THE POLITICAL BACKLASH over President Barack Obama’s plan to address U.S. schoolchildren falls under the heading of “business as usual.”
Obama is not the first president to talk to students. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan, just three months from leaving office, met with students from Washington, D.C., junior highs. He began his address talking about the importance of freedoms, then took their questions.
Three years later, a second Republican president, George H.W. Bush, addressed students at a northwest Washington D.C., junior high. He was roundly criticized.
That address in 1991 came as Bush was campaigning for a second term as U.S. President. His address was broadcast live on radio and television.
According to The Washington Post, in an Oct. 3, 1991, article, one critic said, “The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students. And the president should be doing more about education than saying, ‘Lights, camera, action.’”
The criticism came from Richard A. Gephardt, a Missouri Democrat and U.S. House majority leader at the time.
Now, Obama, a Democratic president, is being criticized by Republicans for plans on Tuesday to deliver a speech to students at Wakefield High School. That was to be expected.
What we find unexpected — but probably shouldn’t — is the public backlash from ordinary citizens.
“The president has no business using the public school system, financed by taxpayers of various political stripes, to indoctrinate our children to his political agenda,” writes Michael Kerr of RedCounty.com.
That certainly sounds familiar, but Kerr goes further, railing against plans by schoolteachers to develop lesson plans around the president’s speech.
Finally, Kerr urges parents to make the ultimate statement of their displeasure with the president: “If you want to keep the president’s agenda out of your child’s classroom, tell him you will be keeping your son or daughter home on September 8th,” he writes on a companion Web site, www.KeepYourKidsHome.com.
This approach is short-sighted and wrong.
We as parents and citizens have an obligation to raise the next generation to be able to think for themselves. We will never dispute that parents have the right to limit or prohibit their children’s exposure to dangerous or offensive content. But we hope that parents will realize that their children will move out of the house someday and have to stand on their own feet.
It’s one thing to regurgitate their parents’ beliefs when asked. It’s another to be able to form their own opinions and verbalize them.
Our children will not be able to learn that important skill without being exposed to ideas with which their parents disagree. White House officials say they plan to release Obama’s speech online Monday so parents can read it ahead of time.
We urge all parents to take the time to read it. Then, we should send our children to school on Tuesday and hope they will be able to hear the president’s speech.
When dinner time comes, we parents should plan to discuss the speech, finding out what our children drew out as the important points and discussing areas of policy and belief with which we differ.
Finally, when the sun sets Tuesday night, we will know we have helped our children take a step toward the civic responsibility that will be so important when they are adults.
Gwendolynne Larson
Managing Editor
Comments
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Posted by solong (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a lifelong independent I have watched the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot time after time, their tactics and implosions have no limits. The Democrats have had every chance in the world to capitalize on Republicans mistakes and don't have enough sense to do it. I can only imagine what this country could do with sensible leaders and unity, we will never see a truly unified country because of selfish and greedy ambitions.
Posted by dirtydeeds (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to know where the area school districts stand on this issue.
When I had a daughter in school I sent her there to learn reading, writing and arithmatic. I didn't send her there to have the gov. forced agenda down her throat no matter which side it was.
However today with the NEA spending so much to make sure their liberal agenda is brought forth it is nearly impossible to make sure that my grandchild won't be indoctrinated to what ever the political agenda of the day is.
I would be one of those who refused to let my child take part in this fiasco. My child and grandchild can learn about sex ed.,politics,gun control etc. at home.
Let the teachers teach the basics and butt out of the rest. I know all to well how many teachers are only there because they have tenure, and yes I was never a teacher but my wife was for 30 years and she would tell you the the same thing.
Maybe Reagan and Bush did address the students and take questions but I sure don't recall the schools then being asked to make it an agenda to study for the rest of the day and get graded on it.
Pobably in all reality very few students seen either of the above mentioned presidents considering the fact that their agenda didn't follow the nea's.
Posted by allintogether (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would normally not have an issue with any president speaking to school children. I have trust issues with Obama. I think he planted the young girl in his "town hall" meeting in New Hampshire a few weeks ago to push his healthcare agenda. If he didn't, the girl was certainly coached very well. In either case, he has shown an interest in using children to press his agenda.
From above.
"That certainly sounds familiar, but Kerr goes further, railing against plans by schoolteachers to develop lesson plans around the president’s speech".
My understanding is that the National Education Association suggested the lesson plan include students writing letters supporting or "helping out" Obama. The lesson plan has since been changed but it is another misstep by Obama in letting his union buddies surround him with their kookery.
I am not a parent myself but I can understand why a parent would be hesitant to let their kids hear a man that is establishing a track record like this in a place that should be apolitical.
I agree with Gwen's methodology, review the speech on Monday. If the speech is tinged with issues currently being debated, then opt out if you feel it serves your child best. If it is about staying in school, earning your way, being self sufficient, going to college or trade school and getting a good job then let your kid stay. Then remind Obama to shape his policies to benefit the contributors to society he is trying to cultivate!
To tell the truth, I don't remember a thing Reagan, Bush Sr. or Clinton said during my primary and secondary school years. I remember damn near everything my family said during that time and things worked out great. Presidents are temporary. Family is forever.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gwen is it your opinion that my ideas as a parent are not as relavant as that of the pres. or that of a school teacher?
If that is so that is exactly why the public school system is a farce.
If my child regurgitates my beliefs and they don't agree with yours then that makes mine wrong, it makes them unable to make their own opinion? What hogwash, no wonder I don't want my child listening to anything but the basics in school. Put your money ( or the gazettes ) where your mouth is and print barry's speech before it appears at school and let's see how unpolitical it is, and then let's listen to it and see if what he presents is what he says he will the day before.
I guess I won't have to worry about that happening though because you guys probably don't go to press Monday, which might be exactly why the White House isn't releasing it until then.
YEAH I DON'T TRUST THE GUY
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is called President Obama's "National Address on Educational Success". If President Obama talking directly to students on the importance of taking responsibility for their success in school is "Indoctrination" then please President Obama, indoctrinate my kids. Official Information is available online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_offi...
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've got one very important question. I f the public school system is so good why does barry send his kids to a private school?
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way the contents of the speech are not yet available at the sight you gave above.
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tbluma, Please list the names of all the private schools within 50 miles of Emporia.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know quite a few people who went to private schools in and around Emporia, if you consider a home to be private. Contrary to popular belief about home schooled people, they are very well adjusted and intelligent. More so than myself who went to public school.
"I remember damn near everything my family said during that time and things worked out great. Presidents are temporary. Family is forever."
I totally agree with this but be prepared for the backlash because many people on here believe Obama to be eternal not temporary.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are 2 Catholic grade schools. One in Emporia and one in Olpe. If there are any more religious ones I appolgize for my lack of knowledge. There are quite a few in Topeka. What makes the diff. anyway? Unless the school voucher system is put in to use who can afford a private school?
If we had the vouchers then the schools would have to compete and become better educators, but alas the nea would never be in favor of the vouchers.
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Calm down everyone. The average school-age kid doesn't give a sh-t. If the school forces them to watch or listen to it my money is that most of the kids will be asleep or have their ear-buds in listening to I-pod tunes.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Emporia Christian School on C of E Drive.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's the problem Steve, the kids don't give a sh-t.
That's why parents need too, as as long as the kids only get the views printed in the gazette or at school they will in my opinion all be the mind numbed robots that us conservatives are called.
It sure would have been nice to have a few more out to vote in the last few elections or in the future.
Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on September 5, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tbluma,
I do not believe that your beliefs and values as a parent are less important than the president's message.
The problem I have is the belief that insulating our children from opposing opinions helps them. My three boys know well where their father and I stand on issues. When they are adults, they may not agree with me. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
What I hope we've done, however, is teach them how to think for themselves... listening to the message, researching its validity then viewing it through the glasses colored by the way they were raised.
My fear is that children not given these opportunities will regurgitate their parents' values when asked but not be able to back them up. The foundation of belief becomes very shaky when faced with peers asking, "but what about this?" or "why do you believe that?" If the only answer my boys come up with is "because my parents do," I fear they'll be easily swayed.
That's why I believe that parents should allow their children to hear the president's message then follow it up with the discussion of whether we agree or disagree in all or in part.
Gwen Larson
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the state should give cash vouchers directly to parents and allow the parents to decide which school they will support be it private, religious, public or home school. It won't happen though. The "Educational Industrial Complex" has too much influence on our legislators.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gwen thank you for the reply, however, I stand with what I said.
I always gave my child a chance to agree or disagree, but the problem with today is that media of today gives mostly, in my opinion, the left handed version of everything.The public is bombarded with it. Therefore it is still my belief that the school should teach reading, writing, arithmatic, chemistry, biology, and history. You may notice that I left out social studies. The reason I left that out is becuase to many teachers don't study society, they put their own spin on it.
History is also being changed to fit some one else's mold at times.
So don't make my child listen unless he/she wants to, don't send someone in to tell them about birthcontrol (we just hand out condoms to any that want them), don't preach about gun control, global warming ( which can't be proven), and don't make them listen to a pres. that may or may not have the same convictions that I do.
In other words teach school and butt out of the rest of the agendas.
Posted by gabby (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't trust President Obama, and, especially when there is a lesson plan for the teachers, after he speaks. Most of the educators don't need any encouragement from the President, or anyone else in the government, to take an opportunity to teach their own personal liberal beliefs.
I would be happier if President Obama addressed the students in a Public Service announcement on t.v.....Where parents and students could watch it together.
Posted by gabby (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml
More information!
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I've got one very important question. I f the public school system is so good why does barry send his kids to a private school?"
Security for one?
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Editorial from Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/09/0...
"In the '50s and early '60s when the president of the United States had something big to say or there was an event such as the first manned space launch we all gathered in the gym and watched the event together on a black and white television. No one thought it was propaganda, no one thought it was Democratic or Republican, it was American."
So long as all he is doing is promoting hard work and promoting education does it really matter? Other presidents have done very simlilar things, and if technology had been availible I am sure they would have done something alosmot identical to this. Preview the speech, (it will be availible Monday)if its not to your liking, by all means censor your children and don't let them watch it. If this turns out to be nothing more than the leader of nation trying to give our kids a pep talk in regards to education, then again the right will have shot itself in the foot over nothing.
PS. It's a trick, Obama will channel Manson and control your children with one speech! Good grief people, if this was Reagan everyone would be cheering....
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I don't trust President Obama, and, especially when there is a lesson plan for the teachers, after he speaks. Most of the educators don't need any encouragement from the President, or anyone else in the government, to take an opportunity to teach their own personal liberal beliefs.
I would be happier if President Obama addressed the students in a Public Service announcement on t.v.....Where parents and students could watch it together."
You do realize that it will be availible for preview, and that making assumptions only makes.......well you get the jist.
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"You may notice that I left out social studies. The reason I left that out is becuase to many teachers don't study society, they put their own spin on it."
I tend to believe there have been quite a few important transgressions that have taken place in the last 100 years of our country, when I was in school here in gradeschool I can remember being taught social studies, and one thing I took away from it was the ability to look at a situation and see it from all sides, and what led to said situation, in other words, to think...
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Therefore it is still my belief that the school should teach reading, writing, arithmatic, chemistry, biology, and history."
Tbluma, you need to get yourself a seat on the school board and see how far that idea gets. This is a modern society and children, even young ones, need to be taught how to think critically about all subjects, not just to remember facts. Critical thinking involves deeper learning and being able to weigh evidence. That's how kids learn how to make good decisions.
What about abstract stuff like algebra and literature where kids needs to be able to solve for x or make deductions and inferences?
There is absolutely no value in teaching facts which must be repeated back verbatim. That isn't learning unless you're a parrot.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
speaking of those that think Obama is eternal
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously,
From your comment in the other thread:
http://emporiagazette.com/news/2009/sep/...
"Democrats complain when Republicans do it. Republicans complain when Democrats do it. Somehow now the Democrats are offended that some Republicans are doing what they did back in 91. LOL
We independents are comfortable enough to let both sides speak to our children, If a president is trying to instill positive values in our youth then I commend him/her no matter what side of the aisle they preside on. Frankly I expected backlash of this sort from this area, I just like to point the hippocratic notions of those that think this is a "new" thing.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can you quote some of the times when you've pointed out the problems with the Democrats? You say your independent but it just doesn't seem that way. The same thing has been said about me so I'm not trying to bash you or anything. Just curious.
Posted by gemini (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kids are going to go along with whatever is "cool" at the moment. If they are subjected to Obama at school, he will become the fad of the moment whether they agree with him or even listened to him in the first place.
My boyfriend's 10 year old just said "how boring" when I mentioned that she may have to watch this on Tuesday at school. Kids most likely don't care but the last thing that anyone should want is for kids to be out chanting Obama's name in praise or "coolness" when they don't even understand the politics or reason behind it.
Worse yet, I believe this is only the beginning of Obama's government attempting to dare I say, brainwash our youth. Reminiscent of Nazi education??? Maybe....
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Naz...
Posted by KellyG (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have read all of the posts and responses to each other as an educator I have to say to all of the nay sayers, you are only doing a diservice to your children, and trully passing on a message of hypocrity and prejudice. All speeches presented have teacher guides, do teachers use them completely no and yes depends on the situation. I have to say that if this message was given by a republican none you would be complaining. The reason education has talk about the opinions and teach "social and political" issues is because the parents or custodial caregivers in the home are not. With that being said you are only giving and prepetuating the problem of poor attendance in our educational system, which is why our President has to talk about staying in school.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think that I've actually stated how I feel about letting my son see this unnecessary(in my opinion) speech, not that anybody cares about my opinion. lol
I have no problem with it except maybe the devoting the entire day to study it (if that is even true). I have however considered keeping him home that day because for some reason he really dislikes Obama. I am not an Obama fan myself but I know my son didn't get his opinion from me because I just don't talk politics out loud at my house and neither does my wife, we have more important or more entertaining things to talk about. So if I were to keep him home that day it would probably be to keep his(my son) opinions from the class, not Obama's words from him. I have pretty much decided to let/make him go and just council him beforehand about respecting the potus even though you may not like him as I and my wife have done before. The whole thinking differently from your parents thing can happen at very young ages even elementary school age.
Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on September 5, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think someone should give a speech to encourage the drop-outs. Maybe I should work on one(a speech) as I am one(a drop-out) myself and have carved out quite the nice life for myself and my family right hare in these United States, the land of opportunity. What do you think?
Seriously R. Folks
Posted by allintogether (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Kelly G. In the interest of full disclosure. Are you, in any way affiliated with the NEA? I only ask because "hypocrity" is not a word according to Merriam Webster. Hope you aren't tenured.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Create the last time I checked algebra and leterature were arithmetic and reading, but then I haven't been to school in quite some time so maybe they aren't.
They do do things so much differently now than way back when.Like pass/fail or not keeping score during games so nobody's feelings get hurt. Now that really requires some deep learning, critical thinking, weighing evidence and making good decisions.
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously,
Browse my post history, I've brought up more than a few problems and shortcomings I have seen on the left. There is just so much of an abundance of right-wingers here that I often lean left in my posts if for nothing more than try and present some counter arguments in order to get people to think. As solong mentioned earlier:
"The Democrats have had every chance in the world to capitalize on Republicans mistakes and don't have enough sense to do it"
The Democrats reality are pretty dense in my book, they could do anything they want right now with their majorities yet they still fail, it’s pathetic in my eyes, and oozes of incompetence.
Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Obama is planning to tell schoolchildren that they should stay in school, work hard and set goals for themselves. The last time we checked, these were messages that the entire country could agree on. They certainly don't sound like the kinds of messages that will "indoctrinate" children with a "socialist" ideology."
Senseless reaction to Obama's school talk
The San Francisco Chronicle
September 5, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"There is, of course, nothing socialist in any of Mr. Obama’s policies, as anyone with a passing knowledge of socialism and its evil history knows. But in this country, unlike actual socialist countries, nobody can be compelled to listen to the president. What is most disturbing about all this is what it says about the parents — and the fact that they have such little regard for their children’s intelligence and ability to think."
Respect Your Children
The New York Times
September 5, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/05/opinio...
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodoleboy thank you for helping out my arguement.
Barry sends his kids to private school for security?
I rest my case.
Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this whole thing is ridiculous. I have said it before, and will say it again...
It truly makes me sad to hear that so many parents in our community are so close minded that they will not allow a speech given by our President of the United States to be heard by our children. I believe there IS a place in education for speeches and discussion. It is called government and/or history. I like very much the idea of a more interactive way of learning, like watching speeches directed towards the students, and having discussion afterward. Perhaps our children will learn more, or learn better than their standard text book reading.
That being said, I see no problem in letting our children listen from our President. From every source I have read, there is nothing said that he is going to shove "socialism" down our kid's throats. He is going to ask the students to stay in school and do their best. And you know, with the current drop out rate at so many of our schools, obviously the parents aren't doing THEIR job right; let's see if he can get the point across.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KellyG I taught my child about social and political issues at home, hence my reluctance to let you and the rest of the nea, that seem to think that you/they know better than I, which path is the right one.
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KellyG
One more thing, there that word of words is again, prejudice.
My how you people throw that around.
What exactly do you mean by that?
Before you answer I suggest you get your ducks in a row and read all of my previos posts and try to come back with a good explanatiion.
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The Democrats have had every chance in the world to capitalize on Republicans mistakes and don't have enough sense to do it"
Who has control of the Executive and Legislative Branches now? I really hope the Republicans keep it up. Their ignorance of reality will allow the Democrats to fill the Judicial Branch too.
I only wish they would bring criminal charges against George, Dick and Donald for premeditated murder.
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Goodoleboy thank you for helping out my arguement.
Barry sends his kids to private school for security?
I rest my case."
Helping? Are you crazy? Last I checked most high profile people do send their kids to private well secured locations for exactly the reason I gave, its more secure and safe. I'll wager the vast majority of both right and left wing high level government employees do the same. It seems you forget, they are targets now......
And tell me again, what does this have to do with the president telling our kids to work hard and get good grades?
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gemini:
"Worse yet, I believe this is only the beginning of Obama's government attempting to dare I say, brainwash our youth. Reminiscent of Nazi education??? Maybe....
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Naz...
Did you perhaps read the other thread where a poster linked threads before? If not here they are again fom YY4U:
"President Ronald Reagan preached tax cut gospel to America’s students http://mediamatters.org/blog/20090903002......
President H.W. Bush's speech to schoolchildren: Drugs are bad http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index....
President W. Bush called on all American kids to help the needy children of Afghanistan by donating a dollar. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/sum...
And GASP! They promoted an agenda! I guess your Nazi analogy started awhile back eh? Or was it OK because it was someone you voted for?
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodoleboy my point is that the private school is better.
The rich send their kids there because they can afford it is true, but as much money as the gov. spends on on public schools why aren't they as good or better?
It really don't have anything to do with his speech Tuesday and I hope all he does talk about is working hard and getting good grades. That is probably all he will talk about now that this has garnered so much attention.
YY4U you ramble on too much for me.
What the hell has bringing up murder charges against those three got to do with this thread.
You must be possed or something, you started rambling on about this in the forum section yesterday.
Goodoleboy I think you and I are relly alot alike.
Try to make people think outside of the box every now and then. I'm really just a good ole boy myself.
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tbluma
"KellyG
One more thing, there that word of words is again, prejudice.
My how you people throw that around.
What exactly do you mean by that?
Before you answer I suggest you get your ducks in a row and read all of my previos posts and try to come back with a good explanatiion"
Prejudice? Here is a quote from you:
"I've got a great idea, why don't we just ban everything then we can becomes the zombies that barry, the ex gov., the new gov. and all the rest of the liberal sob's want us to be.
I thought libs used to be for free love & let every one alone but now they just want to tax, spend and regulate.
Puke and choke"
Do you treat everyone that does not see your POV in the same manner? Keep digging that hole bud=)
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your last post confirms it GOB, we're alike.
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Goodoleboy my point is that the private school is better.
The rich send their kids there because they can afford it is true, but as much money as the gov. spends on on public schools why aren't they as good or better?"
In some cases they might be better, not denying that. But I don't get upset becuase someone makes enough money to make a choice to send their kids to a private school. I am sure there are several factors in Obama's decision on where to send his children, and as a parent I trust he doing what he thinks is in their best interests. The bottom line here is that if you work hard in school and get a good eduction you have a lot better shot of making a good life for yourself, and that is all he is trying to convey. Not everyone can be a pro athlete or invent the next Google engine in their garage=)
Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Your last post confirms it GOB, we're alike."
I bet we agree on Illegal Immigration=)
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One more thing GOB. I was merely trying to find out why KellyG etal. always say we're prejudiced if we disagree with the Pres.
Is he a different color than me or would I be prejudiced just because I disagree????
Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Probably a whole lot more than that GOB.
Keep them thinking when I don't have the tim.
See ya
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the President of the United States sent his children to a public school there would be such a disruption in the daily school schedule that the rest of the children would suffer. Besides, the social hierarchy of the public school would be compromised. Children of teachers, school board members and the local big fish would be demoted a notch.
Posted by reddog (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think our President will announce that he is offering special benefits for youth going into the peace corps. Today the peace corps is more important than ever before, especially with the anti-U.S. sentiment with the invasion of Iraq. The President might say,"You make a living by what you earn, but you make a life by what you give."
Posted by sciguy (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tbluma, could you please point out what districts in Kansas grant teachers tenure?
I'm not aware of a single one.
Posted by reddog (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The political backlash over President O'bama's plan to address U.S. schoolchildren falls under the heading of "business as usual." I compleatly disagreee, it falls under the freedom of free speech and as William Allen White so eloquently said, "You can't have liberty unless you are willing to give it to someone else. Thomas Jefferson said, a little rebellion is good, it's like a thunderstorm in the atmosphere. It get's your attention.
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People should wait to hear what someone has to say before they criticize the message.
Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on September 6, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Moved to a news forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/ope...