Obama's "controversial" speech. Take two...

IMO, the greatest potential of the Obama presidency is him, begin an African-American, setting an example as a father and husband who has achieved success through hardwork and scholarship. A non-politicized speech/lesson by one of our presidents encouraging good behavior (stay in school, just say no, etc..) is welcome. I think his speech can have a positive impact on schoolchildren. I disagree with much of what he has done, but I have no problem with this speech.

As I stated in the other thread, he should condense it to just the last 8 paragraphs.  Those paragraphs have substance speech worthy of school kids IMO.

Other than that, I could see fair complaints that he should be focusing on the economy and projected 9 trillion dollar deficit instead of this kind of stuff.  I wouldn't debate someone accusing him of doing this for political purposes.  I wouldn't debate anyone refuting such a claim either.  It would be easy to see that one either way. 

I'm the first to state there isn't socialist propaganda in the speech. 

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Interestingly, I just got a recorded message from our school superintendent.  They will be airing the 20 min speech and stated that if you objected to your child hearing it, simply send their teacher a note or e-mail.  While not a supporter, I certainly wouldn't censor their childhood.  After reading the speech, my only problem is that this will be viewed as 20 min of boredom for them.  It really wouldn't matter who was doing the speaking.

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Read a copy of the speech off of the internet. Seemed it was pretty much stay in school, work hard and do your best to me.

I pretty much agree with the above.  But this sort of thing has been going on forever.

The really interesting question to me is why people are willing to condemn someone's words or acts without paying serious attention to the actual content of those words or acts.  I don't know that answer to this question, but I sure would like to.

Now, nobody take this the wrong way, but I don't really want you to answer that question, unless:  (a) you've seriously done your homework and have a convincing account based on facts, or (b) you are yourself inclined to engage in that sort of condemnation and are self-aware enough to know why, and are willing to tell us.

I didn't see the other thread, but did anybody bring up the idea that it's not so much the speech that people are opposed to, but the "package" that gets sent home with kids after the speech?  Our daughter's teacher (first grade) wrote a note home about the speech and the ensuing packet of work that's being provided by the White House.  Basically, they are asking students to write about how they can support the president.  Now, I haven't actually seen the packet or the assignment first hand, so don't take what I write as fact, just my understanding of what to expect, as told by my daughter's teacher.

I have no problem with my daughter seeing a United States President speak, regardless of who her mother and/or I have voted for in previous elections.  It's part of the process, and the soon she becomes aware of it and engaged in it, the happier we'll be as parents ... whichever way she tends to lean politically.

However, if what I have been told is true about the content of the take home packet, then I can understand the potential uproar.  The jury is still out about whether or not I have a problem with this until I personally see the "assignment", but on the surface and without all the facts, I don't think I like this ... I don't think I'd like this from either party.  Maybe an initial over reaction, but if the "indoctrination" card is to be played and there's "outrage" from the right, I think this is from where it stems.

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Edited by PennState 2009-09-08 6:18 AM

Not necessarily true for all kids.  My youngest (who just started college, so she will miss the school element of this) is and has been a huge political junkie for years.  To the point that she complained that her high school diploma is signed by the "wrong" state representative (apparently our county is split by the state for state reps, and the "other" one is the one who signed off on local diplomas - what kid knows that stuff?  I didn't know that! So she would not have been bored to hear the POTUS speak at any time in the last several years, even when she disagreed with which party was in power.

Yep, totally bonkers.

Oh, and I should apologize for my little speech (not directed to anyone in particular) about not answering my question.  It was kind of you not to quote it.  I was in a bad mood last night...

I have no problem with the speech.

I did find this interesting though - http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/09/024467.php

Sounds like the left had issues when the elder Bush did the same thing. I know, it's shocking that both sides are great at playing politics

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After the changes to the follow up assignments, I think a motivational speech by the President to our youth is great.

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My daughter said that 4 kids from her class chose to watch it but came back to the classroom early saying it was boring.  ..and they never got the free candy they were promised

Wait, are you guys saying that kids were bored by listening to an adult tell them to study hard and stay in school?  Shocking...

I woke up this morning expecting to have to use all of the tools, equipment and tactics I've prepared for zombie infestation against an angry mob of public schoolchildren instead.  Talk about a letdown.  I ate some Crispix instead. 

it's crispy times two!

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I likely won't be voting libertarian, but I love your decision to vote 3rd party. Eventually, enough people will do and they will actually make a difference. Either the two existing parties will differentiate themselves a bit, or a 3rd party will really happen.

Good for you Spokes - welcome to my side of the fence.