Dear Leader to Address Students.....

[VRM]

Originally Posted by SPF2245

VRM, I completely agree...if the message ALONE was stay in school, great, have at Mr. President (regardless of who that person is thus building respect for the position of President). The problem lies in the approach, presentation, attached lesson plan and lack of consideration Obama used in his dealings with this issue. This violates many school policies of alerting parents to material presented to children and I agree many parents DO blindly accept what is presented, I'm not one of them and don't care to accept that arguement as acceptable with my kids. I don't need my children answering questions for the President at age 6, I need them to follow the directions of a teacher and me. Motivation is fine, specific directions for material to be taught by a politician...don't think so.

SPF,
My point is that we do not know what the message is yet. The administration has said that the message is about staying in school, doing your homework, getting good grades, and so on. And there is no violation of particular school policies if the lesson plan is not used, and they are under no obligation to do so.

The wording of the lesson plan could be questioned, but again, until we know the language of the speech then it is possible to take it out of context.

The speech might say "You are very important to me because you are an American. I need your help to make this country better. We need smart and strong people to show how good America can be. You can be smart by learning, getting good grades, staying in school and listening to your teachers. You can be strong by playing sports, staying active, and eating all your vegetables even though they might not taste great. I'd like you to help me make America better by being smart and strong."

I suspect that the speech is going to be very first person - a lot of 'you and me' to get the kids invested in doing something that is going to help the country 20 years from now. I also suspect that Obama wants to impress the kids that the actual President is interested in them personally doing well, and it does make sense to impress on them what the office of the President is, and who holds it (past and present). I am sick of Americans not knowing who our elected leaders are. The lesson plan looks like it is designed to reinforce a speech of that type. I would be willing to bet that his original speech would have been fairly personal, and probably also would have been more effective for that reason. I would also be willing to bet that there have now been some changes to the address, and that it will not be as effective.

I distrust government and politicians, but I also do it on a situational basis. Obama has visited schools and has done well, and not tried to make them all into little V.I. Ulyanovs (I give Bush credit in this department also). I really think that this will probably be a non-issue.

Steve

[J. T. Toad]

Originally Posted by VRM

SPF,
My point is that we do not know what the message is yet.

The wording of the lesson plan could be questioned, but again, until we know the language of the speech then it is possible to take it out of context.

The speech might say "You are very important to me because you are an American. I need your help to make this country better. We need smart and strong people to show how good America can be. You can be smart by learning, getting good grades, staying in school and listening to your teachers. You can be strong by playing sports, staying active, and eating all your vegetables even though they might not taste great. I'd like you to help me make America better by being smart and strong."

I suspect that the speech is going to be very first person - a lot of 'you and me' to get the kids invested in doing something that is going to help the country 20 years from now. I also suspect that Obama wants to impress the kids that the actual President is interested in them personally doing well, and it does make sense to impress on them what the office of the President is, and who holds it (past and present). I am sick of Americans not knowing who our elected leaders are. The lesson plan looks like it is designed to reinforce a speech of that type. I would be willing to bet that his original speech would have been fairly personal, and probably also would have been more effective for that reason. I would also be willing to bet that there have now been some changes to the address, and that it will not be as effective.

I distrust government and politicians, but I also do it on a situational basis. Obama has visited schools and has done well, and not tried to make them all into little V.I. Ulyanovs (I give Bush credit in this department also). I really think that this will probably be a non-issue.

Steve

Steve,
I couldn't agree more with most of what you said, but given your admitted "distrust," why must this happen with a originally questionable lesson plan, live broadcast, and the first day after labor day?

Would it be so hard for the president to submit for full disclosure on the event? oh wait, he's shown that it would.

Plain and simple, it's suspicious, and I constantly fear the next thing which comes out of his mouth.

[VRM]

Originally Posted by J. T. Toad

What's good for the goose.... isn't good for the gander with Democrats.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/...n5288013.shtml

"Previous presidents have given national speeches in schools. In October 1991, President George H.W. Bush gave a nationally televised speech to students at Alice Deal Junior High School in the District, encouraging them to study hard and avoid drugs. At the time, House Democrats criticized the speech for having political motivations. "

I've said it before - looks like I need to say it again: Republicans do not have a lock on stupid. There are plenty in the DNC that really have no business being either.

[VRM]

Originally Posted by J. T. Toad

Steve,
I couldn't agree more with most of what you said, but given your admitted "distrust," why must this happen with a originally questionable lesson plan, live broadcast, and the first day after labor day?

Would it be so hard for the president to submit for full disclosure on the event? oh wait, he's shown that it would.

Plain and simple, it's suspicious, and I constantly fear the next thing which comes out of his mouth.

I already mentioned that he has shown good form during previous audiences with kids. He has earned (from me anyways) a degree of trust when it comes to not overstepping his bounds when it comes to addressing kids.
He does not have my trust with the economy.

[J. T. Toad]

Originally Posted by VRM

I already mentioned that he has shown good form during previous audiences with kids. He has earned (from me anyways) a degree of trust when it comes to not overstepping his bounds when it comes to addressing kids.
He does not have my trust with the economy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP-69..._embedded#t=95

So then, there is no problem with him lying to the interviewer's (child) face?

[Dan40]

Originally Posted by computerworks

I'll call you wrong on that one. As an American, respect for the Office of the President is a given. That was earned in 1776.

The individuals who serve...they, now, must earn their own respect.

The former trumps the latter.

I won't address the rest of your rant, because you are entitled to your own opinions.

No rant, just a review of the facts. This complete dolt has already become the worst President in history. And ALL signs are that he has learned NOTHING AT ALL, and will go FAR downhill from here.
Far from your wishful liberal bent, we have the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. Each is supposed to be EQUAL. None COME with respect, the people in them MUST earn respect. The President is my EMPLOYEE, nothing more. If he does a good job, I like him. If he is a respectful person, I'll respect him. This president is worthless and a liar. The job he has done is awful at best. He deserves zero respect and should be fired for incompetence and malfeasance NOW!
Please tell me of A plan, one with a beginning, a middle and a final goal that this administration has even had. We won't even worry about it not working. It was not and has not been formulated. Yet they constantly talk about they are "GOING TO COME UP WITH A PLAN" for this or that. Never have they REVEALED a total plan, yet they constantly put POLICIES in place without rhyme or reason other than political expediency.
The only thing we can count on is that if it comes out of obama's mouth, it IS a lie.
HOPE[what we are losing] and CHANGE[what we have left of our dollars] was just his first and biggest lie.

[SPF2245]

Here is the perfect speech for our President (or any future leaders for the matter):
Children, this year starts a new time in washington. I've been busy working hard to make improvements for this nation (my token statement). As you begin your new school year, I hope and trust you will also do your best in everything you do, because like me, we have many challenges ahead of us. I will be doing my best to improve education for you and expect you will do what is required to get the most from what is presented. Avoid the temptation to quit, avoid alcohol and drugs which will stop you from succeeding (though, crack didn't really do me any harm). Have a good year and stay focused.

There, simple, effective and the kids can go back to learning under the direction of their teachers. Best part, no hidden agenda (either intended or perceived) and it's done in a minute or less. Kids will feel like the President cares and parents could feel good knowing it was a simple "feel good" moment for the President.

[BeanCounter]

Steve,

I want to know the text of the speech before my grandchildren hear it. I want equal time to rebut it if it is absolutely necessary for them to hear it. Once the cat is out of the bag..........well you know what it's like herding cats. With that we will be holding our kids at home due to illness that day. I'll take off work if I have to. If every parent who disagrees with this would do that we might see a little "positive" change in this country instead of the constant "negative".

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by BeanCounter

Steve,

I want to know the text of the speech before my grandchildren hear it.

Heard tonite that the full text will be released on Monday

Originally Posted by BeanCounter

With that we will be holding our kids at home due to illness that day.

What a foolish example that will set... poor kids.

...and don't you drag cats into this.

[Jamo]

Obama's attacking cats?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Obama's attacking cats?

yup...that's what Beck said. ...really.

[BeanCounter]

Gee Ron, I find it a little insulting that you think my opinion is foolish. If someone wanted to show your granddaughter "Behind the Green Door" and you objected I wouldn't call you foolish if I thought it was alright. You have the right to your opinion and to see that your children and grandchildren are brought up according to your principles and not some gangbanger's or leftist president's. (or mine for that matter)

And as such, may a thousand enraged Conservative Kittys claw your nutsack to ribbons for you overstepping your bounds in commenting on the raising of my family. .... you liberal you.

I might add that if it's not about his agenda then President Obama does not need to talk to my family at all about the importance of work and education. Between me and my two siblings we hold 4 masters degrees and a big part of a doctorate. My father only had an 8th grade education but was smart enough to impart that knowledge to me so I could pass it on. The great fake doesn't need to chime in.

[computerworks]

Look here, you ex-sheepdog cat-hater....

Comparing a "a study and stay-in-school" pep-talk to a porn film appears to be a wee bit of a stretch to me.

Maybe you're right... what better way to prevent your kids from being a pawn to leftist propaganda than making them a pawn to your own misguided paranoia.

If the kids are normal, they'll think you're nuts and watch the President's speech on YouTube the next day anyhow.
If they are too young to watch Youtube, then, sadly, you'll really be messing with their heads...and that's not right.

[BeanCounter]

Okay Ron, I'll capitulate if you'll allow me to have a conference call with your family tomorrow concerning the joys of hunting. I'll even let you in on the fact that I will propose to them that it far more healthful to eat the God given natural foods that are provided than the overmedicated beef and chicken they currently consume. I'll point out the tremendous benefits of times spent in the field between children and their fathers and grandfathers and the importance of that time together. Of course I'll also tell them that anyone who thinks different is terribly evil and FOOLISH!

Depends on whose Ox is getting gored doesn't it.

And actually I'm not paranoid. Out in the field when someone is trying to kill you it's called "situational awareness". But then I don't think you know about that.

Crap, I put a smiley there honestly but it disappeared.

[computerworks]

Fair enough. I'll set the time for the call. They will absolutely have no idea of what you are talking about...we all hunt at the supermarket around these parts.

Out in the field when someone is trying to kill you it's called "situational awareness".

I am unable to talk about my time spent with the Special Forces, but I am hip to that.

[BeanCounter]

I thought you were in the Air Force?

Were you in charge of reconnoitering new sources for air conditioners?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by BeanCounter

I thought you were in the Air Force?

I was.... and, boy...it was Special.

[BeanCounter]

Seriously, I'll check out the text tomorrow when it's released. If it's just about studying, the importance of education and hard work, then I'll let it pass and let them go. I just don't want any indoctrination going on with 2nd and 4th graders. My 13 year old grandson already knows Obama's full of **** because he's a bright boy so I don't have to worry about him. Maybe you ought to talk to him.

[computerworks]

I think the whole thing will be a non-issue when the text is available.

Like I said way back on this thread...to me, it's about respect for the Office and the little ones should learn that.
Your teen can surely make up his own mind based on what he hears... the little ones shouldn't be confused by adult ideology.

Some adults may not like the man who occupies the Office right now...and there will be different men (or women) in that Office as these kids grow up. But, they need to learn respect for what the Office stands for.

Just my wacky conservative opinion

[BeanCounter]

I have a deep respect for the office of President of the United States. That's why I'm so disconcerted about who is occupying it and what he is doing to the memory of our founding fathers and all that this country stands for.