Republicans don't want Obama talking to children?

[DeputyDave]

Originally Posted by CharlieK

Well, its obvious from the speech that Obama just wants the kids to help make the country a better place through applying themselves, completing their education, and maybe giving back to their community in some way. It's a good message. That you would want your son to ignore such a benign message simply because of who is saying it is sad and stunningly partisan. I'm glad your opinion is one of a small minority.

And that's great that your kid has formed his own opinions, but to disrupt a class so much by expressing those opinions that you are actually expecting a call from your teacher shows what little respect he has for his teacher and fellow classmates.

I never said I wanted him to ignore the message but it seems like a colossal waste of time and money. Now, when we can ill afford to be spending money like a drunken sailor, how much money is being spent to coordinate this stupid thing? Record it and make it available for download. It's not like its some groundbreaking message. It's the same happy shit that's been said since I was a kid. I'd like to see the original massage planned.

As far as my son disrupting the class goes, I am certainly not encouraging it. I will punish him if it happens. I just know my son and expect some sort of shenanigans. He does not suffer fools very well.

[CharlieK]

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

I never said I wanted him to ignore the message but it seems like a colossal waste of time and money. Now, when we can ill afford to be spending money like a drunken sailor, how much money is being spent to coordinate this stupid thing? Record it and make it available for download. It's not like its some groundbreaking message. It's the same happy shit that's been said since I was a kid. I'd like to see the original massage planned.

As far as my son disrupting the class goes, I am certainly not encouraging it. I will punish him if it happens. I just know my son and expect some sort of shenanigans. He does not suffer fools very well.

The price tag of the speech is a big concern of yours? That's a new one. And it will be available for download.

And as a parent, I'm glad my kid will hear a direct message just for them from the President. It's 10 minutes out of the school year, and it may just inspire a few kids to do better. A pat reason adults give kids to do well in school is that maybe they can grow up to be President. So why not have the President tell them that, you know, it's true. Look where I came from (Kenya!) and now I'm President.

Finally, what kind of things are you imagining were in the 'original message'?

[DeputyDave]

Originally Posted by CharlieK

The price tag of the speech is a big concern of yours? That's a new one. And it will be available for download.

And as a parent, I'm glad my kid will hear a direct message just for them from the President. It's 10 minutes out of the school year, and it may just inspire a few kids to do better. A pat reason adults give kids to do well in school is that maybe they can grow up to be President. So why not have the President tell them that, you know, it's true. Look where I came from (Kenya!) and now I'm President.

Finally, what kind of things are you imagining were in the 'original message'?

New one? New one? I and many others have been ranting about money since Bush. Sure it's nice but now is not the time to spend MY money on anything but the essentials. Having the president's ego stroked while delivering a Mr. Rodger's type message is (IMO) not essential.

As a parent of two school children myself I would like to pull my money (via vouchers) out of the failing public school system (oh yeah, let them run our health care) and put them into private schools like our dear leader.

As far as what was possibly in the original message, I can only look at their other desperate waffling in the face of public opposition as an indicator.

[CharlieK]

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

New one? New one? I and many others have been ranting about money since Bush. Sure it's nice but now is not the time to spend MY money on anything but the essentials. Having the president's ego stroked while delivering a Mr. Rodger's type message is (IMO) not essential.

As a parent of two school children myself I would like to pull my money (via vouchers) out of the failing public school system (oh yeah, let them run our health care) and put them into private schools like our dear leader.

As far as what was possibly in the original message, I can only look at their other desperate waffling in the face of public opposition as an indicator.

I meant new one with regards to criticism of this event. This ain't some big production, its Obama in front of a camera. Its not a lot of money if you already have the equipment, and not doing it won't make a dent in the current state of affairs.

And an indicator of what? I was looking for specific things you were worried about in the 'original message'. I've heard this position before recently, but no one actually gives an example of what they're worried Obama might say to school children. It's like people don't like/agree with Obama so their imaginations run wild over the things he could possibly say, but no one comes out and says anything specific beyond 'indoctrination'.

[jfoobar]

Originally Posted by CharlieK

I meant new one with regards to criticism of this event. This ain't some big production, its Obama in front of a camera. Its not a lot of money if you already have the equipment, and not doing it won't make a dent in the current state of affairs.

The expense will be borne predominantly by the individual schools. Most schools do not have sufficient AV equipment to accommodate airing the speech in each classroom live so they will either have to rotate equipment between classes throughout the day or call a school wide assembly. Either way, that is some modest amount of $$ along with some disruption of normal class scheduling.

I am not personally asserting that this is a worthwhile criticism of the planned speech. It would seem that the expense for any school would be pretty minimal and disruption to scheduled activities lessened since it will be the first day of school of many. Plus, no one is forcing this upon the collection of school districts that are participating.

[DeputyDave]

Originally Posted by CharlieK

I meant new one with regards to criticism of this event. This ain't some big production, its Obama in front of a camera. Its not a lot of money if you already have the equipment, and not doing it won't make a dent in the current state of affairs.

And an indicator of what? I was looking for specific things you were worried about in the 'original message'. I've heard this position before recently, but no one actually gives an example of what they're worried Obama might say to school children. It's like people don't like/agree with Obama so their imaginations run wild over the things he could possibly say, but no one comes out and says anything specific beyond 'indoctrination'.

I guess the number one thing I would hate to see him say is any bullshit about man made global warming. The left has already frightened enough people with their lies; I’d hate to see them try to push it any more. Obama's belief in this cultist eco-religion scares me more than any of the calls of "socialism" or "amnesty for illegals". Considering the Van Jones mess and the Cap and Trade Bill, this is a serious danger to our country.

I’m not saying I know for a fact this is what he would have said, but it would not surprise me in the least. I just can’t believe this watered down “all I needed to know I learned in kindergarten” crap was the original intended message. Seriously, what’s the point?

No mater what you say this "event" will easily cost in the millions. Not just the federal government either, but the costs to the local schools and communities as well.

[CharlieK]

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

I guess the number one thing I would hate to see him say is any bullshit about man made global warming. The left has already frightened enough people with their lies; I’d hate to see them try to push it any more. Obama's belief in this cultist eco-religion scares me more than any of the calls of "socialism" or "amnesty for illegals". Considering the Van Jones mess and the Cap and Trade Bill, this is a serious danger to our country.

I guess this is where our thought processes diverge. It's the first day of school, why anyone would think a President would talk about anything other than the benefits of a good education doesn't make any sense to me. Study hard. Stay in school. That kind of stuff.

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

I’m not saying I know for a fact this is what he would have said, but it would not surprise me in the least. I just can’t believe this watered down “all I needed to know I learned in kindergarten” crap was the original intended message. Seriously, what’s the point?

Why would they even bother talking about anything other than the benefits of education to school kids as young as five? You say you can't believe that its simply a positive message of education, but the things you think he may have included would be completely wasted on most of his audience. Plus he would catch holy hell for it. So, unless you do subscribe to the theory about brainwashing and indoctrinating, there's no other subject Obama would talk about than education. Besides, while you may think its crap, I'm sure there will be a few kids out there, most likely kids of color, who will enjoy and hopefully get inspired to hear from this President.

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

No mater what you say this "event" will easily cost in the millions. Not just the federal government either, but the costs to the local schools and communities as well.

If you come across some figures, please post them. Even if it is millions, that's still less than $50 a school. And coming from a family of teachers, most good teachers do not like using TVs in the classrooms. Most schools didn't even show Obama's inauguration, why would they show this? If they can't afford it or don't want to spend the time on this speech, they won't. Money saved.

[DeputyDave]

Originally Posted by CharlieK

I guess this is where our thought processes diverge. It's the first day of school, why anyone would think a President would talk about anything other than the benefits of a good education doesn't make any sense to me. Study hard. Stay in school. That kind of stuff.

Well, a majority of schools here in San Diego are year round. My kids have both been back in their schools for over a month. A lot of things this administration have done and said defy logic.

[CharlieK]

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

Well, a majority of schools here in San Diego are year round. My kids have both been back in their schools for over a month. A lot of things this administration have done and said defy logic.

Year-round schools don't even make up 1% of the whole, but whatever. I guess we've exhausted this topic for now.

[Jack Straw]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Are you serious? He is THE PRESIDENT speaking to CHILDREN. What could he possibly say that would be controversial? There is no Santa? Hey kids, guess what your mom and dad are doing when you are sleeping?

This whole manufactured controversy and outrage is the most blatant example of how our two party system is flawed and f'd up political system. The only agenda ever present is grabbing back power from the party that grabbed it from them. I'm totally sick of it. The American people are used as pawns via fear and lying by their politicians. It's a farce with a shovel full of paranoia mixed in. I truly believe that to many of the opposition, latent (and blatant) racism against a black man who hijacked the office of president is really what is being feared. I'm very concerned that the usual suspect talking heads on the right will give the fringe wingnuts their rationale to "justify" violence in the name of "saving" this country from the "radicals" in the white house and congress (the ends justify any means).

[CRM114]

My kid's school pulled the plug on the President.

How very sad.

[BKenn01]

Originally Posted by JasonF

He did announce he would be speaking to school children and then released an advanced copy of his speech. Should he have personally cleared it with each and every right-wing nutbag before making an announcement to the general population?

Obviously not. He is only seeking the approval of every Looney Left Wing Moonbat......

[BKenn01]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

This whole manufactured controversy and outrage is the most blatant example of how our two party is flawed and f'd up political system. The only agenda ever present is grabbing back power from the party that grabbed it from them. I'm totally sick of it. The American people are used as pawns via fear and lying by their politicians. It's a farce with a shovel full of paranoia mixed in. I truly believe that to many of the opposition, latent (and blatant) racism against a black man who hijacked the office of president is really what is being feared. I'm very concerned that the usual suspect talking heads on the right will give the fringe wingnuts their rationale to "justify" violence in the name of "saving" this country from the "radicals" in the white house and congress (the ends justify any means).

Um yea you were doing ok, then you blew it at the end. You are kind of the pot calling the kettle.........

[TheBigDave]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

I truly believe that to many of the opposition, latent (and blatant) racism against a black man who hijacked the office of president is really what is being feared.

I think you're looking for the "If you disagree with Obama - you are racist" thread.

[Thor Simpson]

Originally Posted by CRM114

My kid's school pulled the plug on the President.

How very sad.

Don't worry. After his health care bill passes, he'll return the favor down the road.

[X]

Originally Posted by Thor Simpson

Don't worry. After his health care bill passes, he'll return the favor down the road.

[Thor Simpson]

Serious response: I find it rather sickening that the heated level of partisanship right now is filtering down to our kids like this.

Some of these parents would probably refuse candy on Halloween to any kid dressed up as the President.

[DeputyDave]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

This whole manufactured controversy and outrage is the most blatant example of how our two party is flawed and f'd up political system. The only agenda ever present is grabbing back power from the party that grabbed it from them. I'm totally sick of it. The American people are used as pawns via fear and lying by their politicians. It's a farce with a shovel full of paranoia mixed in. I truly believe that to many of the opposition, latent (and blatant) racism against a black man who hijacked the office of president is really what is being feared. I'm very concerned that the usual suspect talking heads on the right will give the fringe wingnuts their rationale to "justify" violence in the name of "saving" this country from the "radicals" in the white house and congress (the ends justify any means).

Wow, there it is folks. So when I disagreed with liberals before Obama I was what?

[jfoobar]

Originally Posted by Thor Simpson

Don't worry. After his health care bill passes, he'll return the favor down the road.

Win.

[kvrdave]

Originally Posted by DeputyDave

Wow, there it is folks. So when I disagreed with liberals before Obama I was what?

latent

[kvrdave]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

I truly believe that to many of the opposition, latent (and blatant) racism against a black man who hijacked the office of president is really what is being feared. I'm very concerned that the usual suspect talking heads on the right will give the fringe wingnuts their rationale to "justify" violence in the name of "saving" this country from the "radicals" in the white house and congress (the ends justify any means).

This type of thing reminds me of preachers on TV that are always talking about Satan. Satan here and Satan there. You go looking and expecting to see Satan in everything, you'll manage to find him. You go looking and expecting to see racism in everything, you will find it, even when it doesn't exist. Plus, then you don't actually have to defend anything because the real root of the disagreement in RACISM!!!

[RagingBull80]

Originally Posted by Canadian Bacon

congrats that's the single most childish post in the history of this forum
and that's saying a lot

I won't drag this out but I don't understand what that poorly formulated sentence means. My original post wasn't even meant to be serious. And I seriously doubt that my post was the "single most childish post in the history of this forum."

[sracer]

Originally Posted by mosquitobite

Yep. This debate started well over a week ago. Why wait til the day before the speech to release the transcript then? I mean, are the soccer mom's really the voters he wants to tick off?

They waited until today so they'd have the weekend to edit it and take out anything that might have been deemed controversial.

That's the problem with Obama's opponents. They possess child-like impatience. Rather than wait until he actually made the speech, they complain and engage in hyperbole before the fact. When the speech turns out to be stuff that these opponents would embrace (if someone else had said it) they end up looking like buffoons.

I'm sure that on Obama's part, he is deliberately being obtuse to bait them to prematurely and immaturely respond.

[CRM114]

The end of an op-ed this morning which I thought was fitting.

[...]
It worries me that so many parents seem to be saying to their kids -- and to the rest of us -- ''I don't want my child listening to something or somebody I might disagree with, even though I don't know what that person is going to say.''

It's not only futile, it's depriving those parents of an opportunity to model civil debate, to discuss important issues with their children -- reinforcing what they believe, and why, and helping their sons and daughters develop as independent thinkers.

It's the kids who were never taught to think for themselves that are most susceptible to brainwashing. In the years to come, our fellow citizens will disagree about many things. Shouldn't we start teaching our children that it's OK to hear a variety of viewpoints, so they learn to evaluate what they hear and make good decisions?

While I was writing this, the White House posted the president's speech online. It can be summarized by this excerpt: ''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.''

Pretty dangerous stuff.

I would love to hear the debates around the kitchen tables of those who thought their kids should be protected from such ideas!

Peyton R. Helm is president of Muhlenberg College.

[Brian Shannon]

The children will zone out and lost interest after 5 minutes, why is this even news?