The pres and the kids
By Steven C. Day
As much as I detested the presidency of George W. Bush, if he had given a speech to be broadcast to schools, the possibility of pulling my kids out of class wouldn't even have occurred to me. This is just so stupid. In fact, it's so stupid it's hard for me to avoid the conclusion that racism is at play here.
What exactly are these boobs so afraid of? Do they think that one speech about staying in school will turn their children into lifelong Democrats?
I remember when I was a kid, growing up in Wisconsin, my grade school class took a field trip to the state capital where we met the governor. I got to personally shake the guy's hand, which was sort of cool, to be honest.
Of course, he was a Republican and we were Democrats. And my parents didn't like him (politically) a whole lot. Yet, for some strange reason, they didn't pull me from the trip to protect me from this bad influence. I remember going home afterwards and telling Dad that he seemed like a good governor. Dad told me he didn't feel that way, but it was up to me to form my own opinions
I guess that's why I turned into a lifelong Republican. Oh wait...
LAST CHANCE DEMOCRACY CAFE
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Thank you Steve!
Thank you for addressing this issue -- I was horrified when the story appeared on the front page of the city newspaper. This is an issue?
I am appalled that schools will pander to the lowest common denominator by refusing any child the privilege of listening to a major Presidential address on education, as if it is an evil from which children must be protected – although I am not surprised.
The President is speaking. Not “my” President, not “your” President – the duly elected leader of our great country. Parents who wish to opt out are setting the pathetic example of teaching their kids not to listen (hands over ears, “wa-wa-wa-wa”), and schools are missing a wonderful teaching opportunity. How does one learn to listen with a critical ear if one never hears an opposing view? Why can’t teachers and students discuss the speech afterward to mitigate the (ludicrous) possibility of politicization of education? Why is this even an issue? What ARE people so afraid of?
I had Civics classes in middle school, where we discussed the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and most of the big issues of the country’s history in the context of ethical and moral necessity. I believe that kind of critical thinking is sadly lacking in our country these days, and it is this lack of thoughtful discourse which has led to the increasingly uncivil division between political parties.
I don’t believe the President is planning a political tirade when he speaks about education, but that’s not even the point. These parents have already politicized the speech by their refusal to allow their children to listen and learn from it.
Personal note -- in high school, my son worked hard for and was awarded the honor of working as a summer intern for a Representative in D.C. Raised by proud progressives, he was nonetheless prepared to be respectful of the Republican to whom he was assigned -- and enjoyed many discussions and exchanges of ideas with the man. He genuinely liked the Congressman -- but "the GOP" wasn't contagious in the least!
"Politics is what we create by what we do, what we hope for, and what we dare to imagine." -- Paul Wellstone
I am a newbie on Buzzflash here and pleased...
Uh oh... I guess I better FIRST state that at one time I was VERY active with the YOUNG REPUBLICANS.. but I moved to RURAL VIRGINIA and was in the middle of a NIGHTMARE.. Nothing "PRO LIFE" ABOUT IT. Ok, I see here an din my world GOOD, INTEGRITY MINDED PEOPLE EXIST ON BOTH SIDES. I will get to my point here... I , as a social worker and Humane living worker learned first hand that DEMOCRAT was where I fit.. I have been able to see what the love of money , power, control , bigotry-- and MOST ESPECIALLY IGNORANCE IS DOING AND HAS DONE TO OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. I read the above commentary shares and appreciate the signs of Intellect coming forth in the writing and sharing of opinions. I personally am discouraged to see so much ignorance running rampant in all the issues we are reading about and seeing in our Country. The school visit fromt he President is an HONOR for ANY child- to be a part of. I want to knwo what kind of parent could honestly have a problem with their child given GOOD, HEALTHY ADVICE ? Sadly, many parents do not even have a GED, BUT ! Could get one at ANY AGE.. No, they choose to hold their children back also.. and pain and lack of confidence turn into alcoholism and other addiction issues.. then the struggles and domestic violence.. suffering.. distorted reality and denial.. etc etc... COME ON... I am also troubled so many SO CALLED "CHRISTIANS" are so full of HATE and BIGOTRY... MY GOD-- JESUS WAS A JEW AND NOT CAUCASIAN EITHER ! I am sure hoping more of us can come together to support and encourage Our President and other leaders in order to FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN YEARS AGO-- AND HAS CONTINUED TO BE ALLOWED TO BECOME INFECTED AND FESTER... ALSO- FOR THE CHILDRENS' SAKE AND OUR OWN, WE MUST GET REAL !