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What if your favorite elected official- state, local or federal- gave a speech instead of Barack Obama? Don't you think that it would be a good exercise and is one that can be altered to be age appropriate?
If our children are taught to think for themselves, we have nothing to worry about. They are wiser than many adults.
My office has been abuzz with talk of parents keeping their children home from school tomorrow rather than expose them to the harmful propaganda that they will be subjected to by hearing BO's talk. I wonder how many of these parents use the same restrictive filter with the video games, songs and movies that their children enjoy?
I have gone back and forth on how I will handle this, as it is likely that my children's school will not be airing BO's talk. I intend to voice my displeasure with the school's decision in writing. I will tape his talk and we will watch it as a family tomorrow night.
I am perplexed at what people fear. Even if parents don't support BO or believe that they will agree with what he will be saying, this is an opportunity to discuss your values and the reasons that you disagree. It is an opportunity to reinforce your beliefs.
IMO, those parents who will kepp their children home rather than allow them to take part in this presentation are no more than emboldened wingnuts and they are doing a disservice to their children.
It is my belief that what he will say will be motivating and inspirational. I don't think he will use the children to push his agenda. But even if this were to be the case, wouldn't it be better to expose your children to it and then discuss it rather than politicizing your children by keeping them home?
What if your favorite elected official- state, local or federal- gave a speech instead of Barack Obama? Don't you think that it would be a good exercise and is one that can be altered to be age appropriate?
Why would I want an elected official to preach to my child, about anything?
After I see the text for the speech, I'll decide if I agree with your sentiments. Right now, I'm in the "not sure how I feel about this" category, but wouldn't label those who are concerned as "emboldened wingnuts". That seems a bit odd to state before looking at the text of the speech itself.
I agree. Those who are keeping their children home without even knowing what his presentation is about are jumping the gun. Critical thinking is about hearing something and turning it over in their minds, thinking about it. By keeping kids home, there is no thought.
There has never been a time when my kids were not exposed to public officials and a discussion of why or why not I did not support what they said. I figure we have a certain number of years when our children will think that what we say is law and after that, they will make their own decisions. I don't see a downside in allowing children to hear BO. It will give parents who oppose what he says the opportunity to discuss their values and why they feel that way.
I agree. Those who are keeping their children home without even knowing what his presentation is about are jumping the gun. Critical thinking is about hearing something and turning it over in their minds, thinking about it. By keeping kids home, there is no thought.
There has never been a time when my kids were not exposed to public officials and a discussion of why or why not I did not support what they said. I figure we have a certain number of years when our children will think that what we say is law and after that, they will make their own decisions. I don't see a downside in allowing children to hear BO. It will give parents who oppose what he says the opportunity to discuss their values and why they feel that way.
True in a way, they could use the speech as a critical discussion.
However, I think the whole objection and concern comes from publication of the advanced notes that stated stuff like students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president" and to discuss what "the president wants us to do."
Frankly, that would be of concern to me. Imagine the reaction from the current Obama supporters if this speech was being given a few years ago by Bush and these were the follow up assignments.
They'd be hitting the roof.
Clarity from posting the actual speech will help make decisions clearer.
I find the letter the students are told to write---"How can I help my president succeed" a little over the top. Skip the assignments and let them hear the talk. That would be enough.
Each teacher can make do with what the President tells them as they think appropriate for their classroom. . I hate to break it to people but the majority of kids will barely remember his name after the speech is given. While I realize this can encourage healthy discussion about politics and the President's speech about doing all the right things (so to speak) I dont think its going to have alot of impact, good or bad. Today's instant gratification and never ending assortment of entertainment choices means most kids will barely pay any attention. All you have to do is look at # of eligible voters 18-25 who actually showed up to vote. I would only hope that children would look up to someone like Barack Obama instead of any celebrity, film or music star or athlete. And you'd be crazy to think otherwise.
This country is dead last; thus i find this poll comical. I would find it even more comical if conservatives chose "strongly support."
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