tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post3237083805308059357..comments2024-03-21T06:26:33.106-04:00Comments on Beach Bear Villa, HHI: Feedback Friday - Obama to Address StudentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-9259625435010250782009-09-07T23:02:21.110-04:002009-09-07T23:02:21.110-04:00P.S. I will say that I'm glad the speech was ...P.S. I will say that I'm glad the speech was posted online first. I think that was the best thing they could have done, considering the circumstances. I may not agree with it, but I think that was a good play.The Constant Complainerhttp://www.theconstantcomplainer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-67756290783213568532009-09-07T23:00:42.156-04:002009-09-07T23:00:42.156-04:00Jen, wow, another wonderful "Feedback Friday&...Jen, wow, another wonderful "Feedback Friday" topic.<br /><br />You are 100% right; this is a very hot-topic. A similar debate has started brewing on my blog as well.<br /><br />Here's what I think. My daughter is in Pre-K, so she won't be seeing it anyway. But my mother-in-law and several of my friends are teachers and they echoed things you and your readers said. They got bombarded with complaints, questions, comments and e-mails. Some parents just wanted to know more, some were OK with it and some wanted to opt their kids out.<br /><br />The media is making a big deal out of the fact that since Bush, no President has done this. So does that mean it's good or bad. I'd think it if made sense to do it, it would happen more often. Could be a novice opinion, but I'm sure I'm not the only person asking myself that tonight.<br /><br />Also, I think it's important for our children to be educated about some (repeat - some) politics, but I think this is just becoming a left vs. right circus. They should abort rather than face some of the backlash they clearly will. Oh, and I'm sure someone will be suing someone over this by tomorrow too. Haha!!!The Constant Complainerhttp://www.theconstantcomplainer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-24375685753031799792009-09-07T19:46:34.175-04:002009-09-07T19:46:34.175-04:00Jen, you are right on in regards to Hamster. My s...Jen, you are right on in regards to Hamster. My school has finally told us that they are going to watch the speech, make sure that nothing political was stuck in, and if the teachers have the time to show it in class, they can with the parents approval.<br />They also refuse to use the recommended curriculum sent to them, and I'm very pleased with that. There was really no need for it.<br /><br />I've just read the transcript, and as I thought it is pretty innocuous. If he STICKS to the speech as written, and doesn't stick stuff in there that should be in there, all will be just fine. Lucky they put the bug in our heads, so they knew what to avoid in the speech, huh? Ha-ha!<br /><br />In closing. EVERY president who chose to speak to the children directly has hit a wall of parents that don't want their children exposed, or don't like what is discussed. Reagan's speech was riddled with controversy. Bush Sr.'s speech was the same way. The concern now comes from parents LEARNING from history, and not wanting it to happen to THEIR children.<br />The implication that we somehow foolish for wanting to protect our children, implies a short memory for so many, IMO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-68183832840683045022009-09-07T15:10:20.844-04:002009-09-07T15:10:20.844-04:00I am continually saddened by the state of our educ...I am continually saddened by the state of our educational systems and how we as a people react to our government. I still well up with a sense of pride when I hear the national anthem sung. I still recall the words to the pledge of allegiance. I still remember the other patriotic songs we sang each morning as our school day began. My kids, they didn't get to experience any of that. And they are 20 and 23. If our president is speaking to the school kids of the nation, I believe every student should be listening. I experienced my kids being exposed to military recruiters during their lunch time at the High School they attended and I wasn't informed of the access these recruiters were being given. But, the administration in power at the time was a different one and our congressman was of the same political persuasion as the administration. . . I don't know what the district is doing regarding this speech. I don't have any children in the school system. But if I did - I'd be inclined to keep them home so I could be sure they were watching. And, learning to respect our president regardless of my political feelings. Sad. I'm just sad we still don't know how to act as "one nation, under God." Can anyone name where that phrase came from? I suspect our school children can't.Amy Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11941461947684033252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-67552671515938862552009-09-05T22:34:22.317-04:002009-09-05T22:34:22.317-04:00As a public school teacher, I received the email a...As a public school teacher, I received the email about the speech and that we were given the option of whether or not to show it. Naive little me didn't think twice about it. Our schools have been inundated with phone calls from parents demanding their children be taken out of the room if the speech is shown. I just don't get it. I am the least political person there is, so when I hear that the president is going to address the students to tell them how important education is...I think, "Okay. Sounds good. Education IS important." Who knew there were people who think he is brainwashing our children? It's so crazy to me how much of an issue this has been. It is amazing to me that people are refusing to let their children listen to the president of the United States. It all seems very paranoid to me. Not to mention...I can't get my students to listen to a 5 minute speech from me about turning in their homework on time. Do you really think they are going to listen to the president well enough to be brainwashed?!John Deere Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-42619902156228903812009-09-05T20:30:30.183-04:002009-09-05T20:30:30.183-04:00Hi Jennifer- I have to say I almost didn't ope...Hi Jennifer- I have to say I almost didn't open this post from Google Reader. But then curiosity got the better of me. I can't tell you how heartened I was that most responders sound sane. Believing in the old motto "keep your friends close but your enemies closer" I tune into Fox news every week or so. Just to hear how they are amping up their viewers at any given time. I have never in 50 years of tv watching seen such a constant barrage of unmerited HATRED being spewn. They are whipping many ignorant Americans into a frenzy...because, why? I still can't figure it out. I shake my head in shame and sadness and want to just leave this country when I see how "my fellow Americans" are behaving. So all last week hearing bits and pieces of people being "offended" that our President will have the gall to speak to our schoolchildren! I am offended by them.jen duncanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958846152696432140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-13251817261400448852009-09-05T17:56:22.762-04:002009-09-05T17:56:22.762-04:00I have to say something here, I live in Canada and...I have to say something here, I live in Canada and am watching all this unfold. Do you realize how fortunate your students are to have the leader of your country taking the time to speak to your children to encourage them to stay in school and be all they can be. I wish our Prime Minister would do that for our kids. What harm does it do for kids to write letters to the president and give him some pointers, you know what they say "out of the mouths of babes", they are citizens they have ideas and points to make. Don't you want them to be involved in their country, do you think all of this holding back their participation whether it be watching the broadcast or writing letters is helping them become better citizens. <br />What is the real reason people are so upset by this speech, which will be given by President Obama. I think there other underlining facts in this.<br />By the way before you say butt out, I will tell you I am an American Citizen with lots of family in the US.Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02216261130616035820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-90432322589721127802009-09-05T15:54:32.007-04:002009-09-05T15:54:32.007-04:00Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog about my...Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog about my slipcover - - I answered your questions in my comments on my blog!Amy {Design Intervention}https://www.blogger.com/profile/17545697095972094749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-15461204075469686772009-09-05T14:19:35.462-04:002009-09-05T14:19:35.462-04:00I'm sorry. I said that I had heard the speech,...I'm sorry. I said that I had heard the speech, but what I actually heard was the iPledge speech that was done by Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher. It was an outrage.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13533117044204331680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-72793119567704026392009-09-05T11:52:31.105-04:002009-09-05T11:52:31.105-04:00Dear "Hamster",
You are so confrontati...Dear "Hamster", <br /><br />You are so confrontational when this discussion has been civilized so far. I think that is very telling.<br /><br />I haven't erased your previous comment, and I will keep this one though it looks silly that you cut and pasted the one already there. But that is okay.<br /><br />Reagan's speech is actually a reason for NOT showing it in schools. I don't think it was right to dump that on children whether I agree with it or not. And I don't think it should happen again. <br /><br />This speech's transcript is not being made available until Monday. Let's all just wait and see.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />JuniperJennifer Juniperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07087072033452320694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-2127153518582501792009-09-05T11:26:38.537-04:002009-09-05T11:26:38.537-04:00Print this. I dare you!!!
This whole things is a...Print this. I dare you!!!<br /><br />This whole things is a big double standard. It's OK for a Republican president to addressed a national audience of students and toot his horn and push his political position but it's not ok for Obama to tell students to stay in school?<br /><br />You guys are hypocrits.<br /><br />On November 14, 1988, President Reagan addressed and took questions from students from four area middle schools in the Old Executive Office Building. The speech was broadcast live and rebroadcast by C-Span, and Instructional Television Network fed the program “to schools nationwide on three different days.”<br />In his speech to students and the question and answer session following Reagan<br /><br />1. stressed the importance of low taxes and free trade. Next he<br />2. stressed the importance of religion in our nation.<br />3 touted the economic achievements of his administration ,<br />4.put in a plug for the line item veto,<br />5. told the students that lowering taxes increases revenue<br />6. boasted of his administrations aid to Negro colleges<br />7. and told students that if guns were banned, burglars would be "celebrating forevermore"<br /><br />Go ahead. Read Reagan's entire Televised speech to the students here at the Ronald Regan Presidential Library archives.<br /><br />http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/Hamsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10045933530624125001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-62028314875316034082009-09-05T09:28:44.259-04:002009-09-05T09:28:44.259-04:00I heard the speech on a local radio station the ot...I heard the speech on a local radio station the other morning. There are some good things in it, but it is the left-wing messages intertwined in it that are the controversial part (i.e. stem-cell research among others). Parents have the responsibility of teaching their children their views. We don't need our government trying to impose their views on our children. It is the parents' job to raise their children according to their values.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13533117044204331680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-26174782035336718722009-09-05T08:35:02.115-04:002009-09-05T08:35:02.115-04:00Well, after 2 days of talking about this out loud,...Well, after 2 days of talking about this out loud, I've figured out two things about how I feel. My anger is certainly directed at the schools. I realize that they were extended the invitation to watch the speech, but as public institutions, I feel we have a civic responsibility to show it. We rightfully stopped everything to show the inauguration. I also respect parents' decisions to remove their child from the room. I'm saddened by it, because here in SC, I promise you, MOST of it is about race. Race hiding behind politics. If parents at my school want their kids to see it, they have to come to school and go with their kid to the library to watch it. Having to opt in to see the speech makes me angry. Anyway, I'll save it for my blog.<br /><br />Thanks for the video info. I do know that video. That just goes to show how much misinformation and misunderstanding is out there and that makes me even sadder. It certainly helps me understand just how issues like this get so complicated and heated so fast!Brightfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04404194248620369669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-18591225810006396392009-09-05T07:29:43.874-04:002009-09-05T07:29:43.874-04:00Ok, thank you all for your comments. I knew this w...Ok, thank you all for your comments. I knew this was going to be a hot button with the parents that read my blog. I think everyone was able to be considerate while also voicing opposing views. Thank you for that.<br /><br />I try to present an issue on Friday without bias and let each side come out naturally, and now I'm ready to weigh in on the issue with my opinion.<br /><br />My school will not be showing this live but on their website. I will watch it first and then watch it with my children together at home. This is the best possible solution for me and how I would have planned for it to work out. But, had they chosen to show it live in school, I wouldn't have kept my kids home.<br /><br />I think we never believed there was an issue when presidents addressed students previously because we didn't have kids in school then (at least I didn't). <br /><br />President Regan was the first and many political themes cropped up during his question and answer session that caused some opposition when Bush was scheduled to address the children.<br /><br />I screen what my kids watch and will do so with this (mostly because of some questionable campaign commercials I don't agree with. I think that might be the "I pledge" vilates referred to. Sunny, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kAw4OTlA0 I don't believe this was going to be part of the actual address) <br /><br />As parents ourselves, we can't fault another parent for making sure something is appropriate for their children, but shielding them completely from something of this nature seems extreme.<br /><br />I know that presidents in the past have laced this speech with political mumbo jumbo and I had some questions about some verbiage I read in the curriculum, but in the end they will watch it -- just together as a family -- and then we will discuss it. Because the underlying message, to do well in school, is an important one and something we discuss regularly with our kids.<br /><br />People in power and in the media can be very influential over kids and I love to see them put their power to good use, setting aside agendas and reminding kids to do well in school, don't take drugs, etc... So, as a mom, thank you, and we'll see you on Sept. 8 (after school).<br /><br />This post is still open for comments, feel free to add your 2 cents even if you disagree with me :)Jennifer Juniperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07087072033452320694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-87943467473068448312009-09-05T07:03:36.734-04:002009-09-05T07:03:36.734-04:00I don't understand the double standard. If it&...I don't understand the double standard. If it's OK for Regan to give a politically ladened speech to student on national tv, what's wrong with Obama telling kids to stay in school?<br /><br />On November 14, 1988, President Reagan addressed and took questions from students from four area middle schools in the Old Executive Office Building. The speech was broadcast live and rebroadcast by C-Span, and Instructional Television Network fed the program “to schools nationwide on three different days.”<br />In his speech to students and the question and answer session following Reagan<br /><br />1. stressed the importance of low taxes and free trade. <br />2. stressed the importance of religion in our nation.<br />3 touted the economic achievements of his administration ,<br />4.put in a plug for the line item veto,<br />5. told the students that lowering taxes increases revenue<br />6. boasted of his administrations aid to Negro colleges<br />7. and told students that if guns were banned, burglars would be "celebrating forevermore"<br /><br />Don't believe me?<br /><br />Go ahead. You can read the entire Televised speech to the students here at the Ronald Regan Presidential Library archives.<br /><br />http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/111488c.htmHamsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10045933530624125001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-64824451931192714062009-09-05T02:29:09.655-04:002009-09-05T02:29:09.655-04:00I am Canadian as you know, but I still have an opi...I am Canadian as you know, but I still have an opinion, whether it counts or not!<br /><br />I would think that an important message from the President to the children of the nation with encouraging words as a new school year begins would be motivating and inspirational, no matter his party affiliation. <br /><br />Kids don't follow politics. They need to see the face of the Office of the President of the United States of America telling them to do the best they can, period. It can only help.Saucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16959141177904095053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-60772055033866519912009-09-04T20:21:07.467-04:002009-09-04T20:21:07.467-04:00vilatesniftynook, I would be very interested in wa...vilatesniftynook, I would be very interested in watching the speech if you could provide me with that information. I can't find anything on the Dept. of Educ. website except that the speech will be released Monday and delivered on Tuesday. Thank you.Brightfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04404194248620369669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-15290656646275963942009-09-04T17:36:53.666-04:002009-09-04T17:36:53.666-04:00I think if Obama can stick to the topic of educati...I think if Obama can stick to the topic of education it is fine to show the kids. I don't know if they are showing it at my kids school (that is their start day). Personally, our kids understand the importance of working hard, and education. Unfortunately, many of the kids in our school district do not have very good parental role models. So Obama would maybe be a good person to speak on the importance of education since he is a person the kids recognize and know is an important figure.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04473567562285885265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-34513905012640879262009-09-04T17:34:26.999-04:002009-09-04T17:34:26.999-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04473567562285885265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-4767763920491679142009-09-04T16:10:59.294-04:002009-09-04T16:10:59.294-04:00I can only speak for the district that I work in, ...I can only speak for the district that I work in, but I'm quite sure that the parents here have no idea that there is any kind of "lesson plan" attached to the event. They are objecting solely on the basis of not wanting the president to "indoctrinate our children in his socialist liberal agendas. I do not agree with his politics, and take great issue with the fact that he is going through our kids to reach the parents." That's straight from a parent's e-mail and I've heard that several times over the last two days. And as far as the "lesson plans" go, I don't see any thing in there but suggestions for engaging students in discussion. It's exactly what it says, a "menu" of topics the one MAY choose from. As a teacher, we LOVE suggestions for discussions that come with books or movies. I can find nothing indicating an expectation that those "lesson plans" are to be used. Every single bullet uses MAY and COULD in the language.<br /><br />Whew! All that to say, I really don't think that the suggested classroom activities are the reason parents are objecting. And if they are, then I don't think they are really being read carefully or at all.Brightfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04404194248620369669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-46352620001433457702009-09-04T14:01:54.125-04:002009-09-04T14:01:54.125-04:00so really in the end you can call me what you want...so really in the end you can call me what you want, but I am totally against this little "speech" thingy. Have any of you watched it? In the end they have this little "I pledge to.." thing, I don't have a problem with some of them, but They listed "stem cell research"-which should not be something they are pushing to my kids, and the last little thing is "I pledged to serve Obama". What is up with that? Now we all serve him? Who does he think he is? None of the other Presidents have ever expected us to serve them. It should be the other way around. And i am totally against the little dicussion sheets they sent along wth it. -kinda sounds like other rulers in the past huh? <br />Our school said at Back to school night last night that they would not be showing it. We were given a link and told that we should view it with our children so that we can talk about what is said. <br /><br />I guess ih the end I just have a problem with them indocrinating my kids. I am all for alot of what is said, but who are they to tell me kids that we need to pledge to recycle and "save the planet" and go green? That is my job to teach my kids not theirs. I don't want you to think I am against those things, I cloth diaper and grow my own garden and compost and all that good stuff. <br /><br />Anyway there is my opinion! :)Mama Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12294512919504272673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-89232202795568779502009-09-04T13:29:01.748-04:002009-09-04T13:29:01.748-04:00He's the President of our country! If my kids...He's the President of our country! If my kids weren't in school I'd put them in for the day just so they could see his address. He's going to discuss the value of education, staying in school and working hard. How is that political? Or do only democrats believe in that?--I don't think so. <br /><br />When President Bush spoke to school children (even while the twin towers were being destroyed) no one thought that was politically charged. Obama is hardly the first President to appear in a classroom. <br /><br />Don't forget that this is a democratic nation. Obama was elected by the majority of Americans. Out of respect for our nation and democratic process, if not the President himself, please don't turn this harmless and positive event into a conspiracy theory!tabithahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02384123629272316965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-65949136746378645422009-09-04T13:23:59.977-04:002009-09-04T13:23:59.977-04:00I don't know if our school is participating or...I don't know if our school is participating or not, but it's a special message from our country's top leader--I think it's important, despite politics and the rest, that our children pay attention and listen. I'd say the same if it were George W. Bush (who did a similar thing while in office, but I don't recall it getting this much press). The only qualm I have is the suggested essay topic "What I can do for the president." If you replace "president" with "country" I'd be even happier. Instilling a sense of civic duty and pride is a GOOD thing, no matter what color your state!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-47271553896991682342009-09-04T12:37:35.897-04:002009-09-04T12:37:35.897-04:00I do belive that children (all americans in fact) ...I do belive that children (all americans in fact) should learn to respect the elected leaders of our country however I do have several objections to the way this particular address is being presented. The first is that there was no notice given to parents on what exactly will be in the address, it was all very last minute. The lesson plan is very agenda driven and should be removed. "How can I help the President?!" Please, As stated in another post, our elected leaders are civil servants and are there to work for US and our goals. Not the other way around.<br /><br />I also think that this particular statement is interesting:<br />"I think it's great that someone should speak to our kids about setting goals and doing their best. Parents and teachers should be doing that on a regular basis!"<br /><br />I personally don't think that anyone, especially the government, should be replacing a parent's responsibility and right to teach and raise their children with ideals that THEY believe are right.Brinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073231987777520786.post-31411670378141713362009-09-04T11:33:58.777-04:002009-09-04T11:33:58.777-04:00Remember with President Bush Sr. did this? With no...Remember with President Bush Sr. did this? With no teacher agenda for kids to work on after the speech?<br /><br />Anyway-the uproar is NOT about the president encouraging kids to do well in school. Its the -doing-it behind-the-parents-back-thing AND after the speech teachers guide the WH wanted the teachers to go over with the kids. They have since changed the agenda and have taken out some of the controversial suggestions like ....Why is it important for us to listen to the President? The Mayor? and .....What can you do to help the President?<br />Remember folks, OUR president and all of OUR elected officials work for US.mootsnoreply@blogger.com