WH deletes line about schoolkids helping Obama from speech prep materials
posted at 8:24 pm on September 2, 2009 by Allahpundit
I’m guessing this won’t lead to any changes of heart among those fearful enough of Hopenchange brainwashing to pull their kid out of school next Thursday, but it does take a key talking point away from them.
As one of the preparatory materials for teachers provided by the Department of Education, students had been asked to, “Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. “
Today, after Republicans accused the White House of trying to indoctrinate school children with liberal propaganda the White House and the Department of Education changed the section to now read, “Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short‐term and long‐term education goals.”
“We changed it to clarify the language so the intent is clear,” said White House Spokesman Tommy Vietor…
“As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology,” Jim Greer, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida said, “The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other President, is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power.”
The Department of Education though did not “force” – as Greer claims – schools to do anything. Schools districts across the country have the option to choose if they show the President’s address to their students…
“The goal of the speech and the lesson plans is to challenge students to work hard in school, to not drop out and to meet short-term goals like behaving in class, doing their homework and goals that parents and teachers alike can agree are noble,” a White House spokesman tells ABC News, “This isn’t a policy speech. This is a speech designed to encourage kids to stay in school.”
In defense of The One’s critics , this isn’t the first time Team Barry has “inartfully” phrased something in a way that suggests an agenda vastly more ambitious than they claim to have. Remember during the transition when his website insisted that national service would be “required” of students before an outcry led them to delete it? Or the terms of use on the Cash for Clunkers website that seemed to imply dealers would be ceding control over their computers to the feds? Obama’s administration seems not to understand just how deep the suspicion about liberals’ statist aims runs on the right (and increasingly in the center) or else they’d police their rhetoric more closely for little mishaps like this.
And needless to say, swearing a personal oath of service to Obama isn’t as unthinkable as it might seem. Skip ahead to 3:55 of this left-wing classic and watch Demi follow the Leader.










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I pledge to help my wife out by removing my dirty socks from the desk this computer sits on.
Jeff from WI on September 2, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I pledge to try and stop using derogatory ethnic nicknames for people I meet.
Jeff from WI on September 2, 2009 at 10:20 PM
“I pledge to be a great mother.”
Well, for her kid’s sake, I’m glad Obama was elected. For the rest of us, not so much.
hepcat on September 2, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Enough of the polite chatter; more thongs please.
hillbillyjim on September 2, 2009 at 10:24 PM
they pledge to end slavery? Oh… so that means my federal taxes won’t be so much? Funny how we pay more to federal than to state isn’t it?
I pledge not to pick my underwear in public.
fullogas on September 2, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Geez Jeff slow down a minute and let me compose a thought!
proudteadrinker on September 2, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I’ll do you one better. I pledge not to wear any
proudteadrinker on September 2, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I think I see a teachable moment here:
Class,
When this package was originally presented by the President Obama’s White House and The Department of Education the instructions suggested teachers ask students to
“Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.”
This was later changed to: “Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short‐term and long‐term education goals.”
What is the difference between these two statements? Why would some people have felt the original question should be changed? In the context of an attempt to motivate students into service; Who or what is being served in the original phrasing? And in the second?
Considering alternative phrasing: What if you substituted “country” in for “president” in the original phrasing? What if you substituted “President Obama” or just “Obama”?
Write a letter about your thoughts. Send a copy to your local newspaper; be sure to send a copy to the White House.
Unquiet on September 2, 2009 at 10:26 PM
for the sake of the children of course
proudteadrinker on September 2, 2009 at 10:27 PM
thanks for showing me the video, I’ve forgotten how slobbering and sycophantic the left has been to Obama
thebrokenrattle on September 2, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Of course!
hillbillyjim on September 2, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Ummm…no it doesn’t. How odd that two like-minded people can see something so differently.
This only confirms for me what critics of Our Idiot President said from the beginning, that he is a propagandist using the tried-and-true tool of the Marxists — target children and the simple-minded progressives with your junk.
Jaibones on September 2, 2009 at 10:33 PM
My children will not participate in this Orwellian effort to make them think as a collective rather than an individual.
The beauty of living in the rural South is that their school will not participate in this thought control exercise. If the administrators change their minds, then my kids will stay at home and learn about the U.S. Constitution.
We might also shoot rifles. Then, I’ll have them write or draw posters about how well armed citizens keep their government in check.
Ampleforth on September 2, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Gosh, that video is disgusting. We don’t serve the president, he serves the people. We are supposed to ask what we can do for our country, not what we can do for Obama. It’s called public service for a reason, although, granted, that reason seems to have been long forgotten by most public servants.
mbs on September 2, 2009 at 10:38 PM
I pledge to enjoy shooting these fascist loving and brainless idiots when they come to my home to force my compliance with their wishes.
Come and take it.
I mean seriously – this looks like North Korean propaganda.
Dude thinks he’s going improve his ratings with REAL Americans who are familiar with the true nature of the 1776 Revolution?
He’ll have to can the narcissism. Us Homeys don’t play cult of personality.
I pledge to do what the hell I want – not what any President tells me to do. I pledge to turn the channel – any time he gets on the tube to lecture or lie to me. I pledge to question every damn thing dude does or says – because he’s liar – and he’s been caught in it many times.
And I pledge to uphold the values of the Founders of this nation.
Come and take it you zombies. Come and take it.
HondaV65 on September 2, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Ok, like I just totally mis-read that whole thing–now fans red-face…
lovingmyUSA on September 2, 2009 at 10:42 PM
That video is so gay!
DougDavis on September 2, 2009 at 10:43 PM
still better – I pledge to stop washing mine and to stop letting my husband wear mine….
beat that pledge freaks!
poppieseeds on September 2, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I can think of another nation that expected their youth to pledge to help their dear leader…
clnurnberg on September 2, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Well, ain’t that awfully [bleep]ing nice of them.
Bruce in NH on September 2, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I pledge to do whatever the hell I want to do, whenever the hell I want to do it, and not to give a rip what any leftist puke thinks about it.
MikeA on September 2, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Hah. Part of Hornet Sting’s repertoire of impressive rhetorical and no doubt literal armaments.
elduende on September 2, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Another reason to keep kids out of school all day, or at least before 11:00 – That’s when attendance is taken, and they get $ based on attendance. If a ‘schoo’ is going along with the propaganda, then deny them some of your own money.
bikermailman on September 2, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Depends on if you have Mommy Parts or Daddy Parts. :p
bikermailman on September 2, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Hitler Youth start at 3:30
A class of (roughly) 10 year old schoolkids is singing:
This is where we end up folks.
faraway on September 2, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Reminds you of the Obama Youth video, the creepy kids singing praises to him, and the building a religion one.
bikermailman on September 2, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Can’t believe three pages have gone by and no one’s yet linked this awesome parody of that creepy video:
inviolet on September 2, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Obama has encouraged his followers to make it personal since early in the (never-endind) campaign.
So, no, this is not innocuous, harmless pap as some would have you believe.
hillbillyjim on September 2, 2009 at 11:10 PM
endin
dghillbillyjim on September 2, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Now if only we could get Michelle Malkin’s most unhinged haters to pledge the same.
JinxMcHue on September 2, 2009 at 11:21 PM
“Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” ~ Vladimir Lenin
“When an opponent declares, “I will not come over to your side,” I calmly say, “Your child belongs to us already… What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community.” ~ Adolf Hitler
jjrakman on September 2, 2009 at 11:26 PM
When partisanship reaches the level that suggesting that kids stay in school and work becomes “political,” then I exit, stage, left.
How ridiculous.
And frankly, other people should also exit. This type of thinking is simply unbelievable.
AnninCA on September 2, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Ann, will you say the same when President Palin asks your kids to help her drill off the California shore?
faraway on September 2, 2009 at 11:38 PM
or try Zo’s video!
clnurnberg on September 2, 2009 at 11:41 PM
For reference, a Fabian, like Obama, at work…
Take control of those parts of society he doesn’t already control. By all means, I think we should give Obama and his sycophants more control over the classroom…
passed in the dark of night…hmmm, sounds familiar, cap and trade, healthcare, etc.
It could never happen here. Move along sheeple. Nothing to see here. Maybe Jake Tapper should ask Obama how much he agrees with Van Jones and Mr. Gramsci’s politics?
elduende on September 3, 2009 at 12:09 AM
“I pledge” really means YOU should pledge.
blink on September 3, 2009 at 12:45 AM
If this is all so innocent, why distribute the teacher talking points before hand?
jack herman on September 3, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Whats Underwear ?
macncheez on September 3, 2009 at 1:35 AM
Busted bigtime. They really do think that every damned one of us is just stupid as hell! Well…with Holder and all the Commies he has in key positions I guess they have reason to.
Obama is a liar and Truth is
killing his Marxist agenda.
Army Brat on September 3, 2009 at 1:46 AM
Yeah, it’s funny how they keep making that exact same mistake over and over and over again, isn’t it…coincidence, I’m sure.
AUINSC on September 3, 2009 at 1:54 AM
Does anyone think that these “celebrities” would actually reach out and help someone if they were in need? I mean step out, take the chance and help?
The last one I heard of doing this sort of thing was Mark Harmon and his wife Pam Dauber, when an automobile accident happened outside their home. IIRC, Mark went out and helped, and Pam called 911.
Any other celebs you can think of who have actually “helped” anyone else?
Intrepid on September 3, 2009 at 2:17 AM
An elementary school in Farmington, UT showed the “I Pledge” video at an assembly on August 28th. Many parents expressed their displeasure at the school indoctrinating their children with far left propaganda.
What I found rather interesting were the comments on the article, most of which seemed to embrace the radical left position and vilify the concerned parents. I thought Utah was generally more conservative than that, but perhaps it’s similar to many conservative states, where the capital is infected with irrational, illogical liberals.
Here’s a link to the story in the Salt Lake Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/education/ci_13249171
mcc4 on September 3, 2009 at 2:54 AM
Those aren’t mutually exclusive.
James on September 3, 2009 at 3:56 AM
I pledge to work against all Barack Obama’s socialist policies and Marxist agendas. I also pledge to pray for his failure.
Amy Proctor on September 3, 2009 at 5:52 AM
I pledge to watch every O’bama speech I can, for the same reason I eat roughage in the morning.
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 6:28 AM
Did they delete the part from the supplementary PDF where students were to discuss quotes from Obama’s “historic speeches”? I’m thinking some teachers may wish to highlight this from his “historic” Strasbourg speech (although the Cairo speech is also ripe for picking):
As for servant Demi Moore: She promised to free 1 million slaves in 5 years. How many slaves has she freed so far?
Buy Danish on September 3, 2009 at 7:24 AM
I don’t think it takes away a “talking point,”–real people don’t have talking points in any case. If the WH caved and removed one piece of propaganda, the ques. is why, if it was all so innocuous to begin with.
JiangxiDad on September 3, 2009 at 7:27 AM
Not sure if someone has already posted this but it’s a funny rebuttal to the idiotic Demi Moore video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frNuEvGwLpA&feature=related
Monica on September 3, 2009 at 8:03 AM
I would pay to see a documentary that followed up on these pledges to see how many of these nitwits have done anything remotely close to what they ‘pledged’.
So, how you doing on that planting of 500 trees this year?
How many of those 1 million slaves have you gotten freed?
yadda yadda
99% of these self-absorbed a##hats didn’t change a damn thing about their behavior, guaranteed.
Midas on September 3, 2009 at 8:28 AM
even the extra half of 1% could be deadly to our liberty….
I looked the other way when they started indoctrinating the boy on “global citizenship”, I averted my eyes when they were teaching him about global warming and water alarmism before he had learned the scientific method, but I will not tolerate their using my tax dollars and my child to fester a new generation of Abbie Hoffmans…
sven10077 on September 3, 2009 at 8:34 AM
I pledge to fart in Obama’s general direction
76United on September 3, 2009 at 8:46 AM
I would like for Allah to have some children and then come back and talk to us about this subject.
TXMomof3 on September 3, 2009 at 8:55 AM
I pledge to vote against every LIBERAL in office.
easyone on September 3, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Will schools provide a safe room for those students wishing to escape the brainwashing?
Will taxpayers be reimbursed for the hour teachers are not working?
drjohn on September 3, 2009 at 9:03 AM
No no Demi didn’t say “slaves” ….that’s not what she said. She distinctly said, ‘to blaaave’, and we all know that ‘to blave’ means ‘to bluff’. She was bluffing.
batterup on September 3, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Sorry, Allahpundit, while it appears that you’re sneering a bit at those of us who object to having our children’s school day hijacked by liberal propaganda in this piece, I think you’re going to find that those of us who are “fearful enough of Hopenchange brainwashing to pull their kid out of school next Thursday” still have plenty to worry about beyond that “key talking point.”
The fact that our children are expected to sit through this speech then discuss not only what the president said but the president himself and all the wonderfulness that he is is quite objectionable to me.
My children spent the last eight years having teachers remind them how they were suffering in school because of Bush and how Bush was wrong on so many things, blah blah blah. I know damned good and well this whole speech is going to be filled with all sorts of pro-BO crap and “Why are your parents against what this great man is trying to do BS.”
Thanks, but no thanks. Keep the hopenchange.
Mad Mad Monica on September 3, 2009 at 9:18 AM
I pledge to use more cowbell.
Daggett on September 3, 2009 at 9:24 AM
He needs to delete the entire ridiculous, intrusive brain washing event. Get this government out of our schools.
rplat on September 3, 2009 at 9:26 AM
The liberals got a little commie lamb elected president who is finding out there’s a whole lot of conservative wolves encircling him. he keeps running one way then another.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:28 AM
I pledge to eat more cow.
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Is it incompetence or maliciousness? I am beginning to think it is both.
Certainly the higher cabinet officials in the administration understand that the president has functions and the WH has departments that are not to be politicized. They just can’t stop campaigning, and they are so incompetent as they attempt to politicize every area of life.
mwbri on September 3, 2009 at 9:30 AM
If I were asked for advice by the great leader I’d suggest he avoid that speech altogether. The too facile comparison to what a certain German leader did in organizing the youth, the Hitlerjungen — see the 1934 propaganda film “Triumph de Willens” — should scare him off. But perhaps this is Michael Moore’s big chance.
Annar on September 3, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Liar! Liiiiiaaaarrrr!
Darksean on September 3, 2009 at 9:38 AM
I pledge my eternal soul to Jesus Christ.
**liberal heads explode**
I pledge to present facts to my students and allow them to draw their own conclusion, even if that conclusion contradicts my worldview.
**liberal heads explode again**
I pledge to adore my hot husband until the day I die, and to love him purposely with heart, body, mind and soul.
**More liberal mind explosions: “Wait! Christian wives think their husbands are ‘hot’? No! No! WE own the copyright on hotness, and it’s whatever we say it is–but not Christian marriage…anything but Christian marriage!”**
And, I pledge to enjoy the irony of liberals thinking they own free thought, diversity and tolerance. Makes me chuckle every day.
Grace_is_sufficient on September 3, 2009 at 9:42 AM
to pull their kid out of school next Thursday”
Next Tuesday
The speech may be inocuous. The required follow up by the unionized teachers may not be. The teachers are instructed to read books about the presidency and Barak Obama- personally- to prepare for the lesson. If the point is to extol education why the focus on Obama?
Educate your children about Obama. Make sure they understand who he is and what he stands for so that they cannot be propagandized.
Haunches on September 3, 2009 at 9:44 AM
All I can say, Jeff, is thank God for cow. Even better if a bit of the cow juice runs pink on the plate…just enough spices, but not too much…man, I love cow. :)
Grace_is_sufficient on September 3, 2009 at 9:44 AM
I’ve said this before….
“Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Obama!”
angus mcbeemer on September 3, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Obama: “They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun”
Obama to His Followers: “Get in Their Faces!”
Obama on ACORN Mobs: “I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I’m angry!”
Obama To His Mercenary Army: “Hit Back Twice As Hard”
GatewayPundit
Sounds more like a gangbanger than an educator.
“Nice school ya got heah… be a shame if anything happened to it…”
Akzed on September 3, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Great, there goes my keyboard again!
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 9:51 AM
I pledge to ONLY vote for candidates who are pro-schoooo vouchers.
marklmail on September 3, 2009 at 9:56 AM
See no matter how the speech goes it will force teachers to give a reaction to the speech. Meaning all the children in the country are going to get a lesson on how great Obama is in some union teachers opinion. Obama is going to promise all the kids candy and when they get out of high school they get a free trip to Afghanistan.
Tremmy on September 3, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Aaaaamen!
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Heck, I hope my grandson will be old enough to work on that oil rig!!! Oh and sweetheart–those oil rigs will be farther out to sea, then those windmills and power lines you think will save your ass when you power up your electric car for it’s 3 hour charge.
lovingmyUSA on September 3, 2009 at 9:57 AM
That anti-American bigot, fraud and liar wasn’t able to convince thinking people that him turning America into Amerika was a good thing so now he’s going to the ones whose critical thinking hasn’t developed yet hoping that they can convince their parents that black it white and hating America is the right thing to do. Disgusting.
pitter43 on September 3, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Our president’s crazy
Did you hear what he said?
————————Talking Heads
Akzed on September 3, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Was it really just
Just back in January
We were so stupid?
Haiku Guy on September 3, 2009 at 9:58 AM
I pledge to quite making pledges I have no intention of keeping………………maybe.
tommyboy on September 3, 2009 at 10:04 AM
A press Release that will over joy the progressive masses!
Finally American progressives can have a G.O.D. they can believe in. Banking on a wildly successful media coverage of its efforts to transform the backward, individualistic America into a nation of enlightened state-worshippers ruled by unelected czars, the administrative branch is preparing for a next radical reform that will further streamline the system and dispel the accusations of oligarchic rule by concentrating all the powers enumerated, extrapolated, and imagined under the constitution in the hands of only one man.
Said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, “We must urgently streamline the decision-making process because the time for talk is over. The outdated 19th century idea of reading and debating bills must end. Face it, not only does debate delay immediate action, so does voting.”
~
The new legislation proposes the President of the United States appointing himself to the new position of Governmental Overall Director, or G.O.D. for short. “We believe in an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful G.O.D. to create order out of the chaos that is the unfortunate result of too many people making too many decisions for themselves. Hope and change require unity. Unity requires oneness of purpose. As you may know, Obama is The One.”
Under the proposal the G.O.D. will give the people new freedoms, replacing the old freedoms which have atrophied to tired clichés. The G.O.D. is expected to replace individual free will with collective will of the communities represented by community organizers. Free enterprise will be replaced with free lunch, and free speech with free internet access. The inalienable rights of life, liberty and property will be supplanted by the rights of bodily functions, controlled unanimity, and regulated sharing.
“Citizenship encompasses both rights and responsibilities,” Gibbs said. “Your rights are the government’s responsibility so you don’t have to fret over them. A burden is always lessened by lightening the load. For instance, it is the administration’s aim to relieve everyone’s money problems by relieving them of money. And may the G.O.D. bless America,” stated Gibbs.
One part of the proposal that caused a stir of head nodding among the press was the President’s assumption of judiciary powers one step above the Supreme Court – the so-called “Last Judgment” provision wherein the G.O.D. has the final say on all legal decisions. “Man proposes, the G.O.D. disposes,” Gibbs quipped to approving chuckles of the press.
Further explaining details of the plan’s implementation, Press Secretary continued, “How exactly this all works… the G.O.D. only knows.”
Evidence of massive public support of the government’s Act of G.O.D. was provided in the form of a spontaneous rally just outside of the White House, in which representatives of diverse communities, wearing inexpensive red shirts with an artful ACORN logo, were joined by occasional passers-by from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), all of whom happened to be carrying lovingly pre-printed signs: “Thank G.O.D.!” “One nation under G.O.D.!” and “In G.O.D. we trust!”
The plan has already had an immediate positive effect on the nation’s political climate by rendering the opposition speechless. Staunch defenders of God’s place in the public forum, Republicans have suddenly gone mum – apparently, out of fear that any anti-G.O.D. statements can damage their immediate political future and have negative long-term effects in the form of eternal damnation.
sargentj on September 3, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I pledge to be kinder and stop calling the first lady…Fido
Jeff from WI on September 3, 2009 at 10:06 AM
You know the lines that are so outrageous and the speech itself had already been toned down.
Imagine what his propaganda would be if enough people hadn’t already stood up to him.
Radical is as radical does.
Speakup on September 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Public education has been brainwashing kids for the last fifty years.
Johan Klaus on September 3, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I pledge to never support Hollywood in anything ever again.
Bunch of putzes….
utbw42 on September 3, 2009 at 10:12 AM
We still are waiting to see the official response from Round Rock Texas ISD going on two days now.The pres of the school board has bucked it to “Admin” leadership there I think?
Thank you for your communication with the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees regarding your concerns with students viewing President Obama’s speech in class. I am forwarding your concerns to the Administration for their response.
Again, thank you for your communication.
Sincerely,
, President
RRISD Board of Trustees
Col.John Wm. Reed on September 3, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Perhaps some enterprising Governor of a State should assert states rights on this issue and sign an executive order blocking the airing of ANY Obama live speeches and any lesson plans associated with said speeches.
If school boards nationwide cannot review the transcripts Pinnochio could possibly interject a call to prayer, promote Christianity, Bad mouth abortions, promote abstinense, decry drug use, or in his case, as it worked for him, promote it, and APOLOGISE for America, Slavery, dirty socks,his smelly feet, and the BOOOSH administration.
The Governors need to assert States Rights if the school boards do not have time to which they won’t.
Same guys trying to apply localism to the airwaves want Pinnochio to enter into a classroom where the kids are required to attend and the parents have little say over the lesson plans.
States Rights!
dhunter on September 3, 2009 at 10:17 AM
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