Obama Speech To Students – Not A Big Deal
Many parents seem to be getting seriously revved about Obama giving a 15-20 minute address to children in the public schools.
My opinion?
There is no need to get all worked up, “revolt” or take your children out of school that day.
Here are the facts:
- The president will speak directly to students Tuesday about the need to work hard and stay in school. His address will be shown live on the White House Web site and on C-SPAN at noon EDT, a time when classrooms across the country will be able to tune in.
- Schools don’t have to show it.
- President Bush made a similar address to schools in 1991.
- The White House plans to release the speech online Monday so parents can read it.
If those of you who have chosen to put your children in public schools are worried about the indoctrination of Obama then I suggest two things:
1. Let your students go to school that day but make sure to have conversations with them about Obama and his policies. Teach them to think critically.
2. Home-educate your children – it’s not just Obama “indoctrinating,” it’s the whole public school system. (Which, if you choose public school for your babes, see suggestion number 1.)
And that’s my two-cents! :)
What are your thoughts about it? Am I missing something?
Source of Information: Obama speech to students sparks new controversy
My ex-husband sent me a text message yesterday freaking out about the Obama thing. Freaking out. I called him a drama queen. I haven't read all 62 comments (geez, Sarah), but I'm not stressing about it because I live in the shiny part of the buckle of the Bible belt and there are plenty of other parents making noise about this that my kids probably won't even know it exists.
.-= Serena Woods´s last blog post … when the mask slips =-.
This is an interesting discussion. I have wondered about what all the fuss was about because I live in a remote village in Eastern Europe, where I have no TV signal and the internet (which I'm lucky to even have) is so slow that a 3 minute Youtube takes over an hour to load—-so I will not be watching the address.
Upon reading the various opinions, I am inclined to stick with my own original opinion, which agrees with Sarah Mae's original post. I also agree with TeriLynn.
As an aside, I feel compelled to address the Elmo thing. While I respect your desire to stay home (and have done the same in my own life), telling a child "never" can be dangerous. We never know what tomorrow will hold. Also, many children have Mommy's who DO leave to go to work. Having a child who can sympathise with other children isn't a bad thing. Just my .02.
Thanks for the thought-provoking discussion.
.-= Carrie´s last blog post … The 2 Question Diet =-.
Carrie – you're right, "never" might not be the best choice of words. Also, the Elmo thing is fine for other families, I just didn't like it for ours. :)
This is an interesting topic of discussion, and one that I had no idea was going on. I have two small children 2 and 3 years old. We are not at an age to decide homeschool v. public v. private school, but I would like to know what everyone is talking about when they say the "public school indoctrination." I went to public school my whole life and never felt that it influenced my beliefs as a Christian. I really do want some insite into why the choice for homeschool was made by some of the families here.
Wow – look at all this dialogue. I'll be back to read them all.
(Oops….I just realized that my whole comment is about the "I pledge" video that was shown in schools. I initially thought this was what people were referring to. I'm not delete it because it still has some applicable points if people aren't aware of what was already done. People spoke out about this video and good thing since hopefully, it won't be biased).
For me, this isn't a home school/public school issue. I am in the process of training my children to think critically, to establish a world view based on Truth and not to believe something just because mom and dad do. The issue with this is not the overreacting on the part of parents, it's the fact that this video has such a tone of total "agenda." I LOVE 75% of the video and if they had stopped with that, I could agree that its similar to what Pres. Bush said in '91, but did you listen to a few of the celebrities. "I plegge to never use plastic bags again.I pledge to sell my gas guzzlers and purchase green cars. I pledge to go potty twice before flushing…I pledge…" and a bunch of other garbage. Well, I have one very literal child who we are training to respect her authority. the role of the president (even when we disagree) and the role of teachers in her life). If she had heard that video, she'd come home and want to implement those issues immediately with a "teacher, principal, president said so."
Oops – just realized I am addressing the wrong issue…ha….well, there are so many that have come up recently, it's hard to keep them all straight. So I'll stop. :)
.-= Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam´s last blog post … Blogging tips…enable your email feature =-.
Jen, is the video you're talking about a commercial or something or is it in the classrooms?
I only just stumbled upon this website today, and am surprised at a lot of the comments here. It seems very heated already, but I feel like voicing my opinion.
I was sent to public school, and was raised to be respectful of people and their opinions, whether I agreed with them or not. Perhaps I'm in the wrong clutch of opinions here, but I believe that teaching children that there are others out there who view the world differently is a good thing. What happens when they grow up and leave the nest? They then encounter potentially unsavory characters, but if they were never taught anything outside their little protective bubble, they will not know how to stand up to these outside forces.
I think that it should be an honor to have the President take time out of his busy day to speak to schoolchildren. Do you forget that he has children of his own who are in school? Just because you do not agree with his policies, doesn't mean that he is out to get your children. This whole uproar over this speech is shocking to me, and quite frightening.
You cannot shelter your children from everything. Do you deny the existence of drugs because you do not wish them to partake in it? No, you rationally explain it to them, tell them why it's bad, and check up on them from time to time. Children have a way of finding out about things you don't want them to, and denying that reminds me a little of an ostrich.
Just because you bury your face in the sand, doesn't mean that they can't see you.
Just because you don't let them see the video, doesn't mean that when they do go back to school, they won't hear about it from other children, or on television (if you watch the news in your home, it will be mentioned, and little ones are not always in bed when you think they are). They can hear it from anywhere, so even those who home school are not immune. You could be in a grocery store with them, and pass a couple having a conversation in the isle about it.
Are you going to lock your children away forever because you are afraid that may develop their own minds about something you disagree with? What happened to being open minded? What happened to respecting people's differences? To equality? You can disagree, but still be respectful. Throwing a tantrum every time someone does something you don't agree with, is not the way to behave as adults, and is not the example I would want to show my children when I have them. How is this media uproar any different than a tantrum?
Jen, you are actually on topic, I believe-and Sarah Mae can correct me if wrong. :)
The video she's talking about is the one that was released for viewing, Sarah Mae. {I watched it online, assuming it's the only *one* out there} Celebrities pretty much go and declare their service to Obama and the above mentioned pledges.
.-= Mirinda´s last blog post … a crown and a birthday. =-.
Mirinda, so the celebrity "servant" video is what is being shown to kiddos?
*If* that ridiculous video is being shown in the schools, I can understand more of the anger. I like what one parent said they were doing – they are going to go in and watch it with their child – I like that. I know not every parent can do that, but if they can, what a great idea (in my humble opinion). :)
In reference to Amanda's comment: The Bible is a closed-case; never-changing–God doesn't change 'His' mind on certain hot topics… That is the FACT that everyone is missing. Being open-minded to SIN is not something I am willing to give up my children to…. Seriously, if you read the BIBLE with a open heart and mind, you'd understand why most Christian parents or NOT OPEN-MINDED TO SIN.
My children will and do know why we think this way…and why our views are different from others (most others-now-a-days)….You saying that I am trying to hide my children from the world is immature to say. Yes, I FULLY UNDERSTAND, they will hear of it eventually, but my children are my children…not the governments children. When I want my children to learn about (for example–sexual orientation) 'wordly views'– then I will determine when that happens….not the public school at age 5.
OF COURSE, they will learn about sexual orientation and whatever the case may be, one way or another, but I'd rather they here about it first from God's perspective, then the world's. AND NOT the other way around…
.-= Jessica S.´s last blog post … August Homeschool Happenings… =-.
Amanda, I agree with you on some of this and want to reply to each question:
"Are you going to lock your children away forever because you are afraid that may develop their own minds about something you disagree with?" I used to think so, yes. But God has shown me how to teach my children and guide them through their faith in God, but still teach morals from the Bible. Ultimately our kids are going to make up their own minds one day. We can't harness them and keep them in a pen, but we most certainly can protect them when they are that young. I don't let my children make up their own minds in the elementary years. In their tween years I guide them to maturity while maintaining parental authority and morals, safe boundaries etc. IN their mature teen years I allow them to explore 'outside the box' but I still guide and protect. I allow questions of all kinds. I didn't used to think this freely though. I lived in fear for far too long. I can't expect my children to grow up and be mature if I can't be.
"What happened to being open minded?" I think people are afraid of being open minded. It threatens what they feel is comfortable for them.
"What happened to respecting people’s differences?" I think most people probably do respect differences, but watching history repeat itself is alarming.
"To equality?" What is not showing equality in this conversation?I personally feel that Obama is not showing equality by expecting the American people to get in line with him. I think it's naive for any leader to think everyone will follow the leader. In America we should be able to disagree with the leader and be respected for that.
"You can disagree, but still be respectful. Throwing a tantrum every time someone does something you don’t agree with, is not the way to behave as adults, and is not the example I would want to show my children when I have them. How is this media uproar any different than a tantrum?" well these are their children, they have a right to speak up if they don't want him speaking to them. They have a right to question ANYONE who enters a school room, whether by video or in person, to speak to their kids. Their taxes pay for this education so they can have a say so in this. Just because they disagree with this, doesn't mean it's a tantrum. And just because he's the president doesn't mean he has a right to our children.
.-= Sisterlisa´s last blog post … The Wolves Are Here =-.
Sarah Mae, from what I can tell it comes at the end of the video…looking online right now. It's the only one I've seen but I could be wrong :)
.-= Mirinda´s last blog post … a crown and a birthday. =-.
I agree with you wholeheartedly!
And part of the reasons kids need to be aware and know and understand our political world and the shift is because THEY will be left to deal with what is happening now, as we all know.
SO many people just want their kids to be kids…which is perfectly fine, and is right, BUT you also can't leave kids in the dark…explain things in an age appropriate manner. You don't have to get detailed with your 4th grader unless you think they can take it. Most adults today just complain about politics…but they don't really understand what's going on. Sort of like when the voted for a specific candidate in their office, and now they don't like their choice. Americans today are less educated in the way the world works. They choose to ignore or leave it up to someone ELSE to do the work for them, thinking it won't affect them in some way eventually. On the contrary. So let kids know what's going on now so when they are adults they are ready to take a stand for morals!
>>And, yes, I was homeschooled. :)
.-= Morgan´s last blog post … Lost in a Land of Photos and…Chiropractors? =-.
Just curious…what do you think about parents who don't have the choice to homeschool their children? From your last point in your post, it seems that you look down on those who aren't able to homeschool.
And by the way, we are concerned about the president's address, mainly because of his actions of the past six months…at times I don't think it could be put past him to use this time to place ideas in our children's minds that are not correct or true. It has been the practice of all subversive government movements in the past to begin with those who are young.
.-= Norma Bowers´s last blog post … Long Time Coming =-.
Norma, I apologize if I seem to come off as "looking down" on those who don't homeschool. I will go over more of this in my upcoming series. :)
@ Jessica S. I think that our definition of sin may be different, and being open minded is not the same as being open to sin. (For example, I don't believe that being gay is a sin. Many religious people do).
@ sisterlisa. I agree with what you said, especially "guide and protect" and "I can’t expect my children to grow up and be mature if I can’t be." This is very different than sheltering, and saying that there is only one true way (your way). Rejecting things because they go against your way without knowing exactly what you're objecting to is something that I find cringe-worthy. Having the facts, all the facts, and still objecting is something else.
In this case, parents should read the transcript when it comes out for themselves before deciding if they'll want their children to watch it. A lot of dust has been raised before people even know what's going to be said, and that's what I'm worried about. Just because it's the president, and they disagree with him, they don't want their children "subjected" to his views. I guess I'm just more willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt that a simple speech encouraging kids to work hard and stay in school, is all it's going to be, political agendas aside.
How amazing that the government gets such passion from Americans on *any* topic – especially those concerning education and health. I say, "Wow. We are *not* the careless, complaisant, overly-busy Americans that we think we are!"
Just look at how such a reaction produced positive changes in the President's plans! Just look at how it reminded the government that the parents are the heads of their homes, and are ultimately responsible for their children. Americans need to see this process of checks-and-balances happening constantly. This is healthy for the government as well as the general populace.
I'm grateful for the hard work of the parents who speak out so that the government remembers daily that WE STILL CARE about the lives within our homes. With each outburst, I am amazed by my fellow citizens who care so much about their families' hearts, minds, and futures.
May the government never get a moment of silence that would allow them to believe that we have surrendered love, investment, and protection of our families and country.
.-= Laura´s last blog post … Alphabet Quest at the Museum =-.
"Americans need to see this process of checks-and-balances happening constantly. This is healthy for the government as well as the general populace." YES!
Excellent thoughts Laura, thank you!
Someone should have checked out Reagan's speech to school children .
On November 14, 1988, President Reagan addressed and took questions from students from four area middle schools in the Old Executive Office Building. The speech was broadcast live and rebroadcast by C-Span, and Instructional Television Network fed the program “to schools nationwide on three different days.”
In his speech to students and the question and answer session following Reagan
1. stressed the importance of low taxes and free trade.
2. stressed the importance of religion in our nation.
3 touted the economic achievements of his administration ,
4.put in a plug for the line item veto,
5. told the students that lowering taxes increases revenue
6. boasted of his administrations aid to Negro colleges
7. and told students that if guns were banned, burglars would be “celebrating forevermore”
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/19…
Two years before that Reagan again spoke to the children of America on nationwide TV .
He spends the bulk of his address touting the wonderful accomplishments of his administration in fixing the economy, restoring America's military, bolstering foreign policy. (Gee, isn't it suppose to be about the kids??)
Then he goes on to exhort the students to help make America strong by
1. studying hard (good)
2. being good citizens (wonderful)
3. staying away from drugs. (excellent)
4. and lowering the tax rates (Huh???)
Why he just couldn't help himself slip his political agenda in there again.
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/19…
For what it is worth here are my thoughts (as a follower of Jesus Christ who has her children in public school):
I do not believe this is a public school issue. I do not think that the public school system asked the President to speak to the children directly. I believe this is a Presidential issue. I think he is using the access he has in the public school system to further his goals.
From the reaction I have seen from my local public school system they did not want this nor do they welcome this disruption to their school day. As a parent I have been given more respect from my school system than from the President. My school system has done everything in their power to allow me to decide if my child views the speech. The President on the other hand has not given me the respect I believe I deserve a parent. If he did he would have announced this speech and offered to do it after school hours and offered me the opportunity to view it with my children.
Instead of blaming the school system, why don't we support the parents who believe and do have their kids in school. I know why I have my kids in public school and I would love to see more support from the Christian community.
Thanks for listening.
Sarah Mae-
Thank you for this thought-provoking post and respectful discussion. I did not read through all the comments, so I am not sure if anyone mentioned this: my daughter's (public) school sent home an "opt-out" note on Friday for parents to sign and return if they do not want their children to view Obama's address. Children will be given an alternate activity during the address. I am torn about how to handle this option.
I must admit that I worry about how students whose parents DO opt-out will feel and be perceived by their peers. Of course, I teach my daughter at home that what her peers think of her is not important, that how God sees her is what matters. But still, she is young and sensitive to her classmates. I know I have some further investigating to do before I make this decision that I do not take lightly.
.-= Alyssa @ Keeping the Kingdom First´s last blog post … The CVS $5 Challenge: September 6-12 =-.
Excellent reply Laura. wow!
Hope, I think your comment about how you would appreciate support from other Believers about your decision to public school is quite valid. I recently came out of a 'church' that refused to support me in homeschooling. I think they key issue with that is a lack of grace. Grace is lacking all over the world, but in my opinion it's lacking most within 'Christian' circles.
I support any parent who is active in their child's education no matter where they get it from. But if they choose to homeschool, that's where I could give the most support. The reason why is because that's where my heart is. Yet there are things active parents can do to make a difference in their child's public school education.
We can all agree to disagree on educational choices, but if we expect everyone to choose the method we chose then I think we are expecting too much. As a Christian we should expect nothing at all. That's what grace is. Giving, expecting nothing in return.
.-= Sisterlisa´s last blog post … The Wolves Are Here =-.
I guess I have been living under a rock and didn't know anything about this until tonight when I heard about it from a friend. I admit, at first I got all worked up, but I definately like your take on it. Hopefully it will encourage great discussion with our kids Tuesday night! Thanks for your insight!
.-= Stacie´s last blog post … God's Light =-.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/Prepared…
I just read the transcript tonight and it was just as I originally imagined it would be–completely harmless, non-political, and just encouraging students to stay in school, work hard, make goals, etc.
I couldn't agree with you more about the issue being the whole system, and not just one speech.
Well said! I'm off to listen to the speech :)
Cheers!
Ruby
.-= Ruby in Montreal´s last blog post … By: Obama Speech: Another Brick in the Wall… | School's Out =-.
I just read the speech and it was actually very encouraging to the children. My kids were actually excited that they were important to our nation!! Wish I had that kind of impact…lol
.-= Valencia´s last blog post … Presidental School Speech =-.
You know, I'm torn on the issue. I don't believe people should have made a big fat deal over it, because that's what critics of the President's detractors would want. I felt the address itself would be harmless enough. It's the lesson plans I disagreed with – which were changed before the speech. Arne Duncan even said the speech was voluntary and schools didn't have to participate (some made it mandatory, but that's another story).
People are uncomfortable with Barack Obama speaking to children because of his associations (Ayers, Rev. Wright, etc.) and some of his ideas for America that include children (the "youth corps", the mandatory preschool). Reagan and Bush 41 didn't have these issues to deal with, but they did face massive opposition from the Democrats, even though they didn't use the Department of Education to write up lesson plans that used their books and asked students to make posters.
Of course, they didn't have the Internet to deal with, either. ;)
Interesting that there are very few posts here since the address to the students…
My children are in public school. I home schooled my oldest for a year, due to some violence issues he faced at the new school his freshman year. But other than that, they have been in public from K-12 (my daughter currently being a Junior). They are believers, they are firm in their faith and convictions. Two of them support our current President, my daughter leans more toward the right – perfectly fine with me. They research and read and watch and make up their own minds. How is a public school address considered "indoctrination", any more than homeschooling a child is? You are teaching specific things which go against other specific things. My children have learned from both sides – our Christian family upbringing and the world outside of ourselves. My children are lights in their school – my daughter is the first to invite the new kid to sit at lunch with her, or carry the handicapped child's books to class. She also "took on" a young girl in her class who was going on about premarital sex and called my daughter a "goody two shoes" because she is waiting until marriage (which she makes well known). Not many Juniors in high school will step out this way.
Jesus did not live in a bubble. Nor did God create us to live in one. I am NOT saying that all home schooled children are completely sheltered from the world. What I'm saying is that our Christian public school kids are ministers where God has planted them. And for those who say we should home school "if we don't want our kids learning things we don't agree with", perhaps you should try to see that there are godly children who do attend public schools and try to serve as ministers there every day – along with Christian teachers, principals, counselors, lunch ladies, and others.
Sorry, got off on a rant. I'd love to hear everyone's opinions *post-speech*. I personally thought it was a wonderful way for kids to feel important and part of our country in a way that most adults do not make them feel.
Someone asked : "Where are the progressive Christians who think that Obama is not an agent of the enemy? Who think that government helping take care of people is OK?"
That would be me. :) He is a Christian man, from all I can tell, raising a Christian family under a microscope of public scrutiny. I do not think he is an "agent of the enemy". I don't believe, as many do, that he is the Anti-Christ. I believe he is a man who worked his way up the ladder of success, broke a barrier that should have been broken decades ago, and who truly has our best interests at heart. Can I say the same for Congress? Nope. And THEY are the ones making the calls, folks, do not think otherwise.
If everyone in your church community agrees on every issue – congrats! But there are a lot of Christian people who have different views on some things. The ONLY important thing is love of Christ and spreading His Word. Not petty bickering, name-calling, degrading, and judgment of those who don't agree with your opinion.
Are we emulating Christ when we argue over politics? Over one man, or one group of individuals we don't agree with? I don't think so.
JOHN 13:34 NKJ
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
JOHN 15:12 NKJ
12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
EPHESIANS 5:2 NKJ
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us
http://www.believers.org/believe/bel194.htm
Sorry for the rant, SarahMae! :)
.-= Melinda´s last blog post … Tasty Tuesday =-.
Melinda, you make some great points – thank you for sharing them.
"indoctrination" may not have been the best word choice – I'm thinking that one through…
As far as Obama being a Christian, I find it very hard to believe because of some of his stances, but I certainly do not know that man's heart, there is only One who does.
Oh, btw, when my daughter "took on" the other little girl – it was by pointing out Bible verses to the girl to support daughter's decision to practice abstinence. Not a "fight" or anything. :)
.-= Melinda´s last blog post … Tasty Tuesday =-.
You are right, SarahMae – only One knows. Luckily it is not for us to judge another's heart. :)
.-= Melinda´s last blog post … Nana's Biscuits =-.