We All need to practice basic respect and good,old fashioned patriotism! Obama is our president. Luckily,we live in a two or more party country! Appreciate that! Where does all this insecurity come from? No one will change my child's mind in an 18 minute speech! I've done my job! It is all about personal responsibility! That is what Obama is addressing. A speech by a president is a great lesson in government and patriotism. Thats it! Let's get beyond this speech so all these bumper sticker thinkers go away and leave this blog to those who care day in and day out.(even when we don't agree)

To all the teachers that are upset about a 20 minute interruption to their school day and how much they have to cram into one day already I offer:
1) make up the 20 minutes by not accepting donuts and singing happy birhday to all your students. I don't want my kids getting 22-28 celebrations of classmates birthdays with parents that send in junk that is causing obesity and diabetes. Use that time to make up more that 20 minutes.
3) Use up some of the time spent near the holiday breaks and at the begining and end of the school year when kids get to chill out and have parties and watch stupid movies in class.

COME ON TEACHERS---YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE PROGRESSIVE, AND SMARTER THAN THE REST OF THESE PEOPLE!

Many parents are using this as a Civics lesson and teaching their children how to honor the office of President of the United States with pitchforks and torches.

See:

http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/obamas-dangerous-message-to-our-children/

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=38734

Read for yourself one example of many showing how Ronald Reagan tried to indoctrinate the youth of this country.

Any conservatives who don't want Obama's speech to be televised should condemn Reagan now or suffer the curse of your own hypocrisy.

This is a copy of the letter I sent to the Editors of the Sun. I am not sure if it will be published, but I felt I had to share my feelings.

To the Editor:

As an educator in a Maryland public school, I have been commanded not to show the live broadcast of President Obama’s speech to our schoolchildren on September 8th, 2009. However, as a parent and a citizen, I feel I must express both my outrage and frustration at this worst case of censorship I have encountered in my 22 years of teaching.

I teach my third-graders that citizens choose their leaders; however, even if “our” person didn’t win this time, once someone is elected, it is our duty as citizens to respect him or her as our leader. That is how our great country works! President Obama is a parent of young children himself and his speech is specifically targeted to schoolchildren. What logical reason should prevent us from participating with our fellow citizens in such an historic event? I can find none, leaving me to conclude that the complaints are the result of either racism or politics.

Isn’t it time for reasonable citizens to demand that all voices be heard, not just the ones we like? The president is not our enemy. On September 4th, my class will be one of many in Maryland that won’t be listening to President Obama’s speech, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t want to.

Kathleen Cave

I am a mother of four school age children. Our school district has choose to show the address in our school district. We are allowing are children to view this address as we will use it for a family discussion afterwards to point out the things we agree with, and point out the things that we may not agree with. I understand the outrage with many families across the country and why they are angered because Obama's administration is trying to 'FORCE' his views upon us and take away our God given rights. I believe he is a wonderful father and loves his children but we also believe he is infringing upon our rights as Americans...and when we feel our rights taken away then we need to stand up and take a stand. i think that is exactly what is happening. If he wouldn't be pushing and forcing upon us the type of healthcare he feels we should have this wouldn't be an issue...people just don't trust him or his inner circle...we feel there is another agenda he is trying to promote through children.

Kathleen,

That is an excellent letter and I applaud you for taking such action. I wish there were more like you.

To Don't Waste School Time-

1. We do not celebrate birthdays at school. The only sticky, sugary crap in my school is what parents send to school.We serve healthy lunches and serve fruits and veggies as snacks!That is a federal program.

2.If kids were in school every day and on time it would really help! I am.Send your kids.

3.Most teachers I know would love a longer school year! When it is proposed it is parents who oppose it! Vacations etc. I've been to many a meeting about that. Teacher would love year round employment and not have to catch kids up every fall because of summer lapses.Teachers have nothing to do with the school calendar! Go to a school board meeting.

4. I do not know any teacher objecting to the speech. It is a parent outcry!We are set to go. I even bought my own cable cord!

5. Most teachers value every minute of a student's instructional day. We are masters at making every minute count!

This whole speech debate has brought out the worst in people. Obama is the president elected by the majority. Let the kids enjoy a moment of civics and patriotism.

Its funny to hear people say that Obama is our leader and we should show him the respect that the office of president deserves. I wonder how many of these people belittled our last president while he was in office. Many from the left spoke with contempt about the man. where was there respect?

Kathleen,

Thank you for taking a stand! I applaud your courage for standing up for what is right! Obama is our President and he ought to be respected. This is very positive for all school children. I am resentful of Conservatives for politicizing every move the President makes. Demonizing Obama will backfire on them in 2012.

For starters, you're childs consumption of 22-28 doughnuts a year is NOT going to be the factor that cause them to have diabetes or obesity!!
That being said....if the President wants to speak to the children of this nation, show the speech in the evening!! Between 6 and 7. Let parents choose to watch it with their children and then talk to them about what they just heard!! WHY??? Does it need to be done while they are in school??? What is the purpose behind this?? I know several teachers who have used the word "captive" when referring to this little "pep" talk!!
Also, how is this speech going to be on the level of my 1st grader to understand and still hold the interest of a senior in high school? I have done my job as a parent and would like to continue to do my job as a parent! Allow ME the chance to sit down with my child and watch something with them! I guarantee I won't need a study guide from the WHITE HOUSE to carry on the conversation!!!!!!

ManBearPig is Real,

I'm Serious

I think the people opposed to this speech are the same who will oppose Obama for no other reason than he is Obama. I have seen parents use their hapless kids as political tools at rallies:

http://www.coffeesee.com/2009/09/06/politicizing-our-kids/

Then Enjoy your socialized healthcare :D

Let's get past conversative and liberal. This President is past all of those terms. He is the most left-wing President ever in the history of the United States. He has surrounded himself with hate his entire life. Have any of you even seen the "pledge" video that is part of this speech?!? Look past the "green" part of the video and see what these people are actually pledging!! It is not to be better citizens. It is to blindly follow the most radical president we have ever had. They would have you believe that you need to blindly follow this man just because he is President!! Are you kidding me?!? Having respect for the President is totally different than following blindly. I have great respect for the Presidential office - does Barack Obama? I think not!!

politics, politics, politics...second guessing and analyzing every move the president makes is a never ending cycle and employs many americans... probably the last TV time my kids we're given at school was 9/11... not sure this ranks up there as a historic event, so seriously, relax and know that your kids are exposed to a lot worse conversation at school than a presidents address. I'm certain they will not be brain washed in the 20 minute period and scared for life. In fact, listen to their Ipod when you get a chance and you will feel much better and realize this is pretty harmless. By the way I didn't vote for Obama... Also, here's a shout out to all you teachers who have to put up with our kids all day.. Relax during this 20 minute period, put your feet up and maybe even take a power nap..you deserve it.

I am a Christian who reads the Bible just like anyone else. I do not agree with everything that President Obama subscribes to, but I do not waste my time trying to disrespect him for any reason. I am a follower of Him who said Love your enemies, but Obama is not my enemy even though I do not agree with some of his views. I know that my kids have my values which I had them set in from the day they were born or rather from conception. The president's speech even if it were an indoctrination, would never change my kids in 20 minutes. Thank God, this speech is a challenge to my kids to be successful and be optimistic about the future. Kids are exposed to a lot of junk material that I cannot control while with friends and or even on my TV at home, but it is the values they learn from home and prayer that keeps them away from falling into the traps of evil paths. I have taught my kids to obey authorities, and I want them to see that through my obedience to authorities, and I will not have to worry about their success in the future. What they see is what they are most likely to learn fast. Teach them that parents can hate their president, and see who they will hate later in life - their "presidents" parents. The Bible is very clear about obeying our government. All I can advise is that God is Love and He who does not Love does not know God. My kids will listen to the president's speech, Thanks to my respective school districts where my kids attend school.

Lets see President Obama do it like Reagan did at Northside High School in Atlanta, Georgia; one school and in person

Has everyone forgotten? The president is our EMPLOYEE...not our BOSS?

Hmmm, lets see. The most polarizing partisan President ever has his Secretary of Education send a letter to school principals across the nation telling them POTUS will address the nation’s “schoochildren” and they should refer to the accompanying lesson plans whilst participating in this unprecedented event. And you have no issue with that because you just love the guy. Fine. That is your prerogative, just as it is mine to protest the participation of my child my private parochial school. (My school is not participating by the way. Responsible parents FTW.) Parents are the decision makers, followed by elected school boards and superintendents. The Secretary and the Prez attempted a complete usurpation of the power of parents across the nation and all the MSM and Libs can whine about is that we don’t want our children indoctrinated. Nice dodge but those of us who are paying attention fully understand that it is that usurpation of power and the ridiculous lesson plans that are the issue here. This is the missing link. No other President who has addressed the nation’s children - voluntarily, I might add - has had the arrogance and stupidity to provide a read about my magnificent but still unverified life story”and/or write about how you can help POTUS instruction.
Obama and his cronies completely overstepped on this one and they are the ones who should be lambasted for their mistake. You know full well that if W had made such a poor move, heads on the Left would have exploded. Anyone with any intellectual honesty would recognize this.

What about our last Presidaent. He was potrayed as a Monkey! What would happen if that was done to our current President? Any comments are welcome

I'm not a conservative, nor a liberal, but an independant. Tomorrow, my kids will be excused from the speech. And I beg to differ, but it is not "just" a speech. We obey the law, live quiet and peacable lives, and give unto Ceasar what belongs to Ceaser...ie taxes, but certainly, my children are not for sale or up for grabs. Obama, just like every other politician these days, has shown himself to be nothing but a propaganda mouthpiece, now seeking adulation from our children.? Forget it. And yes, I have the right to choose for my children not to be involved. Nothing sinister, nothing sickening or wrong with that...or did I go to sleep last night to wake up to a nation turned to fascism?

I was just wondering if Harford County aired the Bush and/or Reagan speeches? It is somewhat less offensive if they have never allowed this sort of broadcast.

I would like to address one more thing, since some of you are using the words "patriotism, patriotic," etc. The definition of a patriot: pa•tri•ot - a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion. With all due respect, supporting the country is VERY DIFFERENT from supporting those that lead our country. As well, the word "patriotic" also allows for dissention against those that lead, for the good of the nation or country. Blindly following the man in charge is not patriotic, it is ignorant.

I am a teacher who has been forbidden to show the speech to my students by my county. In most instances it is either the school board or the principal making the decision to show or not to show the video not the teacher.

Personally, I am very disappointed in my county's decision as are many of my colleagues both liberal and conservative. Many of us watched Reagan's speech when we were in elementary school and remember feeling patriotic and proud that the President of the country took the time to speak to us. My parents impressed upon me at a young age the importance of honoring the Office of the President of the United States even if you disagreed with the man.

The word "inspire" means "to stimulate to creativity or action" according to the American Heritage Dictionary. It does not imply support or blind devotion. Apparently, Obama has "inspired" a large portion of our population without having uttered a word.

Since when does "helping" someone, the President or otherwise, imply not criticizing if you disagree? Surely, parents are helping their children when they tell them not to play in traffic or to touch the stove when it is hot. I believe I am helping my students when I correct their work. How else are they going to learn? As far as I am concerned "helping" the President means criticizing his politics as well as supporting them.

It seems to me that those opposed to having this speech broadcast are opposed to anything that President Obama does, straight out of hand.

If he were to proclaim the sky blue and the grass green, they would claim he was trying to "socialize" nature and demand a town hall meeting to yell about it.

Shane: I and others on the left did speak of George W. Bush with contempt. The difference is, our criticism of Bush was based on the truth!

Proven facts support criticism that he authorized torture, spied on American citizens, raised terrorist threat levels to boost his approval ratings, lied about the "imminent" threat posed by Iraq, etc.

His inability to speak basic English, except when reading prepared speeches, caused most reasonable people to question the man's intelligence, not only those on the left.

But the left DIDN'T tell children he was trying to brain-wash them. The left didn't encourage the military to disobey his orders (as the right did with Clinton). The left didn't go on TV and call him a Socialist, Fascist, Nazi, Communist, terrorist, etc. (as if someone could be all of those things at the same time!), even though the Bush family's known business and personal relationships with the Nazis and the Bin Laden family are a much more direct connection than Obama serving on a Republican-funded education board with a '60s radical.

The point is that criticism of the President based on the facts regarding his actions IS patriotic. Criticism based on LIES with the goals of obstructing the duly elected President from carrying out his duties and causing unrest within the citizenry is treasonous and un-American!

I don't see why we don't let the president speak to our children. I think that afterward though classes should have a discussion on president Obama and the people he surrounded himself with including his past with Bill Ayers, ACORN, and most recently Van Jones. That way the children could learn how he became our president and how others influenced him.

Obama wants to tell childrem to persevere, stay in schools and get good grades. Conservatives are opposed to this meesage and I don't blame them. If students follow President's advice, they will learn how to think and will not take conservatives' hysterical drivel seriously.

I have three statements to make to all the parents and teachers that have a problem with the President's speech.
1. If this was George Bush or some other president, would anyone have a problem with it? No one had a problem when George Sr. made his speech.
2. If not the President making this speech to America's kids than who is a better candidate? This country is so hell bent on saying what's not going to work, but when it comes to better ideas or suggestions, I don't hear them speaking out with the same energy and vigor they put into putting something down. I was always taught to come with a workable plan or suggestion, if I was going to put something down.

3. It seems no one wants to publicly call a spade a spade in this situation. We all know what the problem really is. The United States is still as racist as it every was.
It is wrong of us, especially the media to pretend that we don't know the real reason certain people have a problem with this. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT, AND WE NEED TO SPEAK IT AT ALL TIMES. THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE. FEAR NOT.

To Shane - This isn't about belittling or criticizing a former President. Past Presidents have delivered addresses to children including George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan without public dissent or rancor.

Are citizens of Maryland completely satisfied with their schools? Are parents and teachers pleased with our children's test scores? Are teachers and administrators satisfied with the level of parental involvement in supporting their children?

Political affiliation has no place in this discussion. Regardless of whether you voted for President Obama or not, he is a wonderful role model for all children. He models how successful and affective you can be if you are willing to take personal responsibility for your own education. Who can argue with that?

The position the Maryland Dept. of Education has chosen regarding not broadcasting this address is truly disappointing.

I would have liked to have seen Obama make an impassioned plea for children and teens to excel and remain in school. We desperately need improved education especially in the black community where he could have a uniquely powerful impact.. However, Obama's team clearly saw this as an indoctrination opportunity - only in North Korea would we expect to see these heavy-handed lesson plans that ask 'how can you help the President.'

It has been noted that other Presidents have addressed school children but never have there been these kind of indoctrination attempts. Hopefully now the President will do the right thing and offer an inspirational message to school children. But he's already been caught trying to politicize this effort - any attempts to pretend otherwise will be rightfully seen as bareface lies.

Please, before you write another comment, read Obama's proposed speech. As a teacher and parent, I am delighted that the president took the initiative to "speak" to our children regarding their role as students.I can assure you that millions of American parents have spoken to thier children at home regarding these same resposibilities. However, can children hear this too many times? And many children in our country have NOT heard this from their parents.
I believe this speech can serve as a powerful motivator .

I have read everything published about Harford's Public Schools' prohibiting the viewing of or listening to the short talk by the President of theUnited States of America on Tuesday. No well-informed resident of Harford County believes that school authorities preview every presentation made to our students.

The unvarnished truth is that the school administration is kowtowing to political pressure from outside the school system. When President Reagan visited Fallston HS, no one asked to preview his speech. When county officials visit public schools, no one asks to preview their remarks that may be heard by the students. No one previews or censors Commencement addresses given by political leaders.

So what explains the unmitigated fear of hearing the President of the United States?

It is the fear that this "Liberal Democrat" may somehow poison the hearts and minds of our students. This censorship is a disgrace, and the Board, the Superintendent, and the Administration should hang their heads in shame for preventing the teachers from exercising their professional abilities in having a short, meaningful discussion of the speech.

This political move, disguised in educational mumbo-jumbo is shameful.

Now I have read the speech. He says nothing off base as far as I am concerned...matter of fact...concerned no more...he can keep his job today.

People are questioning whether or not the President of the United States should address school children? Seven states have banned the speech? What the?????????? I can think of no other reason than racism. No one would question if it were Bush or Reagan, who actually did address school kids once. I just can't believe this!!!!!!!!!!!

For Kathleen: What rights do you think Obama is taking away? I have no idea what you are talking about. As far as health care is concerned, it's easy for those who already have to squawk. I am 52 years old, have a master's degree, and teach college courses. I do not have health insurance. I cannot afford health insurance. If you already have health insurance, PLEASE give the president a chance to help those of us who don't have it, and have worked hard all their lives in the country, and have earned it.

Well said, Joslyn. To your message I cannot add a thing. Bravo.

To Brinton- Again, outstanding! And exactly the message I sent this afternoon to our union president. Not that it will do any good...

As a traveling teacher, I was often disheartened and offended during the election by the "mock elections" held in many schools. (Those never seemed to offend anyone's sense of "instructional value" ) since the results in the Northern schools were, of course, consistently reflecting the parents' values ("McCain 288, Obama 23"-true story)

This censorship of the President's address is just icing on the cake. Perhaps some good old book burnings could follow ? Once again, the students to whom this message could be most valuable are forgotten due to the pressure of popular (affluent) politics in our county.

I join you in lamenting the message our administrators and board are sending to our students, teachers, and the public at large. That is, we are not tolerant , and not capable, of dealing with freedom of speech and thought in the classroom. The curriculum (NCLB), as proposed and mandated by the Bush administration, must take precedence.

Please. All the man is planning to propose is to stay in school, set goals, and work hard. Are these not the same values we all wish our children to have? Is this not a message that many families are not able to give their children because of social and economic circumstances?? We will ALL benefit from someone- ANYONE- in a position of power sharing this message of empowerment and hope with our nation's youth. Especially those the affluent have forgotten.

Forget your own fears and biases for one minute and see this opportunity for what it is- a chance to make a difference, to open a dialogue about what it means to hope, and plan, for the future.

I already posted a comment but I read through the many of yours. I think free speech and free opinions is wonderful,that is what made our country in the first place! People did not want their freedoms and rights taken away and they fought for that, they fought for freedom and we formed a country based on that...Just like the preamble states "Secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity" I do not have a formal education, I am not a woman in the workplace, I have been a stay-at-home Mom in a very conservative state for 19 years, I have learned on my own what I value and what is important to me.....I had to do my own research....I think we all need to do that...I will never let a President dictate to me my beliefs, even those of my own Party...because believe me there are things that have disgusted me in my own party that I supported! This is wonderful that we can all come together and voice our frustrations and worries about our world in which we live. I have seen for years Americans doing nothing...standing up for nothing....just living the American dream and not giving heed to anything and since 9/11 we have woke up...I think its time we all look at all the issues facing our nation....I love that my children are aware of things, that I never had a clue at age 9, 12, 15, or 17...this is great...this is how we make change!!!

I hope that all the parents that object to a speech by President Obama in their schools are fully versed in what their children are learning on the other 179 days of the school year. The noise over these 20 minutes, I hope, is reflected in the amount of time volunteered in schools? What are your kids' teachers' names? When were you last in for a parent-teacher conference? What is the pedagogical philosophy of your child's teachers? You don't know? SHUT UP.

Just like the Armageddon that would befall us in the year 2000, the speech that was suppose to indoctrinate our youth. Now who was spreading the baseless lies…..hmm…..oh ya, “Fake News”. Is anyone real surprised? Too funny.

Just like the Armageddon that would befall us in the year 2000, the speech that was suppose to indoctrinate our youth. Now who was spreading the baseless lies…..hmm…..oh ya, “Fake News”. Is anyone real surprised? Too funny.

I am outraged! I can't beleive the school made a decision based on the parent or teachers who didn't not want the kids to view or hear our President of the US, Barack Obama SPEECH! What about the parents like myself who wanted their kids to view the President speak. This is a historical moment because he is our 1st Black President! I feel like my son and I have been stripped of our rights... Something should be done about this. The school didn't notify me or give me or my child a choice... This is ridiculous!

I think American children should feel excited to hear the President speak to them personally, not stressed out because their parents don't approve of him.