A Letter to Liberal America
~ Foreword ~
The following is adapted from a comment, which I posted early on the 5th of September, in response to several comments from readers, who spoke out against our stand against Chairman Obama’s indoctrination of the school children of America, scheduled for September 8, 2009. Comments were left on the column, Chairman Obama to Speak to Students of America (K-12).
In addition, my wife and I received an email from a friend in Flagstaff, Arizona – a retired liberal teacher and die-hard Democrat. We are not sure wheterh her letter was submitted to the local bird-cage liner, which passes for a newspaper, or if it was submitted to someone with the Flagstaff Public School District, itself. Her letter follows this brief foreword. (Ed.)
~ Letter to the Publisher ~
This is ridiculous! How could a speech reported to be about encouraging students “to work hard and take responsibility for their learning” – what we agree is lacking in our students- be detrimental? How can your school censor something they haven’t even seen? The Arizona School Boards Association issued a statement “strongly encouraging” schools to participate. The state board spokesperson said, “We believe encouraging high student achievement and responsible and informed citizenship is a responsibility and the president’s address is an opportunity to address those things.”
Horne (Tom Horne, Superintendant of Public Education in Arizona) said it looks like “hero worship.” Shouldn’t the president be esteemed? Doesn’t every kid want to grow up to be president? The president is a far better role model than music stars and athletes and gang members. Besides schools HIRE motivational speakers to try to encourage students. Here’s a free opportunity for all children to get a very positive message from their president.
It’s insulting to the intelligence of teachers to censor a broadcast before they even know the content. If there IS something biased about the speech, teachers have the right and responsibility to present the “other side.” But what could be the “other side” to encouraging students to do well in school? What are they going to say- DON’T WORK HARD- don’t take responsibility for your own learning !!!???
By refusing to show it, your district is being political which I believe is illegal. They are taking a stand not only against the Obama administration, they are encouraging students to disrespect the office of the president. It’s OK to disagree respectfully- if there is anything in the broadcast to object to, but to not show it at all is censorship and obstructing critical thinking. It’s too bad that those who defend the Bill of Rights can’t see the hypocrisy in denying freedom of speech.
J.V.
I am sorry that you are so disturbed by what you are reading, however if what Obama claims his intentions are would be true, I would be supportive, as the other readers of this publication would. As I stated to Chris in a previous posting, Obama’s legacy has been of a different bent. Read and study his history, and one MUST come to another conclusion.
It would seem, that IF what Obama “says” is true, then the education of our children should be paramount (and with this I agree), but that it should be a partnership between parents, teachers and the child. If that is the case, why not give his speech in prime-time, while the family is together, and can discuss it afterwards? This would be the proper way to do things – but that has not been the Obama way. Not in Illinois! Not in the U.S. Senate, and certainly not in the White House.
I am disturbed that those of your belief, don’t seem to get it. As the Superintendent of the Scottsdale (Arizona) Elementary School District has said, “I won’t let the Governor nor Mayor come in this district without first clearing it with us. What gives him the right to dictate individuals school schedules or policies?”
On the other side of the coin, the Superintendent of the Tempe Arizona Elementary School District let it be known that no student will be allowed to opt-out of the speech. “It will be MANDATORY for each student to participate.” This seems to me to be somewhat heavy-handed – doesn’t it? I guess that this makes this school administrator a “good little soldier” for the Chairman.
By the way, when did Reagan speak to the school children of America?, because the leftist-leaning main-stream media (MSM) have been billing Mr. Obama’s speech to the kiddies as, “historical”, claiming that it’s never been done before. (This references a comment left in the original column, as posted)
This issue has exploded all over the nation – and for good reason. I am proud to have been a small part of waking a segment of America up. Once again, his intentions might be great – but his track record ain’t!
Leave my grandchildren alone, now, you can go back to sleep!
Without Apology I am,
~About the Author ~
A veteran of Viet Nam, student of history (both American and film), Jeffrey Bennett has been broadcasting for nearly fourteen years as host of Perspectives on America. Jeff is considered the voice of reason on the alternative media – providing a unique and distinctive broadcast style, including topics such as health and wellness, news, political satire – with a twist, education and editorial commentary on current events through the teaching of history.
It is not in the scope of the federal governemnt to be anywhere near our children, education, or anything that the constitution forbids of it. Period.
“It’s insulting to the intelligence of teachers to censor a broadcast before they even know the content. If there IS something biased about the speech, teachers have the right and responsibility to present the “other side.” But what could be the “other side” to encouraging students to do well in school? ”
So – exactly how difficult is it to deduce the basic content of the speech when the classroom material is available in the DOE website? Why is it too much to ask to have the speech delivered at home while the parents are available to the student to provide their own support or counterpoints to the speech?
The president just hired -then lost – an avowed commie as one of his Czars. It’s safe to say the the content of the speech won’t reflect the thoughts of the founders of this Republic.
Good points, Jeff, well stated.
It goes something like this…”I don’t need your co-operation, I already have the minds of your children.” Adolph Hitler…..That just scares the Hell out of me! hb AARP
Why would I trust an individual who has not kept his campaign promises but seems to have totally forgotten them? The only promises he has kept are to take from the productive and give it to others who support a totalitarian state, and that he HAS DONE. Why would I trust an individual who has signed on to the House’s “Health Care” bill? I have read it and checked with lawyers to see what it means in law. Why would I trust an individual who has signed onto Cap and Trade which gives to the UN the very last vestiges of OUR Constitution?
Now I am supposed to trust my grandchildren’s minds to him.
SORRY, NO SALE!
As you say, Jeff, if Obama’s intentions are pure, he would make his speech in prime-time when the family can watch it together. Quite obviously, as is “historically true” with Obama, his intentions aren’t pure which makes his claim about what he intends to present a lie.
Thanks again Jeff for exposing another commie “pinko.” IT is downright amazing that these ‘died in the wool ‘ usurpers of the rights of Children to learn History cannot tell it as it happened. Parents have the right to keep their children out of school while this forced propaganda is being drilled into there Minds.
IT is even more remarkable to think that these so called educators are BLIND to truth…
Thank GOD we still have the right to expose it at every instance.. WHEN will THEY learn??