For those that are upset about the parents that didn't want their kids to hear Obama's speech I have a question. Why does it bother you since they're not the "demographic" the president is trying to reach?

The ones that heard the speech are likely the ones that need reaching. Yes or no?

I am not understanding the question, RTS.

I am not understanding the question, RTS.

Isn't it the kids who's parents don't care what they do, such as do poorly in school or drop out that the president is trying to reach?

The folks complaining are likely more involved in their kids schooling.

I'd say, the vast majority of those he wanted to reach, he did.

For those that are upset about the parents that didn't want their kids to hear Obama's speech I have a question. Why does it bother you since they're not the "demographic" the president is trying to reach?

The ones that heard the speech are likely the ones that need reaching. Yes or no?

What is bothering is the insinuation that the President of the United States of America would say things that are detrimental to children. It shows no respect to the man or the office.

Isn't it the kids who's parents don't care what they do, such as do poorly in school or drop out that the president is trying to reach?

The folks complaining are likely more involved in their kids schooling.

I'd say, the vast majority of those he wanted to reach, he did.

 

I don't subscribe to your theory that its only for those with "parent" issues.

 

The speech was appropriate for all students. Trust me. There are plenty of kids whose parents are not an issue that need motivation. This is not a socioeconomic issue.

For those that are upset about the parents that didn't want their kids to hear Obama's speech I have a question. Why does it bother you since they're not the "demographic" the president is trying to reach?

The ones that heard the speech are likely the ones that need reaching. Yes or no?

Their loss .

But that's the problem. I couldn't show it in my school. Even though it was BECAUSE of partisan parents, it will still affect my kids whose parents couldn't care less. At least fifteen kids come to mind immediately as ones that the president might have been able to reach. Kids without fathers, from broken homes, poor, yet with great potential. Am I teaching the next president? The next astronaut? The next scientist that discovers the cure for AIDS or cancer? All I know is that kids need to hear possibilities. They need to hear what they CAN become. They need to know that many people have struggles and work to bypass them. Success can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

 

I'm so disappointed that I couldn't show this to my students who need it.

I don't subscribe to your theory that its only for those with "parent" issues.

 

The speech was appropriate for all students. Trust me. There are plenty of kids whose parents are not an issue that need motivation. This is not a socioeconomic issue.

I didn't say it wasn't appropriate for all students.

I'd venture to say it's more of a socioeconomic issue than not.

But that's the problem. I couldn't show it in my school. Even though it was BECAUSE of partisan parents, it will still affect my kids whose parents couldn't care less. At least fifteen kids come to mind immediately as ones that the president might have been able to reach. Kids without fathers, from broken homes, poor, yet with great potential. Am I teaching the next president? The next astronaut? The next scientist that discovers the cure for AIDS or cancer? All I know is that kids need to hear possibilities. They need to hear what they CAN become. They need to know that many people have struggles and work to bypass them. Success can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

 

I'm so disappointed that I couldn't show this to my students who need it.

I remember you telling me that, and thats too bad. It should have simply been up to the parents rather than to keep it from all.

I remember you telling me that, and thats too bad. It should have simply been up to the parents rather than to keep it from all.

 

What is disappointing from my place in the state is that we had several students who wanted to watch but were told by parents that they could not. These are 13- and 14-year olds.

What is disappointing from my place in the state is that we had several students who wanted to watch but were told by parents that they could not. These are 13- and 14-year olds.

I think it's a parents right to make that decision for their kid, even at 13 - 14.

I think it's a parents right to make that decision for their kid, even at 13 - 14.

 

I understand, and agree to an extent. Do you think those parents who made the "no" choice for their students would have watched it at home with them? I'm just curious...I say the answer would be no.

 

I don't know what either side would have to lose by hearing someone speak. It certainly doesn't mean they have to convert or change any beliefs. And they aren't going to get "indoctrinated" from any teachers at my school; a woman and I were talking today that we're the only Dems in the building!

 

I still can't understand why anyone would say no here. No matter anyone's opinion of the man, did anyone honestly think Obama was dumb enough to ruin his political career by pushing an agenda on children?

I understand, and agree to an extent. Do you think those parents who made the "no" choice for their students would have watched it at home with them? I'm just curious...I say the answer would be no.

 

I don't know what either side would have to lose by hearing someone speak. It certainly doesn't mean they have to convert or change any beliefs. And they aren't going to get "indoctrinated" from any teachers at my school; a woman and I were talking today that we're the only Dems in the building!

 

I still can't understand why anyone would say no here. No matter anyone's opinion of the man, did anyone honestly think Obama was dumb enough to ruin his political career by pushing an agenda on children?

I think some would have, most wouldn't have.

My problem was that in the schools that had parents decide via permission slips, for example, it seemed highly likely to me that said slips would either not make it home in the first place, or end up in the trash if they did make it home.

No permission slips were required for my sons to hear this message. (and I am glad). My youngest (14 and a freshman in High School) said he thought it was good. He also asked what all the hoopla was about...he said he heard kids saying that their parents thought the President would "brainwash" them somehow. Then he said the most suprising thing... "If the President can brainwash them after 20 minutes then they must not have much upstairs to start with!"