September 6, 2009 ~ The following is adapted from a comment, which I posted early on the 5th of September, in response to several comments from readers, who spoke out against our stand against Chairman Obama’s indoctrination of the school children of America, scheduled for September 8, 2009. Comments were left on the column entitled, Chairman Obama to Speak to Students of America (K-12) (which is no longer available for viewing).
In addition, my wife and I received an email from a friend in Flagstaff, Arizona – a retired liberal teacher and die-hard Democrat. We are not sure whether her letter was submitted to the local bird-cage liner, which passes for a newspaper, or if it was submitted to someone with the Flagstaff Public School District, itself. Her letter follows this brief foreword. (Ed.)
~ Letter to the Publisher ~
This is ridiculous! How could a speech reported to be about encouraging students “to work hard and take responsibility for their learning” – what we agree is lacking in our students – be detrimental? How can your school censor something they haven’t even seen? The Arizona School Boards Association issued a statement “strongly encouraging” schools to participate. The state board spokesperson said, “We believe encouraging high student achievement and responsible and informed citizenship is a responsibility and the president’s address is an opportunity to address those things.”
Horne (Tom Horne, Superintendent of Public Education in Arizona) said it looks like “hero worship.” Shouldn’t the president be esteemed? Doesn’t every kid want to grow up to be president? The president is a far better role model than music stars and athletes and gang members. Besides schools HIRE motivational speakers to try to encourage students. Here’s a free opportunity for all children to get a very positive message from their president.
It’s insulting to the intelligence of teachers to censor a broadcast before they even know the content. If there IS something biased about the speech, teachers have the right and responsibility to present the “other side.” But what could be the “other side” to encouraging students to do well in school? What are they going to say- DON’T WORK HARD- don’t take responsibility for your own learning !!!???
By refusing to show it, your district is being political which I believe is illegal. They are taking a stand not only against the Obama administration, they are encouraging students to disrespect the office of the president. It’s OK to disagree respectfully- if there is anything in the broadcast to object to, but to not show it at all is censorship and obstructing critical thinking. It’s too bad that those who defend the Bill of Rights can’t see the hypocrisy in denying freedom of speech. ~ J.V.
I am sorry that you are so disturbed by what you are reading, however if what Obama claims his intentions are would be true, I would be supportive, as the other readers of this publication would. As I stated to Chris in a previous posting, Obamas legacy has been of a different bent. Read and study his history, and one MUST come to another conclusion.
It would seem, that IF what Obama says is true, then the education of our children should be paramount (and with this I agree), but that it should be a partnership between parents, teachers and the child. If that is the case, why not give his speech in prime-time, while the family is together, and can discuss it afterwards? This would be the proper way to do things – but that has not been the Obama way. Not in Illinois! Not in the U.S. Senate, and certainly not in the White House.
I am disturbed that those of your belief, dont seem to get it. As the Superintendent of the Scottsdale (Arizona) Elementary School District has said, I wont let the Governor nor Mayor come in this district without first clearing it with us. What gives him the right to dictate individuals school schedules or policies?
On the other side of the coin, the Superintendent of the Tempe Arizona Elementary School District let it be known that no student will be allowed to opt-out of the speech. It will be MANDATORY for each student to participate. This seems to me to be somewhat heavy-handed – doesn’t it? I guess that this makes this school administrator a good little soldier for the Chairman.
By the way, when did Reagan speak to the school children of America?, because the leftist-leaning main-stream media (MSM) have been billing Mr. Obamas speech to the kiddies as, historical, claiming that its never been done before.
This issue has exploded all over the nation – and for good reason. I am proud to have been a small part of waking a segment of America up. Once again, his intentions might be great – but his track record ain’t!
Leave my grandchildren alone, now, you can go back to sleep!
Without Apology I am,
Jeffrey Bennett
~ the Author ~
A veteran of Viet Nam, student of history (both American and film), Jeffrey Bennett has broadcast for over 24 years years as host of various programs and has been considered the voice of reason on the alternative media – providing a unique and distinctive broadcast style, including topics such as health and wellness, news, financial well-being, political satire (with a twist), education and editorial commentary on current events through the teaching of history. In addition, he is the CEO of Kettle Moraine, Ltd.