Looking for Opinions About Obama's Address to Children Across America

I would want my child to watch an address to children given by the President of the United States, no matter which party or person is in office. I cannot believe this is even an issue.

I really don't understand people. Whether or not you agree with Obama, he's the president of the United States of America! His speech is worth listening too. It doesn't matter if you are with Obama or against him, you should respect the office of the presidency. As for influencing children, I have a feeling most kids will be counting the minutes until recess instead of really paying that close attention to what Obama is saying.

I don't like most of Obama's plans, however, I don't have a problem with my kids (3rd, 1st, & K) watching him talk to them about the importance of education. If it helps get them excited about school - then I'm all for it.

He's the President. Respect the office if not the man. I happen to respect both this time around. I had a hard time respecting the last one.
Additional Comments:
"Inserting government where it doesn't belong" - are you KIDDING me? Public Education, definition of = "Public education refers to schooling mandated for or offered to all children by the government, whether national, regional, or local, provided by an institution of civil government, and paid for, in whole or in part, by taxes. The term is generally applied to basic education, including kindergarten to twelfth grade (K-12) education, also referred to as primary and secondary education.". For full definition see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_education
Oh My Goodness! Does this mean we've been Socialist all this time without even knowing it? GASP! Apparently you were not paying attention the day they taught how to look up topics in a dictionary or encyclopedia. I know if you wait long enough, every situation, every fashion will come around again, but I never expected McCarthyism to come back so soon.

McCarthyism:
–noun
1. the practice of making accusations of disloyalty, esp. of pro-Communist activity, in many instances unsupported by proof or based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence.
2. the practice of making unfair allegations or using unfair investigative techniques, esp. in order to restrict dissent or political criticism.

The words will be made public on Monday before his speech on Tuesday. And since you asked for "opinions" - heres mine: It is absolutely ridiculous for anyone to be concerned about what it will say before their kids hear it. Rightwing conservatives have decided to make this a political issue and it is NOT. He is simply addresses students to inspire them to stay in school and to make school work for them. Students should recognize that these schools are THEIR schools and they need to make their own school the best school possible and their input and suggestions for it are important. Kids will get more out of school and their education when they recognize that what they get out of it is a direct reflection of what they put into it!! Education and the importance of it is NOT a liberal v. conservative issue.. and its shameful for the extreme right to continue to use their scare tactics to make people fearful that the president would like to encourage their child to have a great year in school! "oh the horror" (sarcasm)
I for one plan to record the speech so that my children will see/hear it whether the school shows it to them or not (my kids are in private school)

I agree with the first poster. I believe we should show some respect for the office and teach our kids that resepect. He was elected by the majority of voters, so show them some respect too. Other presidents have offered similar speeches, this is nothing new.

Don't teach your kids fear. And if you don't like what you hear or disagree with his politics, then "man-up" and have that conversation with your kids. They have to learn to function in this worls of different opinions, faiths, beliefs. Use this as an opportunity to see what they think and teach them what you believe.

I am hardpressed to believe the President will say anything that you can actually disagree with, if for no other reason then it is politically unwise. But if he does, it's a learning moment for your child. Teach them they are lucky to live in a free land where people disagree.

FYI - My 5 year old daughter went to McCain and Obama campaign rallies. I told her what I thought were the high level differences between them (she is still learning to understand the job of president) but that they were both good men who wanted the best for their country. And I told her what my choice was going to be when the time came.

And I told her about how lots of places in the world people, and especially women, don't get to even attend political events let alone make decisions. She is lucky and teaching kids fear and closeminded is sad. And I would be embarrassed to be lumped in with them for not supporting Obamas politics.

My two cents :)

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event

Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009

The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.
Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.
I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.
I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.
I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.
Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.
And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.
We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.
Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.
So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.
But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying.
Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.
That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.
And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.
And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.
It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

I went to a college overseas founded by real, card-carrying, honest-to-whatever-deity-you-prefer socialists. Believe me, Obama's no socialist. It would benefit everyone if people would refrain from using terms they don't understand. And it would help too if everyone would realize that these days, no president from any party is dumb enough to (or has advisers dumb enough to allow him to) give an incendiary or "indoctrinating" talk to kids with the world watching. Let's dial down the panic and focus on our schools' real problems instead, and give teachers the support they need every day all year long, rather than creating hassles for teachers and principals on this one day.

I trust our President to speak to our children of issues that matter to them in an appropriate manner. Although I have definite political views, I encourage my children to hear both sides. We watched both political conventions and discussed the issues. I want them to think for themselves. Of course, I hope in the end they will lean more toward my views, but I think my job is to educate them regarding the values that are important to our family and to know what is going on in the world (a little more as appropriate as they grow).

I also think it is really important to teach respect for our nation's leaders and the hard work they all bring to their jobs. We may disagree with their choices but still support the system that gave them their jobs.

This most basic right of an american is to be able to voice your opinion without fear of reprisal. Having said that, it truly saddens me to witness the lack of respect people feel they are somehow entitled to show this president. I didn't agree with many of the policies of the last 4 presidents, nor do I agree with all of this president's policies. But I maintained and do maintain my ability to be respectful. You can say what you want, but if it looks like a duck, walk likes a duck and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. How many of you would be willing to say why you really don't like Obama. I'm much more concerned about the opinions many of you hold and are teaching your children then I could ever be about this president and his opinions. You see, my grandchildren will have to live in a world where your children will live. That scares me more than anything Obama may or may not say.

It's very sad that President Obama has had to endure more scrutiny than any other president in my 35 years of life in the 7 months he has been in office. I'm pretty conservative but supported his candidacy because of the hope that he would bring a level of integrity and transparency to the White House that was lacking. I don't agree with all or most of his views or opinions but I respect him for standing for what he believes and being willing to publicly state his opinions.
I have 2 homeschooled sons that will be watching the speech if we are able to while on vacation in NJ because regardless of his differing opinions he definitely inspires my black sons who have never had the opportunity to see a president that looks like them until now to believe that with hard work and diligence they can achieve their own dreams.

I agree with Jennifer S.. Our children SHOULD hear from the President. I am so tired of so many parents complaining about the speech and wanting to censor it. Parents want a written copy of the speech in advance? Do they send out for the script of your kids favorite TV shows BEFORE you let them watch it? How about let the kids listen to the speech...PARENTS listen to it and then use it as a way to discuss personal views and values with your own children. I personally hope that people will stop censoring and sugar coating everything for their children and actually teach them the how to use good judgement, coping and comprehension skills. They may not always be there to do it for them. Good luck.

I think it is very sad that there would be suspicion on anyone's part about what the President of the United States might say to their children. Have we ever been given a text of a President's speech before it was given? I don't recall that ever being the case, and my recollection goes back to JFK. The announced theme of this speech is to urge kids to study and stay in school. I would honestly like to know what on earth there is to fear about a speech with that theme. I was not a fan of the past President but would never have prevented my children from hearing anything he had to say. If you are opposed to the President, then what better way to inform yourself about what you are opposing than to hear what the man says?? I am more afraid of people who are spreading fear and uncertainty about an elected official. I hope my thoughts are helpful, and if not, I apologize, but your question really struck a nerve with me.

S.

I am glad to see this discussion taking place. As to the Letters To President Obama, if you look into the letters to President Obama, it was not Obama that asked kids to write to him but a professor, http://www.letterstopresidentobama.com/. Always check your facts before you make such assumptions.

I am still so amazed that people think that this president is trying to make this country socialist. Yes some of the programs are 'socialist' but we already have many programs in place that are government funded in order to make peoples lives better. We are a large country and in order for the very large population of poor in THIS country to have a chance of getting help, we need to have some programs to help them. The current programs, and there are already programs in place, are not working so the system needs work. The past governments have cut the budgets of such programs to the point where they are worthless. We already have lots of government health care, we just need to rework the program so that more of the people that need it can get it, not just the severely ill or elderly. We also need to revamp a health care system that has been so capitalistic that doctors have trouble making money for preventative medicine and only make money when testing and treating the sick. I am all for capitalism, but there are some areas where non-profits should be taking the lead, so that all people may be treated.

Obama has only been in office for 7 months, I am thrilled at the controversy he brings because Americans are finally having conversations like this, we are very uneducated about our country for being an educated country. Why are people so scared to let their children hear the President of the United States? He is the leader of our country. This leads to discussions about government and gets you to have conversations with your children. It is the children that do not have conversations with their parents that have difficulty getting through life. Instead of censoring the President, listen and discuss.

Megan (SAH of 2)

I am a Republican and not a huge fan of some of the politics Obama supports, but I personally don't have a problem with Obama addressing our children. I am pretty confident that he will address the children in a positive way, promoting education. Why wouldn't he? There's no reason for him to even touch on topics such as abortion to our sweet young nation.

A.,

Before making a solid decision based upon these responses, consider the source of some of the postings.

- Those who claim Obama is a Socialist don't have a clear understanding of this economic term. Furthermore, I seriously hope any of the anti-Socialist posters aren't participating in any welfare programs because technically, welfare can be categorized under any economic system that provides equal access to resources. (taxes, anyone?)
- As far as ". . . injecting the government [into] so many other areas of our lives" (I LOVE this silly little line!), WE are the government!!!! We pay taxes to support our schools so that ALL children have the right to an education. One speech is not the road toward indoctrination. And anyone who shelters his/her child to this extent is only doing the child a disservice. Don't think for your children; allow them to think for themselves.
- Finally, the Obama administration - and I quote from whitehouse.gov - states that he will be speaking "on the importance of taking responsibility for their [students'] success in school." How can anyone argue against that message?

I am a public school teacher who did indeed vote for Obama during this election in the hope that he would reverse the damage done from the previous administrations. My biggest hope is that he - through educating the public - can help to eliminate the subtle, yet destructive, undercurrents of institutionalized racism. After reading some of these responses, I am truly saddened by the ignorant beliefs that many continue carry with them and transfer to their own children. THESE are the very children who NEED to watch his speech.

hello
this K. H. ok first off, children are bombared every day
with incoming information, coming from television, radio,
their classmates, parents, teachers etc. etc. unfornately
they lack the social skills to decipher what is bull and what is actual fact. ronald mcdonald is a walking example
now, if you had the chance to preview the presidents
speech first, i would say, no problem, but because thats not being offered, my best advice is to opt out.. now
i gotta finish my coffee, while i am still allowed to have coffee
K.

I too am interested in hearing what the fuss is all about. Our nations first Black President wants to address our students and this is history in the making. I dont see what all the fuss is about. Why are people so concerned about it and what are they afraid of?

Well, now that I have read a few of the responses I want to say that, no matter what the President stands for or his background is...I am sure he will encourage our children to stay in school, go to college, get good jobs and become responsible adults. Right?
I beleive the schools should preview the speech and show it at a later date giving the parents an option to allow or not allow their students to watch/listen to it.

I think I recall as a child the teacher wheeling in a BIG HUGE TV into the classroom because the President was going to be on. I felt honored that as little kids we were being thought of by such an important man. A man that we saw on the news a lot and who was respected by our parents. I think today more than ever the office of the Presidency needs to be thought of by children as an office to revere. I hope that it will once again inspire responses from children to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up" Reply, "The President of The United States" How do we get back to that if we are fearful of an address like the upcoming speech? I don't have a problem with the content. I am confident that THIS President will be appropriate in front of our children. He knows what's at stake and I beleive he has respect for boundaries as he has children of his own. Someone with an agenda in the opposing camp started this hubbub with a simple whisper - and it has grown out of porportion as all gossip and untruth does. Blessings, S.

They are providing a written transcript for people to view on Monday. I'm not sure exactly where to find it, but read that in the Baltimore Sun.

I am all for the president addressing students. Parents who are worried about it should look at the transcript and then discuss it with their children after school. I don't believe it will be political in nature and support any attempt by our president to encourage students to take school seriously and put forth their best effort. I think it's great that he's doing this and cannot believe that it has become such an issue.

I have to say that after reading all these responses, my favorite comes from Suz T, "fer cryin' in a bucket." On the serious side, I am a substitute teacher in the county I live in. I was surprised when, on Thursday, a letter came from our central office providing the parents with an "opt out" option concerning the viewing of the speech. Other presidents have done this and there was never a problem.

I think people from both sides of the fence, (left, right) are behaving very devisedly and causing political friction that is harmful to our nation. The far left and far right pundints are teaching disrespect for the highest office in the world.

Regardless of whether or not I voted for this man for president, he is president and we need to listen to him and respect him. Even if someone did vote for him, most likely they are not going to agree with everything he says and does, but once again, he was elected by the majority and this is the way our nation functions.

I think the responsible parent will also watch the speech and then discuss it with their child that evening. The parent can then point out how and why they either agree or disagree with the president. The responsible teacher of any child under 16, (and I believe the huge majority of teachers are responsible) will not hold a discussion about the president's words, but advise their students to talk about the speech with their parent. I think in this way we will let our children know that if we agree we can do all we can to support what the man has to say, and if we don't, teach the proper channels our citizens go through to voice these disagreements.

Best of luck in making your decision.

To start, I'll say that I'm very conservative. I didn't vote for McCain because I don't agree with a lot of what he said. I'm a believer in Christ, and the Bible, and McCain had a questionable background on some important issues to me, so I voted for a third party who I knew wouldn't win, but it was a vote I could believe in. I don't agree with big government. I think it's been proven to fail in many ways. But, I enjoy listening to Obama. I think he has the right idea about a lot of things, I just don't always agree with how he wants to implement it. He mentioned that his wife said she prayed a lot for him. Even without that, I wouldn't expect him to try to turn all the children into liberals (which some people think equals terrorists: I don't). I think it's great that he's addressing kids. I love the way he's already changed the expectations of a president, in a way that after him they'll be expected to be more open with the public and deal with us more, rather than only make executive decisions and deal only with Congress. I didn't care about politics when I was younger-all politicians were unreachable. They didn't really put any effort into appealing to younger crowds. President Obama probably won't begin with a prayer, but he's not going to turn our nation's kids into terrorists. I'm glad he's taking these steps to reach out to the public. I started with my voting to show that I am a conservative, and I don't agree with some things he stands for, but I still think he's got the right idea about a lot. I think he's trying to include the children-he recognizes that the country will be going to them, and it's important to try to get them interested in taking care (by voting, running, etc) of our country and by staying in school and working. I think most people who see a problem with it aren't looking at it objectively. They just see his party and don't want anything to do with it. Just guessing that b/c I haven't heard any liberals (and I have quite a few in my extended family, as well as a bunch of friends who are more liberal than I) say anything against it.

A.,
I am concerned about the president's speech - more because I would rather be able to sit and talk about it WITH my kids as it happens rather than have to wait until they get home. I resent the president having to give a speech that is required listening for school aged children from k-12. Excuse me! I think if the high school social studies teachers want to let the kids watch, fine. But that's it. I don't understand why he couldn't have done this at 7pm some evening. There is no reason to take precious educational time to listen to the president drone on. We are on block scheduling - which means that our students finish a year's worth of material in 1/2 a year. There is no time for fluff. If my child is in Spanish during the speech, I'd much rather she be learning Spanish.
I don't agree with his policy. Nor do I agree with anything he has done so far. I think that what he says and how he says things smacks of communism and socialism. He may be the president, but he is narcissistic and selfish. How DARE he take my child's school time!!!
My children are both in high school and both can see right through the man - as a matter of fact they find him incredibly irritating. When he comes on TV, they turn him off. So - if they are MADE to watch his speech, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will read a book, do homework, or "go to the bathroom" all on their own.

Mr. Obama plans to speak to kids about the importance of working hard in school and getting a good education. And that's it. As a bi-racial man from humble beginnings, he is an inspiration and fine role model.

All our recent presidents have given such addresses -- but none have faced such hysteria. The lies about Mr. Obama "indoctrinating our children with socialism," are being fueled by right-wing hate mongers such as Rush Limbaugh. This is a ludicrous claim, and I trust the Moms here are too smart to fall for it.

Hi A., I personally think a lot of people are overreacting. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush both did the same thing during their presidencies. Parents can send a note to the child's teacher or call the principal to say they don't want their child to watch the address. You can read the transcript of the speech on Monday if you go to www.whitehouse.gov. I personally can't figure out what people think he will say to kids that would indoctrinate them as if some hypnotic rays will shoot out from the t.v. screen and brain wash the kids. Brainwashing is something that happens over a long period of time after repeated exposure to a cult leader. I totally think people are flipping out over nothing. That is my opinion. :)

wow. i am really shocked by many of the responses you have received. i really don't understand where all the fear is coming from. this country has been in need of a new way for a long time now. you may not agree with all of obama's ideas or actions but at least he is trying to do something different. he has young children also and i believe that he genuinely wants to make not only the u.s. but the world we live in a better place. perhaps some of what people are afraid of is that he reminds us all that in order to make in our world it is very much our responsibility to make changes in our own lives thus shaking up our comfort zones. one of obama's biggest strengths is his ability to inspire hope in people. i think it's great that he wants to get the children involved as this world is their legacy and their responsibility also. come on people, let go of the fear. you are their parents, its not like he's going to try to brainwash them or anything!!!!

A.,

I am most concerned that anyone thinks their kids shouldn't hear or see it! The leader of our country wants to encourage kids to stay in school and achieve--how great is that? And the fact that the event will be recorded in all possible ways means that we will all have the means to talk to our kids about what he says. We should also maintain some perspective about them hearing things before we've prepared them; this probably happens on the playground every day! And our kids don't even listen to everything their parents say--why should we think that they will somehow be blindly led by everything (or anything) the President says?

Your house must be hopping--sounds like fun! Good for you for thinking about what your children experience. My 5-year old is in kindergarten, and they are leaving it up to the teachers as to whether or not to show the president's speech--I honestly want to call the school and ask that he be taken to a classroom that is broadcasting it if his class has chosen not to show it...I'd love to hear what he thinks of it!

M.

what on earth are people so scared of?
do they think it's going to be pornographic or something?
i'm mad at obama for a good few things, but how can one even know if one likes him or not if there's so much fear and fury that he can't even be LISTENED to?
he's not going to be pushing his health care plans, a pro-choice agenda or taking away anyone's guns, fer cryin' in a bucket. he's going to be addressing school kids on opportunities in education to make america a better place.
sheesh.
khairete
S.

You know, I have read some of the responses from this request and what i don't understand is, if it was someone else giving this speech nothing would be said.( yes, to me, personally, it is the color of that mans skin.) It is such a shame.

My kids are Bi-Racial and yes i am going to allow them to watch the speech. I don't see what is the big issue. If the man wants to hype the kids to better educate themselves. I AM ALL FOR IT!!!!

On the one hand, he is the President. On the other hand, the wording of the questions that teachers were asked to have the children answer concern me and make me wonder what he plans to say. I don't oppose the watching of the President's speech as much as the discussions that may go on afterwards (at school). Luckily I only have one in public school and he is old enough to objectively evaluate what is said (though I doubt his school will show the speech - they have inportant learning to do.)

This debate seems a little ridiculous to me. Find me the parent that doesn't want "someone their children are told is in authority" showing concern and encouragement TO his/her child about their success, and I will show you the parent freaking out about this address. Children need all the support they can get, and being told that they have both value and responsibility from the President is fabulous.

Fortunately, our School District is not going to show it and it will be available on the School District's website so that parents and children can watch together. However, if our school was going to show it, I was going to take my 8 yr old son out of class for that time and read with him in the school library. I am a very conservative mom of two boys and I don't like this President and I feel he is taking this country down the wrong path. His liberalist/socialist views are perfect examples of why I would not want my children to listen to anything he has to say. And the fact that he wanted the children to write letters about him is very self-centered and almost Socialist. The classrooms of our youth are no place for political indoctrination. If he has something to say, he can do it on national TV, at night, like every other President. That way parents have the freedom to let their children view it if they so desire.

I totally agree with Shari.

I disagree about MANY choices that Obama has made, but I seriously, SERIOUSLY doubt he is going to take the opportunity that he has to address the kids as a chance to be politically or otherwise bias or to offend. That would be disastrous and VERY unwise of him (or should I say unwise of whoever writes the speech).

For those of you that oppose the speech and such- what in the world do you think that he would say to them? Do you think he has some magical powers and going to brainwash your kids via TV? ...and are you aware of many WORSE things that your children hear on a possibly daily basis by their peers? Worst case scenario: you end up being disappointed by what he said... YOU YOURSELF can talk to your kids about it afterward and clarify things. No big deal. have faith in yourself and your kids. It's not like it's a porno!

Also, fellow conservatives/republicans/people who voted otherwise that oppose the speech... these petty complaints are only making us look silly and unintelligent. You and I know there are PLENTY, BIGGER more seroius concerns involving the country that we can focus on. Not this.

I am fine with it. The President telling school kids to work hard and get an education sounds like a good idea to me! At least it will be intelligent, well written and informative.

S.

Thank you for such a thoughtful message. This very thing has been on my heart this morning. Frankly, I am concerned that this is the first president who is being censored in addressing the children. Though parents have probably always been concerned about the messages being sent to their children, I do not recall ever hearing so much emotion about the matter until this particular administration. I heard on the news that the outcry is not in his explaining his position on various issues, but that the concern is more about children being influenced to like President Obama because he is too charismatic. I am saddened to believe that there are parents who probably allow their children to be exposed to all manner of things, yet would restrict access to a town hall with the top official in our country over such a flimsy excuse. To my knowledge, no one gets an advance copy of the president's address to the youth of the country, and it's odd that one is required now.

I went to our school and asked the Principal how they were going to handle it. She said the staff is going to watch the airing and tape it, discuss how appropriate it is, then show it to the kids if that is what is decided. I will be there at the school with the staff at noon on Tuesday to watch the President and hear what he has to say. I will decide if my daughter will watch it and participate in the classroom activities (if they decide to do any) or opt out. It's always our perogative to opt out if we believe it's not appropriate.

Actually, I heard on the news last night that The White House IS making the text of the speech available prior to the speech.
As I posted on another venue, if anyone is a poster child for what can be accomplished through hard work and education it is our current President. If the topic of the speech is as stated - a pep talk to students about staying in school - I see nothing wrong with it.
As to allowing the opposition to get equal time, I am sure that the talk shows (who may or may not actually hear/read the speech) will fill the airwaves afterward. And, who would be against promoting hard work and education anyway?
Just my thoughts, since you asked.

Hi A.,

I know our school district is not showing it due to short notice but they are making copies in case parents want to see it. I feel this way: We are Americans we should show respect for the president and pledge our allegience to AMERICA. We should be able as a family to watch such programs at home and have open and honest dissicussions with our children about it. The President has a right to address his people. He has the choice to adress our educators and children too, but we as parents also have a right and responsibility to monitor what our children see in the media and to help them understand those things. It is not the schools reponsibility to show media coverage to our children. They are in the position to teach academics.
The family should not be divided and the country should not either. We have elected our officials and need to respect them but we also should be aware that as Americans we have many freedoms and rights that most others do not. These freedoms and rights were not just given, they have been fought for over many centuries. It is important to remember and help to teach our childrens about what makes this country truly great. I would have let our kids see the speech and had a dissicussion about it and what they did at school, if it was to be aired. I will be watching it at noon on Tuesday, and I will discuss it with my children. As a proud American I can say this great Nation we have built deserves the unity and although we may not agree with somethings, we should all agree that we are Americans and our leader should have our best interest in mind.
We should be "One Nation, under God, Indivisable, with Liberty and Justice for all".

The Presidents speech will be available on the White House website on Monday for preview. I am not a fan of Obama but he is our president and I don't have a problem with him giving a beginning of the year speech to our children. Several past Presidents have done this without so much controversy. He is our President and he should be given the respect as such. However, I do not believe that any President has requested a lesson plan to go with the speech. That is where I have a problem.

Their school days are already packed, adding to the work load. Plus, what Kindergartener do you know who can write and think ahead enough to put down their future educational goals?? I think that if Obama had just left it at giving a speech, it would not have caused all this controversy. I am going to review his speech on Monday because that will give me an opportunity to discuss with my 3rd grader what she heard.

Our school is going to show the speech during the kids lunch hour (which is short already), but giving the parents the opportunitiy to opt out.

I seriously don't understand what all the full is about. I support children being able to listen to the president's address in school. It seems that no matter what president Obama does he is widely criticized and judged. Just what are people so afraid of? This is one president who I would certainly trust to speak to my daughter.

I personally wouldn't count on the President to not say anything objectionable because it is "politically unwise" he has said and done MANY politically unwise things since taking office. The impression I get from careful study of him and his policies is that of a self-righteous, patronizing socialist that believes the American people should be herded into doing what he perceives is "good for them" whether they want it or not. He is about the reduction of personal freedoms and the massive expanditure of government control in our daily lives. The survey teachers were asked to pass out to the children included questions like "How does President Obama inspire you?" and "How do you plan to help President Obama?" Personally I don't want my kids being exposed to this. I don't want my children to be "inspired" by him as I think he is a dangerous man that is systematically destroying the very principles our great country was founded on. The questions are asked with a certain slant that I find objectionable, implying that the children SHOULD be inspired by him and that they are RESPONSIBLE for helping him obtain his policy goals. This is basically political indoctrination of the young and impressionable reminiscent of the Hitler Youth of Nazi Germany. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but I am as entitled to my opinion as anyone else.

Personally, I thank God every day since Bush's ridiculous "no child left behind" policy inception that I homeschool my boys and I can teach them to think for themselves instead of being a willing accomplice to their political and social brain washing at the hands of the uber-liberal public school system.

So there's my two cents. As you can see this is a topic that really gets me spun up. Maybe that's because I happen to believe in the US Constitution and it's original goal of establishing a severely limited government that could not infringe on personal liberties. Sadly, the past several administrations (all the way back to Wilson, and excepting Reagan) have been deliberately destroying that protective document in the name of "progressivism".

A.,

Would you put your child in a room with a man, who they have been told is authority over them, and give him free license to say whatever he wants?

I think it is a typical, manipulative approach to "Get" to the parents. Heck, toy and movie advertisers do it all the time.

You can be sure that my grandchild will not be within ear shot!

husband told me that i could read the speech the day before online but i dont know where. also before you worry too much call the school and see if they are actually going to watch it as not all schools are.

My daughter is not old enough for school yet, but after reading some of the questions, I would not have wanted her to participate. Those questions have since been removed, but I would rather the school send a consent for myself and my husband to sign if we wanted her to see it. The county where we live is NOT going to show it, but is going to make it available to parents to show the children themselves. I find this to be a proper way to handle the situation. This also helped me make a decision I was back and forth with,whether or not to send my child to public or private school. My husband and I have decided to go the private route.

S.

Well, the wording of the speech will be available 24 hours before the speech. I'm disheartened that our county has caved into an organized call campaign and decided not to show it.

I think this is the stupidest argument I've ever heard in my life. I'm not liberal, I'm not Obama's biggest fan; but seriously, guys? This is just silly. EVERYTHING that man says is up for exaggerated critique and conspiracy theories. One of my main complaints about democrats is that they don't make strong statements, they compromise on everything, where republicans are more willing to throw down on disagreeable subjects - so why would people think that Obama is going to say something that is questionable? He still wants to get reelected, and it's not like it's Howard Stern or something. He's the president. He's going to say "stay in school and study hard, you're the future, blahblablah." I think it's actually pretty great that he's reaching out to children to provide hope and encouragement.

A.,

A man who sat in his Reverends church for 20 years-listening to anti-american slurs (with his wife and two daughters); a man who has political and social ties to a radical and american terrorist Bill Ayres; a man who's "green job czar" is a self proclaimed communist; and the list goes on and on. As the president himself said during a debate with John McCain "just look at who I surround myself with-those will be the people advising me in the Whitehouse." Well, I am looking. The message the President will be relaying to our children will not be incriminating. The "suggested" documents afterwards, probably will not be either.
BUT ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION, A.....WOULD YOU LET A STRANGER WITH THESE ASSOCIATIONS ADDRESS YOUR CHILD?
Obama called for a new era of responsibility and transperancy-that is exactly what the U.S. public is exercising.

Hello,
My children are not old enough for school yet and I thank God every day for that so I don't have to deal with this issue. I have a few friends who are dealing with this issue. Like some of you said, it's great the President wants to address our nation's youth, however, it should stop there. Let the questions, follow up discussions and lessons come from the parents. If there is nothing controversial in the material why isn't the White House sharing it with us? It is just one more example of why there are PLENTY of Americans who are fearful. He is inserting the government where it doesn't belong. The schools have enough to deal with and already had the first day and let alone year planned out without having to try to placate parents on all sides. Show the speech but then let the parents discuss it with their children-don't add that pressure on the teachers. If he wasn't already injecting the government in to so many other areas of our lives I wouldn't be so worried as a parent, but like I said, I am just glad I don't have to worry. My sister who lives up North is not sending her children to school but I don't know if she knows it is available on Monday. I will make her aware of that.

I agree 100 % with the first 2 responses.

Do you ask your child's teacher for her lesson plans so you know exactly what they are going to say to your child each day? The speech will be made public before hand but does anyone really think he would try to damage the presidential office by trying to brainwash your child or something? I live in Howard County and the parents are allowed to opt out if they don't want their child watching it. I watched the president speak in school when I was a child. We talked about it at school and we talked about it afterward at home. If you have an open relationship with your child they will come and want to talk to you about it if they have any questions. I really don't see the big deal about it other than a lot of people, no offense to anyone, like to find something to complain about.

Dear A.-

I am currently in search of a tape so that I can tape the president's speech. I have recently re located to ROCKY MOUNT VA (only 5 hours south of NO VA) and the schools here decided NOT to show the speech due to the volume of calls from parents. I was VERY disappointed.

On a slight tangent, during this last election, my two eldest were able to vote. We had great fun...and MANY lively discussions, around our dinner table throughout the election process. Even the 'younger' set of kids participated in these discussions...and had some VERY strong opinions!! To me...it seemed a 'microcosim' (sp?) of what a democratic process of this country WAS designed to be. Respectful (and sometimes heated) debate...and then once the election was over...'getting behind' the elected officials...and participating in the democratic process...(thru letters, becoming involved with local and state issues etc).

One funny thing that has run THRU my mind is...that with ALL this controversy...I BET many parents who would NOT have initially watched this speech...WILL NOW!!

LOL...just goes to show...it is an ill wind that blows no good at all!!

Michele/catwalk

A.:

Hello! This is a VERY hot topic. I personally don't feel that ANY President should be addressing our children. It's NOT his/her job to tell my kids about education, etc.

If it wasn't the first day of school, my kids wouldn't be going. So what I plan on doing is being there to take them to lunch when the address is supposed to happen to that they are not subjected to it.

Thank you!

Cheryl

I feel that it is unrealistic to expect the wording of a yet to be presented public speech to be given, especially a presidential one. Most times, speeches are changed right up to the last minute and since when does ANY president have to provide this info or get parental permission to address people of his nation???? If making a political address, it should be directed at those of voting age. An address to promote education should be given to anyone of educational age (that means everyone).

I am just reading this post after the fact but want to say how silly do those opposed to the speech feel now that it has been delivered. Don't we all want our children to stay in school and have personal responsibilty? I know far too many adults who blame lifes problems on others when it is the choices they make for themselves that have led them to their place in life. I am sure we all can recall watching the President in school when we were young and then discussing the speech with teachers and parents. Why have we suddenly become a country so paranoid about each other?!

I think all the hubub is nonsense. I am a teacher in Fairfax County and we are not all going to show this - its been left up to us. Frankly, there are alot of kids that will be eating lunch at noon - they'd much rather eat and play than listen to a speech. Some of us are also going to tape it, then play it later after we've seen it. I've heard only a few teachers who are going to show it live. I wouldnt spend time worrying about it.