Perhaps you should have stayed in school longer.  It's spelled "campaign".

I am in complete agreement with Ken!! Dorko1, you clearly made the argument about staying in school and having goals!!!

I think that's right. Had Obama been president when you were in school, you might be able to spell English words.

I voted for Obama, and am well educated. However, I think he is a Jimmy Carter type president, and will not vote for him again.

ooh snap! re the misspelling of "campaign." that must have been really embarrassing for you.

Plus, it isn't even true. He's trying to solve a lot of problems left to him by Dick Cheney.

Hey!  This guy has done more good for this country than any President since Clnton.  Of course he should speak and it should be required listening for all kids and probably most parents.  More power to him!  Any thinking person would welcome his input.

You must be a member of 'the party of no'. It will not matter what Obamma does or doesn't do, the GOP will continue to create controversies out of thin air in an attempt to derail any reforms Obamma atempts to put into place.

Of course!

Even though I despise the war criminal, Bush, I would have let me children listen to a message that encouraged staying in school and getting an "edumacation."

Lien Xing

I thought Obama was born in Africa. So wouldn't I be able to spell Swahili words better or whatever? Lol.

Dorko1--to add insult to injury dude, it's not the end of the world you can't spell campaign. I even struggle with spelling words. But that's why they made spell-check, something that comes with this website, that's the embarrassing thing.

I can't believe people don't want the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to address the school children of this country. Sr. Bush addressed the children at the start of the school year and noone balked at that. No one said he should do "something" first. I am not sure , I don't remember that far back, but I think Clinton also did. Bush Jr choose not to address the school children during his term even though HE coined himself the "education"president.

I have to ask myself why is this "non issue" an issue. Is it really just people are afraid of having a "black" man speak to their child. Are people afraid that some how the PRESIDENT is going to transmit a subconscience message to the school children of this country? Have we, as a nation, become so divide that some Americans are AFRAID of letting a dully elected PRESIDENT speak address our children??

My husband says this country is headed for a civil war. I sincerely hope he is wrong but I find my husband is rarely wrong. Our last PRESIDENT said if you not with us, your against us. He was wrong! We are all Americans! The right yells about the left being UNAMERICAN, How unamerican is it to not let your child hear the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES speak to them? How unamerican is it not to support your PRESIDENT?

I think GW Bush will be historically considered one the worst presidents in history. But I would never have ever considered not letting my children hear what he had to say. I remember waiting days after 9/11 to hear what the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES had to say about the horrific events that had just occured and sitting right on the couch next to me were my girls. When the PRESIDENT speaks we ALL should listen. We may not like what he says, but we should listen and we should encourage our children to listen! After all, in a democratic nation, a president has to be elected by a majority of the people, and we must a support him, regardless of what party affliation.

Personally, I'm pleasantly surprised by the vote count. Given how "loud" the negative hype was, I thought the negative vote would be higher.

The results really are not surprising - it is a very small and obnoxious right wing group that causes the most sensation as they know they have no majority at all and very little support - so they do what they can to make themselves look bigger than they are. The sad thing is that they are so easily motived by tv and radio pitch men that make their money by this group being so loud -- it brings them ratings and ratings bring in more dollars...

It would be good for their kids to hear the presidents speech my kids listened to Bush and Reagan and they seemed to have turned out just fine --

Excellent post! I also hope your husband is wrong but fear he may be correct.

I think there are those who do more than disagree with the President's policies. They hate him. They hate him so much, they want to take him down. What scares me is that in this country there are elected members of Congress who spew this hate, who seem to be urging the haters to hate more, to continue to hate, to do everything they can to make sure this President fails.

And why do they hate him so much? Is it because he wants all Americans to have health care, so no one is ever afraid of becoming ill? Is it because he wants all schools to be equipped enough to teach our kids to compete in the future? Do they hate him because he really wishes to help Americans?

When I think how proud of this country I was the night of the election. I wanted citizens from other nations around the world to see the greatness that is America. That we, as a people, put aside color barriers to elect the person we knew would be best for this country.

And now? I am ashamed of this country. I am ashamed of those who hate him for his color. And I am ashamed for some of our elected officials who want to be back in power who use his color to make people afraid. I am ashamed of those who want back into power who use fear to cloud policies that will help people. I am ashamed that in the U. S. of America,as much as Nov. 4th seemed to move us forward, there is now a minority that insists on pulling us back.

And I am most ashamed of the majority of us who know how intelligent this President is, how willing he is to move America forward, who are not standing up to the minority to tell them to shut up.

Until we who believe in Barack Obama get a grip and help him with his agenda, this country is doomed.

And to those who say he hasn't done enough for "me," stop whining, stop being babies, be real. The man can't do everything in 8 months.

Oh - and maybe, just maybe some of you who complain might take a look at your Senators and Representatives, who, at the moment, are adding to our problems.

Who wants smart kids ? I'd rather they grow up to be Faux News viewers. The last thing we need is more educated people, how else will Walmart and McDonalds find employees ?

campain(sic) - must be a bush fan, you certainly spell like him. Maybe you and Dan Quayle can get together and peel some "potatoes"

Dorko and Jim Bob vote no....it figures.......

This country is slowly descending into a place that is inhabited by morons. Yes, my kid will watch the speech and I do not fear that he will be become a Socialist, Communist, Democrat or Republican. I believe in EDUCATION and that is what the President will be speaking about. Get with it folks, we are slowly becoming an uneducated country. Our kids are turning to people in India to write their school papers and to work their math problems. WAKE AMERICA before you become a nation of morons, more respected because you are FEARED than respected for your contributions to the world of ideas and new visions. WAKE UP.

Dorko and Jim Bob vote no....it figures

Wow Dorko1 you have really hit a nerve with all of the spelling bee winners out there. But, just like most political 'discussions' the comment has not been addressed. Rather the name calling and tangent tactics start. Has anyone stopped to ask why we first let our government put things like 'no child left behind' into action; allow history books to be re-written to be more politically correct and now rely on the top office to be the one to motivate our children? Ricardo, why should this be a required viewing? Why could it not be a prime time event so that every parent, grandparent, guardian, etc. decide if their children should watch? That way the family (remember that concept) can discuss it together. My local school district was not even aware of this speech until noon on Friday. The teachers had not heard of the speech being aired; the Principal had no plan, the Superintendent was scrambling to put together a plan. I know because I was in contact with all of these offices to see how the public school system was handling the situation. Wonder what the percentage change has been for home schooling in the last 20 years? And, Lord knows I hope I spelled everything correctly and my grammer was not too bad.

Hey, Jim Bob, look up "indoctrinate" in the dictionary. Any educated fool knows that doctrine and religion go together. I think a child will get indoctrinated more by going to church than a 30 minute speech. Besides have you bothered to read it? It's about working hard and contributing to society. Heaven forbid a child does that. Even Bush Sr. and Reagan did it on our nation's dime.

He has already brought the economy out of the Bush Depression. We are now in the beginning stages of economic recovery.

Metal guitarist: I want to share your optimism. However, I think later we will be calling this the bailout bubble.

I thought that is what PARENTS are for....My children listen and believe in our family's goals and perspective...Too much gov't in our schools already, and our students are still behind, makes home schooling very attractive...

I wish he had not done anything, like you said, and we could see what a true depression looks like, up close and personal. Bush and Cheney's policies should have been allowed to be *completely* realized and Americans could finally reap what they sew. Vote Republican and see what you get! It looks like what you are trying to get is a civil war. Oooh, more history up close and personal. Stupid sheep...

I am actually a current high school student and although most of the voters who replied with a, no, to this survey had very little to say as to why, had no real reasoning and if they did it was backed up by ludicrous accusations. Past presidents have delivered speeches to the students and no one gave them grief, its not that he is trying to build up a youth army or something ridiculous like that. Maybe those who voted no, should give the president of the united states a chance and wait for the speech to be delivered to prove that maybe! just maybe he has good intentions for the nation he's worked so hard, to lead.

It is important for someone to encourage the students (the future of this nation) to succeed and better this nation, and who better than the one leading the united states? Sure I was not a George W. Bush fan like most americans, and know that his consistent C average as a student was not much to aspire to. But he was the president, and I would have listened. As a parent, wouldn't you want your child to try their best and succeed? If not then I think its a great opportunity for someone with such power as the president to encourage them. Sure Mr. Obama has a lot on his hands here, and over seas, with the health care speech coming up it is just one of his tasks that he faces early in office, but since when can't he take a 5 minute break and address the nations youth on how vital of a roll we play in the future to avoid such poor conditions we have fallen into.

If president Obama's term is not fulfilled to this nations expectations, I hope my generation can watch and prove that this speech was just a prep talk for us to further the united states reputation as world leader.

avgamerican, You were doing so well until you mispelled grammar. Spellcheck is a very valuable tool, especially when you are bragging about your spelling and sic. grammer.

Go Pres., Go. I am honored to have my kids hear your wise words. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Jake12, Wow. What a nice post. Congratulations for being in high school and displaying such eloquence and your well thought out message. Good luck in your studies. You will go far.

He comes as an accomplished, well educated man who won this past presidential election by a landslide. He is currently not campaigning, he is working to change our country for the better for ALL citizens, even for citizens like you who are ignorant and unable to critically think. You spew propaganda from the illiterate right. Shame on you and not that long ago people like you claimed patriotism was supporting your president. You should leave this country if you don't agree with democracy and the rights for every American!

If you read the speech, there is nothing but fluff in it. There is no real point to it and is a waste of our children's time. They should be learning to add, to subtract, to multiply, to divide, about history, how to read, how to write, about science, and about our political system; not spending time sitting there hearing someone blow a lot of meaningless hot air out of their mouth.

If the President was actually saying something meaningful and profound, instead of telling our children that if they fail, they fail the country; then I wouldn't have a problem. Particularly, if he pointed out that if they fail, they fail themselves and their families. Instead, he has a lot of fluff; then has the teachers asking them why is it important to listen to our politicians. He does not have the teachers ask why is it important to listen to your parents and teachers; he just has them emphasizing that our politicians are more important than parents and teachers.

I'm sorry, but our parents and teachers are way more relevant to our lives than the politicians. Politicians only affect our lives when they infringe upon our freedoms, debate issues that we are attached to, or when there is an emergency like a natural disaster or war. Our every day lives are rarely impacted by what politicians say or do.

And what Republicans are doing so far? Other than be against anything that is proposed without other explanation than big lies looking to put President Obama down to assure be the new residents in the White House in 2012.

Accomplish something? How about being elected the President of the US for one. Graduating from Harvard Law with honors for two.

Within the confines of his Presidency, here is a list of things Ive noticed that mark changes in political philosophy from our last administration. Each change is an accomplishment.

Enjoy!

Report of Obama's Campaign Promises
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

Energy Bill Marks Shift Towards Renewable Energy
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30777788/

Obama bans accounting gimmicks to hide ACTUAL deficit numbers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/us/politics/20budget.html

$2.4 billion in 48 taxpayer grants to create next-generation electric vehicles
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32283931/ns/us_news-the_elkhart_project/

2.8 billion for Cash for clunkers program averaging 69% vehicle efficiency upgrade
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-29-2009/0005068374&EDATE=

Obama and senate overcome republican support for more F-22s
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32028667/ns/us_news-military/

Obama has been supporting this recent health care proposal.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/14/house.health.care/index.html

EPA reverses Bush-era decision and grants state waiver to implement emissions curbs on cars
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31664839/ns/us_news-environment/

Tesla Motors to Receive $465 Million Loan from the Government
http://www.oncars.com/story/511/Tesla-Motors-to-Receive-$465-Million-Loan-from-the-Government

Energy bill reducing carbon emissions passes house
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31565446/ns/us_news-environment/

Obama to Extend Benefits to Gay Federal Employees
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/16/us/AP-US-Obama-Gay-Benefits.html

Obama Curtails Bush Policy of Preempting State Law
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104016.html?hpid=topnews

Obama signs limits on credit company rate increases into law
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/22/politics/main5033322.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_5033322

Obama to Announce Plan Requiring Cars Average 35 MPG by 2016
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1020791_obama-to-announce-plan-requiring-cars-average-35-mpg-by-2016

Obama / Health Industry Negotiate 2 Trillion In Savings
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/10/AR2009051002222.html

Department of Energy Guarantees First Stimulus Loan to Solar Power
http://digg.com/d1otxK

Obama Declassifies Bush Era Torture Memos
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/16/us.torture.documents/index.html

U.S. may drop key condition for talks with Iran
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30202638/

United States will join direct talks between U.N. and European powers and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/08/us.iran.nuclear/index.html

Obama Reverses Bush Policy of WIthholding Documents
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/20/foia.policy.change/index.html

Stem Cell Reversal
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/09/obama.stem.cells/index.html

Obama reverses abortion-funding policy
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/23/obama.abortion/index.html

Obama Closes Gitmo and bans Bush era Torture Techniques
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-01-23-voa3.cfm

Obama moves to let states cap car emissions - Climate Change- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28846202/

Obama tells GOP no compromise on tax rebates - CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/27/obama.meetings/index.html

Obama tells Citigroup to "fix it" about private jet
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Politics/story?id=6740011&page=1

Bush-era oil leases in Utah canceled - Environment- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29017638/

Obama team gearing up to cut nuke arsenal - White House- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29043009/

Secret Bush memos made public by Obama - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29469663/

Obama shelves Bush species rule - Environment- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29490531/

Obama Changes Bush Era Policy Of No-Bid Contracts.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/04/obama-mccain-join-forces-on-govt-contract-changes/

Rove, Miers to testify in prosecutor firings - White House- msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29516561/

Obama's first day: Pay freeze
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28767687/

Chandler you're pretty much spot on in everything you said. Though sometimes it's hard to figure out what you can do to help move things forward when it seems like it's all nearly futile. I sign stuff going to senators and representatives as well as attempting to contact them on my own accord. Then a few weeks later, if you're lucky, you get back a stock reply. It's then that you understand that what you want is not what they want, and they just don't care. It's discouraging and and a bit upsetting to get a cookie cutter slap in the face.

Jake you are awesome, and as a parent I hope my two girls will be as eloquent and have the same level of insight as you when they're in high school.

It's campaign.

chandler w:

Thank you sir for your post; it is the most truth I have seen in ages on any of the blogs!!

My cousin in Norway (white) and his wife (black) are so happy that we finally elected a person who actually cares about the people. They are also thrilled because they believe it will put the US in a better light around the world!!

Because of the hatred and lies being spread by even those in government, it makes my stomach sick to read the trash that they write!!

As far as I'm concerned, I hope I will never see another GOP president in my lifetime! I am tired of the wars and all the lies that the GOP spew!!

Thanks again for your insight; it was refreshing to say the least!!

The president could accomplish more of his promises if it was not for all the knuckle-heads that are in the way.

blueingoregon, I'm from Oregon too. George W may not have addressed the children on goals, etc., but remember he was reading "My Pet Goat" to some Florida students on 09/11/01, very near the first day of school that year. Of course, he also claimed to have promoted "No Child Left Behind" but "Left Behind" encouragement for any funding for that program so it failed.

Is "Dorko" your given name? Your parents were quite perceptive!

Being elected the leader of the Free World is enough accomplishment in and of it self to deserve to speak to the nations school age children. Our society is much more digitally connected that at any time in history. If most of our prior presidents had the opportunity to electronically broadcast a positive message of hope and encouragement to stay in school and work harder, then they should have done the same thing too. I think it speaks highly of his committment to education in general and his desire to see our youth put forth their best effort to excell and never give up. That is the American spirit. To triumph of over adversity and still come out as winner. Every child who completes thier general education requirements must know that it is an important first step to becomming a productive, contributing citizen and educated citizen. Our nations high school drop out rate is at an alarming all time high. Many children in society rarely hear a word of encouragement on a daily basis. They need to hear a word of encouragement from the top. Any parent who would disagree with this idea, is a parent who has other issues and is allowing thier personal political, social ideas get in the way of common sense. I've have not seen such disrespect for the office of the president ever. It's time people come to accept the fact that we all can't have things the way we want them and have to learn to work together and get things accomplished.

He already has accomplished something - he became the first African American President of the United States!

If you think President Obama has not accomplished anything in the short time he's been in office, you just haven't been paying attention. Here's a good place to start learning:

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1893277,00.html

Whether or not you think he has accomplished anything of value, he is the President of the United States. That's quite an accomplishment in and of itself, and the story of his rise to that position should be inspiring to every child in America.

Dorko1, Your name speaks for itself.

Not only did the Sr Bush address the kids, but Reagan did also. The Jr Bush did the same... it is a standard. I think that the people who are protesting need to become more aware and realize this is what a president does......he encourages progress in addition to trying to solve problems! Do I think he is perfect? Far from it. However, encouraging youth to stay in school can never be intelligently argued as being a bad thing.

"Accomplish something first . . ."? OK well how about becoming president of the United States or "something" like that?

Despite which side of the congressional "aisle" you reside, we have a great man as president right now. He means what he says and it's not a bunch of "Washinton-ease" which we could have easily had with almost any other candidate. The future is in education and in our children - NOT in over the hill life long politicians who are self important!

Challenge our children - they are imppressionable - help them - encourage them - all of us, including the President of the United States.

Every day Republicans look out - your leadership is rotten at it's core. The good men are jumping ship leaving all of you in a cess pool.

You are a idiot!!!!!

Wow Jay-1316773 , Nuff said.

netimeas
This country is slowly descending into a place that is inhabited by morons. ---------------------------------------------------------

Do you know what gives me some hope though? More and more people seem to be realizing how utterly intellectual bankrupt and downright absurd the far right wing in the U.S. has become. They may have finally tipped their hand with their reaction to this speech. Everything and I mean everything is an outrage to them, no matter how small, they propose nothing in the way of solutions and they've been reduced to throwing temper tantrums, spreading ridiculous conspiracy theories, wide spread name calling, shouting down those they disagree with, and knee jerk opposition to anything Obama does, case in point, a rather harmless speech which has become somewhat of a presidential tradition. For the record, I don't hearing this kind of outrage from the left when Bush gave similar speeches. Probably because most realized, even if we disagree with him, even strongly in some regards, he is still the president and should be shown a measure of respect. Yes there were definitely exceptions but these people didn't represent the mainstream democratic party...

I think it is becoming clear that they aren't actually angered about the issues, they have a problem with Obama and much of it isn't rational.

Ordinary #1.46, now there is a comment that really moves the debate along.

Both before and after the last presidential election, there were between 20 and 30 percent of the population who said that George W. Bush did a good job. If you are among that number, then there is no reasoning with you. You would not know when a person was doing a good job if he smacked you in the face with a smart stick. There is a small number of people in that 20 to 30 percent who cannot stand that they have lost and want to make everyone else as miserable, fearful, and paranoid as they are. By screaming and ranting about things they do not understand and do not want to understand, they hope to eventually get their way.

Almost every President we've ever had spoke to the kids in the classroom via tv. I think all this flap was created by racists people who does not want to adhere to aa black president. This man is trying to correct problems which are so deeply imbedded in this country's society, that it will take Jesus to come and correct them. If the naysayers would support him, instead of criticizing him, we could easily move forward as a nation. If the naysayers had all the answers, why didn't they run for the office? They didn't want to, because no one wanted to inherit the mess this country was and is in. There is an adage that says: You can either lead, follow, or just get the heck out of the way. There are many talking heads who should just shut up and either offer support of keep your mouth closed. Right now, we are looking pretty bad as a Nation who is supposed to be the leader of a Free World. We can't lead if we don't know how to follow.

tomwcraig: another child left behind. Sad. I was going to correct your grammar, but that would take way too long. Instead, you might consider listening to President Obama's speech once more, pay attention, and consider some remedial classes yourself.

"you can judge the character of a man by the company he keeps."If this is true, we should all be afraid. Obuma and his company should be an indicator of his character, that is why I wouldn't let my children listen to anything he says, he is a hollow suit.

As far as you libs worrying about my typing...Get real. It was stupid typo and you lib heads explode! ggggggggggg

This pole is bogus.

dork is a dork .. the pres. has been very prolific in cleaning upthe jerk neo-con's mess that was left to him. he is doing great

your name says it all pal.

Your screen name surely seems to fit.

what has that got to do with telling them to stay in school? every politician has said that from the beginning of time practically. people need to get a life.

Why Obama's Address to Schoolchildren Is Objectionable

http://www.lewrockwell.com/rozeff/rozeff310.html

Such a speech blurs or crosses several boundaries that I believe there are good reasons to have in place.

The President's constitutional powers are explicit. They include the "executive Power." They include being "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States" and a few more listed in the Constitution, including preserving and protecting the Constitution. They do not include addressing schoolchildren.

If the President were to live up to his oath to preserve and protect the Constitution, he would request that Congress repeal all its laws regarding education. Section 8 of Article I lists the powers of Congress. Education is not on that list. So when the President addresses schoolchildren, he breaks his oath in several ways. He does not have that power, and he affirms and solidifies a power assumed by Congress that Congress does not have. The President is failing in his sworn duty. Those who think that the President's speech is helpfully teaching civics are mistaken. His speech is conveying and confirming anti-civics and anti-Constitutional lessons.

The President is a political leader. He is not in office to be an educator. His duties are clearly laid out, and they do not include educating children. By the same token, the President is not the parent of all these children. He is not their teacher. He is not their religious leader. The reason for these boundaries is so that political figures do not use their power and influence to dominate our social lives.

It is a special danger to liberty and society when national powers are developed. These are powers in which the national leadership directly controls or influences individual citizens, while bypassing or circumventing other local sources of governance and influence such as parents, families, churches, schools, and local governments.

An Obama address to schoolchildren is an instance of the further development of national power and influence. It breaks new ground in the influence of State over society. Public education already is under the influence of objectionable forces, but this establishes a new precedent that can be extended. If one political leader addresses youth, other leaders are more likely to address youth. The content of their speeches can be enlarged. Their influence can be enlarged. Government will be given more play and support than it already has. Such a speech is inescapably political. Such a precedent can eventually lead to further dangerous developments, such as a Presidential Youth or an Obama Youth.

The President is a politician. Any address he might make, no matter how nonpartisan it may seem, is bound to be political. It cannot be neutral. The very fact that he is President and making such a speech will be taken in by school children. He will be conveying his authority to these children, with the blessings of their parents and school teachers. They will be taught by the speech itself, regardless of its content, to look to the national government in matters relating to their lives. After all, is he not addressing them about very personal and civic matters? His speech is necessarily a political act.

The President is the leader of a particular political party, so that the very fact that he is a Democrat who is President and making such a speech influences his listeners. Children grow up to be voting adults.

In any speech, what the President says lies beyond the control of those who allow that speech to enter the classroom. The teachers have control over the subsequent discussion, if they choose to have it. But the President will already have made his impact. Children do not fully possess the capacities to judge political matters.

Will the opposition party demand equal time? Do we want politicians routinely competing with one another for the attention of and influence over children?

The President commands the airwaves. This is a dangerous and influential power when used with adults. Allowing this power to be extended to communication with every child in the country is even more dangerous.

School districts can opt out of the speech. In some districts, children may be allowed to opt out of the speech. These options are good ones. But they do not alter the reasons outlined above for objecting to a president making speeches in schools.

I'd like to add that I have seldom read stronger words in newspapers directed against those who object to Obama's speechmaking to children. They are being called crackpots. They are being accused of demonizing the President. They are being accused of McCarthyism. They are being accused of being racist, completely insane, and members of the right-wing lunatic fringe.

Dorko, you have an appropriate name. You may have benefited from the President's speech by learning how to spell. It is distressing that we have so many ignorant citizens in our country who want their children to be just like them! Its no accident that most of these idiots gravitate toward the GOP, listen to the wingnuts on FoxNews and have never studied socialism, communism and capitalism. The first thing you might consider is to read President Obama's speech and try to find any reference to "socialism". (Hint: there aren't any!) Perhaps the real reason why you don't want your children to listen to the President is because he is the first African-American President who is clever, exceptionally well educated and articulate and has an attractive and educated family! Go ahead and hide behind your "concerns" about socialism because it makes you appear to be stupid and ignorant!

Unfortunately mister english teacher cam"pain" about fits! He's been nothing but a pain in the tax payers wallet since he was elected! The "O" in Obama represents the tunnel vision this guy has! The job market is still a pile but, Obama is gonna get Hillary's healthcare reform pushed through! On unemployment checks mind you.

Kim,  Please don't lump all Texans together as wingnuts...granted it seems like we have more than our fair share here, but there are many Texans (myself included) that are educated, well-informed, and voted for Obama. 

Speaking of wingnuts...case in point....my children's new school superintendent decided NOT to air the Obama educational speech to our district.  AND the majority of wingnuts in this town (WICHITA FALLS, TX) seem to agree with him.  That's not to say that there aren't many who would support Obama's speech (as my family does)---but the squeaky wheel is the one that gets the grease.  Unfortunately in this town, as in many others, the loud squeaky ones are the Obama haters.

I voted for Obama, and am well educated. However, I think he is a Jimmy Carter type president, and will not vote for him again.

Hi not everyone one in Texas will keep their kids home. I for one demanded that my child hear the speach AT school not at home with me on the website. She needs to get the message at school.

Nancy, I know what you mean about Texas.I lived there from 1971 to 2007 ( The Woodlands) and voted there but as soon as I retired, I moved to Missouri, most Texans think its still 1955.

Nancy, why are you relying on the school to motivate your child? Why not keep your child at home to show it on the web or CSPAN? Did you voice your opinion to the superintendent? Did you read his speech? What are you doing to help educate the 'wingnuts'? You guys slam the whole state of Texas and their backage standards but I believe the term 'wingnut' is well dated. Also, LOVEFORLAUREN, why does your child have to see it at school? Who helps your child with projects, papers, homework, self-esteem and knowing that he/she can be anything they want to be?

Hi Robert, Texas has been home to us since 1990, but when DH retires from his state job, we're headed to Kansas as soon as we can get the moving trucks loaded. Kansas may be a conservative state too (my husband's home state), but at least folks there are civil and can engage in debating politics without getting 'down & dirty', like all the politics I've witnessed first hand here.

And the few loud mouths here that show their lack of intelligence give the whole darn state a bad reputation. Just see the comments listed here! Of course, our governor did make a comment about seceding from the Union & turned down federal stimulus money (while bankrupting our unemployment insurance, requiring it to go into trust money to survive). So maybe, just maybe, we deserve some of the crap we get from other states :)

avgAmerican, I do NOT rely on the school to motivate my child. Thankfully my children (1st/2nd graders) get all the encouragement, love & support from us possible, and they excell in school, loving their teachers & having a burning desire to learn. They live with two progressive, college-educated professionals that vote Democrat. My blonde blue-eyed son proclaimed that he wanted brown skin, just like President Obama. They are both top-notch students, afforded many things that a majority of their classmates don't have.
I have voiced my opinion to the superintendent, but didn't get to read the speech until today. I will voice my opinion yet again tomorrow.
Believe me, all the education in the world won't change the view of a "wingnut". Come hell or high water, they will believe what they believe, no matter what evidence is given to them that shows the contrary. I am not slamming the state of Texas, but as I've said before, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease', and the so-called "wingnuts" (not my term but someone's above) are the squeaky wheels around here.

I am well-educated, informed, and I voted for John McCain. I have read President Obama's speech, and I find it to be very upbeat and encouraging, and free of dogma.It is a good message for those starting at the middle school level. One of the president's on/off contemporaries, William Ayers, is a support of early education to get children out from under the influence of their parents as soon as possible. It is this association that led me to be very suspect of the president's speech. Now that I have read it, I find it easy to set aside my concerns. However, there need be no accompanying coursework - perhaps a polite discussion with the students, but a lesson plan? This is further waste of time in a system that educates its students in a mediocre fashion on many levels.

It's not just for Texas anymore, come on down to Florida and see what the south is really like. Several county school boards in central Florida were trying to decide if they would BAN his speech. But then, I have heard that we STILL have a fairly active KKK here.

Google "KKK in Florida" and see how many hits you get. That's what this is all about, especially here in Florida. I have had people prove their racism verbally in discussions about President Obama. Even have a person we know who is part of active Guard that states that President Obama is NOT his commander-in-chief. Nice, huh.

Nancy: I also would never rely on the public school to motivate my children. I homeschooled my children until highschool, which they both wished to attend.I am no wingnut. They are well adjusted, straight A students.They are happy to be who they are, including their light skin color! My husband and I are college graduates that voted Republican. Our household is conservative Christian, and we have many friends of different races. We consider all men to be equal members of one human race, descended from Adam. During the campaign last fall, my son was surprized to hear that a black man had never run for president before, and wondered why. Our household was completely colorblind until race came up during the election. We examined many issues. We compared Obama's remarks about "guns and religion" to Karl Marx's "opiate of the masses" and whether or not there were similarities between these comments. We discussed what it meant to be pow in Viet Nam and how that would impact a man's charachter, integrity, and judgement in crises. We discussed abortion, and what it meant to be a man who is committed to abortion on demand for all. We discussed taxes, and businesses, oil production and energy independence, and what that would mean for America. We examined George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and their writings,and discussed what it meant to be - or not be - a Christian nation. We looked at Abraham Lincoln, and how he patiently waited for his mandate to exact sweeping social change in America. We discussed why it was a self made woman, a successful governor and wife and mother, a Godly woman who lives by her worldview and demonstrates integrity in her life - should be the butt of media jokes. We laughed out loud at the liberal media "news" coverage. In the end, we stuck with our conservative values. At school, my son was taunted as a "racist" since he supported John McCain, and "stupid" for taking a stance against the volitonal slaughter of the unborn. I am so proud of him, and his ability to stand up for exactly who he is, and that he was so sure of who he was, and could take the heat because of belief in his value system and himself. I certainly wish no less for your young son.

Nancy, I agree with you. My children have all received a good education, and I encouraged them every step of the way. In fact, I know my dedication to my children was higher than most. When they were still in school, I would have loved to have President Obama on my team. Raising a child is not an easy task, and I would have taken all the help I could get.

I have worked with children who do not get home support. I have seen many minority students give up and think it is useless. President Obama has a responsibility to help encourage them. Should he talk to our children? It is his duty to talk to them because many of the presidents came from family money. President Obama is a role model for those who are not born wealthy. The "wingnuts" don't like welfare. This single act may encourage a child to reach for the stars. The schools in my area will not allow the children to hear the speech. What do you think this teaches the children? I wonder if they let their children watch a lot of trash on TV.

Dear "God bless America". Do I have to explain everything that I wrote for you? I mentioned the fact that my caucasian blonde haired blue-eyed son "wished for brown skin", just like he wishes for many things (including a Wii, world peace, and for his two grandfathers to still be with us here on earth). THE POINT I was trying to make (and thought I did so, sorry you didn't understand it) is that, what a wonderful statement to make, in 2009....a child doesn't care about skin color, and it's suddenly "cool" to have skin of color. How many hundreds of years have people of color (any color, that is) wished for a society such as that. He is the future of this nation, a child that does NOT see color as any stumbling block to anything he wishes to accomplish.

My 2 sons are among the most well-adjusted, loving Christian kids that you could ever meet. They are articulate and feel empathy. I've always said that my goal is to raise responsible, healthy children into productive adults that can and will make this country a better place to live in. And believe me, even at ages 7 & 6, they are already doing so. They don't look down on anyone, and do not make fun of anyone that has differences from them, whether it be skin color, gender, religion, or points of view. I'm sorry that your son has experienced otherwise.

texas is full of morons . not wanting your kids to hear the president speak is driven by racist and hypocrits.

I love how when someone announces how Christian they are something evil usually spills from their mouth.

God bless America, I am a liberal and have two awesome daughters. They went through public education and were tauntedfor being "liberals" at their conservative public school. They were taunted by "Pro-lifers" when the said that it wasn't only enough to save a fetus but we, as a christian country, must do more to protect children by making education a higher priority in this country and making sure every child had health care. So keep the righteous indignation to a minimum. If more people talked about their differences and tried to find common ground maybe we, as a country, could get more "christian" work done.

My grandmother always told me "christian" is not an adjective, it is a verb! If you are turly a christian you don't need to tell everyone how christian you are, your life and how you treat others will speak for you. Obama was right. We are not a Christian nation. We are a nation of Christians, although after the health care debate, I don't even believe that.

Nancy, until Texans can show some maturity and understanding that this is not 1955 let alone 1855, the rest of the nation will believe what they hear and see coming from that state. Let me tell you, it is horrible. Frankly the rest of the nation would rather they become their own silly country, then maybe we could occupy it and re-educate those folks into the real world. I'm sure you are a very nice person, but what comes out of that state shows that it is full of "wing-nuts."

Cheer up Nancy, Texas does not have all the wing nuts, I know for a fact that there are quite a few in Kansas. And, remember Michele Bachmann comes from Minnesota.

We even have rightwingnuts here in Massachusetts. Just not in great concentration.

What absolutely baffles me is that this is even an issue.There is NOTHING in that speech that gets into political issues. Solving social problems? Yes. But those mentioned are referred to so broadly, it's hardly a political agenda.

Everyone just needs to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and their ilk for a while, talk with their kids about what's important to them and allow them to hear EVERYONE and learn to decide for themselves.

Hey, who cares what Kim thinks about Texas?! I am proud of the fact that Texas didn't vote for that America and caucasian hating Obama, who will surely go down in history as one of the absolute worst president's we have ever had. A president who has cripled our nation with debt that will enslave future generations of Americans to come. And unlike apolgist Nancy, who responds to Kim by saying there are many in Texas who are well-educated, informed, and who voted for Obama (although the informed part sorta belies the fact you voted for that poser)--as our vote indicated, there are many MORE Texans who are well-educated, informed, and DIDN'T vote for Osama Obama.

What? You can't teach your kids how to wash their hands -or that they need to do so- at home? You need the school to do this? You can't make your child understand they need to pay attention in school and set goals for themselves? You are a sad, pathetic people who think the POTUS needs to spend time with kindergarten issues that parents should be taking care of when there is so much at stake in our country right now.

What other responsibilities will you hand over to this very busy man that you should be handling yourselves as parents?

This country is starting its decline and if more parents don't start doing their jobs our children are going to face even harsher economic times. Ths kids in Asia aren't smarter than our kids (altho watching some of the slack-jawed youth leaving our hs makes me wonder where my obscenely-high property tax dollars are going), but they know that education is the key to their future success. Plus they are willing to work harder: you don't see children of Asian Indian decent having a subsidized Spring Break drunkfest in Cabo. Any wonder why they are getting into Med, Engineering and Business schools ahead of our kids?

The uproar over this speech is absolutely crazy! Have those of you making this fuss (the sky is falling! the sky is falling!) lost your common sense or is it just that your ignorance is showing? Shame on our President, the nerve of him telling our kids to stay in school and work for a goal, that it's not easy but it's worth the personal sacrifice. Shame on him for wanting an educated populace, after all when people are educated they tend to question their elected officials and they aren't easily controlled we can't have that can we??? The last thing we need are INFORMED people who make INFORMED decisions and aren't blinded by party loyalties.....May I gently suggest that those of you with Chicken Little Syndrome read 'Brave New World' - Huxley was inspired by Nazi doctrine when he wrote this classic, so if you're going to accuse our President of being 'Hitler' - and shame on you for doing so - at least be informed in your accusations.....

Wow Kim and Nancy. Your thoughts on Texas are so incredibly informed and educated. I don't know if you know, but Texas is a big state, we're kind of known for being a big state, and as such, I'm sure you can find Obama lovers and haters some educated and some not. In fact, if you want to move to a town that worships Obama, move to Austin. They can't get enough of him here. I live in the GREAT state of Texas, I am educated and if the fact that I like to use logic and common sense when thinking about the issues instead of blindly following liberal agenda means I'm a "wingnut" then I'm proud that there are more of us in Texas (according to you) than any other state. And if you hate Texas so much, get the hell out!

For the record, I have no problem with his speech. I think his message is great. Just because I don't believe in the way he's bankrupting this country doesn't mean I don't want him giving a good message to my children.

My children will grow up hard working (with or without this speech) and then they will carry on their backs the people who don't. That's the way it is now, right? If you don't feel like working hard, then we'll make a nice government program for you. We'll just ask the people who are actually working to pay taxes to pay for it. You're right, why would the "wingnuts" be against Obama policy?

ATX: My daughter lives in Austin, and yes it is very progressive, thank God! Recently went to Texas for my daughter's wedding. Found the people there to be somewhat a breath of fresh air in that all were polite and friendly.

As far as your statement about bankrupting this country, you need to go back a few years and look at the budget for the venture in Iraq. The billions spent there, the no-bid contracts given to Chenney's former company, the millions that we as a nation cannot account for, and the resultant loss of revenue to the US. Lack of oversight on an economic train headed for a wreak. Loss of jobs to the middle class which equates to loss of income tax revenue. Corporations taking their business to India and Indonesia and any other off shore factories to save on taxes(again revenue for the US Govt.) and wages(Consumers, taxes, etc). perhaps it is not President Obama who is the author of the mess we are in. I will give about 50% to the past administration, 15% to Clinton's administration, 10% to Reagan who brought about trickle down economics, and perhaps 25% to the Democrats and shared by the Republicans for the legislation and stalemates that happened in congress. That coupled with corporate greed, huge payouts to executives and CEO's, all led to the financial mess we are in.

The current President like the former one in consultation with his economic experts(far more educated than myself or you) realized that without a stimulus, this great Nation, and the Great State of Texas would fall in chaos and financial ruin. Sometimes we have to spend to stimulate growth, which in turn brings revenue in the form of taxes by the increased viability of our capitalistic system.

We need to offer tax incentives to those willing to provide jobs, plant and equipment investment, and re-location of previous off shore facilities. We need to put middle class America back to work. We need to eliminate fraud from the public programs currently in progress, we need to find a way to offer health care to all, not just those lucky to have a job with a corporation who offers health care. And health care should not be only for those wealthy enough to pay for it. We all pay for lost work, one way or another.

Our children should always be instilled by what our president is saying as long as it is not a political speech. And, the statement to the students was not! Our families and those with children need to take the responsibility for the children they are raising. And we need a national policy on illegals, and what rights as an illegal, they have if any? Seems like any action which is done illegally normally makes the action itself illegal, and that means if you are here illegally, then you cannot have a legal child or citizen of the US because of birth.

I noticed you have one section of Texas with plentaful water, in fact standing water all around, yet you have a large section that is in drought. Why not share your water with those less fortunate? Can't you build aqueducts?

I am glad your children will grow up to be productive, hats off to you. And, I agree we need all of the citizens of America to be productive in one way or another. Heck lets put them back to work on National Parks again, the work done before, was really good. But for those not lucky enough to come from a family business, or have a golden spoon and the "old boys club" to give them a chance, then lets put our middle class to work in factories that have been idled and left to rot. Let go back and bring those enterprises back to America, use our knowledge and technology to use the best, to manufacture the best. For as we all know, people are willing to pay for the best product because it lasts.

Yes, those with wealth can afford to pay a bit more, but the result will be just as the investment, worth the effort. We need to fix the system, but we do need a system to fix, hence the stimulus bill, and some of the spending for the sake of our country. And as always, we need to be fiscally responsible, with long term goals and true representations of costs and how they will be paid. The speech, worthy of inspiration in a time of hardship, in a dour period of our County, and in one of the worse recessions this Great Nation has seen since the Great Depression. We need to be Americans first and foremost, not a party member, and that is sad, because so many only care about their party and what they want. But that is exactly why we are in the predicament we are in now. There are wing-nuts on both sides, that is why they are called the wing,either left or right.

Most people in Texas are quite polite and friendly, you should visit the rest of the state. I agree there are wingnuts on both sides. I agree with some of the other things you said. But your argument about spending is the fundamental reason I disagree completely with what's going on. There's no argument that will convince me that spending more than you or your children or their children can ever pay back is going to "stimulate" the economy. There's no argument that will convince me that taxing the people..the middle class and small businesses especially... which absolutely will happen to pay for these programs, will "stimulate" the economy. It's not LOGICAL. Let the people keep their money. Let them spend it the way they want/need. Let me give my money to a charity rather than the government with it's inefficient programs and red tape.

Read some Ron Paul. He's from Texas, hasn't forgotten what the Constitution stands for and is completely LOGICAL. Something that neither side is.

ATX Girl: How do I go about trying to explain in that which you have already stated will be a failing argument. If there is no way anyone could convince you, then indeed the discussion is over. By the way, did you do as most Americans have done, as my parents did, and most likely your parents too, buy a home using leverage? We put down 30 some percent, but still used leverage to purchase the beautiful house we are in. We did so, with estimations of both our current income and our projected income, knowing that as our income increased, our ability to pay down our debt would also increase.

In purchasing a home, we did not buy a new one, but we still had to purchase a replacement air-conditioner, and many, many other items to both clean up and make the home the way we wanted. Our purchase helped many stores, home depot, lowes, local merchants, etc. The supplies and items we bought then had to be replaced, causing some plant, somewhere to have to produce. Now a new home is unbelievable, so I need not go there.

I totally agree about the need for small businesses and the middle class, and anyone who has read my items, will know that I constantly stand up for the middle class and small businesses. Let's see, if you make or have a taxable income(that would be income after either deductions for costs on that small businesses/schedule C, or after your deductions(middle class personal deductions) over $250K, then yes, Obama will be taxing you by an additional 5%. Folks, you can afford it, you may not like it, but oh well.

Middle class America will not have increased taxes, small businesses will not have increased taxes, and even in the health care bill, it defines the gross profit that can be made and the number of employees one can have before the bill even touches them.

Ron Paul was for a flat tax or a fair tax, either one is neither fair or reasonable for the working middle class, will be glad to go over that upon request. My background is finance, I am in the financial service industry, and I have a minor tax practice too, so I am well aware of the current tax laws.

And would that be the constitution of the people, for the people, and by the people of the United States, not just for the few wealthy who control too much of what is seen and heard?

There is no comparing an individual or family borrowing for a home (which they've done for decades) and the United States of America being trillions of dollars in debt that we will never be able to pay back.

I will pay back the money that I borrowed for my mortgage. I didn't borrow more than I could afford. I didn't buy a brand new home. Based on what I make and will make the bank was responsible in allowing me to borrow money. There is no responsibility or accountability for what is being spent in the government. I bought what I could afford, that's the key. There has to be responsibility for your actions, not self indulgence and entitlement. The government is not borrowing what it can or actually WE can afford and the spending isn't over yet. There's way too much optimism on the projected Return On Investment here. Way too much optimism.

Ron Paul is for a Fair Tax. I'm sure you will be able to argue why that's not feasible and I will completely disagree so let's not even go there.

So, I should let my parents know, who actually have a small business, that they are wrong, they infact can afford the tax increase and it's because you and the government said they can, not because they, who are actually trying to make it each and every day, who are struggling and have had to let people go, can't imagine paying more in taxes let alone how they will actually do it.

So many of these plans look good on paper. But people don't make their living on paper. They make it in the real world. And I was referring to the only Constitution that I'm aware of.

ATX Girl: It would help if you read, I hate to take this to a negative area, but it is obvious that you do not understand basic economics.

If you truly want to discuss or debate with me the benefit as you say, and the negative aspect of the fair tax that Ron Paul and a few others have suggested here on the Vine, I am more than willing and capable of doing so!

I am one of those idiots who reads, not just watch Fox News. I have read the proposed Health Care bill in its entirety all 1100 plus pages, and have a great memory on the subject. Even understand the 24 or so amendments already added to the continued bill.

I have gone to the site for the Fair Tax, and it is a matter of subjective conversation as to whom it is fair for! Middle Class America, which you say you are for, is going to spend almost if not all of their income to provide that food, shelter and the necessities of life for that family of four(worse if they have more children). The Fair Tax taxes individuals on consumption, or what is spent. Middle class spends 100% of their income to stay afloat, hence they are taxed at 100%.

The wealthy individual, say a CEO(wait that won't work, they make much more than 1 million a year, it really is not fair if I use them) makes $350K or about 5 times the middle class American and about 10 times the poverty level. Assuming(I know assuming is wrong, but go along with me on this) that the reason the more wealthy person does make more, is in fact that they are smarter and have worked harder. So the wealthy person uses $150K, no I will give them $225K to shelter, feed and provide what they consider to be the necessities (after all we are not communists, or socialists) and after that spending, the rest is discretionary income which can either be consumed or saved. Once again, being the smart person, they save. The Taxes are as follows:

$75K - All consumed thus in the 100% tax bracket.

$350K - $225K = $125K left over as discretionary income and puts them in the 64% tax bracket.

Yes, I know, the individual and his family with spending of $225 will be paying far more taxes and you would say that is fair. But as I have said, it is a matter of perception, mine being for the poor middle class person who is paying taxes on 1005 of his income.

Yes, I know that there is a provision for not taxing the first poverty level of income for all. Whoops, that clause said for all, so the first $29K is not taxed to anyone, but again the benefit goes to the wealthy as well, I guess some could say that it is fair?

About your parents and their small business. If they are successful and I hope so, then if in fact they have a taxable income(again using schedule "C" taking all expenses etc, with net income going to the bottom line as adjusted gross income, then taking their personal deductions, if then, they are making over $250K and their taxable income is above $250K, I 1st congratulate them, and yes, they will get a 5% increase in their tax liability up to the period of Ronald Reagan. So, I am sorry, but really, can't they afford it, and they happy that they can? Heck, with my tax business, I don't make that money, and I file a schedule "C" too.

There are plenty of tax loopholes that need to be closed, and I guess I am a bit more optimistic about the future of our country! I believe in America, and in the ingenuity that exists here, the work ethic and the people. An honest days pay, for an honest day's work...... I believe in that.

My son-in-law was just let go, I fully understand, and as I have said in other blogs. We need to put middle class America back to work, bring manufacturing back to America using tax incentives but with solid agreements to keep the facilities here for the long term. We need incentives to allow for re-investment in plant and equipment to keep our facilities here competitive. We need programs which will help and initiate small businesses like your parents. We need tort reform, but we need objective rational in doing what is right. We need to cut the waste, the fraud in medicare, the VA, and other programs the Govt now runs. The United States is not perfect, it is up to us, to demand a better place where all of us can live with health benefits and reap the benefits of a system that once again works for all!

Thanks for educating me Steve. I'm sorry you felt you had to take it to a negative area too. I'm not quite sure why you are arguing with me. I have agreed with most of what you have said, except that the government is spending too much money and that other tax options need to be explored, from which I've read as an obvious lay person sounds like an option. It would help if you would read. Did I once say Fair Tax is the answer...nope, I wrote:

Ron Paul is for a Fair Tax. I'm sure you will be able to argue why that's not feasible and I will completely disagree so let's not even go there.

I don't understand why you are arguing with someone you obviously believe is an idiot, who doesn't believe in America, who can't read and only watches Fox News, who doesn't understand basic economics and is unable to be as optimistic as yourself about the special new government run programs which will be so different from the previous ones and impermeable to fraud and abuse.

I'm sorry you wasted all that time. Obviously I'm not in the financial service industry. I don't think you need to be to see that the country is spending more than it can pay back, which has been my argument this entire time.

Thanks. I hope you are able to find someone who is intelligent enough to debate with.

I voted for Obama, and am well educated. However, I think he is a Jimmy Carter type president, and will not vote for him again.

tamusan,

You've made your point. You can stop now.

TAMUSAN-We heard you. I actually voted for both Carter and Obama. He is not like Carter. Nothing against him because Carter's ethical behavior is something that we should all share.

Thank you Kriblet, I thought no one would ever tell him/her to stop!

Tamusan, I have a hard time believing you. It would be easy for me to say I voted for McCain/Palin and now that I have seen what the GOP is really like, I will not vote for them again. Get a grip, making statements like that have no basis for people to believe you, and the vast majority of readers see right through that as a meaningless comment.

now rely on the top office to be the one to motivate our children? .... Why could it not be a prime time event so that every parent, grandparent, guardian, etc. decide if their children should watch? That way the family (remember that concept) can discuss it together. My local school district was not even aware of this speech until noon on Friday. The teachers had not heard of the speech being aired; the Principal had no plan, the Superintendent was scrambling to put together a plan. I know because I was in contact with all of these offices to see how the public school system was handling the situation.

No one is relying on the top office to be one of the motivators of children. If that were really so, then you can blame Ronald Reagan for setting the precedent, and George Bush, Sr. for reinforcing it. But I remember hearing for years that "anyone can be President if you study hard and stay in school." I'm sure many others can say the same, so the top office has ALWAYS been used as motivation for schoolchildren.

It can be a family viewing event if you want it to be. You only have to call your school principal and ask that your child not watch the speech during school hours, then watch it on C-SPAN or on the internet in the evening and discuss it with your child.

And if your school district was not aware of this until Friday, you've got lots more to worry about with your children's education than a 20 minute speech.

Oh, and BTW, it's spelled "grammAr." : )

you are making a swift judgement after 8 months. very rarely does any president get much accomplished in that time. he has done an amazing job and is trying to live up to his campaign promises-that is a rarity.

They scream because they cannot stand to have a black president telling them what to do !!! These people never lost their 18 century mentality, this is why.

Get over the whole black and white thing...I think it is nonsense that people are making a big deal over him speaking to our children. However, I think it is even more ridiculous that so many people are still making this a black and white issue. Slavery ended a long time ago...can't we all just be people and not "blacks" and "whites"??

Tamusan, if you were as well educated as you claim you would have realized that putting the same response to every single message just makes you look like a fool.

Do you think any President can do what every American hopes for? If so, you are not dealing with reality. If you do not vote for Obama again, and that is certainly your right, who do you think will do better for this country?

Do you think any one at this moment in the Republican Party is able to move this country forward enough to compete with the rest of the world?

Get a grip. You are one person. The President is the President for every American, right or left, liberal or conservative. He is never, ever going to make everyone happy all the time.

Chandler, truth is that I simply no longer care where this country goes. I have closed down my U.S. businesses, and already left for good. I will keep my U.S. citizenship, pay U.S. taxes on my military retirement, and vote as I see fit in any U.S. election. I think the fuss being made over President Obama speaking to children is stupid. It is a non-issue, and not important at all. What is a real issue is all the promises that Obama made, and now either cannot or will not deliver.

Obama has made a lots of promesses that he is keeping. Reform health care was one of the most important issue and this is why people voted for him. WE WANT CHANGE AND RADICAL CHANGES !!!

No, you are not well educated, because any intelligent or educated person would understand that bringing changes takes time and with those republican nut cases putting sticks in his wheels all the time, it is taking even more time!

Speaking of Texas, you folks DO KNOW that's where all the nations school books are coming from.

Think what you want. What I understand well enough is that I am seeing one broken promise after another. Do you honestly think healthcare run by the U.S. governement will be any better? That's a joke in itself. I didn't vote for Obama for healthcare. I voted because he promised change. I thought that he would make changes that would entice my return to the U.S.

Tamusan - if you're so disappointed, you need to contact your Senators and Representatives - they're standing between you and the fulfillment of Obama's promises. Speak up people!! The squeaky wheels are getting the grease, and I honestly don't believe that the tea baggers and health care reform opponents represent the majority - but they are better entertainment than informed civilized discussions. Crazy sells on the msm. You need to take responsibility and action and let them know where you stand. If enough get involved, you just may see them working for their constituents best interests instead of lobbyists and industries. Obama has limited power in all this - you need to get involved and start taking action to make things happen - we all do.

My senators and representatives happen to be the among the ones already helping Obama.

Public health plan a bad thing ??? I have Universal health care and we all love it !! You will never, ever find one european, one australian or on canadian who do not like their health care plan !! Don't they have a health care plan in japan ??

government health run plan is the best thing that can happen to a nation ! That is working FOR THE PEOPLE !! Care is never denied, it is affordable and you can choose any doctor you want ! So for someone who claims to be educated, your ignorance is truely laughable !

I was a military dependant with government run insurance (for 12 years) and it was horrible! Most of the doctors were obnoxious, never knew your name with out reading a chart, and could care less if you got good care or not because they couldn't be sued. I wouldn't want to go back to that for anything.

Our private insurance is too expensive and our co-pays keep going up as well, so I believe we need a change.

A happy medium would be nice, but I don't fore-see one.

shewolf884:

That's what this is all about, especially here in Florida. I have had people prove their racism verbally in discussions about President Obama.

Totally, like our wonderful officials and two-faced governor!!

My brother who live in Iowa has some friends who moved down here to Sarasota a few years ago, but the prejudice against anyone not GOP was so bad they couldn't stand it and moved back to Iowa!!

What does any of that have to do with the President speaking to the Nations children about being encouraged to stay in school? With all the negatives out there for the youths to be encouraged to do I thank God someone care more than some parents do to be encouraging.

Just another attempt to get off of the subject, okay I will ride with you then but you won't enjoy the preaching while I ride:

Well, I have a government run health care and have yet to be charged for or harassed by them to pay for anything and it has never been canceled. What you don't understand is that you get to choose or change the doctors when you want without any penalties.

In 2003, I had Cigna for health insurance and had to sue them because they denied me coverage for a brain tumor. I first kept begging my primary care physician to send me to a specialist to see why I was having a headache on just one side of my head constantly. He would not give me a referral and I was found in my home after being unconscious for a few days. When I did go to the emergency room, it was thought that I had had 2 strokes and was misdiagnosed. All of this because the doctor was to get a bonus at the end of the year from the Cigna insurance company for not referring and costing the company additional monies. These same set of doctors told my mother that I had only 3 months left to live but she refused to give up and regardless of what my insurance company said she took me to new doctors and I was found to have a brain tumor instead of arterial arthritis to the brain. The new doctors did surgery even though the insurance company denied me coverage because I did not get a referral from my primary care physician. The results from the surgery was successful because I am here today to tell about what happened but I am damaged for life with my nervous system. The new set of doctors diagnosed that had I been given the proper care before the tumor grown so big and calcified that I would not have the nerve damage that I have now. So I got me a crew of attorneys together to take on the insurance company and the doctors that misdiagnosed me and to say the least I won. I still suffer with the headaches and damaged nerves on my left side but not as much and money will not replace the life I had before the nerve damage (tumor could not be removed just chipped away some of the calcification). All of this just because an insurance company did not want to pay a specialist and probably would have been out of less than the amount of money that received and for them to still have to be ordered to pay the full amount of my doctors bills (no deductible).

Competition from the government will prevent some of the greed and put the insurance companies in check with caring more for the people than for the money. I hope the public option will pass so that everyone will be able to access the kind of health-care that I am receiving. The doctors will be monitored more because they are monitored more under a government health care plan, especially with the charges that doctors and hospitals try to tack on for procedures that they have not done. I have never been denied any procedures nor coverage and I do not have to have a referral for anything I need done and I thank the Lord that my government run health care plan.

The reason other presidents did it and no one blinked is because it wasn't up for discussion or debate beforehand. Now the schools are so worried about offending someone that they send a note home about every little thing their child might encounter during the school day. As a nation we have gone way past the point of political correctness. It is out of hand.

President Obama is the leader of our country and deserves our respect. I am grateful that he is addressing children in school; I know mine need to hear about the importance of staying in school from someone other than their nagging parents!

To shemightbemyVP: I know someone who experienced a similar circumstance. It wasn't a brain tumor. It was MS and the primary care physician would not let the person see a neurologist. The primary care physician is probably encouraged to be a gate keeper. When he finally saw a neurologist, he was told that he would be in a wheel chair much sooner because of the delay. Also, he would spend many more years crippled.

How can anyone talk about Death Panels? The insurance companies are most often the Death Panels. Most people are content because nothing has happened to them yet. When a serious illness occurs, they will wake-up.

shemightbemyVP and jeannie, so weird, I just read on huffington post about a girl who died because Cigna denied paying for a liver transplant for her. I am so sad about that. I remember when HMOs were non-for-profit. I worked for one (after volunteering there to fulfill my Catholic confirmation requirements). Anyhow, shemight, I am glad everything worked out for you despite big money insurance.

Back on the subject, it is so sad to see that everyone is just fighting just to score some points with the ones who happen to be yelling the loudest that day. The President has always talked about the importance of responsibility and staying in school and the importance of education and teachers, so why would this be a surprise to anyone. He is taking an opportunity to speak on personal experience, common sense and what I believe is a genuine desire to connect the dots between education and an intelligent workforce and citizenry. Unfortunately there are those who don't think that is a good idea, and others who want to profit on that.

How many times are you going to post the same message? Well educated, my foot.

Dear Tamusan, You keep saying how educated you are, why not AMUSE us with your superior intellect instead of posting the same post or oddball analogies.

tamusan- Do us all a favor and don't vote.
You must be a Republican. You complain about the benefits being given to the needy yet you take it. Now (if what you are saying is true) that you are in a position to help our society, you shut down a company and leave.
Your poor wife! Does she know who she married? You sound disgusting!

Maritza-687774. I don't take anything that I did not earn with my very own blood. And no, I have never voted for a republican, as I have already said. Horrible person? I have 4 tenants in CA that have no jobs, and I allow them to stay in my properties rent free, until they get back on their feet. If I was a horrible person, they and their families would all be on the street. Government run healthcare is horrible. I have Tricare and VA health benefits. They are not very good.

You are one funny dude! Give up the government run health care and buy into a better one if you are so dissatisfied you do have the option you know? You are given the same options that any other veteran has and you are the dumb one not to take advantage of it.

Another thing is I would be willing to bet that the government does not know that you now live in or is claiming Japan as home and still paying you with government benefits. If you are living in Japan and receiving government benefits then you are breaking a federal law so if you choose to cheat the US and then degrade it you are truly worst than a terrorist.

I have Tricare and Medicare. I never said I used them. I have very good heatlh care. Actually, other countries have wonderful government run healthcare. However, you are naive if you think the U.S. will set something similar up. The drug co's own the hill.

I can live anywhere in the world and still recieve my military retirement, shemightbemyVP. That is how the law is written. Maybe you should research something before you go making claims.

shemightbemyVP, The VA also knowingly pays doctors in Japan for my service-connected injuries. There is no such federal law as you have stated. The military also knowingly deposits my retirement check into a Japanese bank. I am only required to pay taxes to the U.S. government. And I do. I am not breaking the law. And I am no terrorist. I am a decorated patriot. I have served your country, and taking what is rightfully mine.

tamusan, I don't believe anything you are saying. I don't believe you voted for Obama, I don't believe you were in the U.S. military, and I certainly don't believe you left the country and are living in Japan. If the latter is true, then you have nothing else to do but surf the Internet in the middle of the night. Your comment was posted at 5:14 PM PDT, interesting! The normal middle of the night porn site must be closed down. Get a life loser.

I am retired military, and I sold my business. I have nothing better to do. Why am I up all night? I have insomnia, I like to keep in touch with with friends around the world. I don't care what you believe. I don't need porn. And I have a life. It is voting against Obama, just because of people like you. Oh, 5:14 PM PDT is 9 a.m. in Iwaki.

tamusan, no one cares about all of the little tidbits of your life, really. You need to find a friend to "share" with and get the attention that you seem to crave.

I have Tricare and it's great deal better than any other US system though the health care was better in the military before it went "private"! Maybe tamusan is using the socialised medical system in Japan.

Tamusan why do you keep cutting and pasting the same comments, serves no purpose, and does not make you appear to be educated, unless you are just trying to make it appear that there are more against Obama than for.

Yes, we heard you, tamusan. We ALL heard you. You are spamming this site, and if it's almost 10:00 A.M. in your part of Japan, you need to get busy. BTW, enjoy your Japanese health care...I understand it is exceptional. Government managed, of course. ;)

Since when did Democrats become Socialists and since when did disagreeing with Socialism make you a Republican? I don't need a Republican to tell me to disagree with a President who seems to think it is his responsibility to meddle in everything. The President is NOT supposed to have such wide-spread powers, or have the Socialists already re-written the constitution? It is nothing to do with smear and everything to do with standing up for what you believe in--not something encouraged by Socialists.

BTW, enjoy your Japanese health care...I understand it is exceptional. Government managed, of course. ;)

Second in the world, right behind France. Also government run, I believe.

Right on, I couldn't have said it better

I've already explained this to my children as follows... President Obama is a very influential man (and this can be potentially dangerous). He is 'worshiped' far more than any man should be. His speeches tend to suck people into blindly following him. It's probably best to not listen to his speeches without the guidance of a truly independent mind.

That being said, I give them to option to watch it if they want but I just don't want my kids getting unknowingly sucked up into the 'Obama can do no wrong' obsession that America has.

To Smart Independent: I wonder how old your children are and I wonder if there is a truly independent mind available to them with whom to discuss the speech. It's not you, certainly. I also wonder what the conversation at the dinner table will be tomorrow night if they do watch the speech - if there is freedom in their home environment to honestly express themselves. Our children deserve the opportunity to make their own decisions about events, people, places, and so on. And if they need guidance, which they usually do, they deserve to have unbiased facts presented to them. I genuinely believe an attitude like yours is the source of bigotry and discrimination.

Although, for those frothing opponents of Obama's back to school speech, I have to consider whether those parents should have more credibility. They were dupes for propaganda. That speaks volumes for their intelligence. They reacted with blinding ignorant rage - is that what they want their children to imitate? I'd rather see informed pragmatism, than reactionary hate any day.

Other than your personal insults, I agree with everything you said. I'm just leery of the president using the power of the pulpit to 'potentially' push his own agenda to our children. I say potentially because there were signs early on that that was going to happen. Fortunately, this backlash has helped ensure that the speech (and assignments around it) would be truly about education.

smart independent:

I've already explained this to my children as follows... President Obama is a very influential man (and this can be potentially dangerous). He is 'worshiped' far more than any man should be. His speeches tend to suck people into blindly following him. It's probably best to not listen to his speeches without the guidance of a truly independent mind.

That being said, I give them to option to watch it if they want but I just don't want my kids getting unknowingly sucked up into the 'Obama can do no wrong' obsession that America has.

You call these statements being independent?? Hello, just how dumb do you think we are?? Your statements are biased and have GOP written all over them!! Dangerous, worshipped, sucked, obsession.....that is not Independent!! Good try though!!!

My daughter handed me a letter from her middle school. They are going to show the speech. The kids that don't want to participate (read: their parents are refusing to allow them to participate) are going to do homework during the speech. There will be no discussion or lesson afterwards. There is no excused absence if the parents keep the kids home. However, my daughter told me that some of the kids whose parents are refusing to let them watch it are going anyway. They WANT to hear it. Their attitude is, "He's the President. What's wrong with that?"

It's pretty sad when 13-year-olds are more reasonable and rational than their parents. This is the age where parents start to lose control over their kids. They have minds of their own and they're going to use them. The harder you try to force your views on them, the faster they slip through your fingers.

JDSKansas, I wondered that myself.

Isn't funny that the Republicans always seem to be the root of all evil in our country.  They are trying to undermine our health care options.  They do not want us to have the same care options they have.  And what about the fight they brought on to try to privatize our Soc. Sec.  they couldn't stand the thought of not getting there greedy hands on it.  Wake up people.  Bush Sr. gave his speech to the children.  Bush Jr. had his no child left behind and setting a grading system up for the schools.  My my both Republicans so it must be OK for them but not for a Democrat.  Look who started all the flack about death squads in our health care system.  Hum seems to me I heard Lady Palin standing on her box yelling about death squads a couple of months ago.  Oh but she is a Republican so that is alright I keep forgetting that a Republican can do anything they want and don't have any consequences for doing it.  Wow maybe we should have our own death squads against all political powers and if any are caught lying we do them in.  That won't work either because we would not have any one left in the government circle anymore.  Hum guess we better teach our kids about lying early for their the ones that will have to live with this mess.  And no people I'm not a Democrat.

I use to be a Republican until I got tired of their lies and scare tactics.  They prey on the elderly like a pack of wild dogs and work on simple minded people.  They never get anything done in office because they are to busy trying to pad the good ole boys pocket.  And watch McCain close he is the leader of the dogs.

Well stated. For the reupublicans - the crazier the better and their minions lap it up like sweet cream. They use crazy to distract from their incompetence. It's like a political party of jr. high students - and we're supposed to take them seriously?

kerrie:

Totally in agreement with you; I was one also. And finally couldn't stand all the garbage they push anymore so am now an Independent!!!

Ditto! I was a republican because my whole family was republican. Then I got old enough to think for myself, and I was like, "WTF???". I realized they were for everything I was against and against everything I was for. I daresay, my mother would be SPINNING in her grave if she knew how liberal/progressive I am! Sorry, Mom.

It's not really the Republicans. The majority of Republicans are moderates, just like the majority of Democrats. It's the far-right, ultra-conservative, neocon reactionaries who have coopted the name "Republican" and continue to froth at the mouth at every opportunity. Of course, these types are driving more and more real Republicans to register as Independents, so they're slowly and steadily reducing their own party by attrition.

Well let's hope that the number of intelligent, thinking people will outnumber the small-minded people like you when it comes to election time. This country gave the Bush-Cheney group 8 years to completely screw up the economy, subvert the constitution and get us into two wars, with Cheney pushing for a third in Iran. Now some people won't give Obama even one year to try and clean up the mess of the past administration and put us on a better path. The hypocrisy on the right is unending. President Obama was elected by a comfortable majority and his positions reflect the will of the people, including 77 percent who want a public option as part of healthcare reform. If you' voted for him and don't support him at this point, I doubt it has anything to do with real issues.

What exactly did he lie about?

I'll just put the one that bothers me the most, as it is the reason I voted for him:

Promising to "publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days... before the President signs it," then breaking that promise over and over again.

Bush had 8 years to destroy our country along with Chaney. Lets see Obama has been in office for about 8 months now. Give it a chance. Or are you just saying no way can a Democrat do it. (or a black) If you don't like it don't gripe get involved and do something.

Kerrie, I did do something. I left the country for good. However, I will still get a military retirement, and vote as I see fit.

Well if you've left the country for good, what are you complaining about? And exactly which piece of legislation did President Obama SIGN before posting? Also, if you really cast your vote for that ONE reason, you need to expand your thinking and your research before going to the polls. A vote for McCain/Palin would have spelled disaster for this country.

Thank goodness something good happened to this country - you left!!

startofanewbeginning: However, I still vote, and I get a fat retirement check from the government. BTW, I left under Bush 2.

Well I guess the government can't be all bad since you're getting a nice retirement from them.

lol

The U.S. is in a nose dive. It was not caused by President Obama, but he is spending like there is no tomorrow. All of these programs cost money. Money that the governement does not have. President Obama is an awesome guy. I mean it. I just do not think he is the one to turn this country around. I think a man like Obama is needed to lead when the economy is doing fine. Right now, we need a president who is not afraid to cut programs, and stand up to the special interest groups.

He signed both the Lily Ledbetter Act and SCHIP into law without letting the public review and comment for five days as he had promised.

SCHIP was the re-authorization of existing legislation, and the Lilly Ledbetter Act, a law prohibiting discrimination in workplace compensation, was on the website, and still is, but not for the full five days prior to signature. It's interesting that transparency is now such an important topic when we just emerged from the most secretive administration in history, where our nation's energy policy was formed by a secret group of industry representatives, and government contracts were secretly given to a company that still had Dick Cheney on its payroll. Obama's critics would have a lot more credibility if they'd raised the same objection when these things were happening under a Republican administration...but they didn't.

tamusan..............do they let the mentally ill vote ?

Amazing that you already know who you will vote for without even knowing who is running. What if they run an airhead like Palin ( and they might), would you still vote for that person knowing they were an idiot and unqualified to lead the nation ?

MM-584706, I had never voted for a Republican or Democrat before President Obama. I feel betrayed by Obama, and will surely use my vote wisely as a vote against him. I do not care if Obama is elected again, and I do not care who replaces him, as I no longer live in the U.S. I will continue to pay my token income tax to the U.S. on my military retirement, and vote as I see fit. However, very little that happens onboard the titanic can effect me now.

EXACTLY. You are so right. They are loud, well funded and well organized. But fortunately they are still in the minority. Some of the bloggers are paid shills working for right wing groups who are doing everything they can to bring down this President and his positive agenda. They're all about profits, not patriotism, and they could care less about the plight of the average American. All of the "Joe the Plumbers" out there need to wake up and stop voting against their best interests!

tamusan, "The U.S. is in a nose dive." If that is the case, as you stated, you then moved to Japan. Brilliant! They rely almost entirely on the U.S. and they are diving much worst than the U.S.. Let me say something that may not have yet been stated, thank you for moving to Japan. Please stay there. Please keep your comments over there and try to do something about Japan's First Lady and her stated alien encounters of the first kind.

I feel betrayed by Obama, and will surely use my vote wisely as a vote against him.

So, regardless of the opposing candidate's views or qualifications, without even knowing who the other candidate may be and what their stated policies are, you have already decided four years in advance how you are going to cast your vote in the next presidential election? I've often wondered how stupid a person can get. Now I know.

I say those that are afraid of the presidents message should take their kids out of school and homeschool them so they can be as smart as thier parents. The parents can then pick and choose what thier kids learn, without interferring with other childrens education. That would leave more resources for the rest of the kids, who now are dealing with overcrowded classrooms.

Having been a teacher, I agree children need to hear this speech. I am dismayed at what we are teaching our children about democracy right now. We are not teaching them abut the benefits of a democratic system- we've gone back to teaching them that it's ok to be a racist!

My thoughts exactly... Obama's real agenda was to get our kids to 'worship' him just like he got main stream media and most of the rest of America. We need to all think indepedently and guide our children. Obama is already 'worshiped' way more than any man should be.

Smart Independent

What are you talking about . . . I worship my Lord and Savior . . . I respect President Obama just as I respected our previous president even tho I did not vote for him . . . something the right seems incapable of understanding . . .

Spoken like a true Republican. Why alter anything -- everything is perfect the first time around. That's what Bush and Cheney said about everything they did.

Dave-are you saying they altered the speech? Would you be able to show a reliable reference to that? They did change a lesson plan regarding writing letters, the administration has said that.

When my daughter was in high school they were told to go to a rally for Reagan. I didn't agree with Reagan politics but he was the POTUS and I had no problem.

We are not teaching them abut the benefits of a democratic system- we've gone back to teaching them that it's ok to be a racist!

At the very least, they're learning that throwing temper tantrums is effective.

You are right! This is a stupid debate and I can't wait until tomorrow ends. The media needs to stop giving this kind of garbage so much coverage. We need a good investigative report on health care.

God help us all if he doesn't wear a flag pin on his lapel....

Smart independent, since you obviously read the speech, please tell us what is so objectionable about it. Did you object to the working hard part? Or the part about taking some responsibility for your education? Or the part about everyone having a talent, and to find that talent and use it? Really scary stuff there. Please tell us what parts of the speech you did not like. Or perhap you just dont like the speaker.

Very well put.

Why doesn't the president kick is own smoking habit first and then he can be an example to my child.

Smart Independant you are not.

Go ahead and insult me but you never answered my question? Why is it that we blindly assume Obama is so perfect? Unlike you, I don't have a dumb monikor like 'obamasucks'. He may be alright but I'm so tired of this country practically 'worshipping' him.

The "kick the smoking it" is a lame excuse. I think you confuse confidence with the President as worship of the President. I know quite a lot of people who are confident that he is intelligent enough to help this country. I don't know a lot of people who worship him. Most educated people understand he is human, and because he is, he has imperfections like the rest of us.

Those who scream at the Obama supporters, accusing us of worship, I think, use it as an excuse to hide their racism.

Smart,

I don't think people think he's perfect at all. And the rhetoric of the Democratic base is saying nothing differently than when a Republican has a Republican in office. I would suggest however is that the ferverence that the Republicans are taking in finding fault with every thought and decision makes people protective.

To the rabid Republicans and Obama haters:

I am not what could be called an Obama supporter, but I can understand the feeling and pride that Americans have for their President. This constant yelling and screaming and name calling is making people vocally take sides. You see what you want to see as far as the "worshipping" is concerned.

Furhtermore you have been overtaken by your own obsession in trying to "bring down" the President and his party. For many, this is the altar they worship at. To find any fault or reason to believe he is wrong is almost a religion in itself.

Of course Obama has made mistakes, tell me a President who didn't? Tell me one President that the whole country stood behind? This is no different than any other Presidency in our nations history. The difference is that we have more access to one anothers thoughts and ideas. You will find any and all reasons to dislike and fight against him unless he fights for your personal ideals. We are going to end up a country of blind and toothless people if we all keep this up!

This goes way beyond standing for principles and is about trying to trip up the President regardless of what he is does. Those who hate him would be against anything he is for. Had Reagan given this same speech the same people would be all for it.

what is the difference between trying to "bring down" a democratically elected government and treason?

not much

As far as the president smoking, I have never seen him light one up. Maybe I missed that newsflash.

Smart independent,

since you obviously read the speech, please tell us what is so objectionable about it. Did you object to the working hard part? Or the part about taking some responsibility for your education? Or the part about everyone having a talent, and to find that talent and use it? Really scary stuff there. Please tell us what parts of the speech you did not like. Or perhap you just dont like the speaker

I think you have your parties reversed when it comes to dictatorship. When republic leaders make mistakes they are harshly criticized even if their intentions are good. With Obama, he does whatever he wants and can do no wrong. I'm an independent and I am glad that there is some outrage about this talk.

We need to all think for ourselves and be very critical of our leaders real agendas. Whatever we do we can't just follow Obama blindly like so many have done so far. He has a 'gift' to get others to practically 'worship' him and this is a very dangereous thing for the naive public.

Smart Independent- You are neither.  Your comments aren't even close to being "smart" or "independent".   Based on your comments, you are a far-right wing nut in the same mold as Limbaugh, Beck, O'Reilly and Hannity.  Get pissed if you'd like but you're not fooling anybody

If you really are a smart independent, than why would you be upset with any elected official speaking to students about the importance of education?

Or is it this particular black elected official?

People do not “worship” President Obama: we respect him and appreciate his intelligence. We thank him for putting America back on the map as having an eloquent, fair and intelligent leader. I was watching a PBS show during the campaign and a French philosopher (do not recall his name) was being interviewed. He stated that the WHOLE WORLD was praying that Obama won…that THE WORLD considered President Bush to be a complete idiot, the worst president the U.S. has ever had. The CHANGE in how the world views us is just one aspect, and will be debated by those who are looking for something wrong to complain about. Knock yourselves out, please.

Notwithstanding, I was raised to respect our leaders. I do not agree with everything President Obama says and does. I never voted for George W. Bush, but I resented it when a reporter threw his shoes at him, and wondered, where the heck is the secret service??? Why? Because he was our leader, and deserved respect, regardless of how my views differ from his.

Oh, but Pres. Bush didn't make any mistakes, not-so-Smart Independent. He said so, didn't he? He didn't lie, either. He and V.P. Cheney lifted this country up, made us respected throughout the world, so that President Obama didn't have to do "damage control". The Bush administration was totally transparent and without fault. They kept us safe for almost 9 months. What great men...I just threw up in my mouth

Sorry.

I think you need to go back a couple of years and read the papers again and take a neutral objective view on what the media was saying and what they covered and what they said. If you can't see it then I'm sorry. We have the media directing so much of what we think is right or wrong that were losing site of what is needed for our Country.

When people continue to slam on another, it is so non productive that it's a waste of time. If you want more taxes and more government and more government control I guess you have a right to want that. For me I want less government and more freedom to do more for my Country. The media seems to doing a good job on brain washing alot of people.

Really, Len? "[L]ess government and more freedom to do more for [your] country" . . .? Please tell me what you and your like-minded Republicans are going to do for OUR country. Voluntarily raise your taxes to offset the deficits Bush created? Forego roads and bridges because there's no money to pay for them, or will you build them yourself? Really, tell me what you're going to do so I can copy your enlightened approach to government.

This has absolutely nothing to do with skin color for me. I have several black friends. Obama concerns me because unlike other presidents, he has a 'gift' to get others to blindly follow him. His closest advisors even admit this. I would be fully supportive of an independent or bipartisan speech but I don't want my kids to 'worship' Obama like so many others already do.

Smart Indpendent - did you not READ the speech? What is wrong with the Pres of the USA telling kids to value their education, respect their teachers, parents etc.? Is this the "gift" to blindly follow him you are speaking of? I get it; you don't like him. But please don't lump everything he does into the same file. The speech is a great thing for any President to give to school children, no matter what political party they belong to. There are so many people pulling their kids from school over this speech because they "don't want their kids to hear Obama's socialist's agenda." To you and to these people, all I can say is read the speech! Its the same message we should ALL be giving our school children. Just because it is coming from a President that you don't care for, doesn't make the message any different than if it came from a President that you happened to vote for.

Oh wow. You have black friends. Aren't you just SO special? What does that have to do with the issue. And what on earth does "worship" have to do with a widely respected man (winning the majority of American votes) telling kids to work hard and achieve?

smartindependent:  you are neither!  If you knew how pathetic your writing looks when you state that you have black friends, you'd stick your head back into your a$$ where you pulled it out of to write this embarrassement.  How many black friends do you really have?  Do you count them before you go to bed at night?  Would you be comfortable to have your kids marry a black man or woman?  Not that anyone with any resemblance of brain power would want to be related to you in the first place!  Moron!

As far as the brouhaha is concerned that the far right wing nuts are spreading, it has nothing to do with the speech, but everything to do with trying to give Obama and the Democratic party a black eye.  Or should I say blue?  Ever noticed that the majority of well educated folks are Dems?  And that the low educated ones are the ones that are from the extreme right?  They're just trying to enlarge the potential Repub pool to help grow their sad sack party by maintaining a largely uneducated public.  Like SMART IDEPENDENT for instance!

Nancy Grace, thanks for making valid points. I agree with what you are saying, I'm just a little leery of President Obama's intentions based on previous revisions of the speech and assignments that went with it.

Hal-936954, why all the insults and combative nature? I had to point out the black friends because everyone accuses me a being a racist simply because I'm not a fan of Obama yet. To make it clear to all... it has nothing to do with race but instead his tendencies toward socialism that concern me. And regarding your insult of my intelligence... you should know I received a scholarship in Physics and graduated with a 3.9.

Which aspects of Socialism scare you? You, me and every other American take advantage of "socialist" programs in this country every day. Why is the idea of everyone being equal so frightening? Why is the idea of a society that works for the benefit of everyone so appauling?

Maybe because it DOESN'T work for the benefit of ANYONE. Its a scheme to slowly drain those that are productive and redistribute it to the unproductive. Overtime, the productive learn that being unproductive is the way to go, until the whole system collapses. The fact that socialism DOESN'T scare people is what I find so amazing.

If everyone is equal under socialism, why apply one self? And in my opinion, the one's who disagree or differs in opnion, will always be made less than equal. There's no room for differences, in a dictatorship, and freedom will be lost

I hate to say it but I agree with LB. There is just too much protest against every little thing Obama does and says and it has opened my eyes to the racism card also.

SmartIndependent - prove he revised his speech. Lesson plan wording was changed. What reliable source do you have that the speech was changed?

Smart Independent... just a quick question about your education. You stated, "And regarding your insult of my intelligence... you should know I received a scholarship in Physics and graduated with a 3.9." Congratulations on receiving a scholarship in physics... Did you mean to say that you received a "diploma" in physics? Not an insult, just curious. Or was it a scholarship to "study" physics... and then you received your diploma?

James Madison (fp10) on the evils of the excesses of democracy, a defect meant to be corrected by the Republican form:

"When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government [democracy], on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed."

"A common passion or interest will, in almost every case, be felt by a majority of the whole; a communication and concert result from the form of government itself; and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual. Hence it is that such DEMOCRACIES have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found INCOMPATIBLE with PERSONAL SECURITY or the RIGHTS OF PROPERTY; and have in general been as SHORT IN THEIR LIVES AS THEY HAVE BEEN VIOLENT IN THEIR DEATHS. Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species of government, have ERRONEOUSLY supposed that by REDUCING MANKIND TO A PERFECT EQUALITY IN THEIR POLITICAL RIGHTS, THEY WOULD, AT THE SAME TIME, BE PERFECTLY EQUALIZED AND ASSIMILATED IN THEIR POSSESSIONS, THEIR OPINIONS, AND THEIR PASSIONS."

This has absolutely nothing to do with skin color for me. I have several black friends. Obama concerns me because unlike other presidents, he has a 'gift' to get others to blindly follow him. His closest advisors even admit this. I would be fully supportive of an independent or bipartisan speech but I don't want my kids to 'worship' Obama like so many others already do.

If a 15 minute speech can turn your kids into mindless, Obama-worshipping zombies, give them up for adoption. You're failing badly as a parent.

I agree that race is primarily what's driving these protests -- that, and a healthy dose of right-wing anger at anything Obama and the Democrats might try to do. For all of their supposed family values, they only seem to value families that are white, ultra-conservative GOP and fundamentalist Christian. Otherwise, where were there protests when Bush & Co. were looting this country for eight long years?

President Obama was elected convincingly. The Democratic Party is now the majority. Step back and give them room to try something different. This nonsense would have been called unpatriotic during the Bushies reign. It deserves to be called so now.

I think it is another distraction by the Riecht-wing. They are losing ground on the healthcare debate and are changing the topic. Recent townhall meeting I went to was civil and a wide range of questions were asked, and there was at least one Nazi comment and another socialism comment, judging from the response of the crowd the majority was Pro-healthcare reform. Most of the dissenters were on Medicare or retired military, who have healthcare.

general comment to those who think President Obama's talk to school children is a Bad Thing.

grab your earlobes and pull 'til you hear a Loud popping sound!