Vodkapundit: Keep your kid home from school for Obama’s speech
posted at 5:15 pm on September 2, 2009 by Allahpundit
Really? One pap-filled 20-minute speech about working hard and serving others is so lethal a threat to tender minds that they have to be yanked off the premises for the day to shield them from it? Or is this more of a protest in principle at the idea of the president giving a captive audience of schoolkids a pep talk on civics?
Nope, Obama can’t just say hey to the kiddies and encourage them to do their homework. He has to make this a — what does the Left call it? — a teachable moment. A speech-in, if you will. Teachers have even been given handy instructions on how best to integrate The One into the classroom…
If my son were in a public school I’d call him in sick next Tuesday. I’d keep him home. I suggest you do so. I urge you to do so. If pressed, be honest about your reasons — but be reasonable about presenting them. Otherwise, don’t offer an explanation. Make it a silent protest.
And while your kids are home, think up some patriotic games to play…
Spread the word. Pass the link around. And see if the President’s face is still smiling, when he realizes he’s talking to half-empty classrooms. Do make it a teachable moment — one where the would-be teacher does the learning.
I’m with CJ. If this turns out to be some hamfisted attempt by The One to pitch his agenda to kids — which would be politically insane given the outcry it would cause, a sneak preview of which may be found here — there’ll be ample time for outrageous outrage later. For all the media fainting spells over Obama’s oratory, you can count on one hand the number of truly memorable lines he’s uttered; I doubt he’s going to come up with such a corker next week that kids will be planning their lives around it. Remember, this is the same guy who can’t sell universal health care, the virtual raison d’etre of the Democratic Party these days, to the Blue Dogs. Besides, there may be special resonance for black students in watching Obama pitch the value of education. If he inspires a few kids to hit the books harder, more power to him.
Irresistible exit question: If it’s true that “state indoctrination of children is a hallmark of totalitarian government” (never mind that various subtle forms of indoctrination are happening in schools constantly), does that mean atheists were right all along in opposing prayer in public schools?
Blowback
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Have you grandson also find himself a big conservative friend. The political stuff like that is in high school too and my son was a 6’3″ 305 lb offensive lineman conservative that acted as the smaller younger conservative kids protector. Nobody messed with him.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 8:02 AM
Having gone through the public schools, I cannot remember one instance of the POTUS addressing all schoolchildren directly. Yes TV was available in the classroom. No, it didn’t happen, not once in my memory.
So what makes President Obama so much more special than Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan? Did we suddenly get ‘President Addresses the Children of School Day’ after that? The President is NOT teacher in chief, he doesn’t get that role. Nor does he have a teaching certificate. Nor does he present his course outline ahead of time to allow schools to prepare for him. For the measly less than 10% the Federal Government provides to schools, they have the power to mandate tests and all sorts of other items when you take that money. That now includes having the President talk at students?
We respect the President because he does his job.
If President Obama wants to show how committed he is to education, he should release his grades and school records to demonstrate that commitment and tell just what kind of student he was. He can explain his strengths and weaknesses as a student by SHOWING THEM and EXPLAINING THEM. That is the Honesty and Humility we expect from a POTUS, not to put himself above the people but to demonstrate that the President is one of the people doing a damned hard job, taking it seriously and letting folks know that no human is perfect nor perfected by office.
I don’t get a ‘warm fuzzy’ feeling of a President addressing the students of America. A class here or there by invitation is fine, but exploiting federal tax dollars to do this? No. If he would bother to explain why the Dept. of Education is such a failure at its job, unable to move the reading rate from where it was in 1958, then he might get listened to. Poor Johnny had problems reading then, putting it at the federal level in 1980-81 hasn’t changed that, and the money spent has not yielded good results. I didn’t and don’t like NCLB, nor federal intrusion into the state and local concerns, and a President should have better things to do with a war going on in Afghanistan and Iraq, economic problems at home, soaring unemployment, failed bailouts, unaccountable TARP, a healthcare fiasco… trust is earned. He hasn’t earned it nor have the Spendocrat Incumbistani of both parties.
ajacksonian on September 3, 2009 at 8:03 AM
Wow. You got it twisted. The state never officially condoned prayer in public schools. It’s was something that occurred throughout history by various local communities. Call it a tradition. It wasn’t until the atheists came along to sue everyone because somehow their “right” not to pray was being violated by those who wanted to pray. Which is a ridiculous notion and ironic, because in doing so they violated other people’s “right” to pray.
Obviously prayer is not a right, but people, schools and communities should be able to decided their own lives for themselves. Why should another person’s ability to raise their child in prayer be infringed upon in order to make other people feel comfortable? You want prayer in your school, then pray. You go to a school that has prayer and don’t want to pray or maybe say a different prayer, then do so.
They’re called public schools, not FEDERAL schools. Which means local communities get to have a hand in how their schools are structured.
By the way, I read that sheet and the whole thing does have a creep factor. In a world that relies increasingly on the federal government to provide everything for them, it’s strange that one of the question is “How you can help Obama?” This country is bigger than him. Now I have a feeling the libs would have flipped a lid if such a thing said “How can you help the US?” let alone “How can you help President Bush.”
People are constantly wrapping themselves up in ONE man. They did it during the election and they are continuing to do it now. If you are an adult who voluntarily subjects yourself to that- then fine. But to push such a notion on the youth, who we all know are impressionable, is despicable. Subjecting the individual to the will and needs of one man overall means slavery. It’s happened in the past and it can happen how. I, and others, just know it when we see it.
xax on September 3, 2009 at 8:07 AM
There is something called PEER PRESSURE, my daughter’s friends would call anyone who was not for Obama racist.
She was in a Catholic School in a blue state, my son the same. They forced the children to watch the inauguration because of the ‘historical content.’ When Obomabots are running the asylum you are shunned for having your own mind.
At least the summer has broken the spell and now it is appropriate to laugh at him, he really is a clown as he prepares for his next speech.
tessa on September 3, 2009 at 8:11 AM
In answer to your final essay question, I’m all for prayer. Practice it myself. My formal school years ended in 1962, and I recall few times that prayer was ever offered publicly in that setting. When it was, such as at the Baccalaureate services in high school, it was considered nothing extraordinary. There were mostly Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Buddhists and a few Jews in the school system. If prayers were offered at all in college, I don’t remember them. My faith was none the worse for wear by not having prayers verbalized. I could always pray silently. It is a matter of free speech not ending at the schoolhouse door, however.
Re President Obama speaking to children in the classroom via any method he chooses, he has every right to do so, just as parents keeping their children home from school on “speech day” is their right. It does offend me, however, to have the White House ask how the children can help serve the President. Our role as freeborn citizens is not to serve the President. And sending out printed agendas to school teachers on how they can maneuver the students toward the President’s way of thinking–way over the line. Speech, yes; follow-up questions, no. The Ayres program of making good little socialist automatons should be rejected.
Mae on September 3, 2009 at 8:14 AM
My patriotic duty IS to keep my grand kids away from this communist bigot and his half wit wife and all his socialist soldiers!
Cybergeezer on September 3, 2009 at 8:21 AM
and no doubt prepare your “How can you help chairman Soetoro?” posters….
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:28 AM
“A Brave New One”….
which actually isn’t that far from the truth…was always amused by Huxley’s early grasp of the rise of nanny state smiley-face fascism…
I am pondering having the family learn Spanish, French, or Portuguese as part of an “oh hell” escape plan…
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:30 AM
sven, are you still in school? Do your teachers give you bad grades, or something? Did you even READ what I wrote, or do you just excoriate teachers as a matter of course?
Just wondering. Sheesh.
Grace_is_sufficient on September 3, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Grace, I think Sven was being sarcastic…
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 8:35 AM
I don’t recall you answering about precisely “how much” partisan indoctrination by the GOP you’d tolerate as you no doubt tolerate leftist intrusion into our curricula…
I expected as much….
We throw more money at education than any nation ever has in history for less performance. The generation that built the space program and the A-bomb by hand were educated using blackboards, rote mechanic math, and good civics instruction.
Today we have “new math”, too many electronics devices in use, and indoctrination in the Gaia cult.
hey NEA “keep the change”
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Only partly, I suspect Grace is written by Melville.
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Who knew the answer to all these problems is to go back to BLACKBOARDS!? Yes, the unmitigated evil that is the markerboard…all those different colored markers! Oh, the humanity! And the absence of chalk dust must surely spell the end of civilization as we know it! Yes, more chalk dust, more chalk dust, and hey, NEA, “keep the change”–viva la chalkboard education!
Grace_is_sufficient on September 3, 2009 at 8:46 AM
Just had this conversation wiht my mother-in-law today. She did not think it was a big deal. I said it was and NO President needs to address kids in that manner. He is a slimy weasel. This reminds me of Al Gore telling the kids they need to teach their parents! My 4 year old cries when he comes on tv, she calls him the bad man…and YES, I am proud of that!
walker_ro on September 3, 2009 at 8:46 AM
So those of you who have no objection to teachers leading Christian prayers in the public school wouldn’t object to Fordson High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is over 90% Muslim, having having a chapel, with prayer mats and mandatory attendance for daytime Muslim prayers?
rokemronnie on September 3, 2009 at 8:46 AM
I have here in front of me the menu of classroom activities for O’s speech in front of me. If his speech is simply about educational goals and doing the best that you can do academically, it will be OK with me. However, if it is made partisan by either the teachers or the President, I plan to sit down with my junior high grand daughter and briefly go over this menu and how she can keep focused on academic achieve and ignore the rest if the worst does happen. This can be made into a really good lesson on how to deal constructively with opposing points of view and how to separate propaganda from fact. This is what I plan to discuss.
jeanie on September 3, 2009 at 8:48 AM
UPDATE: The soeech has been cancelled
walker_ro on September 3, 2009 at 8:49 AM
AP., I grew up in communist Romania and am all too familiar with the president(dictator Ceausescu) adressing the schools. It was one of the most perverse forms of indoctrination, hidden under the veil of talking about the value of education etc. Obama’s address could be just one of the first steps in a well design plan to indoctrinate the next generation, presenting himself as an all knowing leader, hero of the little people, saviour of the world, etc. There’s obvious signs already that The One has a huge ego problem and I can clearly see how it can escalete to something bigger and scarier.
alinaro on September 3, 2009 at 8:50 AM
UPDATE: The speech has been cancelled Apologies on the typo
walker_ro on September 3, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Not having kids do their math on the blackboard because their feelings may get hurt is the issue not whether the way you mark the board is chalk, ink, or likely in your case crayon. For a crowd who tries to push the notion of “global citizenship” you don’t get that education is and should be a full contact sport. Believe me kids in India do not get 4 parts TV indoctrination for every 2 parts math, science, and reading and our economies will show the impact of the last 20 years of slouching towards idiocy by the end of the next decade.
Left to the tender mercies of what and how the school teaches my son would barely be at the old standard of third grade level and he is in the fourth. The decline instandards is the norm not the exception. The national spelling bee champion has been homeschooled how many of the last five years?
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Sorry for all the bad sentence structure above—I’m trying to do 5 things at once and that never works out as you can see….but I still think my idea is a good one.
jeanie on September 3, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Already happens in California and we aren’t lynching schoolboard members yet….
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:53 AM
I am told old to move on, I am staying to fight.
Cindy Munford on September 3, 2009 at 8:55 AM
I suspected you homeschool, so this got personal for you. In getting personal, you lumped a whole bunch of people together–some who have it in their hearts to try to do what’s best for kids. And you paint a dire picture that DOES exist in some cases, but does NOT in others.
For what it’s worth, this conservative believes that ALL families should make the best choice for their children. I’m by no means opposed to homeschooling and know that it does produce good results in most (not all) cases.
Does that blow your mind, sven–a public school teacher who approves of homeschooling? Perhaps we’re not all exactly as you would like to paint us. I’m just sayin’.
Best wishes for a good school year…
Grace_is_sufficient on September 3, 2009 at 9:09 AM
We just put in a few “Magic Boards” in a few class rooms in our small parochial grade school. It runs off the computer and internet. It’s pretty slick and I would think you’d be able make lessons involving Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM
I watched a video from channelone.com, the morning program played in many schools, from Sep 2nd. They were presenting a news story about the health-care debate, and predictably the only demonstrators they showed were the pro-Obama people. All wearing their OFA buttons and carrying mass manufactured signs.
Yeah, Our school systems are not working to indoctrinate the children.
Where did Ayers go again?
James on September 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Really? Where did you hear that?
Darksean on September 3, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Jimbo3 on September 2, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Then keep your kid at home and watch it there. Why should everyone elses kid have to suffer through it because of people like you?
hawkdriver on September 3, 2009 at 1:53 AM
–Don’t like public schools? Then don’t send your kid to one. Pretty simple to me. And don’t expect me to give you any vouchers or tax credits to go to a private school. Pay the full price without the benefit of any tax money.
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Colleges are just as bad. The GOV’T MANDATED History courses teach all about what is evil in America.
The ECON class I take, the professor actually said California’s problems can be directly attributed to the cap in tax increases put in place in 79.
Being in Texas I asked why the economy is so good here, relative to the rest of the nation. He had no real answer except to say the Rio Grande Valley is a pocket of poverty. Then I said wouldn’t the business tax climate in Texas be good and the abundant power supply we have? Crickets.
He said it made no difference because our school system in Texas is horrible and no executives would want to locate their business or family here and put their kids in such a climate (educationally and gov’t services wise).
So, I just think to myself the guy is a complete idiot. Cause Texas has more Fortune 500 than New York and the school system here does really well (the illegals who come in late and dropout early make us look worse than we really are).
But whatever. I can only “speak out” so much before I am certain to affect my grade.
James on September 3, 2009 at 9:21 AM
By the way, it looks like the North Dallas suburbs are well represented on this board.
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 9:24 AM
I just wanted to say that the post from Franklyn was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. This sounds like the mark of an excellent teacher. Kudos.
di butler on September 3, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Well Obama evidently doesn’t like public schools, but when you and your wife are crooks you can afford to send your kids to the best,.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Not YOU, you as in Obama
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Likely will be even more so soon. The wife and I are deciding what duty station to go to next and I suspect we’ll either go to Hood, DFW’s small guard unit, or Ft. Wainwright….
we *love* texas even as ex-pat Ohio Yankees.
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Update on what’s going on in the Dallas area: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/090309dnmetobamaschools.3ca94f4.html.
Texas is good as a ex-pat Michiganer myself. It no longer immediately kills legal immigrants who aren’t 100% conservative, as you can tell. (That was a joke).
I knew you weren’t talking about me, Jeff, but thanks for the clarification.
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 9:37 AM
UPDATE: The speech has been cancelled Apologies on the typo
walker_ro on September 3, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Really? Where did you hear that?
Darksean on September 3, 2009 at 9:19 AM
I was wrong, not cancelled. Just being reworded and they cancelled the parts that could be taken as indoctrination. Basically, gonna be a bunch of smoke now
walker_ro on September 3, 2009 at 9:39 AM
I’m of a mixed mind on this one… The reason I say that is because I remember in High School, Reagan had one of these kind of speeches. But the big difference was that it was (to my old-age recollection), non-political.
This one on the other hand appears from all news and notes to be a completely political speech. Which I think is the issue.. (not to mention it came on top of the kids/census questions story)
DaSaintFan on September 3, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Walker, thanks.
Darn.
Darksean on September 3, 2009 at 9:42 AM
The man who runs Little Green Footballs and kicks anyone else out who doesn’t agree with him %100 lockstep?
Wasn’t he a liberal who got scared by 9/11 and now reclaiming his liberal/fascist (but I repeat myself) roots again?
DaveC on September 3, 2009 at 9:48 AM
NO! But the little kids will each get a handful of ACORNS , Healthcare NOW sign and fitty cent for a candy bar after they do their assignment and Join up!
Throw the USURPER out and all that would side with him especially the RINO’s!
Ya hear me Arizona, Maine, Washington and whatever state Lindsay Grahamnasty resides in?
dhunter on September 3, 2009 at 9:48 AM
You don’t need to keep your kids home from school.Just give them a note that says it’s against your religion to allow children to see, hear or discuss about a federal government official
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Have your child bring a tape recorder and when the teacher sees it and asks about it have you kid tell her his/her dad needs a good laugh.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Tell that to the poor black children in D.C that had their vouchers cancelled by the dems and Obama. Some children are disadvantaged by the poor quality of schools available to them. The dems answer is to throw more money at the problem, in other words, have more janitors, and administrators. Our public school system is firmly in the grip of the powerful teacher’s unions. If we could fire incompetent teachers easily, without the problem of tenure–we would have better schools.
Oh, and by the way, if I send my kid to private school, why should I pay MY taxes for YOUR kid to go to a public school?
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 10:32 AM
A 50% absentee percentage in the schools on the 8th would be a great leadin for the speech of lies to come on the 9th.
A rattle snake will eventually bite you, don’t play with them!
bluegrass on September 3, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Toady cop out response.
News Review
Classes may show Presidential Address
Posted Date: 9/2/2009
President Barack Obama announced that on Sept. 8 he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens. It is not required that schools show the address, however, Round Rock ISD is treating this like any other national news event, such as an election or shuttle launch, and allowing individual teachers to determine if their class will view the speech if it aligns to the curriculum and is timely. Any parent who objects to their child viewing the Presidential Address can request that they be excused from the activity by contacting their child’s teacher or campus.
Home | About RRISD | Students/Parents | Schools | Academics | Student Services
1311 Round Rock Avenue | Round Rock, TX 78681 | Phone: 512.464.5000
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Col.John Wm. Reed on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Looks like you got your marching orders Col.
No disrespect intended……
bluegrass on September 3, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I heard Obama will be handing out Brown shirts. If you send your kid to school to hear the President of the US they will go Conservatives and come home Marxists.
I also heard Obama plans to tell all kids to go home and kill their parents.
Decider on September 3, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Oh, and by the way, if I send my kid to private school, why should I pay MY taxes for YOUR kid to go to a public school?
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 10:32 AM
–Because taxpayers have generally been unwilling to give credits or vouchers for use in private schools. Don’t like it? Change the laws or leave.
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Our public school just got that tech too with our bond we raised money for tech in the classrooms
ginaswo on September 3, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Better question: Why is all this directed at kids in public school, when Obama’s kids are in private school?
RushBaby on September 3, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I just got this on the email list from one of my kids school principle:
Thank you for your calls and emails regarding President Obama’s speech on September 8th. The teachers have been instructed to send a letter home if they are planning to watch the speech. You will have the option of your child watching or not watching it. We do not have any school activities planned to support the speech. Please contact your child’s teacher for further information.
I have 3 kids in 3 different schools, we will see if I get two more emails.
cptthumper on September 3, 2009 at 11:51 AM
We keep having these surreal conversations since commie in chief took office. Anyone imagine this as late as a year ago?
DanaSmiles on September 3, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Me too Cindy!
DanaSmiles on September 3, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Scituate, RI, ranked 69th best small city in the country, will not be showing Barry Hussein Obama intrusion into the minds of the children on Sept, 8.
Wade on September 3, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Revolution, its acoming!
bluegrass on September 3, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Yes, we are making our stand…Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgQgzKVX9jc
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I wonder if the reaction would have been different if the focus had been on students coming up with what they could do for the ‘country’ as opposed to what they could do for the ‘president’?
bicraftuallass on September 3, 2009 at 12:23 PM
The Gipper’s Q&A session with the kids was quite political, actually. The transcripts are below. No matter the president, I think politics should be removed when addressing anyone who is under voting age and instead stick to plain ol’ civics discussions.
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/111488c.htm
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/51386d.htm
EarthToZoey on September 3, 2009 at 12:25 PM
This wasn’t televised all over the nation, and it was about our country–not about how we can help Obama, or having posters put up with parts of his speech…
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM
It is UN-CONSTITUTIONAL that the government keeps the money that would go to a public school from going to the private school that my children go to.
THE ONLY reason why dems block vouchers is BECAUSE PUBLIC SCHOOL SUCKS and for public schools to have competition, they would have to get off their lazy butts and do something right. Public schools would NOT suck if they had to compete with private schools.
These are facts.
ironmonk on September 3, 2009 at 1:07 PM
There isn’t sufficient time in the school year to cover everything in the curriculum as is. It is one thing to have something like this added into the lesson plans a year in advance. It is another to just add it because someone wants to add it for whatever reason. There are enough things that unexpectedly occur during the year that interfere with lesson plans and curriculi. This is an avoidable one.
Laddy on September 3, 2009 at 1:21 PM
One word–UNIONS
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Typical liberal. Force everyone to pay taxes to support the public school, then if they don’t like public school, tell them to spend more money for a private school. And complain if they want to use some of that tax money in the form of vouchers to help pay for the private school.
So if you don’t like what the public schools are doing, you have to pay tuition in the form of taxes to the public schools anyway, then pay tuition again to the school your children actually go to.
The biggest reason the government resists vouchers: the NEA is a big supporter of Democrats, and they’re a lot more concerned with their political agenda than with actually helping children learn.
tom on September 3, 2009 at 1:23 PM
If that happens, my kinder-girl will squeal with delight. Loves Sarah, I still got bumper sticker, named one of her toys Sarah (a ladybug a la Webkinz). In DC we got a stuffed caribou; we named it “Caribou Cool”, put sunglasses on it.
I already started telling my son about it. He is cautiouwas stunned, like wth is mom telling me? BUT he did mention manage money better-all with no prequel on economics. Today is open house, I printed everything and highlighed to present to teacher and principal. I expect my kids to go-husband’s orders-so I am gonna continue my talks around here.
ProudPalinFan on September 3, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Have you read those transcripts? It was political posturing by Reagan. If the inverse came from a Democrat, you *KNOW* you would disapprove, nay, be outraged. Let’s stay intellectually honest here; arguments are lost with anything less.
EarthToZoey on September 3, 2009 at 1:48 PM
OT I wanna re-create the banner St. Joan of Arc (Jeanne D’Arc) carried through her battles on Her battles for France. I found this wonderful re-creation (1 out of 4 she had): http://maidjoan.tripod.com/standard4.jpg. This is in Perth, Australia.
Of course I’d modify it a bit to change country, any ideas? It HAS to be silk like the original. Would be great for 9/12.
ProudPalinFan on September 3, 2009 at 1:50 PM
OK, a little late in the thread for a lot of consideration, but here goes:
If a significant number of people in this country log on to watch 0′s address to the kiddies, and I mean lots of people, will it at some point overload the server putting out the video? What is the capacity of the servers in numbers of viewers?
Two possible outcomes here. Either the servers are overwhelmed and a lot of kids are spared the viewing, OR our government gatekeepers will require a password to log on, which will only go to the schools, thus giving the appearance of hiding the message from the parents of the little darlings. Or maybe that is already in the works, and they do in fact intend to hide the message.
Either way, do try to log on and watch. I want to see what The Won has to say to my children, and if I can contribute to swamping the servers, all the better.
iurockhead on September 3, 2009 at 1:58 PM
*cracking up* I just called my son’s school to find out what the plan is since our kids are out on the 8th. They say they’re not even wired for TV anymore so they have no idea what the plan is.
I know what the plan is at my house. If my son, 15, decides he wishes to attend and listen to a replay which is probably what will happen, then he can. But he will do so armed with knowledge which will allow him to ask any number of uncomfortable questions should the ObamaZombies begin their blather.
My children spent eight years being ridiculed and humiliated and made to listen to how awful Bush was and I will NOT stand by and see my son’s school day taken over by this man’s BS.
Those who are shrugging their shoulders over this and sayin’ “No big thang..” well, I beg to differ. I remember when Laura Bush sent letters to all the children of the country after 9/11 telling them not to be afraid, etc. The libs acted like she was trying to tell them to go out and take up arms for America! It was insane as have been ALL reactions to Bush over the years and I, for one, will NOT let this man get away with anything based on a half-assed attempt to be “fair.”
Mad Mad Monica on September 3, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Yes I did read them, otherwise I wouldn’t have responded. All about our country and what it stood for–NO APOLOGIZING!
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 2:00 PM
It’s supposed to be on C-SPAN also.
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Update from my school district first thing this morning:
ginaswo on September 3, 2009 at 2:23 PM
and they called me back and left a detailed voice mail explaining the opt out provision also…
if anybody thought this would slide right by, thanks to the blogworld, now thy know it wont
ginaswo on September 3, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Do you not think the Democrats think the same thing, that Obama is going to convey a message that is “helpful” for America? If you’re against talking politics in school, as I am, then let’s be honest here: Reagan talking about his lowering taxes was political, whether it was a message you agreed with or not. It’s a an ideological political position, period.
If a representative of government is to address school-age children — which is fine to me — he/she should do so regarding basic, non-political civics, such as how the branches of government operate, what the job of that representative is, encourage kids to participate in volunteer service, etc. Talking to children on the importance of staying in school is fine. Reading a book to children, fine. To be against those things coming from a person of the party you oppose but being all for it when it comes from those you agree with is manufactured, ideological opposition for opposition’s sake. When this address happens and it turns out Obama does end up making things political, I’ll join the pitchfork brigade. And I’m with Michelle Malkin that there is always a danger of teachers taking things too far if they start invoking their personal views of political leaders and positions — but cross that bridge when it gets here, on a case-by-case basis. Pulling kids out of class simply because you are ideologically opposed to a President’s political positions is paranoid hysteria. It’s no different than Dems who made Bush out to be eeeeevil and daaaangerous because they opposed his policies. And it looks pretty silly to take a kid out of school when the message coming from the president is about encouraging kids to stay in school.
Then again, if YOU think Obama is some eeeeeevil person with Machiavellian schemes up his sleeve to indoctrinate our children (Boo!!), then go ahead and be up-in-arms or shut your kids in the storm cellar with the radio tuned to Hannity/Beck so they can be protected from this disastrous commie take-over of America as Mommy and Daddy fight the good fight with pistols a-blazin! /s
Sorry, I really don’t mean to be unpleasant about this and I truly don’t mean to offend, but it’s frustrating to see the important issues of our time be drowned out by histrionic, unreasonable politicizing.
EarthToZoey on September 3, 2009 at 3:30 PM
You actually linked to the nut at Big Purple Baseballs and expect us to take you seriously?
corona on September 3, 2009 at 3:54 PM
My 13 yo daughter is homeschooled, so no worries. My 16 yo son is in high school, but is a very good conservative, and will be scrutinizing Obama. He’s been called a racist for his views, but he is strong and won’t take it personally.
StephC on September 3, 2009 at 3:59 PM
My older daughter took a civics class in High School and, in the course of discussions, took a pro-choice stand (in Western Michigan). She was called a “baby killer” in almost every other statement by another student who was the son of the local GOP chairman. The High School teacher never stopped the debate or the name calling.
How many people think that was proper?
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Civics class would be the place for it…your daughter was 6 years old then? Oh wait no she had her own beliefs that you the parent had already helped mold. I was called “baby killer” in AP History for backing the Vietnam War as something other than a national wound and advocating first use of ICBMs if necessary….
of course as in all things when leftbats are the haters “that’s different”….
what irritates your ilk is I laughed in the face of the moonbats and said the only thing keeping the peace was the overt willingness of the two sides to destroy each other and the planet if need be….
“reality” pass it on.
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 4:36 PM
No, she was 14. She didn’t let it bother her but I thought that the civics teacher should have stopped the name calling.
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 4:42 PM
why moonbats have been calling conservatives things, claiming we want the poor dead, grandma eating dogfood(when we could have simply denied her healthcare instead shoutout to BarryCare), etc etc my entire politically aware life….?
Your ideology hates personal achievement that is not sublimated to the collective using baby murder as a sacrement to pray for our international weakness……
the rest is noise.
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 4:46 PM
So I take it that you think it was appropriate for students to have called you those names in school and the teacher to not have stopped it?
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 4:57 PM
it was what it was, and prepared me for “real life” where people express their views outside of a controlled environment with a nanny in lots of cases.
Chairman Soetoro can try indoctrination on my son after the boy is old enough to explain to me whether he views the beggar on the street corner as being his personal responsibility like such noted luminairies as Ashton Kutchner(whom I suspect could take care of several beggars indefinitely if the matter were aiding the poor and not assuaging his guilt at his easy success through spending my money)….
my son’s moral upbringing is my wife and my business not any politicians’….if we’re going to play the moral and political indoctrination game you better be prepared for all out Kulturkampf 2.0 and breadcrumb trails left on the road to Civil War version 2.0.
My son is MY son, not the teacher, principal, or Presidente’s…….
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 5:03 PM
FYI: The Dallas paper had a poll for Plano residents about whether the school district should broadcast Obama’s speech. It was meant for local residents. Someone posted a link to the poll on free republic.com to skew the results.
Poor form in my book–and sorta like astroturfing.
“NOTE on POLL RESULTS: We have decided to disable our Plano Mini Poll.
We’ve been made aware that it had been posted on at least one popular conservative chat room, vastly skewing the results. We should note that ‘yes’ votes were leading by a fair margin earlier in the day.
Thanks to all who participated.”
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Wouldn’t be anything at all like the “should we be at war” polls that Kos tilted though right?
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Were those polls for people directed to people in a city or were those polls intended for anyone to participate?
Jimbo3 on September 3, 2009 at 5:55 PM
FAIL.
TMK on September 3, 2009 at 5:57 PM
indeed….
having members vote 2500 times each in a poll is not “jiggering up the works” to quote Chairman Soetoro’s little blue book but having a “municpal only” poll voted on by outsiders is….
//great moments in moonbat logic
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 6:05 PM
and of course we are to take as a blind article of faith from your anecdote that Kos didn’t try to tilt it also?
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Are you sitting down? Because I agree with most of what you said. I don’t know if it was on this thread or the other one, where I stated that I believe that you shouldn’t pull your child out of school. I think you do your child and yourself an injustice to not listen to both sides. As I told my grandson on the drive home, we have an obligation to listen to Obama–he is the president. We don’t have to agree, but I told him some parents were taking their kids out of class, and I thought that was wrong. But I will be there to see the reaction of the students, and his teacher, and to monitor the follow-up.
I am not a wild-eyed Annie Oakley,I just think that we are justified in our concern about Obama. Everything he has done so far has been projected as a glorification of himself, not as a servant of the people or as someone who is proud of his country. It would behoove us to be on alert,but not hysterical.
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 6:12 PM
woo hoo! 4 day weekend now! Might have to get tickets for the Rockies on Tuesday…
kirkill on September 3, 2009 at 6:14 PM
I have no problem with President Obama addressing all the students in America, provided that he does it PERSONALLY, and one school or classroom at a time…
This video address is something that is VERY VERY WRONG on several levels, and the White House should cancel it like a stamp!
Khun Joe on September 3, 2009 at 8:26 PM
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