Education Secretary Arne Duncan, pictured here in a February file photo during a visit to a D.C. charter school with the first couple, said Sunday it would be 'silly' for parents to keep their kids home from school on Tuesday when the president is set to address the nation's schoolchildren.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images/File)
(CNN) - Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Sunday that parents threatening to keep their children home Tuesday to avoid President Barack Obama's planned nationwide speech to school students were being "silly."
Appearing on the CBS program "Face the Nation," Duncan said the 18-minute speech would be posted Monday on the White House Web site so people can read it before its scheduled Internet broadcast to schoolchildren on Tuesday.
Duncan emphasized it is up to school officials whether to include the speech in the day's activities, and that the message of the speech was to encourage children to finish school.
"That's just silly," he said of anyone planning to have their kids stay home because of the speech. "They can go to school. They can not watch."
The speech is about "the president challenging young people," Duncan said in response to protests by conservatives that it would be used to force the president's political agenda on students.
Last week, conservative parents and some Republicans reacted harshly to news of the speech.
"Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," suburban Colorado mother Shanneen Barron told CNN Denver affiliate KMGH. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."
Some school administrators have decided to show the president's speech, while others will not.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a possible contender for the GOP's 2012 presidential nomination, said Sunday that Obama's speech would disrupt an already-hectic first day of school for many students.
"I think there's concerns about the disruption," he said on CNN's "State of the Union," calling the scheduling of the speech a "little ham-fisted" by the White House. "There is also concerns about is this going to be done in an appropriate manner. I trust and hope that the White House will have a content that is not political and they're not using the public school infrastructure for that purpose."
Duncan, however, noted Obama's speech is not unprecedented. President George H.W. Bush delivered a nationally televised speech to students from a Washington D.C., school in the fall of 1991, encouraging them to say no to drugs and work hard.
Some of the controversy involved a proposed lesson plan created by the Education Department to accompany the address. An initial version of the plan recommended that students draft letters to themselves discussing "what they can do to help the president."
The letters "would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals," the plan stated.
After pressure from conservatives, the White House distributed a revised version encouraging students to write letters about how they can "achieve their short-term and long-term education goals."
Duncan said Sunday that the passage was poorly worded.
At least one conservative backed the idea for a presidential speech to students.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told "FOX News Sunday" that Obama's speech is a good idea if the message is a positive one about completing school. Gingrich said people would be able to see for themselves by reading it on the White House Web site on Monday.
"If that's what it is, then it is good to have the president of the United States say to young people across America, 'Stay in school, study, and do your homework,'" Gingrich said.
–CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand contributed to this story.
Updated: 4:24 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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It's not silly if you are a Republican, southern white moron who is only interested in seeing this country go down in flames.
Good God. I had almost forgot how many stupid Americans we have in this country.
Republicans have become nothing but "silly".
The GOP is doing what they know best, promote hate and violence. It's their only hope.
The Republicans have become baseless and nonproductive.
What have we all become? A sad day in America when our children are learning to be "divided".
If I had kids they wouldn't be there to listen to Obamas early brainwashing. Obama is so arrogant to think his words are stronger than his actions.
Silly? I'd use stronger words: ignorant, racist, fanatical. The kindest words I can think of would be: misguided, politically motivated, irrational.
Bill O'Reilly wrote that our children can learn a lot from this President about the power of education to lift yourself up, even if you have stumbled in the past, and achieve your goals.
I guess these folks don't want their children to hear that message but it will be valuable to those who do. If it inspires one child to recognize that education is the key to a bright future, I'll call it a success.
For starters I'm a white guy and not known to be the most racially sensitive. But this crap about not wanting "their" children to listen to a speach from the President smacks of racism plane and simple. Just like the ignorant chants of "we want our country back". Back from what, a black president is what I fear the answer is. Then there I this crap about working with Repubs. When what they really mean is do what they want, news flash they lost the election so suck it up and stop being obstructionists.
Hopefully the independents are paying attention to how stupid and petty republicans are being.
Silly is it? Since I can't hardly stand one thing the administration is saying or doing how is it I should have my children listen to the president. I'll raise my own children thank you, and certainly not to be liberal.
"I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."
WOW–I'm an American, and I am horrified at the example parents are setting for their children about respecting the office of the president. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his policies or whether or not you voted for him, he is the President of the United States. What is going on here? It is embarrassing that such a vocal minority is creating this firestorm over a message ecouraging students to stay in school and work hard. What better example of that message than this president?
The opposers of President Obama's address to students in America IMO is being used by far-right Republicans to further show disrespect and unacceptance of his office. They are bringing their hate into the vision of their most important thing in their lives, their children. The children in turn will start arguments with their classmates over this ridiculous new reason they have for distrust and havoc. Very low, but intirely engineered on purpose. Go President Obama there are more thinking and honest parents out here and we'll be listening to you. Very good adivice to students, as we have read what you'll be saying.
And this from the people who used 9/11 images in their first 2004 campaign advertising. Does Pawlenty think it was appropriate to raise the threat level a few days before the 2004 election when Tom Ridge admits that his department saw no evidence to support it?
Please, John DiIulio didn't call them "Mayberry Machievellis for nothing. The former Bush official accused them of basing every decision on politics.
Yes it's not only silly to keep children home and defeats the whole purpose of keeping our children in school.
Glenn Beck, FOX News, and the GOP, are advocating keeping kids at home, rather than view President Obama's speech on successin education, and staying in school.
Silly?
Don;t you see what's going on? It's brilliant. How better to increase the ranks of the right. More poorly educated supporters for the cause. Don't succeed in school. Don't stay in school. Don't listen to anything someone says, if they don't agree with you. This president (Obama) is one of ours, so we shouldn't have to listen to anything he says.
What better way to increase the numbers of the conservative right, FOX News viewers, and members of the GOP. More poorly educated, angry, white people. Brilliant.
Glenn Beck, FOX News, and the GOP, are advocating keeping kids at home, rather than view President Obama's speech on success in education, and staying in school.
Silly?
Don't you see what's going on? It's brilliant. How better to increase the ranks of the right. More poorly educated supporters for the cause. Don't succeed in school. Don't stay in school. Don't listen to anything someone says, if they don't agree with you. This president (Obama) isn't one of ours, so we shouldn't have to listen to anything he says.
What better way to increase the numbers of the conservative right, FOX News viewers, and members of the GOP. More poorly educated, angry, white people. Brilliant.
Memo to fellow leftists:
Flood the boards with comments supporting Dear Leader. Continue to blame Bush for anything and everything. Even though we have righteous hatred for conservatives–especially those who pray for us–turn it around to make it look like they are the ones consumed with hatred...rather than them being deeply concerned about where this country is headed. Make the readers think that our (Obama's) way of thinking is the norm. Keep racial strife on the front burner. You know the drill, keep it up.
I have a question that I presenting in all serious.
Has there been years and years of inbreeding going on in the republican party that makes them act the way that they do?
"It is better to be thought a fool than speak out and remove all doubts"
The republicans and those supporting boycotting the presidents speech to students have removed all doubt concerning their stupidity.
Who better to speak about what education, hard work and goals can accomplish?
Who better to let our future adults know they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to?
It is an honor for the president of the United States to speak directly to our children.
Those who oppose it have lost all credibility as to what America is all about.
Okay, you loony libs who have no other argument than to say that Beck is a lying and distorting kookjob. Just how is that so, when all of the evidence presented was Jones' OWN WORDS as captured on numerous videos! Yes, you can try to convict the messenger, but it was JONES himself that put his neck into a noose. Good job by Beck and others to show the TRUTH and not the propaganda smoke screen.
WORST THAN SILLY, , , ITS STUPID, IDIOTIC, AND IT IS BORNE OUT OF PURE HATE!
The USA has watched its lead in national education slide from the top while countries like Canada, Japan, Great Britain, Taiwan, Germany, etc. leap frog ahead. When the President tries to do as preceding Presidents and motivate students to strive harder; the hateful and stupid rightwing nuts go into a psychotic convulsion and shut the schools down statewide (e.g. Virginia State Public School System).
I am touched and honored that President Obama is taking time to encourage our students to study hard and achieve goals in life. He is a living example of his message. A President's job includes inspiring our young generation. Many other presidents have done similar things, as I remember from my own youth.
I am actually glad GOP conservatives, such as Gov. Pawlenty, have chosen to object to our Presdent's speech, because their silly protests draw more attention to Obama's positive message!
do you think that the right wing conservatives would have an issue if Bush had wanted to speak to school kids? Me thinks not!!
GOP is dividing the country
If parents tell the kids not to watch president speech ok for me
but Reason gave by conservatives bother me if that so then what Fox and Rush are doing
Still we are in 19th century
This reaction by conservatives will ensure another generation of closed-minded idiots. It's apparent that they do not value education; Just look at some of their most prominent standard-bearers (Rush, Beck, Palin, Joe the plumber, etc.).
These repuglicans are just plain crazy.
IT STANDS TO REASON THAT REPUGLICANS WOULD BE AGAINST A SPEECH PROMOTING EDUCATION!
Besides, most of them spell it as SPEACH, not speech. That's a sure sign of their intelligence.
not like kids today pay attention to anything other than their text messaging anyway...
When parents decide to play politics with their children's future, they are teaching their children a new kind of tyranny. Isolating children from diverse inputs, as a result of rampant hatred and fear is precisely how the Nazi party took control of the impressionable minds of a generation.
The correct appproach is to send your child to school so that your child can gather diverse inputs. Then, sit down with your sons and daughters and discuss it calmly and free of fiery passion.
When a child learns that it is ok to close his mind, then he is at the highst risk of tyrannical manipulation, and he will never be free.
It is not "silly" to protect our children from indoctrination. The materials associated with this seemingly innocent speech were carefully crafted by left-wing idealogues, intent on having children "pledge allegiance" to the almighty Obama.
What a hoot! You really are lacking a life if you think the purpose of Obama speaking to our children is a political ploy. Oh no!!! There might be subliminal voices being spoken to our children at the same time saying "eat your wheaties and vote democrate". I think the fact that we'll have a President that can actually speak the English language will help our children. Oh I'm sure the republican racist would reather have that well spoken cowboy idiot Bush do the talking. Get a life objectionist republicans...continue to honor the likes of Glenn Beck, Hannity, Coulter and lets not forget that fine outstanding example of a pumpkinhead Rush!!!
He can speak at schools, no problem, HE HAS A GREAT STORY, but the LESSON plan was the issue and are you SHEEP aware that the Democrats (Gephart and company) hammered Bush senior when he spoke to the classes in 1991 (WITH NO LESSON PLAN involved) or does that not matter to you sheep?
Bleat away fools.
this is the so silly the mother insisted that she is an american so are her kids as if the president is not an american so they don't have to listen to him an 18 mins speech WOW! they are using this situation to undermine the president I did not like bush but I had no problem with him speaking to the kids in school.
This is another example of this President's inexperience and, perhaps, evidence of why he should have spent more than 2 years in the Senate before thinking he was ready. His ideas may be good, but his delivery stinks. Politics is a contact sport and this Administration keeps getting bloodied.
Those denigrating a speech by the President encourageing staying in school, getting an education and working hard need to get out of the sandbox and grow up! Do they really support the continuing dumbing and lazying of America?
Duncan, it's not silly. It's foolish. We all know that the loud conservatives have created a false-focus because they know how to roil up their base. If there were deep troubles with the president's decision to speak to the children, why add falsities to your stance? Answer: because there is certain mindset in America that rather hear a lie than the truth; it's the birther mentality, live and well. But unfortunately, it has to happen this way. There has to be a clear distinct opposition so they won't be able to hide within the Independent Party like the Dixiecrats did within the Republican Party. They can't help themselves to this foolish behavior. They really think they're standing up for what's right. Oh well.
Silly season. For god sake don't encourage our youth, why do that? Isn't that the problem now, that there is practically no one encouraging the kids...I think this is nit-picking to advoid the issues that this country is facing...forget the economy, the health care that this country is solely lacking, but lets jump on the "band wagon" about the President talking to young people about accountability for their education..
But Repubs/Conservs ARE silly, silly!
I don't care if they keep their kids home for a year!! They are already brainwashed, anyway!
Morons breeding and raising more morons.
If their kids don't learn any more in school than they apparently did, then they have nothing to worry about anyway...
Right wingers are like ostriches. Hide your head in the sand ... Pitiful. And I pity their children too !
Parents shouldnt just keep their kids home the day of Obamas speech they should keep them home every day! Public schools are socialism!!!!
Well kids who parents disagree with the president no matter how silly it is shouldnt be forced to watch, but Duncan is right they don't have be kept out of school they can be sent to study hall or something, although I am not sure when listening to presidental speech became part of the reading writing and arthemtic requirements of school.
It's one thing to want to shield your children from bad influence or from inappropriate content or behaviors. It is entirely another to want to shield your children from the President of the United States, a man elected to office by Americans, and the embodiment of the nation's patriotism and, now, equality. Shame on any parents who are considering keeping their children home from school just to keep them from seeing a 20 minute speech by President Obama.
Whoever the Obama cheerleader who proposed children write letters saying how they can "help President Obama," or that they write about how "President Obama inspired them," needs to be locked back up in the White House's political wing.
There was NO need for a lesson plan to be sent out. If they had left the lesson plan off, there would be no more controversy than when Reagan or GHW Bush gave speeches to schools, and liberals complained.
I'm conservative, but my son will go to school and if they play the speech, he will watch it. I'll read it online and we will discuss it at home if his school does opt to show it. No big deal, as long as they keep politics out of the speech as they say they will.
I give up.
Last fall I thought there was hope, but now I realize there is none. Half the country is hopelessly trapped in a haze of Glenn Beck-fueled paranoia, and the leaders of the other half, for some reason, are eager to capitulate to the lunatic half.
It really is all hopeless. The ugliest byproducts of capitalism have become too entrenched, and the citizenry has become too bloated and complacent. I used to think Obama could pull us back from the edge, but now I'm not so sure.
I encourage every single democrate and all grassroot movement for Obama to watch the schools that planning to prevent our children to watch and listen to President' speech. If that hapens, let's take our kids from those schools send them somewhere else. Let's show to those crazy that we are crazy as well. Enough is enough. Let's get in action now. Nobody in this world has the monopole of violence. They shoudn't push into that.
Of course it is silly to keep the kids out of school because of the President's speech. Why is it that former presidents Bush and Reagan can talk to the kids, but not President Obama. Hello you conservative sheep! He only wants kids to succeed. The conservative stance is almost as communistic as they claim President Obama' s speech would be socialistic.
Ironically, if President Obama had said that this speech was only for minority stuents, i.e. black and hispanic students, the conservatives would have been livid. They would have demanded that this speech be presented to all schools or none. Maybe that's the approach that President Obama should have taken. That way, all of the children would have benefited
Our government should focus on keeping its promise to the American people. As of today's date tht hasn't happen. We listened to the candidates campaign promises and look where it got us...NOWHERE..Deep debt, high unemployment, need I go on.
I will be signing the letter to place my child in an alternate class, not because it's Obama's speech, I would do the sae if it was Bush's speech. I don't want anyone dictating their political views to my child. I am an independent and am hoping that my child can view all material and make her own decisions when he/she reaches the age in which he/she becomes aware of the politlical climate in American.
Obama, get to work on creating jobs and let us parents inform our own children.
I am fed up with these Republicans. I have personally had enough and don't see good in any of them.
The GOP will go to any length to try to destroy the many good this President Obama is attempting. Why in God's name you would not want to hear him say stay in school and study hard. Is this not sound advice. What plant are these people living on. That is pure sound advice from a Democrat or Republican.
Thier action are absolutely un-American.
Baltimore, MD
It may be silly,but what it really boils down to is,a lot of people do not trust Obama. He has promised and lied so much,it is easy to see why people do not trust his judgement.
Just look at who he has surrounded himself with,And whom the Stimulis program has helped? The very rich or the very poor.
To keep your kids home is just plain 'stupid'. And for the parents 'not' to participate in the talk and discussion is also 'stupid'. President Barack Obama just wants the best for his daughters and 'your children', and your next door neighbors children. This man, our president, is one of the best 'role models' for being a father and parent, that have seen in a long time. He just wants the best for your children. Then its up to you.., the parent. Mike in Montana
Why don't the people who have an objection to a president telling our kids to work hard and stay in school just "man up" and say the real issue is our country having an African-American President. Stop hiding behind everything that he proposes and just say what the real issue is.
Will the White House lesson plans be posted as well?
Quote:
"Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," suburban Colorado mother Shanneen Barron told CNN Denver affiliate KMGH. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."
Ah, another thinly veiled attempt to question Obama's birthplace obviously. By saying that she and her kids are Americans she's pretty much implying that she doesn't think Obama is.
I don't see whats so scary about a school speech. After all, many many other presidents have done it.
It'd be nice to see the Republicans start being a bit more constructive rather then just being roadblocks, speed bumps, and obstructionists at every chance they can get. If all they can do is delay, then what alternative really are they promoting?
this is stupid so much hate in usa these people would have no problem with president of nra talking to there kids the us is so done
I think the actions of anyone to keep their child from school for a whole day to avoid 18 minutes of encouragement from the President is rediculous. To deny your child any words of encouragement to me is neglectful of that child. I never fault a parent for being concerned for their child and what they might be exposed to, so I encourage them to review the posting by the White House of what will be said before making a final decision instead of using politics as a deciding factor in your judgment. Let's start thinking for ourselves.
Parents that oppose students viewing the President's speech at school are being irresponsible and naive. Our kids smarter than we give them credit for. I think those parents are more afraid that their kids will see the hypocrisy and bigotry being displayed in their own homes. Get real parents! Where are these parents on "Back to School Night" and at PTA meetings? Do you even know what your kids are learning in the classroom everyday? Probably not which is why there is a 30% drop out rate in this country. Who better to talk about education than the President–where was the outrage when former Presidents were speaking to school children?
Conservatives are out of their minds!!! School children should be honored that the President of the United States thinks it's important to talk to them and encourage good education and doing your best. How closed minded and fearful are these folks???
How far are the wingnuts going to take this? Trying to sabotage Obama's presidency with the pretext of protecting their values. I would think if this parents were smart, they would actually let their kids watch the speech then later on at the dinner table in the evening discuss it with their kids then anything that does not align with their values, set that straight. It's foolish for some parents to try and brainwash their kids instead of letting the kids grow up to be indepedent thinking adults.
Silly is definately not the word...Bigotry is what is the truth of the matter. and everybody is to afraid to say so!! it is obvious...
Just don't play that creepy 'Pledge to obama' video. That was really weird.
I think that the Republicans are trying to hide their kids, they want their kids to live in the same bubble that they live in. They are afraid that their kids are actually going to like Obama. We are the future of this country and education should be one of the top priorities. It is not sufficient now and some of these kids need to know that there are people out there that want them to succeed. I don't know why anyone would not want their kids to listen to proof that they really can become anything that they want to be. I think this is a great idea, and he needs to inspire these kids to be everything that they can be.
It doesn't matter anyway. The kids that need to hear Obama's speech will be in the classroom and they'll benefit from it. For the parents that will keep their children out of the classroom on Tuesday, it's not meant for their ears.
I would not have a problem if the initial version of the plan did not ask students to draft letters about what they can do to help the president.
If it was just a talk from the president to do their best, encourage them to be whatever they want to be and such, that would have been excellent.
But the 'what can I do to help the president' is just creepy. Makes me wonder what he was going to talk about. What is a student going to write about? Helping Obama advance his political agendas? Help the president raise campaign money? Join Americore? What? I don't get it.
If it was a letter on how the student could help themselves, or their school or community or country, that would have been different. But when it is about Obama, it is just plain creepy and raises doubts about his intent and judgment.
Well, Mr Duncan, the czar of youth indoctrination. I am my children's parent, and I have the God-given right to keep my children from listening to ANYONE I do not trust.
What you are experiencing in the angry response from parents across the nation is people rising up and taking back the control of our children that our public education system took decades ago.
I just don't trust our president's motives. Do you understand?
What is silly is the Secretary of Education feeling it is his place to tell parents what they ought or ought not to be doing with their kids. The Secretary should know what his boundaries are
Silliness is one word these idealogues need not toss out at the voters. Silly is when you run headlong into an election thinking that the majority of people in this country worship you and your ideas. People that this man has surrounded himself with and "come up" under should be considered as his proper influences. Who would let their kids go see a play with peewee Herman? WHY NOT? EVERYBODY CHANGES RIGHT? Pied pipers do so for advantage as its their nature to fit in the current environment and get what the deem they are due. The ideas of spreading wealth means some kid in class will ultimately be punished more than others for success. Why be successful and push to be better if the end result is only going as far as the government will permit. Who can say that the social justice agenda motivates anyone to excel? After all (out of his own mouth) things oughtta be spread even for all. THATS MOTIVATION NO ONE BELIEVES IN!!! YES HE WILL TOO!!!
It is totally silly I agree. If the students can not listen to their President, whom should they listen to as the leader of their country?
The whole world is laughing at this sillyness!
let the smart kids get better than the ignorant parents they have
I suspect I know which particular faction of the Republican party is so vehemently opposed to the President's little pep-talk to school children. Is it the community of 'evangelical Christian' Republicans– that would prefer that their kids listened to George W. Bush reading "My Pet Goat" while our Nation was under siege? Last week I asked a 17 year old sales person at a hardware store to gauge the thickness of something for me and report it to me over the telephone. "Is it about 1/8", 1/4" or 1/2" thick" I asked? There was silence on the other end of the line. "How am I supposed to know"? was the answer!
The media has really blown it on this to the point they look ignorant. Everyone I've talked to (and I've talked to a lot) have told me "All Presidents" should talk to our kids.
The only group I have any problem with right now are the Churches. A Pastor prayed for the President to die? These people need to take a long look at theirselve's. I stopped going to church because of this kind of behavior, and probably will never go again.
For all the complaining they do about the President talking to our kids, I'm not about to send my kids to Sunday School only to be indoctrinated on the finer points of praying for a fellow Countyman to die. Talk about filling a kids head with garbage. Geeeeeeeezzzzz.
I wish these haters would back off and let the President do his JOB.
The party of WAAAHHH strikes again. I'm so sick and tired of these Republican cry babies.
First of all, Democrats reacted exactly the same way when Reagan and Bush I did the same thing. What's different this time is that the White House sent out lesson plans that implied Obama was enlisting students to help him with his political agenda. This was a self inflicted wound by a President who is clearly in over his head.
It is absolutely ridiculous to think that its political (Red/ Blue/ independent..etc.) to say "Education is the key to success tomorrow".
The youth and young adults of today are looking for that encouragement. Why not have a prominent and critical public figure in American society, THE PRESIDENT, endorse education.
People perish for lack of knowledge. The economy and nation could become much worse years and decades from now, if we don't encourage the next and current generations to value education.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive. Get to the children – this is child exploitation.
This is ridiculous! Why change the language, kids and parents are accountable for their schooling. STOP WHINING AMERICANS! Someone else is always responsible if somethign bad happens to you. I am happy that our president who is a great role model is willing to speak to our youth and challenge them. It is good for them to see an adult who is accountable unlike their parents who constantly find someone else to blame for their shortcomings.
So i'm confused. We have a President who wants to encourage our children to stay in school and challenge themselves to succeed. And we also have a President who recognizes that not everyone has Health Insurance, and is working to cover them. And lastly, we have a President who has constantly tried to reach across the aisle to the opposition for solutions, and only one (Snowe) has accepted. And we actually have people who are upset with these ideas. Amazing. Republicans really want to live up to their name.
I just can't see the big deal. What if the speech inspires just one kid who would have dropped out to give it another go? It's not like he wants kids to wear uniforms and march around the playground at recess like little obamatons. Imagine what other world leaders must think – the U.S. doesn't want their President to talk to their children!? Good grief.
In my honest opinion as an American adult in this great nation ours, this might be one of the saddest days ever. The rhetoric and tone of the nation is at a great divide. This is absolutely ridiculous. God help this nation heal.
The Rushniks and the Seanmunists have really gone over the cliff!! No need for anyone to even attempt anything bipartisan, as long as these kooks, who had no problem with Republicans talking to school kids, want to act like children who can't tell the truth from a pothole won't grow up and speak and act rationally!
What do you expect from republicans, there is not one of them that had sense God gave a billy goat.
They more they come the stupidier they get. But then the media is bending over backward to give each and every silly time republican the chance to spew their hate.
Wonder why they won't print anything the democrats say. Guess their masters won't let them. Like rejecting a post when you pan a republican.
This is no different than John Kennedy’s speech,"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country".
If Obama gave a speech with those words, they also would be all over him and- twist it- to something Subversive and Socialist in meaning!
Most people understand completely what is going on here.
My entire life I've been a moderate independent and avoided partisan politics. Whenever I voted, my ballot has been a blend of candidates from both sides. But what is happening right now with the Conservatives in this country is scaring the hell out of me! Ever since they lost the election they have spiralled out into a whirlwind of hate and fear that constantly feeds and builds upon itself. The Right Wing has lost all sense of perspective and are now downright delusional and dangerous.
Democrat or not, obama is trying to inspire the children to work hard and stay in school. What's so wrong with that? With the struggles he had to endure growing up without a father, he's an amazing inspiration to the young children that "hardwork is the key to success". You cannot deny his discipline and hard working ethics. So for all parents, you're doing your children more good to have them listen to a man who defied all odds, made no excuses & is the true epitome of the "American Dream"
All I got to say it is a small person who would keep their child out of school, because The President of the Unit State is giving an address to school students. When did we become so sick and hate fill.
The world is changing we will never go back to what some call the good old day. They may be good old day to a few but some of those days were pure hell for others. All you people who are still full of hate and still trying to hold the black man down get over your hate you will live longer. God will get you for this.
These people are idiots.
Reagan appeared in a classroom and delivered a politically charged speech – twice.
Bush, Sr. sat in a classroom and told the youngsters to go home and tell their parents to vote for him because he was better that the other guy on education.
"W" – "My Pet Goat" – Need I say more?!
Republicans are clear in that they don't want children in school being talked to in an encouraging fashion by "THAT" guy! What's the matter right-wing swifties? Are you afraid that children will take a liking to him and form their own opinion before Rush, Hannity and Beck have a chance to pollute them?!
Betwenn this and the shout down, mob mentality at the town halls, you're beginning to remind a lot of people of a short, tiny-moutachioed guy in Germany during the 1930's!!! Makes you fell good, doesn't it?! Thugocracy at its best!
You got to be kidding this is exactly what the Nazi's and Hitler did in Pre-War Germany. Get to the children first and had them telling on their parents calling them traitors.
It seems that some people are afraid that their children might in fact be motivated by the President of the United States. Imagine that their children might actually be impressed with a person who came from a middle class background, that, worked hard in school and graduated with honors, started off his work career as a community organizer, giving back to the community and eventually at a relatively young age became President of the United States. I mean last I heard this was the American dream. Who would have thought that there were some people in this country that wouldn't think this was something that should be shared with all children. Why wouldn't people think that this person wouldn't be welcomed as President of the United States to talk to students and ask for their help in making this country great. Oh, my bad, I guess that would have been okay as long as he wasn't a black male. Heaven forbid should people begin to think that there are intelligent, hard working , confident, strong black men in this country.
It's not silly to keep your kids home in my child's school where some Obama-drooling teachers have his picture on the wall every day and openly campaigned for him at school during the election. Maybe Obama will just talk about working hard in school, but the real indoctrination will come from his devoted followers who teach our children.
As a parent, it is my responsibility to raise my children in a way that leads them to be responsible, productive members of society. Watching a political message from the President of the United States, is not an appropriate activity. A speech on any subject, from the president, is political, he is the president. If it were a speech by Mr. Obama, that would be a different matter, but he is not simply Mr. Obama.
I bet the IDIOTS who keep their kids home so they won't hear President Obama would send them to hear W read "my pet goat" or evil Dick talk about how to shoot your friend in the face and then run away, or Rummy talk about how to LIE your way into a war that kills thousands of good young American men and women. I am so DISGUSTED with the GOP, the religious ultra right bigots who wouldn't know Christ if He slapped them in the face.
The "outrage" of some people just shows how sad the right wing extremist are!!!
Reagan did it, Bush 1 did it, Clinton did it, and hell even during 9/11 Bush 2 was speaking to kids. To the GOP and and others who are "ignorantly" sitting their kids out of school Tuesday. All 4 of the above Presidents have one thing in common. All 4 basically said the same thing to kids. I love when people say minorites use the race card but really......examples like this always make us wonder.
If people are going to sit kids out of school and send notes to teacher to not let their kids hear the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES--I REPEAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES give encouragement to stay in school is ignorant. All 4 of the previous Presidents are worthy (and white) of talking to kids but you need a permission to hear this President (black). Smacks of "separate but equal" and we all know that "separate but equal" is never equal.
One WACKO-MOM states "Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me… I’m an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now." UNQUOTE!!
I’m an AMERICAN too and what makes YOU think YOUR VIEWS are better than mine…. But just because YOU say it and the color of your skin does not match MINE, it goes YOUR WAY – is that FAIR!!!
The far-right White REPUBLI-CAN’Ts cannot speak for all AMERICANS because they do not represent ALL OF THE AMERICANS – but yet they get their way… WHY?????
Silly for who? The truth is that a large number of Americans do not trust Obama enough to let him speak to their children and that speaks volumes about their feelings for Obama and his veiws. The media can spin it any way that they want but Obama has lost the respect of the American people and do not trust him.
The most ridiculous, in a longgg list of ridiculous things the Republicans are complaining about these days.
God forbid the President encourage children to stay in school and work hard. Very radical! How dare he! The irony is, they have no problem sending their child to a "public" government run school system. Nor do they have a problem voting to force your child to pray to their God in those same government run schools.
The stupidity of these people knows no bounds!
They have to keep their kids home. They've repeatedly told their children that African-American's are inferior to them therefore they cannot have an extremely intelligent, poised, articulate, thoughtful and to top it off first African American President of the United States speaking to their children. Their children might not believe the stereotypes and lies anymore. Oh my! Their children might even admire and try to emulate him.
It's silly because the GOP is a siily childish ignorant party.