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I just read 4 or 5 articles (called out at Google News) that report on this "controversy." The only states where this has become a local issue are those that did not go for Obama in the last election. That is, the states in the Southeast and Texas and Missouri (which historically sides with the southern states culturally) and also in parts of Florida. So this is a geographically narrow protest, which is not surprising since the GOP's only real strongholds in the 2008 national election are in the traditional southern states.
I didn't even find a big controversy in Arizona, McCain's home state.
Several folks interviewed in the news reports mentioned that George H.W. Bush spoke to children directly during his term and so have other Presidents in the television age. But even given that, many school administrators and teachers are excited because this kind of Presidential speech aimed at schools doesn't happen very often and is to some extent seen as a historic event.
So I think Obama should stick to his guns and do his thing by speaking to the students. Don't get hung up on GOP extremists (the only ones left in that party) who want to make a political statement by using their own children as if they are little wooden signs.
Last edited by ParkTwain; 09-04-2009 at 01:38 AM..
It's really not a controversy. Someone on TV tried to make it one but even most the fanboys are scratching their heads about this. The President is going to speak...people have to actually listen before they can complain! LOL
I don't believe there would be much of an uproar had there not been a study guide sent out to schools that included making students ask themselves "How can I help the president". That was what started most of the uproar, and the White House wisely removed it from the govt website where it was posted.
Outside of not wanting children to be trained to do as the president asks, I do not see a problem with Obama speaking to the shcools and encouraging kids to study hard, graduate, and make something of thier lives. I don't think most kids will be paying attention anyway, they'll be too busy trying to sneak text messaging whenever the teacher is not looking....
I don't believe there would be much of an uproar had there not been a study guide sent out to schools that included making students ask themselves "How can I help the president". That was what started most of the uproar, and the White House wisely removed it from the govt website where it was posted.
Outside of not wanting children to be trained to do as the president asks, I do not see a problem with Obama speaking to the shcools and encouraging kids to study hard, graduate, and make something of thier lives. I don't think most kids will be paying attention anyway, they'll be too busy trying to sneak text messaging whenever the teacher is not looking....
If people thought with half a brain, it wouldn't have been a big deal. "How can I help the President" its ok to help the President make the country better. If you think he needs some good ideas, help him with his ideas.
We are all part of the same country, and we can come up with things that are good for all of us. Healthcare reform would be good for everyone (notice I didn't say public option, just reform is good for everyone). There are lots of other issues that solving them would be good for everyone.
If people thought with half a brain, it wouldn't have been a big deal. "How can I help the President" its ok to help the President make the country better. If you think he needs some good ideas, help him with his ideas.
We are all part of the same country, and we can come up with things that are good for all of us. Healthcare reform would be good for everyone (notice I didn't say public option, just reform is good for everyone). There are lots of other issues that solving them would be good for everyone.
There are many who feel that the question "how can I help the president" reverses the relationship the people are supposed to have with the president. The job of American presidents is to serve us, not the other way around.
I think its possible that there was nothing bad intended by the question, but I don't think its going overboard to get upset about it, but of course many have become FAR too upset and started spouting nonsense about how Obama is intent on brainwashing kids into worshipping him. Now that it has been taken care of though, people should just chill out and let him speak. After he has spoken a reasonable conversation will be more likely about what the content of the speech was. Right now its just people flying off the handle.
There are many who feel that the question "how can I help the president" reverses the relationship the people are supposed to have with the president. The job of American presidents is to serve us, not the other way around.
I think its possible that there was nothing bad intended by the question, but I don't think its going overboard to get upset about it, but of course many have become FAR too upset and started spouting nonsense about how Obama is intent on brainwashing kids into worshipping him. Now that it has been taken care of though, people should just chill out and let him speak. After he has spoken a reasonable conversation will be more likely about what the content of the speech was. Right now its just people flying off the handle.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
There are many who feel that the question "how can I help the president" reverses the relationship the people are supposed to have with the president. The job of American presidents is to serve us, not the other way around.
Well said.
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