Excelle

I think a lot of the brew ha ha is because the left doesn't trust the right, and the right doesn't trust the left. BOTH sides want to defeat the other without listening to the message. And I would say that BOTH sides have good, legitimate reasons for not trusting the other side.

BOTH parties, when they have the ability, sneak things into speeches/ bills/ proposals that they know will not go over well if introduced on their own. So, while Obama's people are saying he simply wants to speak to students on the value of education, what else is in the speech? I listened to one of his prime time addresses a while back dealing with health care. When taking questions after the speech, his people allowed reporters to ask questions about unrelated issues- the arrest of the Harvard professor, the auto and financial industry bailouts, etc. These questions- like all press conferences- were given to Obama's press people ahead of time for approval. Well, his speech was on health care reform- keep the questions related to health reform. But he used his open mic to touch on unrelated issues he otherwise would not have had the audience for. So I understand the hesitancy. Obama's people may claim his speech is harmless, education is good, stay in school, etc... but there is no way to know for sure until after the speech has been said. And at the same time, I think those on the right are making a bigger deal of it than is necessary. They need something to fill their 24 hr news cycle and nothing fills the time slots better than an invented controversy. The President should be able to speak to the American people.

I am a supporter of Obama's. But I am extremely suspicious of politicians in general. On both sides. Because neither one seems to play by the rules. And both point fingers at the bad things the other is doing, while they are engaged in the exact same activities. Neither party can set their differences aside and truly work for the American people. I think the behind the scenes workings of each party is too powerful.

KatS says ...

I think that is should be welcomed!  WHY NOT? 

I would love to hear some reasoning as to why not. 

I would love to hear a logical reason for why not. Just for proof that it exists.

@Maggie - Word up.

I don't see anything wrong with Obama giving the children an educational message.  Past presidents have done it, so why shouldn't he?  As MaggieM1750 has pointed out, the presidents' press agents are aware of the possible questions and so is Obama.  I'm sure he is wise enough to know who his audience is and is just as wise to know how to handle/answer questions from the children.  Granted, if chosen, some children may be prompted by their parents or other relatives, to throw in a question unrelated to education. And if the question is allowed to be asked by the press agents and Obama, then I'm sure Obama has an answer that children can understand. It is also true that the question just may be something that Obama needs to consider and think about. I totally agree with McKaren.  The media has news spots to fill and will do anything to keep controversy going.

There have been a few who responded that President Obama should not speak to students. Yet, all the responses have been positive in agreeing to hear him speak to students. The responses show a "yes". There are a few "no's". Can a "no" response tell us why you, sincerely, don't want him to speak to students?

I, personally,  see him as a very prositive role model, not only because he is the President. When I look at his children, it is obvious he, Michelle, and their maternal grandmother, and I am sure their paternal grandparents, who are now deceased, gave their children a solid foundation. Why not listen? The energy that is being used to teach hatred, needs to be used to build that solid foundation in all our children. Instead of constantly trying to work against President Obama, why don't we just try working with him to see the kind of America we could have if we all wanted that solid foundation for our children. After all, it is our early teachings that define who we become in life. I would rather be defined by GOD'S WORD, than defile myself in the world. God's word is going to prevail, period. There is no place for hatred in heaven or the hereafter.  What a total injustice we continue to cause!

There is so much apathy among the electorate today that anyone who can spark the interest of young people to be involved (in school, work, volunteering, voting, whatever) is to be applauded.  Children's "politics" will mature with time and experience.  We can trust them to develop their politics and their morality as we raise them to think about the issues and to question the information and/or opinions that are presented to them.  It is harder to trust the maturing process if we have failed to discuss our views, our values, etc., and explain why we believe as we do, so that our children have a role model of active citizenship during their formative years.

crisfdez, it's funny that you mentioned Reagan (and I concur completely with your thoughts on how I viewed him as a child and whether I'd vote for him today). When he addressed students back when I was a child, he actually DID promote policy and not just give us a pep talk. I distinctly remember my mother discussing with me afterwards the things that he said (she voted for him but was still annoyed that he promoted policy in a speech to children). He made a major talking point at the time of reducing taxes for the rich. Agree with that policy or not, if one's concern about Obama talking to students was that he supposedly going to "indoctrinate," then I don't see how one cannot use Reagan as an example of a former President attempting to do just that.

But, of course, since life is so deliciously ironic sometimes, that concept is lost on many.

EatingHumblePie says ...

While we are talking about Obama and Reagan . . . let's not forget Bush!  =)

Or bushbaby, aka bush2.

I read Obama's speech. It was glorious. He very correctly tore apart the wall we let be built which privileged on the few and as he smashed the wall and owned his own human weakness and strenghts he put out one of the strongest messages of hope I've heard or read.

And by owning his humanity, he showed all of us, but especially students (I spoke to 6 of my former students about it), that the universe belongs to all of us. May we remember that and cherish Obamma.

Johannah

Thanks to all of you for your input. I have found that in many school districts, the children were NOT allowed to see the speech. My daughter's in the 8th grade. She attends CyFairISD in a suburb of Houston. They were not able to see the speech on the day it was given. Instead, they will see the speech on Thursday, September 17th. I am bothered by the feeling this generation is being taught to be disrespectful by their elders. Have we become so short-sighted until we don't realized the long term effect of teaching disrespect? This, too, shall backfire on those who are teaching this disrespect. Have we no fear of God? The Bible says to Honor thy father and mother. I suspect that includes elders/adults. Where, in the Bible, does it say to teach your young to disrespect your elders? I so wish there was more harmony in our wonderful country. So goes the song, "There will never be any peace, until God is seated at the conference table".

Blessings to you all,

I can't believe the level of disrespect and distrust America is showing our president. How can anyone deny him a chance to speak to America's youth? He was simply reinforcing the need to stay in school, work hard, and excel. Why would anyone want to deny children this message? It was positive and full of encouragement. I think kids today need something, anything to push them to succeed. Why is Obama so criticized? He wasn't pushing for recruitment or money or anything offensive. Let him speak!