How dare Obama tell my kids to value their education

[Josh Weinstein]

For those who don't know, "President" Obama will address the schoolchildren across this great nation tomorrow, September 8, 2009. Now, I've read his prepared speech and it outrages me to no end. For those who feel like vomiting, you can go ahead and read his "speech": http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
As a taxpayer, I am outraged that this "president" will push his socialist agenda onto our vulnerable children. I'm a father of three, and my kids will be forced to listen to this tripe because my local Board of Education found no problems with the speech. I'm so close to pulling out my kids from school for the day, but I'll be busy tomorrow in the unemployment line. Mr. Obama states that it is my kids' responsibility to use their intellectual potential to make their lives and that of this country better. The only words I hear are "capitalism is bad" and "the government wants to take away your paycheck." I, myself dropped out of high school when I was 17 and I have no regret. I didn't need an elitest education to move my way up to assistant manager at the Johanson Chevy dealership garage. Yet, I remember that day in 1991 when I was a fifth grader and former president George H.W. Bush asked me to write to him and tell him how I personally would improve this county. I remember specifically that I told him that if I were president, I would outlaw spankings by parents and that candy should be free for everyone. Now, we got a socialist liberal dictator telling my kids to act responsible. How dare he, I say, how dare he!!!

[MSIndulgence]

ugh

[TheDemosRock]

oh i get it. you're kidding!

[Machu505]

Barack Obama don't care about little people.

[Manicapathy]

Being that I go to a private school (quite the conservative one at that) I won't get to skip class for this.
I CALL BULLSHIT!

But, the speech ain't bad. Seems kinda like everything else I've heard on the subject, but it's cool he's doing this.

[Machu505]

The original "zomg obama's turnin mah kidz soshalist" guy says it's a good speech and he's letting his kids watch it. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/09/florida-gop-chair-on-obamas-speech-to-students-its-a-good-speech-ill-let-my-kids-watch.html)

[gabegr]

...wait...is this sarcasm?

[bladerdude360]

Why is president in quotes?

[bladerdude360]

Oh just saw who the OP was. Made me think this is stupider.

[zach]

I miss the good ol'e days when the president was telling us to shut up and buy shit.

[shit stroll]

I miss the good ol'e days when the president was telling us to shut up and buy shit.

hey, you can always use more duck tape.

[Dymytry Vance]

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
Oh! Shit! No! He! Did! NOT! All I hear out of that sentence is bomb america because we are sadists who enjoy the sounds of your poverty-stricken screams.

[saysmydoctor]

The fuck..

[baseballfreak19]

i think you were kidding, but being as this is the intarwebs i cant really be sure, so just hopefully.

[deFobbed14yrs]

. . . . .l o l . . . . . .*sigh*. . . .

[bung]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e264/inhalewater/toofunny.gif

[Rawrr]

Pretty excited to hear the kids at my school complaining about this tomorrow.

[Josh Weinstein]

I'm not kidding. It's only a matter of time until Obama drafts my oldest son to be a Postal employee, a firefighter, or (in a worse case scenario) an army soldier in the fight against al Queda. As much as I love the Constitution, I curse the days whereby it limits a presidency to only 2 terms. The United States would be a much safer place if George W. (W for "win") Bush was still president. The guy snorted coke and was an alcoholic, but that didn't change the fact that he amended his ways in the eyes of gOD and spread hIS great word. Bush was the equivilant of Robert Downy Jr. (I base that on the fact that both people bulit an armored suit capable of flight). Obama is a freakin muslim. I base that on the fact this name sounds like another Muslim.

[diehtc0ke]

Now you're trying too hard.

[TheNotoriousIAN]

What's wrong with a little cocaine and booze? It never hurt Abraham Lincoln.

[mattmatumbo]

What's wrong with a little cocaine and booze? It never hurt Abraham Lincoln.

UTAH!!!

[TheNotoriousIAN]

UTAH!!!

UTAH!!!

[GamabuntaSS]

Obama gets me so angry I could just...:explode:
Just Kidding. I don't think Obama is being socialist at all. Kids are the future. He just wants to make sure that their generation doesn't eff up the U.s. like previous generations have done.

[fortythieves]

When I read the title I was sure you were being facetious
then I started reading the content and I though you were serious.
Now I'm sure you're not.

Mildly funny.

[HometownHero]

I hate him for other reasons. This is a ridiculous post however

[Analog Rebellion]

This entire situation is fucking stupid. The GOP are a bunch of whiney fucking babies lately. They should get back to bitching and moaning about things that actually matter, if that's even within their brain's capabilities.

[thatwasamoment]

The GOP rallies against... education?

[Praetor]

The original "zomg obama's turnin mah kidz soshalist" guy says it's a good speech and he's letting his kids watch it. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/09/florida-gop-chair-on-obamas-speech-to-students-its-a-good-speech-ill-let-my-kids-watch.html)
Newt Gingrich said the same thing just now on the Today Show. When those fucks can't find anything wrong with it, you know it's a good speech.

[BrennanHickson]

My brother's school has permission forms to watch the speech. I don't think stupidity can be any worse than that.

[zachff]

I think Obama should have recorded an alternate speech telling kids to drop out of school and the best places to score meth, then each individual school could choose which one to air.

[zachff]

Ok.



?
It's a joke

[joeag1985]

I'm not kidding. It's only a matter of time until Obama drafts my oldest son to be a Postal employee, a firefighter, or (in a worse case scenario) an army soldier in the fight against al Queda. As much as I love the Constitution, I curse the days whereby it limits a presidency to only 2 terms. The United States would be a much safer place if George W. (W for "win") Bush was still president. The guy snorted coke and was an alcoholic, but that didn't change the fact that he amended his ways in the eyes of gOD and spread hIS great word. Bush was the equivilant of Robert Downy Jr. (I base that on the fact that both people bulit an armored suit capable of flight). Obama is a freakin muslim. I base that on the fact this name sounds like another Muslim.

You are a fool and a prime example of your stupidity can be viewed below.

M6K8yfQYOTQ

[bung]

"House Democrats criticized President Bush yesterday for using Education Department funds to produce and broadcast a speech that he made Tuesday at a Northwest Washington junior high school.

The Democratic critics accused Bush of turning government money for education to his own political use, namely, an ongoing effort to inoculate himself against their charges of inattention to domestic issues. The speech at Alice Deal Junior High School, broadcast live on radio and television, urged students to study hard, avoid drugs and turn in troublemakers.

"The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students," House Majority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said. "And the president should be doing more about education than saying, 'Lights, camera, action.' "
Two House committees demanded that the department explain the use of its funds for the speech, an explanation that Deputy Secretary David T. Kearns provided late in the day in a letter to Rep. William D. Ford (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander was out of town. [...]

Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colo.), chairwoman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families, said it was outrageous for the White House to "start using precious dollars for campaigns" when "we are struggling for every silly dime we can get" for education programs.

Rep. Martin Frost (D-Tex.) said that if Bush feels obliged to use government funds to hire outside consultants "to make him look good," then he should fire some of the public relations experts on the White House payroll. "Then the president might be more sympathetic to unemployment benefits," Frost said, referring to Bush's threat to veto legislation to extend benefits."

-Washington Post, October 3, 1991

:eyebrow:

[.invisible ink.]

I'm not kidding. It's only a matter of time until Obama drafts my oldest son to be a Postal employee, a firefighter, or (in a worse case scenario) an army soldier in the fight against al Queda. As much as I love the Constitution, I curse the days whereby it limits a presidency to only 2 terms. The United States would be a much safer place if George W. (W for "win") Bush was still president. The guy snorted coke and was an alcoholic, but that didn't change the fact that he amended his ways in the eyes of gOD and spread hIS great word. Bush was the equivilant of Robert Downy Jr. (I base that on the fact that both people bulit an armored suit capable of flight). Obama is a freakin muslim. I base that on the fact this name sounds like another Muslim.

you're either retarded or the worst person on the internet at trying to be funny. either way, you lose.

[Nightfox33]

The GOP rallies against... education?
:lol:

[Charles777]

What's wrong with a little cocaine and booze? It never hurt Abraham Lincoln.
Haha

[Posthardcore]

you could easily take your kid(s) out of class and they could sit in the office or library. The schools won't forbid it.

[ted is lying]

I'm not kidding. It's only a matter of time until Obama drafts my oldest son to be a Postal employee, a firefighter, or (in a worse case scenario) an army soldier in the fight against al Queda. As much as I love the Constitution, I curse the days whereby it limits a presidency to only 2 terms. The United States would be a much safer place if George W. (W for "win") Bush was still president. The guy snorted coke and was an alcoholic, but that didn't change the fact that he amended his ways in the eyes of gOD and spread hIS great word. Bush was the equivilant of Robert Downy Jr. (I base that on the fact that both people bulit an armored suit capable of flight). Obama is a freakin muslim. I base that on the fact this name sounds like another Muslim.

I wasn't a Bush hater, but your the one who does COKE. STFU and get an education.

[Roboman]

Holy FUCK people. Anyone who doesn't see that this Josh Weinstein tool is being a cliche, unfunny, sarcastic doucher seriously needs some help. I mean honestly, you could tell by the title of the thread what this was going to be.

[bladerdude360]

you're either retarded or the worst person on the internet at trying to be funny. either way, you lose.
I'm gonna go with both.

[caveBEAR]

Wow. People really aren't picking up on Weinstein's obvious sarcasm?




'Gosh dernit, this here readin' comprehension's so dern hard!'

[caveBEAR]

What were the 'lesson plans' originally intended for the speech that Fox News is having a hissy fit about?

[Jason Tate]

My brother's school has permission forms to watch the speech. I don't think stupidity can be any worse than that.
I looked at your location ... and it made more sense.

[underdawg1119]

A few days ago, my girlfriend's dad called and asked her mom if she was going to make her little sister watch the speech. He went on to insinuate that "Obama is trying to brainwash America's children, just like Hitler brainwashed German kids back before WWII".

I love the south...X-)

[yves.]

A few days ago, my girlfriend's dad called and asked her mom if she was going to make her little sister watch the speech. He went on to insinuate that "Obama is trying to brainwash America's children, just like Hitler brainwashed German kids back before WWII".

I love the south...X-)

its okay. a girl in my (college) government class today said that george bush could invade afghanistan and Iraq without a declaration of war passed by congress because he wanted to fight a war on terrorism, just like our war on drugs, and cancer..

[spunkmastaflex]

Now you're trying too hard.

agreed

[Zeran]

do you think obama is doing really mundane things like this simply to expose his detractors as wacky, out-of-touch lunatics?

[bNz719]

sigh...

[Indoor Living]

Barack Obama doesn't care about white people...or their kids.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

LFAXnCFk5IE

[Machu505]

Oh Ronald Reagan.

[Rawrr]

Was totally ready to watch this today. Then my school district totally blocked every site showing the video. Totally.

[TheNotoriousIAN]

So I was surprised they actually showed it to us in school today. I live in Utah so yeah. I was mostly pissed because it was the last 20 minutes of school and we either had to watch it or go to the library, we couldn't go home.

[wendjiqn]

I didn't get to watch this today because it was on during my lunch period. 1200 other kids got to miss part of class and i didn't, what bullshit.

[apsterling]

I didn't have to see it because my Econ teacher's retarded and had a guest speaker in today to discuss culinary schooling.

[Duexy]

jesus christ what the fuck is sarcasm?

[Mochem]

Kids at my school were wearing shirts that said stuff like "Pro God. Pro Guns. Anti Obama" and something about how Obama loves abortion and terrorists. Regardless of your political views, that's ridiculous.

[BrennanHickson]

do you think obama is doing really mundane things like this simply to expose his detractors as wacky, out-of-touch lunatics?
People should be aware of said lunatics without him having to do insipid tasks.

Personally, I think the intentions behind these types of actions are more lighthearted, aimed toward less controversy. Somehow, the lunatics you mentioned distorted the entire notion and it has since become controversial like every other political issue.

[iheartmusic043]

Kids at my school were wearing shirts that said stuff like "Pro God. Pro Guns. Anti Obama" and something about how Obama loves abortion and terrorists. Regardless of your political views, that's ridiculous.

I participated in the Labor Day Parade yesterday in Pittsburgh for my dad's union and there were a bunch of radical right-wings protestors with billboard-sized posters of aborted babies. They enraged me because they said Obama supports abortion and other things, but what really made me mad was that they made little kids cry because of the disgusting pictures, I'm pro-choice but that by no means makes me pro-abortion.

I think Americans should stop talking about which party is better and many Americans, maily republicans, need to get over the whole "I won't support Obama because he's a socialist" phase. I think every public school should've showed the speech. I had to watch stupid speeches Bush made and I didn't support him, so why can't republicans do the same. I think as Americans we should support our President, whether we agree with him or not. I'm not saying all repunlicans should be "pro-Obama" but at least give him a little bit of respect.

[zion the lion]

Kids at my school were wearing shirts that said stuff like "Pro God. Pro Guns. Anti Obama" and something about how Obama loves abortion and terrorists. Regardless of your political views, that's ridiculous.

Because God and guns go hand in hand? And guns dont murder people like abortions do?

[Smash Adams]

Because God and guns go hand in hand? And guns dont murder people like abortions do?
He created man, man is inherently violent, so indirectly yeah
Plus Jesus was totally packing

[BrennanHickson]

What were the 'lesson plans' originally intended for the speech that Fox News is having a hissy fit about?
From what I've heard, it's something along the lines of, "After hearing the speech, what are some ways you can help contribute to Obama's goals for the country?" I can't confirm that, though, as I did not see the speech being given, nor did I receive a lesson plan.

I looked at your location ... and it made more sense.
Unfortunately, almost no one here has accepted that Obama is the president. Their constant complaints and accusations are not going to change that.

[Mochem]

I participated in the Labor Day Parade yesterday in Pittsburgh for my dad's union and there were a bunch of radical right-wings protestors with billboard-sized posters of aborted babies. They enraged me because they said Obama supports abortion and other things, but what really made me mad was that they made little kids cry because of the disgusting pictures, I'm pro-choice but that by no means makes me pro-abortion.

I think Americans should stop talking about which party is better and many Americans, maily republicans, need to get over the whole "I won't support Obama because he's a socialist" phase. I think every public school should've showed the speech. I had to watch stupid speeches Bush made and I didn't support him, so why can't republicans do the same. I think as Americans we should support our President, whether we agree with him or not. I'm not saying all repunlicans should be "pro-Obama" but at least give him a little bit of respect.
As far as I know, our school didn't even watch it. I know that my Government teacher is planning on showing a video of it from the internet sometime though, which is nice. Some lady in our local paper said something about it being similar to Hitler when he brainwashed kids or something. I don't consider myself a liberal (or a conservative for that matter...I'm not sure where I belong on the political spectrum), but conservatives hardly ever make themselves look good in the press.

[Praetor]

From what I've heard, it's something along the lines of, "After hearing the speech, what are some ways you can help contribute to Obama's goals for the country?" I can't confirm that, though, as I did not see the speech being given, nor did I receive a lesson plan.


Unfortunately, almost no one here has accepted that Obama is the president. Their constant complaints and accusations are not going to change that.
If this was true then I probably wouldn't be okay with it.

[Jason Tate]

If this was true then I probably wouldn't be okay with it.
The youth shouldn't be thinking of ways they can contribute to the points raised in the speech? We had these same stupid assignments when motivational speakers came to the school, or abstinence only educators, or if it rained ... why exactly can't they exist for a Presidential address? He's the President. I'm going to believe for a second we still live in a country were we can be exposed to things and make up our own minds like rational human beings instead of letting others censor it and decide what we can or should not see.

I'm sick of this over sensitive bullshit.

[BrennanHickson]

If this was true then I probably wouldn't be okay with it.
I wasn't too sure how I felt about that wording myself when I heard that -- of course, living in Alabama, it is very possible that I was hearing this from an ultra-conservative who just wanted to spice up the drama. Something closer to, "What are some issues you feel strongly about?" or "What are some changes you would like to see?" would be more acceptable questions, I think.

[Praetor]

The youth shouldn't be thinking of ways they can contribute to the points raised in the speech? We had these same stupid assignments when motivational speakers came to the school, or abstinence only educators, or if it rained ... why exactly can't they exist for a Presidential address? He's the President. I'm going to believe for a second we still live in a country were we can be exposed to things and make up our own minds like rational human beings instead of letting others censor it and decide what we can or should not see.
I am not okay with abstinence-only education even existing in the public school system; let alone being pushed down kids' throats. As for motivational speakers, they deal with general character issues that are less than controversial. Seriously, what parent is going to tell their kid not to be a good person and not to have good character?

The general tone of Obama' speech was obviously in a similar vein of that of a motivational speaker and not a politician; however, it's easy to construe the "president's goals" in the question to be his political agenda and I don't like sending that message to kids. Whether intentional or not. If that question really exists, I don't doubt that its motivations were pure. I just have a problem with the wording.

[Jason Tate]

I am not okay with abstinence-only education even existing in the public school system; let alone being pushed down kids' throats.
OK, doesn't mean the assignment didn't exist. These busy work assignments are 90% of school. The teaching itself was not "only" - it was a part of the health course.

As for motivational speakers, they deal with general character issues that are less than controversial. Seriously, what parent is going to tell their kid not to be a good person and not to have good character?
Me. If I can dictate what life messages my child gets and hold him out of Obama's speech, I want to hold him out of all these pointless, time wasting, bullshit assemblies as well. I also don't want my child to learn European history. They're socialist. You know what, I'm also against a few books ... maybe they shouldn't have those reading assignments. I have a hard time with critical thinking in general.

The general tone of Obama' speech was obviously in a similar vein of that of a motivational speaker and not a politician; however, it's easy to construe the "president's goals" in the question to be his political agenda and I don't like sending that message to kids. Whether intentional or not. If that question really exists, I don't doubt that its motivations were pure. I just have a problem with the wording.
This is the over sensitization our country (and the limp arm of the Democratic party) has sunk to .. and it pisses me off. While everyone's whining over if someone is going to mistake the President's goals (which are clearly outlined in the speech) for his "political agenda" -- the Republicans are out bashing a 5 word catch phrase into everyone else. It's fucking ridiculous. We're filled with the agendas from COUNTLESS agencies, politicians, companies, etc. on a daily basis ... we're clearly capable of making decisions for ourselves. Why can't we send the message to kids that their President would like them to do A, B, and C? Especially when A, B, and C are good for them? If a parent has a problem with A, B, or C -- let them talk to their kid about it. Doesn't mean they shouldn't be exposed to it.

And last: The President SHOULD be out there promoting his political agenda - that's part of his job.

[Praetor]

OK, doesn't mean the assignment didn't exist. These busy work assignments are 90% of school. The teaching itself was not "only" - it was a part of the health course.
:shrug: Okay? I don't know what the disagreement here is.

And 'abstinence-only' education really isn't part of a varied sexual health curriculum. It advocates for abstinence as the only truly effective way to avoid STD's/STI's and pregnancy. True? Yes. But it doesn't really allow the student to analyze multiple sides of the issue and is a good example of indoctrination. Plus it's completely ineffective.

Me. If I can dictate what life messages my child gets and hold him out of Obama's speech, I want to hold him out of all these pointless, time wasting, bullshit assemblies as well.
...and I think that you should have the right to.
This is the over sensitization our country (and the limp arm of the Democratic party) that pisses me off. What do you mean 'limp arm'? There is no 'strong arm'. The entire party is a limp arm. There are probably two actual liberals serving in Congress.
While everyone's whining over if someone is going to mistake the President's goals (which are clearly outlined in the speech) for his "political agenda" -- the Republicans are out bashing a 5 word catch phrase into everyone else. It's fucking ridiculous. We're filled with the agendas from COUNTLESS agencies, politicians, companies, etc. on a daily basis ... we're clearly capable of making decisions for ourselves. Why can't we send the message to kids that their President would like them to do A, B, and C? Especially when A, B, and C are good for them? If a parent has a problem with A, B, or C -- let them talk to their kid about it. Doesn't mean they shouldn't be exposed to it. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Look, I'm not saying kids shouldn't be exposed to politics. All I'm saying is that when you sit a bunch of kids down in front of a screen in school and they listen to the President for twenty minutes...I don't care what president it is or what political agenda he's peddling, there is a subliminal (although unintentional) message to kids that what he is saying is fact. And I think that that's a dangerous precedent to set. I think the President did a good job of avoiding subjects like that in his speech - I just wish that that particular discussion did a better job of doing the same.

Just to say it one more time: I don't actually have any problem with a President addressing school kids. Just with that one particular question.

[Jason Tate]

:shrug: Okay? I don't know what the disagreement here is.

And 'abstinence-only' education really isn't part of a varied sexual health curriculum. It advocates for abstinence as the only truly effective way to avoid STD's/STI's and pregnancy. True? Yes. But it doesn't really allow the student to analyze multiple sides of the issue and is a good example of indoctrination. Plus it's completely ineffective.
Never once did I say it was "only" - in fact, I said it was not. I was simply saying it existed, and a stupid reply assignment followed.

...and I think that you should have the right to..
Then education itself is rendered useless. Everyone might as well be home-schooled. Ridiculous.

What do you mean 'limp arm'? There is no 'strong arm'. The entire party is a limp arm. There are probably two actual liberals serving in Congress.
Disagree.

Two wrongs don't make a right.
Nothing I said is wrong.

Look, I'm not saying kids shouldn't be exposed to politics. All I'm saying is that when you sit a bunch of kids down in front of a screen in school and they listen to the President for twenty minutes...I don't care what president it is or what political agenda he's peddling, there is a subliminal (although unintentional) message to kids that what he is saying is fact. And I think that that's a dangerous precedent to set.
And when did we stop believing people can make up their own minds? When did we start deciding that we know what's best for other people, and their kids? There's a subliminal message what he's saying is fact? Good. Who fucking cares? What that he said is not fact? Why isn't the content a debate then? Having the President speak to kids is a dangerous precedent. Asking for a response is a dangerous precedent? My fucking God. Can we pull all advertising from your utopian world as well?

Just to say it one more time: I don't actually have any problem with a President addressing school kids. Just with that one particular question.
And let me say it for the first time: You're worse than the ridiculous neo-cons on this. You're promoting willful censorship and ignorance.

No wonder the education system is in such a mess.

[Praetor]

Never once did I say it was "only" - in fact, I said it was not. I was simply saying it existed, and a stupid reply assignment followed.
Okay, then I must have misinterpreted what you were saying. Sorry.

Then education itself is rendered useless. Everyone might as well be home-schooled. Ridiculous.
Wow, not at all what I was saying.

Nothing I said is wrong.
Disagree.

Oh, and weren't you the one agreeing with Bill Maher a while ago? Didn't you say that you didn't want a real democracy? That doesn't sound like the same guy that said that we are "clearly capable of making decisions for ourselves".

And when did we stop believing people can make up their own minds? When did we start deciding that we know what's best for other people, and their kids? There's a subliminal message what he's saying is fact? Good. Who fucking cares? What that he said is not fact? Why isn't the content a debate then? Having the President speak to kids is a dangerous precedent. Asking for a response is a dangerous precedent? My fucking God.
I edited that post to make it clearer. Must have done it after you quoted me. I think political motivation is a dangerous precedent in speeches - which the President avoided quite well so I have no problem with it. Just with that particular discussion question.

And let me say it for the first time: You're worse than the ridiculous neo-cons on this.
Uh, okay. Not quite sure how you arrived at that conclusion but more power to you.

[Jason Tate]

Okay, then I must have misinterpreted what you were saying. Sorry.


Wow, not at all what I was saying.
Taken to it's natural logical conclusion -- yes it is. If I have the right to do what I was declaring, I make my own "curriculum" for my kid.

Disagree.

Oh, and weren't you the one agreeing with Bill Maher a while ago? Didn't you say that you didn't want a real democracy? That doesn't sound like the same guy that said that we are "clearly capable of making decisions for ourselves".
Making a decision for myself after hearing a speech/debate/talk and democracy are not even close to the same thing. I haven't once mentioned voting. What kind of weird ass red herring is this?

I edited that post to make it clearer. Must have done it after you quoted me. I think political motivation is a dangerous precedent in speeches - which the President avoided quite well so I have no problem with it. Just with that particular discussion question..
And again - political motivation should not be censored. It should be championed. Why can't we expose the youth to politics? Why can't we spur debate? Are we so scared someone is going to be in office and some how brainwash our youth? Comethefuckon.

I have yet to see a valid argument for why this "question" is so evil. And, no, I don't want to see another slippery slope fallacy.

[Praetor]

Taken to it's natural logical conclusion -- yes it is. If I have the right to do what I was declaring, I make my own "curriculum" for my kid.
I'm not talking about US Government classes and Math lectures. I'm talking about motivational shit that has nothing to do with the actual curriculum. Removing your child from pointless motivational lectures --> removing your child from classes on the basis of moral objections is not a natural, logical conclusion.

Making a decision for myself and democracy are not even close to the same thing. I haven't once mentioned voting. What kind of weird ass red herring is this? You said that we are capable of making decisions for ourselves; implying that we are a smart country. Yet you championed a Bill Maher 'New Rules' segment that claimed the opposite. I don't see it as a red herring; I see it as somewhat of a contradiction.

And again - political motivation should not be censored. It should be championed. Why can't we expose the youth to politics? Why can't we spur debate? Are we so scared someone is going to be in office and some how brainwash our youth? Comethefuckon. I specifically said I don't oppose exposing the youth to political ideas and agendas. Just not through such a venue and in such a manner. I would vigorously support an open political debate taking place in public schools. But if the President delivered a politically motivated speech where another side is not presented then I would not support that.

I have yet to see a valid argument for why this "question" is so evil. And, no, I don't want to see another slippery slope fallacy. I never said it was evil, I said it could be misconstrued. Speaking of fallacies, I'm seeing that the straw man is a favorite of yours.

This argument is just so petty. I just don't like the wording of one question. We agree on 99.9% of what the Obama administration did.

[Praetor]

I'm out. Later all.

[Jason Tate]

I'm not talking about US Government classes and Math lectures. I'm talking about motivational shit that has nothing to do with the actual curriculum. Removing your child from pointless motivational lectures --> removing your child from classes on the basis of moral objections is not a natural, logical conclusion..
It has plenty to do with the actual curriculum, and if you read my post - I expressly called out history, science, and government classes.

You said that we are capable of making decisions for ourselves; implying that we are a smart country.
Woah, woah, woah. No no no. Making a decision for yourself doesn't imply in ANYWAY that it is the right decision or an intelligent one. Horrible leap in logic there.

Yet you championed a Bill Maher 'New Rules' segment that claimed the opposite. I don't see it as a red herring; I see it as somewhat of a contradiction.
Above. And again: absolutely nothing to do with voting on policy (which was the subject of Maher's statement).

I specifically said I don't oppose exposing the youth to political ideas and agendas. Just not through such a venue and in such a manner. I would vigorously support an open political debate taking place in public schools. But if the President delivered a politically motivated speech where another side is not presented then I would not support that.
Then you oppose exposing youth to political ideas and agendas. What do you want it to be delivered as, flash cards?

And this is what I am talking about ... how is another side not presented? Do we not live in an age where information is available at the click of a button? And how many sides should we let speak? How about instead of censoring you worry about the content. Again, I ask: What is the big deal about the speech or the question? Are you seriously afraid of brainwashing? This is what you want to keep away from our youth?

I never said it was evil, I said it could be misconstrued. Speaking of fallacies, I'm seeing that the straw man is a favorite of yours.
Should look it up before pretending you know what it is.

This argument is just so petty. I just don't like the wording of one question. We agree on 99.9% of what the Obama administration did.
Not talking about the Obama administration. I'm talking about in general. The reaction to things we disagree with is to not let anyone hear them. You're so scared of it being taken the wrong way that you'd rather censor it than let it be discussed. And we have sensationalism on the other side so any possibility of rational debate goes out the fucking window.

[iheartmusic043]

As far as I know, our school didn't even watch it. I know that my Government teacher is planning on showing a video of it from the internet sometime though, which is nice. Some lady in our local paper said something about it being similar to Hitler when he brainwashed kids or something. I don't consider myself a liberal (or a conservative for that matter...I'm not sure where I belong on the political spectrum), but conservatives hardly ever make themselves look good in the press.

My school didn't watch it today. I think they recorded it because my mom got a call from my school saying that we have to watch it tomorrow and if anyone doesn't want their kids to watch it then they have to write a note.

[zion the lion]

I'm sorry, but schools having the option to let the parents pull their kids out of this is just bullshit. My mom didnt have the option to pull me out during the readings of Harry Potter in elementary school, nor did she have the option to let me skip the assignments on every boring State of the Union speech Bush did while I was in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.

[kianacarly]

I'm sorry, but schools having the option to let the parents pull their kids out of this is just bullshit. My mom didnt have the option to pull me out during the readings of Harry Potter in elementary school, nor did she have the option to let me skip the assignments on every boring State of the Union speech Bush did while I was in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.

Not related to the thread topic, but we couldn't watch Harry Potter in the fourth grade because my friend's parents were super religious and wouldn't let her watch it because it dealt with magic. They told her the books hypnotized people to buy them and act crazy. Instead of just sending her out to the library to work on something while it was on, none of us could watch it.

[loveisdead]

Not related to the thread topic, but we couldn't watch Harry Potter in the fourth grade because my friend's parents were super religious and wouldn't let her watch it because it dealt with magic. They told her the books hypnotized people to buy them and act crazy. Instead of just sending her out to the library to work on something while it was on, none of us could watch it.
Not for nothing, but Harry Potter is hardly educational. Even to a 4th grader. Teacher should've had something a bit better to show.

[kianacarly]

Not for nothing, but Harry Potter is hardly educational. Even to a 4th grader. Teacher should've had something a bit better to show.

I don't remember why we were watching it. I think we earned a movie for doing something or other that was good, and the Harry Potter movie had just come out on video so she chose that. We just watched another noneducational movie without magic as to not risk hypnosis.

[zion the lion]

Not related to the thread topic, but we couldn't watch Harry Potter in the fourth grade because my friend's parents were super religious and wouldn't let her watch it because it dealt with magic. They told her the books hypnotized people to buy them and act crazy. Instead of just sending her out to the library to work on something while it was on, none of us could watch it.

My mom was super religious when I was in first, second and third grade, so I had to sit in the back of the classroom until they were finished reading it, and then at church my mom would tell the pastor who would pray the demons out of me...because magic was a gateway to hell.

[apsterling]

The whole thing is stupid. The address will hardly have any lasting effect other than to push kids further away from politics, patronize the older youth, and overall waste educational time. The bitching on all accounts is stupid because the address is stupid, plus there's more important things to be debating and fixing.

[loveisdead]

The whole thing is stupid. The address will hardly have any lasting effect other than to push kids further away from politics, patronize the older youth, and overall waste educational time. The bitching on all accounts is stupid because the address is stupid, plus there's more important things to be debating and fixing.
There shouldn't be a debate. The president talking to students, in a very non political way, should have people being thankful. The other side acting so partisan about this is what the problem is.

[someboreddude]

I'm sorry, but schools having the option to let the parents pull their kids out of this is just bullshit. My mom didnt have the option to pull me out during the readings of Harry Potter in elementary school, nor did she have the option to let me skip the assignments on every boring State of the Union speech Bush did while I was in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.


Actually she did, even if it isn't expressly stated. If you or you're parents find any school content offensive in any way, you can walk out or they can have you pulled out or sent out if you or they declare that you or they consider it offensive.

[Jason Tate]

Actually she did, even if it isn't expressly stated. If you or you're parents find any school content offensive in any way, you can walk out or they can have you pulled out or sent out if you or they declare that you or they consider it offensive.
Try that sometime. No idea what the laws are like in your state, but I'm willing to bet they're similar.

[loveisdead]

Try that sometime. No idea what the laws are like in your state, but I'm willing to bet they're similar.
I live a few towns over from this person. It isn't ok to just walk out of school. Anywhere.

[J.C.]

The address will hardly have any lasting effect other than to push kids further away from politics

Because if Obama's done anything since arriving as a national figure on the political stage, it's push kids further away from politics.

[zion the lion]

Actually she did, even if it isn't expressly stated. If you or you're parents find any school content offensive in any way, you can walk out or they can have you pulled out or sent out if you or they declare that you or they consider it offensive.

That seems like it would be obvious. But on the state of the union thing, I decided not to do it, and my mom said she had objections with the whole thing and I ended up getting an F each year.

[someboreddude]

Try that sometime. No idea what the laws are like in your state, but I'm willing to bet they're similar.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure if you still get in some kind of trouble for this, you could pursue legal action and the law would support you.

[Jason Tate]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure if you still get in some kind of trouble for this, you could pursue legal action and the law would support you.
Pretty sure the law would not support you. In fact, I can't find anything in state, or federal, law that would support you ... I would have taken massive advantage of this trick had it been that easy.

[loveisdead]

Pretty sure the law would not support you. In fact, I can't find anything in state, or federal, law that would support you ... I would have taken massive advantage of this trick had it been that easy.
exactly. People would be objecting to everything so that they could miss school.

[someboreddude]

Pretty sure the law would not support you. In fact, I can't find anything in state, or federal, law that would support you ... I would have taken massive advantage of this trick had it been that easy.


Nevermind then, its a damn good thing I haven't actually tried this.

[TheDemosRock]

Try that sometime. No idea what the laws are like in your state, but I'm willing to bet they're similar.
I live a few towns over from this person. It isn't ok to just walk out of school. Anywhere.
I'm from Hicksville too - the idea isn't to walk out of the school. That's against the rules.

Asking to be excused from something like the presentation of this speech, on the other hand, is perfectly acceptable. Last year I asked (and was given permission) to leave an assembly on HIV/AIDS because I wasn't comfortable with the district's refusal to teach contraception, and this afternoon three kids requested and were granted permission to leave the room during President Obama's speech in my class alone.

I'm not 100% sure about the laws in this case, but being forced to sit through a presentation or speech with no relevance to your class's curriculum even if it alienates you is unacceptable - I know that my school fortunately agrees, but I guess it's different in other places.

[zubinvein]

For those who don't know, "President" Obama will address the schoolchildren across this great nation tomorrow, September 8, 2009. Now, I've read his prepared speech and it outrages me to no end. For those who feel like vomiting, you can go ahead and read his "speech": http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
As a taxpayer, I am outraged that this "president" will push his socialist agenda onto our vulnerable children. I'm a father of three, and my kids will be forced to listen to this tripe because my local Board of Education found no problems with the speech. I'm so close to pulling out my kids from school for the day, but I'll be busy tomorrow in the unemployment line. Mr. Obama states that it is my kids' responsibility to use their intellectual potential to make their lives and that of this country better. The only words I hear are "capitalism is bad" and "the government wants to take away your paycheck." I, myself dropped out of high school when I was 17 and I have no regret. I didn't need an elitest education to move my way up to assistant manager at the Johanson Chevy dealership garage. Yet, I remember that day in 1991 when I was a fifth grader and former president George H.W. Bush asked me to write to him and tell him how I personally would improve this county. I remember specifically that I told him that if I were president, I would outlaw spankings by parents and that candy should be free for everyone. Now, we got a socialist liberal dictator telling my kids to act responsible. How dare he, I say, how dare he!!!

A+++ Would read again! Maybe one day I, too, can assist in the management of Johanson Chevy whilst collecting unemployment.

[Love As Arson]

School is ideological from the outset. Why do you think we read about brave aristocrats who were willing to sacrifice the lives of those who probably wouldn't get to take part in their republic? Or,for that matter, why would the president emphasize the doctrine of personal responsibility? It is a part of a specific indoctrination in a capitalist society. We shouldn't be surprised, we should try to explain why these things are being taught to kids in dilapidated schools, whose sole crime was living in an area with low property taxes; in all likelihood, the reality would be destructive to the interests of people that benefit from an unequal education system-whether it be prisons or low-wage employers.

[SLOWPOKE LOPEZ]

This entire situation is fucking stupid. The GOP are a bunch of whiney fucking babies lately. They should get back to bitching and moaning about things that actually matter, if that's even within their brain's capabilities.

The GOP rallies against... education?

I participated in the Labor Day Parade yesterday in Pittsburgh for my dad's union and there were a bunch of radical right-wings protestors with billboard-sized posters of aborted babies. They enraged me because they said Obama supports abortion and other things, but what really made me mad was that they made little kids cry because of the disgusting pictures, I'm pro-choice but that by no means makes me pro-abortion.

I think Americans should stop talking about which party is better and many Americans, maily republicans, need to get over the whole "I won't support Obama because he's a socialist" phase. I think every public school should've showed the speech. I had to watch stupid speeches Bush made and I didn't support him, so why can't republicans do the same. I think as Americans we should support our President, whether we agree with him or not. I'm not saying all repunlicans should be "pro-Obama" but at least give him a little bit of respect.

There shouldn't be a debate. The president talking to students, in a very non political way, should have people being thankful. The other side acting so partisan about this is what the problem is.
the dem's opposed and protested bush's speech to students, saying bush was using the department of education for 'paid political advertising'.
the GOP has no monopoly on petty partisan bitchiness.

[Analog Rebellion]

the dem's opposed and protested bush's speech to students, saying bush was using the department of education for 'paid political advertising'.
the GOP has no monopoly on petty partisan bitchiness.
I don't recall it getting a week of media coverage (or any, for that matter), and I certainly didn't take part in it. I was too busy being angry about all of the real stupid shit Bush was doing while he was in office.

[Analog Rebellion]

the dem's opposed and protested bush's speech to students, saying bush was using the department of education for 'paid political advertising'.
the GOP has no monopoly on petty partisan bitchiness.

Also, a comment on this same issue on Digg:

http://digg.com/politics/When_Bush_spoke_to_students_Dems_in vestigated_held_hearing

"This is a false equivalence. The Democratic complaints cited in the article were about the cost of the speech, not the content. Nobody accused President Bush of indoctrinating schoolchildren, nobody tried to get school districts to cancel broadcast of the speech, and nobody started mass movements to keep kids home from school that day solely to avoid hearing the president speak. People are not only doing all these things today, but they're being lent credence and a national platform by the so-called liberal media.

Complaining about cost != calling the president a brainwashing monster that you have to protect your children from. The ridiculous criticism of Obama's speech reaches a whole new level of paranoia and fear that the criticisms of Bush's speech don't even begin to approach."

and

"Bush, in his speech, said:

"Write me a letter -- and I'm serious about this one -- write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address."

Nobody made a peep about this at the time. And yet when the lesson plan associated with Obama's speech (and not Obama himself!) asks students to "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president," conservatives claim it is political brainwashing.

Just another example of how the reaction to Obama's speech is not comparable to the reaction to Bush's."

[caveBEAR]

And last: The President SHOULD be out there promoting his political agenda - that's part of his job.

I honestly thought I was the only person who felt this way in the world. Thank you so much for showing me that there are others among us.

Seriously, how come everyone gets pissed off now whenever a politician tries to push their policies and politics? It's kind of why they're called politicians.

[Dan1234]

Wow. People really aren't picking up on Weinstein's obvious sarcasm?




'Gosh dernit, this here readin' comprehension's so dern hard!'



lol, the same people that don't understand the Colbert Report

[MyNameIsRoss]

2RwIrZ1McO8

[SLOWPOKE LOPEZ]

Also, a comment on this same issue on Digg:

http://digg.com/politics/When_Bush_spoke_to_students_Dems_in vestigated_held_hearing

"This is a false equivalence. The Democratic complaints cited in the article were about the cost of the speech, not the content. Nobody accused President Bush of indoctrinating schoolchildren, nobody tried to get school districts to cancel broadcast of the speech, and nobody started mass movements to keep kids home from school that day solely to avoid hearing the president speak. People are not only doing all these things today, but they're being lent credence and a national platform by the so-called liberal media.

Complaining about cost != calling the president a brainwashing monster that you have to protect your children from. The ridiculous criticism of Obama's speech reaches a whole new level of paranoia and fear that the criticisms of Bush's speech don't even begin to approach."

and

"Bush, in his speech, said:

"Write me a letter -- and I'm serious about this one -- write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address."

Nobody made a peep about this at the time. And yet when the lesson plan associated with Obama's speech (and not Obama himself!) asks students to "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president," conservatives claim it is political brainwashing.

Just another example of how the reaction to Obama's speech is not comparable to the reaction to Bush's."
wow you really shot me down. good job. i have no response. i'll be quiet now.

[Duexy]

2RwIrZ1McO8



They played it in my school at lunch and I didn't hear anything about it. Obama is a evil commy, I hate him really. Not just because he's a democrat, no, I hate him for ruining this country, putting us 3 trillion dollars in debt, taking control of car industries, trying to take control of Health Care, bah. Fuck the government! I think we should pass a law to ban all politicians, to bad its never going to happen. Just please, vote for anybody but obama for the sake of our future and living past34

Holy fucking facepalm.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

holy lol

School district that barred students from hearing Obama will bus students to Bush speech. (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/09/09/obama-bush-bus/)


The Arlington Independent School District in Texas decided not to show President Obama’s address to students live yesterday because it reportedly didn’t want to interrupt (http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1597182.html?loc=interstitialskip) its regularly scheduled lesson plans. However, the district has now decided to bus its students off-campus on Sept. 21 to hear President Bush speak (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32747095/from/ET):
District officials said it’s part of a Cowboys Stadium field trip that the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee invited 28 fifth-grade classes to attend several months ago.
In addition to hearing from Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, the students will hear from legendary Dallas Cowboys players and North Texas business and community leaders. The event launches the Super Bowl committee’s largest-ever youth education program.

[Jason Tate]

holy lol

School district that barred students from hearing Obama will bus students to Bush speech. (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/09/09/obama-bush-bus/)
Sometimes people truly hurt my brain ...

[Duexy]

:sigh:

[Greg.Kushlan]

Any of you Idaho kids that post here get to see this?

[Viva Sonata]

Our school made it optional to watch, but a large portion was there. I enjoyed it.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Are you a gay socialist muslim now?

[AP_Punk]

School is ideological from the outset. Why do you think we read about brave aristocrats who were willing to sacrifice the lives of those who probably wouldn't get to take part in their republic? Or,for that matter, why would the president emphasize the doctrine of personal responsibility? It is a part of a specific indoctrination in a capitalist society. We shouldn't be surprised, we should try to explain why these things are being taught to kids in dilapidated schools, whose sole crime was living in an area with low property taxes; in all likelihood, the reality would be destructive to the interests of people that benefit from an unequal education system-whether it be prisons or low-wage employers.

quoted for agreement

[Analog Rebellion]

wow you really shot me down. good job. i have no response. i'll be quiet now.
Haha, it wasn't my response, just copied and pasted from Digg :-)

[jawstheme]

School is ideological from the outset. Why do you think we read about brave aristocrats who were willing to sacrifice the lives of those who probably wouldn't get to take part in their republic? Or,for that matter, why would the president emphasize the doctrine of personal responsibility? It is a part of a specific indoctrination in a capitalist society. We shouldn't be surprised, we should try to explain why these things are being taught to kids in dilapidated schools, whose sole crime was living in an area with low property taxes; in all likelihood, the reality would be destructive to the interests of people that benefit from an unequal education system-whether it be prisons or low-wage employers.

I seriously wish I knew more people like you. I couldn't agree more.

[Dymytry Vance]

While I believe that this did waste educational time, Obama did have a point talking to kids and welcoming them back to school. I read the speech online, and he didn't stray from the written form at all (besides stuttering, saying umm, I think he might have rephrased a sentence though... but whatever.) In no way is "You are responsible for your education. Education can help you through life," an alterior motive for saying. "Bomb america. Blow up the White House. Join Al Qaeda and together we will help this country abort every baby, kill every white man, and socialize the country." How can this speech even be misconstrued as what it has been misconstrued for? Is it simply because we refuse to read anything and cannot comprehend something that needs the smallest amount of common sense to do so? Is it because America writes off a black democrat as a terrorist? Please, shed some light on this, because I'm confused as to how any of his speeches or bills so far have gotten people to lead themselves to this unfortunate and misguided conclusion.

[Kaleidoscope]

This whole situation is out of control, and for no well thought out reason.

[kianacarly]

Finally watched the speech in government today. Apparently if teachers in the town half an hour want to have their kids watch it in the future, they must request permission first from the administration. They're claiming they didn't want to show it because of the late notice, and they just couldn't fit it into their super tight curriculum. :rolleyes:

[ArTkY_]

School is ideological from the outset. Why do you think we read about brave aristocrats who were willing to sacrifice the lives of those who probably wouldn't get to take part in their republic? Or,for that matter, why would the president emphasize the doctrine of personal responsibility? It is a part of a specific indoctrination in a capitalist society. We shouldn't be surprised, we should try to explain why these things are being taught to kids in dilapidated schools, whose sole crime was living in an area with low property taxes; in all likelihood, the reality would be destructive to the interests of people that benefit from an unequal education system-whether it be prisons or low-wage employers.
You're awesome.

[doppelganger]

some girl in my school was all like "obama doesnt know what he's doing he shouldnt be doing this blah blah obama is hitler blah blah" and then my government teacher was like "please form your own opinion instead of regurgitating things you hear off our twisted media" or something. haha i love my teacher

[Josh Weinstein]

Are you happy now? My kids came back from school earlier this week and asked me about responsibility. I had no fucking idea of what to say to them. They told me, and I quote... "I can't wait to go to college." I literally had a heart attack. My oldest daughter, Elizabeth, said her seventh grade teacher gave a lecture after the Obama speech about how colleges allow a "forum for free thinking and opportunity." As I reminded my daughter, her teacher, Mr. McCarthey, is a sex-addicted scumbag who only pursued teaching because he wants to hide the salami. I swear, teachers = liberal perverts. So I sat my kids down Wednesday night to point out in detail that "President" Obama wants to socialize medicine on TV. Well, Mr. Obama, I am a red-blooded American with no health insurance. I have no health insurance because of my kidney failure three years ago, my previous insurance company denied my coverage because of pre-exisiting conditions. When I got that phone call saying I wouldn't be covered, I instantly got a hard-on becuase that that re-assured my love for America and capitalism. This was capitalism in practice. I was proud to be denied coverage because it meant that no negro, asian, or hispanic illegal aliens would be covered as well. They are the bottom feeders of this country's social system and I am proud to be an American citizen. Now, if you would excuse me, I'm gonna go listen to my Andrew McMahon records.

[wendjiqn]

Are you happy now? My kids came back from school earlier this week and asked me about responsibility. I had no fucking idea of what to say to them. They told me, and I quote... "I can't wait to go to college." I literally had a heart attack. My oldest daughter, Elizabeth, said her seventh grade teacher gave a lecture after the Obama speech about how colleges allow a "forum for free thinking and opportunity." As I reminded my daughter, her teacher, Mr. McCarthey, is a sex-addicted scumbag who only pursued teaching because he wants to hide the salami. I swear, teachers = liberal perverts. So I sat my kids down Wednesday night to point out in detail that "President" Obama wants to socialize medicine on TV. Well, Mr. Obama, I am a red-blooded American with no health insurance. I have no health insurance because of my kidney failure three years ago, my previous insurance company denied my coverage because of pre-exisiting conditions. When I got that phone call saying I wouldn't be covered, I instantly got a hard-on becuase that that re-assured my love for America and capitalism. This was capitalism in practice. I was proud to be denied coverage because it meant that no negro, asian, or hispanic illegal aliens would be covered as well. They are the bottom feeders of this country's social system and I am proud to be an American citizen. Now, if you would excuse me, I'm gonna go listen to my Andrew McMahon records.
lol

[isntnikione]

Omg Da Presadunt Told Meye Kids Tuh Stay In Skewl. How Dare He Try To Raise My Kids, Trying To Promote Literuhcyy Deffanetely Iz Not Dah Presuhdunts Job!!!! How Dare He Tell Meye Kids Dat They Can Be Something Amazing If They Edjacate Themselves.

Fucking Commie.

[isntnikione]

(ps that was in caps for extra effect, but I guess they don't like caps here)

[miguelprado]

I'm not sure what to think about Obama, but the speech didn't bother me I 'm sure the lady who put this up is a "good American" like Hannity would say. THat guy blows.