President Obama can’t do anything without conservatives creating a conspiracy. Pres. Obama plans to give a “Stay In School” speech September 8th. A letter was sent to all school principals with a briefing of the speech and some materials for students. Conservatives and particularly conservative bloggers are calling this “indoctrination” or the government getting too involved with kids. Michelle Malkin for instance writes,
The activist tradition of government schools using students as junior lobbyists cannot be ignored. Zealous teacher’s unions have enlisted captive schoolchildren as letter-writers in their campaigns for higher education spending. Out-of-control activists have enlisted their secondary-school charges in pro-illegal immigration protests, gay marriage ceremonies, environmental propaganda stunts, and anti-war events.
Mark Finkelstein wrote,
Say, here’s an idea. Pres. Obama’s quotations on a variety of topics could be assembled in a small book, and every citizen given one–free of course–by the government. Citizens would then be encouraged to meet and discuss “what can we infer the President believes is important” in every aspect of life.
…………
Will our MSM report on the interesting parallel between our president’s plan for our children and the approach of another Great Leader from the past?
This is becoming the new meme amongst conservatives online and on FOX News. Talk about hypocrisy. George Bush also gave an education speech encouraging students to stay in school. George Bush also encouraged students preK-12 to learn about the Bush family and Cheney (website). Where were these conservatives then?
I saw nothing wrong with what Bush did and nothing wrong with what Obama plans to say. And lets take note, that none of these schools are forced to do give the students any materials they don’t think is appropriate. Conservatives again, are clinging on to conspiracy theories, hoping to scare up a few more people. Here’s the full letter sent to school principals about Obama’s education speech,
Dear Principal:
In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 — the first day of school for many children across America — 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 in every school 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.
Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.
This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov 12:00 noon eastern standard time.
In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.
Sincerely,
Arne Duncan
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Which is whinny, childish and disrespectful people with no class or sense of civility. President Obama gave a speech last night on health care reform. The lack of respect was profound and astounding. I don’t care who the President is but I generally think that there’s a certain level of respect that you show the President. And this is especially true when he’s giving a speech on one of the most important policy issues of our time, health care reform.
