can stop trying to defend them. They have apologized and are not defending themselves.

Wow. I just cannot believe the vitriol. These people call themselves patriots?

How can kids help the President?
well, since he CANNOT convince the adults in the country to follow him anymore, I guess its time to try the kids!
What the hell, when your in the midst of a losing streak, you look for any kind of win!

I am not nearly as concerned about what Obama will say as I am about the garbage that will be foisted on the kids before and after by their union-hack teachers. Obama knows his words will be publicly scrutinized and he will be careful. But no one knows what the teachers say except the kids sitting in their classes. Rather than boycott, it might be more productive and interesting to take a day off from work and go sit in the class as observers with tape recorders and video cameras. That would intimidate more than a few teachers and likely mute their propaganda.

There won’t be one student in the entire country who is going to change his or her mind about dropping out based on a presidential speech.

The Congressman from Florida would have LOVED to re-elect George W. Bush. That says alot about him.

This is shameful and disrespectful to the Office of the President. I watched videos in school with President Reagan and Bush growing up, and I don’t think you were complaining then. You blab on about wanting the deficit controlled, but none of you complained about the costs of the Iraq war, the Medicare prescription drug plan, or tax cuts that weren’t offset. You say you want government out of your life, unless it’s the bedroom where gay marriage should be banned. You called war protestors un-American for criticizing President Bush yet you call Obama a socialiast and compare him to Hitler. You’re all hypocrites. You lost because Americans think you’re wrong. Shut up and go home!

For JHW, who keeps insisting nobody complained about Bush’s 1991 speech:
======”From the Washington Post, published Friday, October 4, 1991: Democrats assailed the Bush Administration today for spending $26,750 in taxpayer money to hire a production company that oversaw President Bush’s telecast from an eighth-grade classroom here to schoolchildren around the country on Tuesday. The money came from the Education Department’s salary and expense budget. As a result, Representative William D. Ford, the Michigan Democrat who heads the House Education and Labor Committee, demanded that Education Secretary Lamar Alexander appear before the committee to defend his “spending scarce education dollars to produce a media event.” And the House majority leader, Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, said, “The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the President.” “===========

MayBee – Ha. That’s kind of funny and doesn’t surprise me. This sure isn’t the democrats accusing Bush of sucking the brains out of children though, huh? And thanks for the proof Bush did the same thing.

Maybee: your post does not make any sense as it pertains to this story or other comments that you are trying to disparage. Of course Bush was using his visit to the school as a publicity opportunity. He was not at all telling the kids what to think or how to help the him like Obama weenie is doing. Obama is trying to indoctrinate these kids and to instill in them that the only good party is the Democrat party. Get this clown and his stooges out of office!

“Reaching those goals is the aim of a strategy that we call America 2000, a crusade for excellence in American education, school by school, community by community.
…
Let me know how you’re doing. Write me a letter — and I’m serious about this one — write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals.” President Bush, 1991 to “millions” of students
No one – not one far left nut – was ranting and hysterically pulling lines out of context to suggest President Bush was subverting our kids when he pushed his Administration’s education agenda. The paranoid ravings of the Obama haters are unprecedented; Obamas actions certainly are not.

Maybee:
I understand your post and it was well done but I doubt it will reach its intended office.
To my friends from the left: Setting aside the total clumsiness of this whole affair, try to remember a time in your life when you didn’t trust the president and then empathize.
The solution is simple. Let’s keep ALL politicians away from our kids. Then again, we are not a country of simple solutions.

the answer is simple..
- afraid of public education….keep your kids home and home school them, or pay for private schools, c’mon you guys can afford it,.. your the Galt crowd..
- afraid of a Presidential speech……. turn off the TV, computers, phones, cell phones, radios, and muzzle your kids so they can’t speak or watch it, keep your kids home, (but do the above first)
- take time off from work and protest the teachers union
- burn some books
- read a book on ‘creation science’
- make up some new threat to America like ‘birth certificates’
- revise the history of the last 8 years, so that Obama gets blamed for 9/11
- make your kids watch some really ‘brilliant’ folks like Michelle Bachmann, extolling the virtues pf God, country and armed insurrection.
- move to Texas

MayBee, The politicians of one party ALWAYS critisize the other party. It’s the nature of the business. This isn’t the same thing as me having to listen to more of my fellow citizens protest that the Commie is going to turn children into Commies. Evidently we citizens slept thru Bush Sr. speaking, as I didn’t recall it. Notice below how Obamabots still tries to insist this one is more sinister whe he has nothing. This mentality will be the death of the republican party shortly.

“To my friends from the left: Setting aside the total clumsiness of this whole affair, try to remember a time in your life when you didn’t trust the president and then empathize.”…….. Well that’s hard. It wasn’t long ago. We were complaining about a costly war, etc. and told to leave the country, that we were unpatriotic and pretty much that we’d burn in hell.

“The solution is simple. Let’s keep ALL politicians away from our kids. Then again, we are not a country of simple solutions.”………….. No. Bad suggestion. I’d applaud this if it was McCain getting ready to speak to the children like this. Just because a tiny percentage of paranoid freaks have to make a big deal out of something is not reason to never do it. This mentality is ruining my country. It’s very zero tolerance. Like let’s make sure there is never a problem. Which is interesting – as that ended up being my biggest grip with my daughter’s high school.

It wasn’t long ago. We were complaining about a costly war, etc. and told to leave the country, that we were unpatriotic and pretty much that we’d burn in hell.
Posted by: secondlook |
Yes I know and now the speaker of the house is writing op-eds accusing Americans of being un-American and everybody on both sides of the aisle are liars.
Baby steps. Keep the politicians away from the kids. It’s creepy.

Foghorn, She said “Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.” I’d agree. It’s America and we all have a voice. Try again.

“…This mentality is ruining my country. It’s very zero tolerance. Like let’s make sure there is never a problem. Which is interesting – as that ended up being my biggest grip with my daughter’s high school.” Well practice what you preach – Secondlook.. You are no different than anyone else on here.

TroublingTimes, Care to explain that one?

Moby, I’d hardly call this a flattering article. If anything it does nothing but give creedence to Michelle Milkin’s column.

Foghorn, She said “Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.” I’d agree. It’s America and we all have a voice. Try again.
Posted by: secondlook |
She also said protestors were “carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on healthcare.” Why don’t you excuse that comment too?

Foghorn, it just took me about 30 seconds to find a photo of a child in a stroller with a sign with a swastika.

and no left winger has carried out a politically motivated assassination since Sirhan Sirhan.and no left winger has carried out a politically motivated assassination
Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn
grasping at straws are you?
“According to Sirhan’s mother, Mary Sirhan, he killed R. Kennedy because of his Arab nationalism..”
more revisionism….I know Bush didn’t invade Iraq… it was a left wing conspiracy….

We used to have rights in this country.
Posted by: Melissa
which ones have been taken away and by whom?

secondlook, I think troubling times was saying, from reading your past posts, you also have no tolerance for people who have a different political view point then you.
Posted by: rose |
Exactly. You posted this…
We were complaining about a costly war, etc. and told to leave the country, that we were unpatriotic and pretty much that we’d burn in hell.
Posted by: secondlook |
and when I bring up similar charges made by the left against the right all you do is rationalize and apologize for them. Are you capable of seeing fault with both sides or not?

Foghorn, Are you trying to play the “oh we’re having hurtful things said about us” card or something here? The simple truth is a fring extreme on the right are making “all of you” look bad. Sorry, but they’re connected to your party. If you allow them to keep acting like idiots then most in the middle or on the left will have a bad impression here. I actually know smart conservatists that don’t eat up all things Beck and I absolutely respect them. The screamers (I can tell you’re hardly one) need to be told to shut up a bit by you guys.

No rose, and you’re not going to take the typical play out of a right play book here and turn it around on me.
Posted by: secondlook |
Why not? That’s what you are doing.
And did you ever see a protester with a swastika before 2009? Did you ever see a president with a hitler mustache before Obama? Anybody ever call a president a nazi before Jan 2009?
You’re whining because someone called you a name. I’m whining because you are whining.

Of course the president’s poll numbers are going to wane, it’s the nature of the beast, the economy inherited was and still in shambles and had been stabilized from a possible depression, people are desperate and when that scenario arrives, people will blame the top…and we all know this will not be as recessions past, we are competing for jobs globally, our education levels are low comparable to most industrialized nations and including emerging nations such as India, do you all expect us to continue to live a lavish lifestyle if our kids can’t add 2+2 and are high school drop outs in a high tech science oriented world? This president visions the long term, give him kudos for this most of all, he’s not about quick fixes, it’s about a sustainable future for a very competitive market place…

The point of this whole thing is that a president has no right to hand out lesson plans telling students to read books about him and tell how they can help him achieve his goals. It is not the presidents job, it is the teachers and parents job to motivate and help the children. 5 to 13 year olds do not need to have to worry about his problems with anything. If this was strickly an address just to encourage them, that would be different as was the case with other presidents. This is not the case as his own advisors made clear.

Apparently schools in NY, Boston and LA are not open on Sept 8. Ooops.

Foghorn, Good grief so the “occasional” person might have said Bush was a Nazi. I don’t think there were network shows (Beck, Hannity, etc.) promoting this to where the entire liberal left was all over this. This isn’t a valid argument. It’s more the right yelling thru those town halls. I hardly think the left is perfect – I just think they’re not such a well oiled machine. You guys put those talking points out and they stick. I think Beck is trying to incite violence or something with his ignorant shows.

Foghorn, Good grief so the “occasional” person might have said Bush was a Nazi… You guys put those talking points out and they stick.
Posted by: secondlook |
So if town hall protester carries a swastika then the all conservatives are responsible but if a Bush protester does it he’s just an outlier and it in no way reflects on the left.
Gotcha down.

“Apparently schools in NY, Boston and LA are not open on Sept 8. Ooops.”…. To show how reasonable I am? I’d agree this one is rather funny. They do blow stuff up there. They were dumb for doing this lesson plan like they did because they should have been aware by then that they were being accused of wanting to turn those children. The Obama WH does make some great errors. Then there are low flying planes in NYC, and the greatest blunder of all? The health care talk where he blew it at the end commenting on the professor getting arrested.

“So if town hall protester carries a swastika then the all conservatives are responsible but if a Bush protester does it he’s just an outlier and it in no way reflects on the left.
Gotcha down.”………….. Oh, now we behave like a princess at all times and it’s just that one person? The right conspiracy freaks taking guns to where Obama is, screaming down everybody at a town hill, etc. etc. is adding up. All of this is fed by the entertainment shows off Fox. Like that czar secret shadow government theory. You can acknowledge they ruin your reputation or not. Your choice.

far right made its bed…we’ll see the results in 2010…and then 2112…
Posted by: phantomniter | Sep 3, 2009 12:00:13 PM
A little ahead of yourself.

“…ask what you can do for your country”
- John F. Kennedy
“Ask what you can do for your President”
- Barack Obama

Lizzie you can speak up all you want. If you’ll ponder some facts and stop with the paranoia. Nobody spoke up when Bush Sr. did this and I find this more about nothing. Oh, and speaking up isn’t screaming over top somebody else either.

Independents want results to issues at hand, if the Dems can solve it, we’re happy, if the GOP can solve it we’re happy, if they can both work together we’re happy, but I’m fed up with this right circumventing progress…socialist, obamabots, messiah, he’s trying to brainwash kindergartners, and you’re the same parents sending your kids to public school how socialist and complaining about a public service pep talk to engage our children to do well in school? And those lesson plans are not obligatory, they are suggestions, get a grip…also, do you know what your teachers are telling your kids all day long? I can get access to my kids webcast, can you?

secondlook: What’s really annoying about the far right is they pick at the most inconsequential and blow it out of proportion, yes, there are points I can understand but if they stick to them instead of the radical name calling…Most of us who complain of Bush and Cheney don’t resort to that kind of name calling, we refer to their policies and it affects and the immorality…and you are doing a good job in your arguments…and besides it’s hard to respect a person’s opinion with name calling…

Great, what’s next, telling kids to report their parents to the authorites if the thermostat is turned up too high, like they do in Britan? Great, now my kid will send me to jail if I don’t seperate my paper from plastic, even if there is NO recycling offered where I live. (You know, in the non yuppie neighborhoods!)
Children are the PARENTS responsibility, NOT the Government’s. Just another reason why “Johnny can’t read…” He’s to busy being indocrinated into beurecratic political parties. We’ve heard about seperating church and schools, and look what you get… government indocrination (“worship”) instead. Funny, they have this in North Korea, Russia, China, hmm… I wonder what the link is? Ya Think!

Once Republicans forced the removal of the “hail the leader” context of the lessons that went along with the speech, I thought a message from the president was a good idea, especially to students who have historically struggled at school.
I am somewhat concerned by the University of Chicago influence on this president and the education reformists who teach there, mainly William Ayers who was given awards for education reform by Venzuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. I don’t think we want our children to follow that model.

Another example of backtracking by this administration when pushed back by American citizens standing up. The lesson plan published said NOTHING about the “staying in school” theme they now profess. It specifically outlined how to set goals to “help the President” (not our country) and then had teachers grading and monitoring these goals. This is yet another of their “plans written somewhat inartfully”.

This is a waste of time and energy to try to peg Obama for some dark plan to brainwash our children.
It has the same spirit of the folks who tried to scare us about the “Death Panels” of the preposed Healthcare Bill, that turned out to be a service that seniors have now with some plans, and it was nothing what turned out to be Sarah Palin of all people spreading lies though Tweeter.
It’s outrageous to see the response, that all these parents who obviously hate Obama would rather keep their kids away from him his speeches, pretty much telling us that they know their kids will not be able to reason and will suddenly become Socialist if they do, and teachers will spank anyone not watching because that would be the Socialist thing to do… Get real, it’s a talk about staying in School, yet these parents would rather their kids ditch to set the tone of what is not unusal in the nation, dropouts educated to about the same level of Palin, if they are lucky.

The Dept of Education totally screwed this up by going direct to the principals of the schools, instead of to the Superintendents of the school districts. Then, the district could have decided PRIOR to the administration’s press release, whether they would particpate. As typical with this administration, it came off as HEAVY-HANDED. Thank goodness, my district has decided NOT to participate and will make the video available on their website so that PARENTS can decide whether to view this with their children or not. Our kids, our decision. Just my 2 cents.

Enough Foghorn – You just want to get me.
Posted by: secondlook |
Want to muzzle opposition while continuing to advance your own agenda?

Foghorn, I will admit it. I have an agenda. Will this make you happy? My agenda is to deprogramme the far side of right off of the notion that Fox is fair and balanced. Why you ask? Not because I hate conservatives. I know many. I have some of the parts. I’m a centrist. It’s because I happen to think Fox has taken the IQ down over there so bad it’s pathetic. I really think it’s going to completely ruin your party and somebody will be hurt coming up. “Death panels, Commie, Socialist, Muslim, government will have your checking account info, government will kill grandma, democrats will know you’re republican and deny you healthcare, Obama has too many czars and they’re running a secret government, etc.”

The left has for years been made fun of for being PC and for not being Patriotic enough, or American enough. And we have heard so much about “no child left behind” but when Mr Obama wants to try and get these kids all on the same page and get them moving forward to build a strong education system he is somehow NOT doing the thimgs the right says they should do? I am sooooo confused.The “right” jumps at every stinking little thing like it is the end of the world as they know it. Cry wolf and keep it up and no one will listen to you.

As an independent and former republican I consider both sides of the issues when I read these opinions that are allegedly written by “Joe the plumber” types. What I have found is a strong domination of hate speak from the right. It sticks out like a sore thumb. In my fraternity, we have a saying: “Beware of deadly silence.” The people who are not speaking out about the appalling behavior of Rush and Sarah will show their displeasure the next scheduled election day. The once Grand Old Party is now the Grand New Party having been high jacked by those who think that the country should delete the past one hundred years and start all over again.
Read your world history. Such behavior has proven disastrous over the ages.

“I agreed with someone that when Bush did it the Dems complained that is is paid politically advertising and they were against it. I guess since it’s their man this time it is ok”…. Again, big difference between politicians and political rhetoric, and a pack of crazed conspiracy theory voters.

You have to understand one thing: The Right does not believe in education. They are a party of college dropouts. Rush, Hannity, Rove, and Beck never graduated from college. Therefore they will fight any attempts that Obama has to promote education. The Right wingers get their base from spreading lies and ignorance. They lose if people are educated and can think for themselves.

After the politicizing was removed I don’t see anything wrong with it but it’s a shame you have to call them out on it and watch this administration like a hawk. Don’t they even know how to be professional at the Dept. of Education?
Is it really so hard to understand that we don’t want our children to be used as a political prop or that the original lesson suggestion plans could be viewed as such? God are they incompetent.

Posted by: Megan | Sep 3, 2009 2:52:48 PM
And so did Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, what point are you trying to make here? I have never seen more misguided statement.

This President is disgusting..takes over banks, car companies, Cap & Trade, now he’s trying with Health Care and now our Children. Mr. President have you no decency? Hitler did the same with the Hitler youth, and some even turned in their very own parents..Also, wasn’t it just two weeks ago, that the Preseident wanted Ameriacn people to report on their fellow citizen via email for suspicious or in his opinion, misinformation about Heathcare..this is is a fanattical, left wing-loon…

Posted by: Megan | Sep 3, 2009 2:52:48 PM
I don’t have time or the patience to refute this ignoramus so come on people, tell her exactly who runs the worst school districts in the country. Who exactly is responsible because we have dropped from number 3 to number 37 in the world in reading and math. Why inner city kids can’t go to the same schools as the Obama kids? That soft bigotry is really behind our failure to educate the poor. And then tell her who not only benefits the most from this dependency and ignorance but the real truth that they designed it to be this way on purpose so asking them to take responsibility for it is a joke.

Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader? The answer is pretty obvious from what I’ve read in the blogsphere. To start, what explanation will the parent’s who force their children to stay home offer to those children? What can they say, other than the President of the United States can’t talk to you if I’m not there because he can’t be trusted. He’s the President of the United States of America and he can’t be trusted to encourage our children to excel!
Gee, it must have seemed like a good idea at the time. It’s not possible to hit every single school in the country and chat, read a story, so why not use technology. Why not also make it easier for teachers; make up a lesson plan that they can use, adjust or discard if they so choose. Speaking of that lesson plan, the part that seems to really generate some ire is “why is important to listen to (elected officials). I’m going out on a limb here, but could it be important to listen so that if one disagrees with what one hears, then those elected officials can be contacted? Those elected officials can be defeated at the polls, you know, a lesson in democracy!
Those who choose to keep their children at home will I hope, protest and protest loudly if the mayor of their city or their congressperson or ANY elected official comes to school for any reason whatsoever; to give a speech, to present an award, to dedicate a learning center, to work in the cafeteria, to read a story. Do not allow it, have your children call you to come and get them if it’s attempted.
How could President Obama know that this too would become a political football, used by those who oppose his policies? Yes, perhaps he should have known. It’s a sad state of affairs but apparently those who want to regain power know their base audience and just how easy it is to manipulate that audience…like shooting fish in a barrel.

what I don’t understand is this, every time the WH gets called on something and they “change” whatever it was they were called on, the left still defends them. When the WH “changes” something it is because they were wrong the first time not because a few “right wing racists” are spreading fear and lies! They lie, get caught, change their story and the left fall all over themselves trying to talk america into believing Obama and his admin. are honest and honorable. Man it must be nice to be so blind. Maybe not…..

Left wing mantra “Obama said it so it must be true”

And the bots play the smear card—–when Obama is snagged harassing kids about how they plan on supporting him, and forcing kids to deal with liberal teachers of Obama Groupism…..you know a long standard fascist/communist brainwashing technique to indoctrinate children. Obama has no business harassing kids—good thing people are watching to slow Obama down, but how stupid it would be to continue to try indoctrinate kids on Tuesday—obama will try (he is just that stupid.)

School children never should be subjected to viewing a movie from the president. Tax payer dollars are paying the salary of the teacher to conduct class in learning the necessary subjects that will advance them with the knowledge to go on to higher learning. The president works for this nation and ALL THE PEOPLE. We have a two party system for a reason–to keep checks and balances on each party to inhibit the power of one over the other. Parents have every right to object to an outside influence coming into the class and conducting a session that has nothing to do with educational subjects. It is the parents job to encourage their children to do well in school. We already know that Obama has Czars that are, in some cases, bearers of communistic ideas and beliefs. We are AMERICANS and very much want to stay free, not socialists, and not communists.

outside influence coming into the class
Posted by: Joan
yes… the president of the united states
is an ‘outside influence’….
lemmings to the sea they are

Are the children at Sidwell Friends going to be treated to this public service announcement or is this just for the peons?
Posted by: Ferrari5858
why don’t you call up the main office and ask if you’re so concerned…. I hear they have telephones that allow people to speak from far distances….

apparently alot of people no longer trust this president
Posted by: catman
‘alot of people?
20, 40,
‘apparently’
love those hard facts

Posted by: catman
and next month the % may be up, it may be down.. only after 4 years will we know the ‘real’ %

I cannot let these ignorant liberal comments go unchallenged. It is so disgusting to see how the liberals constantly scream “RACISM” every time someone disagrees with Obama! That in and of itself is the zenith of ignoranace! They can’t argue the points nor can they let their “dear leader” stand on his own merit so they dumb down the arguement by always twisting it into racism. How in the world is that considered intelligent and open minded? The liberals love to paint themselves as the compassionate, free thinkers of our society. Yet the liberals very actions and comments reveal their true hypocritical nature. They speak of having an open mind yet they reveal that their mind is actually closed to any idea that is not their own. They speak of tolerance and acceptance yet their hatered for anything conservative eats them up so much that they resort to name calling and character assassination. That’s what ignorant people do. When they can’t open their mind and consider all aspects of an arguement and when they feel defeat, they resort to name calling and character assassination and twisting the arguement into something that it isn’t. Now of course there are racist people out there, DUH! But they wil also continue to be irrelevent in these arguements because they don’t bring anything to the table either except their own ignorant comments. You liberals look like a bunch of sheep ‘down there’ aimlessly wondering around while you wait for your “dear leader” to tell you what to do next because you cannot think for yourselves. I completely disagree with this political move by Obama. This reaks of Kim Jong Il or Stalin. He is wrapping his warped ideals up in a nice little package that looks like a pep rally for education. But we all know he is really trying to get to our kids while they are young and impressionable and while their parents are not around to interfere with Obama’s brainwashing. Obama has polarized this country worse than Bush ever could have done in 4 or 5 terms. But the liberal drones will continue to prop him up by screaming racist at every person who disagrees with him, as if just becasue he is black he is some kind of perfect god and can do no wrong. Gosh you people are just mindless drones and I will never forgive any of you for giving Obama an opportunity to destroy this country and create a socialist paradise that takes from me and gives to the welfare crowd. “Equality through poverty” is where we are headed.

jhw, the Washington Post of October 3, 1991:
“The Democratic critics accused [Bush] of turning government money for education to his own political use, namely, an ongoing effort to inoculate himself against their charges of inattention to domestic issues. The speech at Alice Deal Junior High School, broadcast live on radio and television, urged students to study hard, avoid drugs and turn in troublemakers.”
This info was very easy to find on Google.

jhw, here’s another lefty who objected to the president’s speech to school children in 1991:
“Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colo.), chairwoman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families, said it was outrageous for the White House to “start using precious dollars for campaigns” when “we are struggling for every silly dime we can get” for education programs.”

the right wing isnt screaming…they are merely leveling the playing field and using the dems own tactics. its so much harder being in charge isnt it?its alot easier to be the minority party and take pot shots at the majority.i ve listened to it for 6 of the last 8 years.

It`s time for impeachment proceedings. Unload the Socialist!

There’s a nice clip in internetworld of Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe dissing the hyperventilated reaction to Obama’s education address. He says, “Seriously, why don’t we want the president of the United States, any president of the United States, delivering the message to kids: work hard, stay in school, succeed?” He added, “Get your ratings if you want, you’re just screwing your political party.” (likely to conservative radio and television talk show hosts?)

Interesting that the main stream author of this articledoesn’t smell the whiff of propaganda here.
If they wanted to do a nice job for the kids they would have him answer questions about recess, bullying, drugs, and achievement.
Instead they will have to be indoctrinated in global this and that, nationalized Socialist medicine, and feel good platitudes designed to incite class envy and higher taxes.
Great job
your highness

What a great opportunity to further your child’s learning by asking your kid the same questions you are asking yourself right now. Isn’t that supposed to be the point anyway? Ask them what they think about it!

The same right wingers screaming about indoctrination having been demanding school prayer for years.
Just more sickening hypocrisy.

“There’s a nice clip in internetworld of Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe dissing the hyperventilated reaction to Obama’s education address. He says, “Seriously, why don’t we want the president of the United States, any president of the United States, delivering the message to kids: work hard, stay in school, succeed?” He added, “Get your ratings if you want, you’re just screwing your political party.” (likely to conservative radio and television talk show hosts?)”
A few of the adults on the right are speaking up.
The problem is they are far outnumbered by the lunatics.

“It specificly says read books about the president of the united states and past presidents and about Barack Obama”
OMG!
Learning about our past presidents!
The horror!

Ryan C, Actually yeah, especially for a 5 year old. Leave these books for kids in high school not elementary school. My 6 year old does not need to hear about how the current president was a drug user. And notice that it mentions reading about him twice and of course by name. Hmm wonder why?

And in the latest display of empathy from the left…
air america has posted a snarky piece about the guy who had his finger bitten off entitled “Anti-Reform Protester Forced To Use Government Insurance”.

YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE PRESIDENT WOULD HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING WHEN HE USED AN ELEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD AS A “PLANT” TO TRASH THE OPPOSITION. NOW HE IS GOING TO USE EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN THE COUNTRY AS HIS POLITICAL PAWN. SO WONDERFUL. PERHAPS OBAMA CAN ALSO USE MARK LLOYD, THE LATEST CHAVEZ LOVING COMMIE ON THE FCC BOARD.
THE GUY WITH THE POLITICAL SIGN SURLY WAS RIGHT, “AND THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS.”

Multiple spelling and grammatical errors. HA HA
Posted by: KP
you should be careful going there after 8 years of ‘W’ and Bush speak…… I mean really

Obama will no doubt go down in history as the President that was dambed if he did and dambed if he didn’t. Back when I was in school it would have been an honor to have the POTUS speak to us, and if he said something my parents didn’t agree with, they’d have told me different when I got home that day, it’s as simple as that.

all the fearful parents should take their kids out of school and keep them home….. why would you want your kids going to socialized american schools anyways, teach them yourself, stay home from work, they’re your kids…
pay for them to be in private schools….. if it’s such a burden on your family life to hear the President, put your kids somewhere else…..
make sure they have their gun and bible handy

julie, I see the difference. I just pretty much figure they meant it in context to helping the President by doing well in school, etc. Not well said, but not intended to suck brains out of school children. However, I understand the paranoid right is going to see something else.

The White House now admits that one of the lessons plans surrounding the speech was written clumsily, subjecting it to misinterpretation, and had to be re-written.

Nothing was written “inartfully.” We as a nation just aren’t softened up enough to simply accept such nonsense as “how may we serve the President.” Especially when the question is aimed at encouraging the worship in schools that has been rampant since the Inauguration. There is absolutely no reason why his election should be considered more important than any other.
Unless you’re a racist who only sees his color.

So SECONDLOOK lefty I’m sure you would be alright if it was Bush using the same questions. Doubt it.
Anyway I’m not suggesting that he’s looking to brainwash. Obviously I’m not a fan of Obama. I would just like him to change the tone. That’s all. Bag on me all you want.

Paula, I agree. These people just make so upset because they know as well do that it has nothing to do with his policies. Like I said, we had the village idiot in office for eight years and they were fine with that. The right claims that BO wants to indoctrinate…..what would you call fighting like hell to keep prayers, Christain payers, in schools. Would that not be indoctrination? This is why I call them hypocrites. Of course they will say it’s different, it always is when a republican does it. Bush 1 asctually discussed policies with students, where was the outrade. Wasn’t that SOCIALISM? That is the new buzz word this season. Personally I think it’s code for what you really want to say. I just don’t see the justification for such so called outrage when we had eight years of dead soldiers in an unjust war, eight years of giving to the rich (by the way how has that worked in terms of creating jobs with unemployment higher than before), eight years of deregulation, eight years of warrentless wiretaps on AMERICANS, eight years of failed foreign policy, eight years of energizing our enemies while straining our relationships with allies. I just don’t see how that wouldn’t have bothered you but a guy whose been in ofice barely eight months is compared to Hitler. No dice. I may be young but I was raised by parents with strong values and was taught if it doesn’t ring true….then it more thank likely isn’t. All I ask is be real and state your own truth and stop hiding behind lies to justify you position.

I just find it amazing that virtually everything that comes from this admistration is “misinterpreted” or “doesn’t mean what it says” or “they didn’t say it as well as they should have”. These are intelligent people who can’t seem to articulate what they really mean…or are they actually saying what they mean & when it doesn’t go over they way they want, they back-pedal?

Yes it is very disappointing our culture doesnt respect the highest position in the land and ENCOURAGING their kids to be disrespectful too!!!! On top of that, keeping the kids home! What a bunch of LOSER parents….talking about political BS….maybe these parents need to take a chill pill!

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | Sep 3, 2009 7:45:44 PM
We are keeping are kids out of school that day!!!
The only question that I am asking myself is if Obama’s address will have subliminal messages. Maybe it will say, “I’m unqualified to be President” when played backwards.
__________________________________
Bwahahahahahaahaha!!!!

uhh, what is lost in all the chatter is the congress and the president are supposed to serve…. you guessed it, US!!!!!!!!!!! not the reverse. Leaders serve the people, not themselves. Every SINGLE one of them need to go. They all serve themselves first, just objectively look at what they do. They never take a stand that is unpopular, even if it is the right thing to do. Obama, never should have been a nominee, let alone president. Gore? Seriously, only serves himself. Pelosi? can you say private jets at OUR expense? barney frank, Chris Dodd, and the latest one who got caught, Rangle. None of these scumbags currently in office, all 537 of them have put you and i above themselves. leaders serve, us, all of us. These guys just serve themselves. We need to let them pursue other opportunities as they come up for re-election. heck, they can serve themselves at mcdonalds.

Geez, its bad that the schools aren’t even safe from propaganda.

Gee, I remember Al Gore addressing a large group of children to help him push his “Global Warming” agenda, because the children knew better than the parents, that the Earth needed to “Go Green” to save the human race, oh and help make Al a little richer. I know Obama would never circumvent parents teachings on “Service to this Nation”.

To Grace,
Grace, ***ANY*** president who asks its citizens to make a pledge to his personal leadership rather than to their COUNTRY and its constitutional foundation is EVIL. It matters NOT who that president is, or what he stands for – up to and including our most conservative presidents: Ronald Reagan and G.W. Bush. PLEDGE to NO MAN OR WOMAN holding *ANY* OFFICE IN THIS COUNTRY.
Any student of history would immediately that this was exactly how Adolf Hitler rose to power and murdered not only 6 million Jews but anyone who even WHISPERED against Hitler. Any lack of support for Hitler was teason, punishable by death and it took Germany a long time to see how evil their leader really was.
Presidential addresses are fine – at HOME – but not as school propoganda. Obama is a SOCIALIST, m’dear. Do you not understand what that means?

Wanna know why the White House is asking students to write letters about how to help the president?
It’s because we elected a know-nothing who in now so desperate, that he’s asking OUR KIDS for advice!

To “Vicki”
The United States has operated on principles of social democracy since the Great Depression. It’s the opposite of fascism.
Trying to make the two appear similar is disingenuous.

“As a teacher, this is the first time I have ever heard of a President addressing students during the day…”
So, Teacher Extraordinaire, ahem, are you saying that Reagan and Bush Sr. gave their speeches at night? I’m confused.

The firestorm of controversy is another way for Mr. Limbaugh to earn his $38 million a year salary. His candidate didn’t win, so invent reasons to hate each other. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have all people working together for the good of the country? sorry was that a socialist idea?

A private personal army of his own to control and do with as he wishes? As strong as our American Military? Sounds like what was done before in Germany. Start with the “children” before they have their own ideas. Turn in their parents if they differ from Obama’s ideas.
That’s pretty scary. Control the teachers, and therefore control the students. Do it “for the children”.

I think this should be addressed to all families homes and let children and parents watch it together, and be able to discuss issues as they come up which are important to their particular situation. Or not watch it at all, if they so choose. As a parent of 4 grown children, I would be very interested in what he has to say and I have no way to listen as an adult who took part in the voting process of his election. The cliche “it takes a village to raise a child”, but we need to know what they are being told and taught. AIR IT ON THE NEWS CHANNELS

gee. …..was it only last year that the left was demonizing Pres. BUSH?? AT LEAST HE KEPT US SAFE. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE TRAINING CAMP IN SOUTH FLA. THAT THE GOVT. HAS? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS. MAYBE HE WAS LOOKING FOR RECRUITS

He is trying to encourage YOUR children to Stay in school and go to college….Become an awesome member of Society!! I love how you say that he’s going to brain wash them yet you’re the ones telling them he’s bad and making up their minds for them. If you don’t like him that’s fine, I hated bush but still respected him as a president. Show some respect and give your children the benefit of a doubt, they deserve better and let them make up their own minds. Focus on protecting them from drugs and criminals not a speech from the President of the United States.
Thank you Canadian MOM….They waste almost 2 hours showing them movies…we can do that at home..About time a president is all about pushing schools to focus on education and set goals for it’s students and teach students how to also do it for themselves.

I am saddened by the uproar over Pres. Obama’s speech to school children. So many people whom I have heard oppose this, do so on the basis that it is the parent’s job to teach politics. I am a teacher. Many parents of our kids are working 3-4 jobs to feed them. Some have dads or moms in prison. These children are happy to come to school where they get attention. They enjoy the instruction they receive. These children can’t help the fact that parents aren’t there to instruct and help them. Good teachers know that teaching is about much more than content instruction. It is often about character-building. Right or wrong, that is reality. This must be done to insure a stable democratic future for our nation!
One teacher I know who favors the President’s speech told me that out of a school of 800, only 3 parents volunteered to help at the beginning of school. The number of parents at her school who are raising their voices over the speech are incredibly more.
President Obama has the responsibility of serving all Americans. Parents who are blessed to be able to spend evenings around the table having discussion with their children, who have the technology to watch a Presidential address with their children, who have an option of the most up-to-date schools which are located in elite neighborhoods have a greater responsibility to our country. “To whom much has been given, much is required.” My prayer is that these privileged will look beyond their families and do what is best for our country. I pray that they will teach their children to have compassion, to listen and understand others, to make their own decisions — not simply adopt the opinions of their parents.
My children were educated in Austria, a socialist country. They attended national Austrian schools. We were Baptist missionaries, but they attended mandatory catholic religious instruction. I didn’t agree with this doctrine, but we had great relationships with the teachers. They played sports in teams organized by political parties, which did not represent my point of view. My sons are well-rounded, good citizens and good parents. Surprisingly, they do not necessarily have the same political views as their parents. They tend to be more conservative, but I am so proud of them. We did what we could. Thankfully, we were able to discuss things to which they were exposed, and we trusted them to the Lord. They are well-rounded, creative-thinking, good parents.
Maybe we got lucky, but their childhood education did not corrupt them. I think it gave them great strength and character.

What’s it gonna take to open peoples hearts and eyes. Rep or dem the gov. keeps us fighting while the keep getting richer and the middle class is disappearng.
What it comes down to is greed . It is human nature to be greedy. When we learn that if you have 3 of something keep 1 to use 1 for a spare and share the last one. Once we overcome greed we can free the world . Oh no I’d better quit posting before someone comes to arrest me for being a commie!

Canadian mom—you object to your children being shown 90 minutes of Disney movies? Then get in there and object!
You say “Believe in your children. They are smarter than you think, and maybe even smarter than you. This debate could spark a revolution among teenagers who may be insulted by their parent’s seemingly lack of confidence in their ability to listen and learn critically.” Did they learn any critical thinking of the Disney movie? No, they wanted toys. YOU should be the one to encourage your children in school, you should be the one talking to your children about politics when the time is right, you should be the one to help your child be an ‘awesome member of society’
This is not an innocent encouragement speech–there are lessons plans given to the teachers. Haven’t they already gotten their plans made? As RowleyAmerican said:::That’s pretty scary. Control the teachers, and therefore control the students. Do it “for the children”.
This is not disrespecting the President, this is objecting to his politics and agenda. It is a move to market ‘brand Obama’ to our young people.
It’s wrong

Canadian mom made several excellent points including a simple show of respect for the President. As a fourth grade teacher I can attest to the fact that our youth struggle to read and write and that it will take a collective will to excellence to drive us up out of the pit of mediocrity into which our fascination with entertainment and materialism has consigned us. The President is exhibiting appropriate leadership by exhorting and encouraging students who now rank very far down the list in the world in math and reading. Many of the world’s citizens speak better English than our own children. Everyone has an agenda including those who are using this as an opportunity to advance their own with absurd and fear-driven commentary. Suddenly America is worried about what their children will hear in this speech? In that case, we had better examine at our society from start to finish.

If “anybody” wants to address my child, and I dont care “who” it is.. they come through me first. This should be a speech aired over the television where parents alike should be able to hear it and not exclusively to children, that in its self is inappropriate, sending a message of entitlement concerning the presidents position of authority. Inferring that what he says is above reproach by anyone, much less in need of parental approval and uses the teachers and school system as his coherts. Many children who look up to their teachers will automatically assume, that no matter what is said by Mr. Obama is approved by the school, because the teachers are said to be there to guide the students so the calculations of the students will be to ablige whatever Mr. Obama says, just as their guideance of the teachers does.
I see this as a baby-step to what will soon to come..Periodic Socialistic indoctrination within the classroom.

Go to the White House website and look at the transcript for President Obama’s speech to America’s school age youth. I hope all of the folks out there who became enraged at the idea of the president giving this speech have also given up their love of apple pie, baseball, the national parks, and Old Glory. Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, and all the other right wing flamers out there should take their self-serving, moronic, brainwashed selves and just go someplace else aside from America because the rest of us who do love this country would be SO much better off without them.

Is there a website where you can find out how many tax dollars are being spent of the education budget to broadcast the President’s speech? In addition, what were the costs associated with writing the lesson plan, assembling the lesson and distributing it? Considering the current budget crisis, is this the best use of tax dollars for education? In my opinion, far too much time and money is being wasted training kids about social issues and not enough, as evidenced by test scores, on academics. It seems to me that the teacher who has been preparing for the first day of school for weeks, should address her class before the President.

I don’t like most of Pres. Obama’s agendas or actions lately. However, I did read the transcript of his speech, and so long as he sticks to it more or less, it is benign, maybe even positive.
Wisdom can come from numerous sources, even those that we wish we could reject. And we (I speak to fellow conservatives) are fools to reject it FOR THE SOLE reason that it comes from a liberal.
Lastly, to all those parents claiming that they don’t like the speech because they can’t “supervise” it, how can you begin to stand on your soap-box and proclaim that principle when you are sending your kid(s) to public (aka, government-run) schools? How can you be worried about “indoctrination” by the government due to this ONE speech, but not be worried about the thousands of hours they spend in government-approved texts? You might want to think a bit more about that.

If God isn’t welcome in my children’s school, then neither is the president…I don’t care WHO the president is.

For once I agree with Camille Paglia, who said: ‘An example of the provincial amateurism of current White House operations was the way the president’s innocuous back-to-school pep talk got sandbagged by imbecilic support materials soliciting students to write fantasy letters to “help” the president (a coercive directive quickly withdrawn under pressure).’
If the planned speech was really so non-political, the WH should have released a copy in advance, along with the study materials. Absent that, the parents who don’t want their kids to “help the President” with his political problems, aren’t to be blamed for not wanting their kids forced to listen to whatever speech he might come up with — and pressured in a classroom ‘discussion’ of how to “help” him.
Personally I support public option, and I wish Obama did!

This speech is just another reason that I homeschool my children. I agree with the comment about people who are worried about that speech, but do not worry about the rest of the school year when their children are being indoctrinated during the rest of the school year in a government-run school where God, the Bible, or prayer is not allowed. If a teacher was to repeat what President Obama said at the end of his speech, “God bless America”, she would probably face a lawsuit and put her job on the line. President Obama is definitely a Socialist president and I can understand why parents would be concerned about his planned speech. If we could only learn from history: every country which has ever become a Socialist/Nazi/Fascist/Communist dictatorship has always started with indoctrinating the children (which are easier to reach if they are in a government-run school 40+ hours/weeks) prior to showing their TRUE intentions. They also attempt to control the media and the press so that the masses can be brainwashed (if it wasn’t for blogs, conservative radio shows (i.e. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, etc), and Fox News, as well as various Conservative political/current event publications (like God’s World News, Newsmax.com, The Washington Times, Phyllis Schlafly’s newsletter, etc.), the masses would be almost completely brainwashed right now!! And speaking about kids being able to “think for themselves”, if the government was so concerned about kids being able to think for themselves, why don’t they teach both evolution and Creationism in the schools??? Why isn’t the Bible allowed??? There seems to be some bias here. Christian students are routinely harassed, not only by other kids, but by teachers and School officials (not to mention the ACLU (American Communist Leaders’ Union- LOL). It is high times for parents, who care about their kid’s minds, to take full responsibility for their childrens education and to take them out of the government schools for good. That would force them to shut down, and compulsory education would no longer exist. Long before compulsory education came into existence, Americans ranked among all other nations as one of the most literate, educated people in the world. The literacy rate was very close the 100%; it is woefully much lower than that now; and we rank near the bottom in comparison to other countries (achievement test scores), some of them being third-world countries!! What is wrong with our education system?????? DUH!!!!! The government got involved, that’s what! Everything the government gets into, it ruins. When are people going to realize that?? By the way, a lot of the voters who helped to get President Obama elected were graduates from public schools/college students. Does that tell you anything? The public schools/colleges have both been ruined by the government (yes, the colleges are just as bad!) and the young people have been indoctrinated into socialist thinking, which explains why they voted for a Socialist candidate. Does anyone recall seeing a group of young adults waving a Communist/Soviet Union flag on the night of Obama’s election victory?
It was commented on during the Fox News coverage, and even posted on the internet. I wonder how many people even noticed it. Well, I guess most people are already brainwashed and have been dumb-downed for so long that nothing catches their attention much anymore; it has happened so many times throughout history (i.e. China, Russia, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Canada, most of Europe, etc.) As the old saying goes, “History repeats itself because we fail to learn from history”.

Mary J Rowell —-you are so right about everything you wrote! You covered all the points right-on! thank you.