Obama: Classroom Address
Obama: Classroom AddressWTVY Blog Listing
Obama: Classroom Address
Topic Author: Skylar Zwick
Posted: 3:21 PM Sep 3, 2009
Replies Posted: 10 comments
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For many students across the country, classes are just getting started. To kick-off the school year, President Obama is planning a classroom address on September 8th at 11:00 p.m. central time.

In preparation for the school talk, teachers across the nation are putting together materials for students from PreK through the 12th grade. The school address will challenge students to work diligently and set educational goals. It will also be aired live on C-Span.
 
Locally, we haven’t heard much about this. Of course, most of our students went back to class a week or more ago. But, across the nation, parents are protesting. One, in Tampa, FL, compared it to a rated-R movie, saying that she should be issued a permission slip or the chance to preview the speech. A young Florida student even, reportedly, wrote several letters to his Congressman. In response, an “alternate partisan activity” was set-up. Meanwhile, in some cities, including several in Arizona, school Principals are calling it a mandatory event, to the outrage of parents who have been quoted as calling it a form of “brainwashing” and “just an attempt to get to parents through their children.”
 
So, what are your thoughts? Is your child’s class participating? How do you feel about the President addressing your school?
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  • by Patrick Location: Headland on Oct 8, 2009 at 01:11 AM
    Phil, The major difference between Bush and Reagan talking to students nationwide was the "pre-speach" suggested lesson plan sent to schools a week before Obama's address. It called on school kids to write letters to themselves about what they can do to help President Obama (not how to help the United States!) This would indoctrinate children to support him politically and IS the exact thing Hitler did before and after his rise to power. There is nothing wrong with a President telling kids to study hard and to stay in school but watch out for any leader that wants to mold young minds to think to a specific political agenda. Just imagine if John F Kennedy had said "Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for me so I can decide whats best for you" Those of us who criticise Obama are not doing so just because he is a Democrat or because he is black as Nancy Pelosi would have you believe, this mans plans for the direction of our country are just plan scary
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  • by James Location: Alabama on Oct 5, 2009 at 09:04 PM
    The president should work on getting our nation back on track not trying to brainwash our children like Hitler did the children in Germany.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Sharon Location: Alabama on Sep 11, 2009 at 05:55 PM
    If I had children in school the day of the "Speech" I would have kept them out. I agree with a posted comment. This "smacks of socialist brainwashing." Along with all the other changes that our government is trying to make. Our forefather who founded this country must be "turning over in their graves." Do not be deceived!
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Brenda Location: Samson on Sep 11, 2009 at 01:14 PM
    I agree. Let it be shown on T.V. during the evening and then let the parents decide, by all means, they are the parents.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Phil Location: Dothan on Sep 9, 2009 at 07:41 PM
    Both George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan addressed students nationwide during their terms as President. Like the other comparisons to Obama below does this fact also liken them to Hitler, Marx, Lenin, Stalin, or Mao? Could it be that all three of them are legitimately trying to help our country because they care? After all, Obama is a father of two young girls. Maybe he just wants all of our kids to grow up in a world without violence, drugs, guns, and smut on television. A quote from Obama’s Presidential acceptance speech, “So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?”. Maybe in the end Obama just wants something better?
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Confused Location: Alabama on Sep 8, 2009 at 11:04 AM
    First of all I have to say this is insane. We have smut on tv all day and night and you people are worried about a presidential speech brain washing your children. I agree with Denny from Illinois, open your minds people.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by denny Location: Illinois on Sep 5, 2009 at 10:23 PM
    Education consist of considering various points of view and then making informed decisions. If these parents have taught their children properly, what would they be afraid of? How can listening to the President of the United States be bad??
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Anonymous on Sep 3, 2009 at 08:21 PM
    I don't think the President should be addressing his "speech" during classroom time. It should be addressed on prime time TV allowing the parents to make the decision if they want their children to watch, NOT the government. I feel as though Obama just loves to hear himself speak. Hasn't he had over 150 speeches already since his inauguration?
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Tina Location: Milford, OH on Sep 3, 2009 at 04:25 PM
    Appalling! This tactic is a flash back to Nazi Germany….turning them into compliant little soldiers while they’re young. Compliance is not how this country has evolved into the great nation that it is. Shame on him!
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by david stoessel Location: birmingham AL on Sep 3, 2009 at 04:12 PM
    No they will not participate. Why not have the speech during evening hours so parents can monitor and explain and better yet change the channel. This smacks of socialist brainwashing. Marx, Lenin. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao would be proud.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
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