How many folks posting in this thread have contacted their local school district encouraging them to allow students to watch the speech?
You have to wonder if racism is involved with some of these "outraged" parents. You had that congressman on the news last night saying he wanted to "screen" the speech before he showed it to his kids like an address from the President of the United States is some PG-13 movie. Seems like the liberal response so far is one of far more outrage. And it should be. This is disgusting.
I knew you would. I disagree with you on some things, but you at least take the time to contact appropriate entities rather than just vent. Personally I think this "don't show the speech" episode is much ado about probably nothing. I am assuming that the speech won't be political and essentially boil down to a generalized speech about how important education and school is. Minnesota Rep, John Kline (R) has requested that a copy of the speech be posted prior to being given and apparently the White House has agreed, although did not indicate a timetable.
I would imagine that you have other good role models to look up to. Many of my friend's students have few stable adults in their lives. They need a role model. If President Obama can be that role models without indoctrinating the kids politically (there's no indication that he would), the world is a better place.
Then show it to them yourself. Being upset about it not being shown is just as ridiculous as being upset that it's shown. I'm sure that many schools have a ton of valid reasons to not show the speech. It will be available somewhere. As long as kids are allowed to see it or not based on their parents wishes, this is a silly controversy in both directions.
I know the speech is supposed to be about education, but doesn't anyone think it's a political move to do this the day before his very important nationally televised prime time speech on healthcare? That was my first impression (admittedly, all I do is read law books now) when I heard about it. Have the children come home talking positively about how the President spoke to them (which is, not a bad thing) and then bam, next day, hey it's this President selling me healthcare, and my kid liked him yesterday so I am going to give his plan a shot (obviously the very partisan on both sides won't care, but that middle voter). To me that's just weird and that's why this smacks of politics to me.
FWIW, here is the contact information (work info, public information) for the woman at CCISD who is in charge of Elementary Education. Holly Hughes Assistant Superintendent - Elementary Education (281) 284-3536 | hhughes@ccisd.net
Valid reasons? Can you state some? One of the silliest ones to me is that they are going to lose 1 hour of precious class. I remember when I was in elementary time was always lost one way or another so I don't see how that is a valid excuse. I guess if parents really don't want their kids to watch it they could just contact the school and have their kids isolated so they are not brainwashed by Mr Barack Obama, lol.
Schedule, technical issues about ability to show it to everyone, too many kids whose parents don't want them to see it and logistics handling it. I could think of a myriad of reasons/excuses. You talked to the school what reason or excuse did they give. I remember several speeches to students by Reagan when I was a kid, but we didn't see any of them in school. They were in the early afternoon, and I saw them at my aunt's house (who often kept us after school). I don't remember the subject of any of them, but I would imagine "Just Say No" was mentioned.
So are we afraid of parents indoctrinating their kids or kids indoctrinating their parents? While you seem to be more level headed than some of the other posters that are against the speech (for reasons of timing, agenda, etc.), this is still ridiculous.
I called my son's school, which is an elementary school, and they told me that none of the elementary schools will be showing it. I didn't ask about the high schools.
Presidents speak on all sorts of issues. The public isn't voting on healthcare...Congress may be, ultimately. Kids certainly aren't voting. Seriously, like him or not...he's the president of the united states of america. he should be afforded some measure of respect, particularly in a public school. if i were a principal of a school...and my concern was in motivating my kids to work hard...i'm thinking a pitch from the president in support of that would be a good thing. and if i'm a parent, i can't imagine how in the world it could hurt. Again, I'm just baffled people have made so much of this.
I believe it "smacks of politics" because someone told you to think that. Maybe I am getting cynical, but I believe that all of this is coming from Faux "News" pundits.
I can't imagine that a whole lot of parents would let their 1st and 2nd grade kids influence their political beliefs. Child: Mommy, who are you voting for? Mom: I'm voting for Obama, sweetie. Finish your vegetables. Child: But Mommy, Tommy told me yesterday that Obama is a big poo-poo head! Mom: Really?? Hmmm....
My kids goes to Pearland elementary. They brought back the "do not allow" form for me to sign, if I chose to. After I threw it in the trash, I asked my children to pay attention to what the President has to say and to talk to me afterward about their own thoughts. Had it been a program with Rush and the other loons, I may have signed it. If that is the case, why not let the TPOUS re-enforce the importance of school to the children? I know you've said that it's the Parent's job, but why would it hurt for others to drill on the importance of education?
