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Published Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 | 9:40 a.m.
Updated Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 | 6:50 p.m.
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In a speech that drew fire even before he delivered it, President Obama is telling the nation's schoolchildren he "expects great things from each of you."
"At the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world," Obama said. "And none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities."
The White House posted Obama's remarks on its Web site at midday Monday. He's scheduled to deliver the talk from a school in suburban Arlington, Va. Tuesday.
Obama's planned talk has proven controversial, with several conservative organizations and individuals accusing him of trying to pitch his arguments too aggressively in a local-education setting. White House officials, including Education Secretary Arne Duncan, have said the allegations are silly.
Clark County School District Superintendent Walt Rulffes said Friday the district had received a “firestorm of calls” from parents about the speech.
In Clark County, schools can decide whether to show the speech to students, but parents who don’t want their children to see the president’s speech can ask that their children be given an alternative activity.
The district has instructed principals to determine how the speech will be used at each school, but students generally won’t see the speech unless it’s tied to related course work, such as in political or history classes.
In the remarks set for Tuesday, Obama tells young people that all the work of parents, educators and others won't matter "unless you show up for those schools, pay attention to those teachers."
Obama made no reference in his prepared remarks to the uproar surrounding his speech. Nor did he make an appeal for support of tough causes like health care reform. He used the talk to tell kids about his at-times clumsy ways as a child and to urge them to identify an area of interest, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
The president acknowledged that "it's hard to be successful," but told the students the country badly needs their best effort to cope in an increasingly competitive global economy.
"What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country," Obama says. "What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future."
Obama noted that he was raised by a single mother, who made him buckle down and work harder at times. He said he's glad she did.
The president also warned students that if they quit on school, "you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country."
Some conservatives have urged schools and parents to boycott the address. They say Obama is using the opportunity to promote a political agenda.
Obama will deliver the speech Tuesday at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. It will be shown live on the White House website and on C-SPAN at 9 a.m. Las Vegas time.
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No one wants to hear this moron speak. Our dumb president hasn't done anything yet except give tons of money to his banker buddies.
Those of you idiots that listen to the speech.
Please make a note of the amount of times he says "Um" during the speech and post it here so I can laugh my rear off.
Pay attention is school?!!? How un American.
Learning? Isn't that what liberals do? What a NaziCommieIslamoFascist.
well, I think, really, for all good Neo-Nuts,
VegasInsider has summed it up rather succinctly.
Well done Sir!
Who would you rather have influencing your kids?
An Ivy League graduate of the nation's most prestigious law school, who over came a home environment with an absentee father and mother, to build a solid personal family life.
Or a college drop out that ran a failed painting business in Santa Barbara, who couldn't even muster the commitment to finish the last year of college. Who goofed off at the U.C. Santa Barbara campus radio station and fled the area after spewing bigoted remarks over the air. Someone who now can't even do his own radio show, without having, 3x divorced, ethics violator "Newt" or "Dick Morris" who paid for his "toe interest" with a lady of the evening, provide most of the content.
Or how about a Senator how cheated on his wife with his best friend's wife as he thumped the Bible in judgement of others. Who, when he couldn't find make work jobs to pay off the family anymore, got mommy and daddy to pay one hundred grand in hush money..but rationalizes that "well I'm not as bad as Clinton."
Or maybe, another college drop out that went through 1700 vicodin and 340 Oxycontin in 3 months, to the extent he blew out his hearing, as he forced his servants to score more for him by a frenzy of doctor shopping. Who has been married and divorced three times as his "talent on loan from God" hypocritically preaches "family values." Who shows up in the Dominican Republic's "cheap tourist sex district" with a bottle of blue sex pills. How come he doesn't say you could: "trust your kids to him in an over night stay at a cheap motel" anymore?
Or maybe the TV "culture warrior" who paid thousands settling a sexual harassment suit. Loofah anyone?
There's an old saying about "picking your battles."
Pitching a mass madfit because a Democratic president wants to tell kids to study hard probably doesn't fall into that category.
It really makes the pseudo-patriots look foolish.
I wonder: do all of the people screaming like mad about this also judge our soldiers, sailors and airmen for following Obama's orders considering the fact that he is the commander in chief?
Here we go again...
mred says: "Who would you rather have influencing your kids?" IF YOU ARE ASKING ME, I WOULD SAY "PARENTS!"
One last time. Maybe... I DO NOT WANT ANY POLITICIAN TRYING TO INFLUENCE MY CHILDREN AT SCHOOL. I ALSO DO NOT WANT RELIGIOUS GROUPS TRYING TO INFLUENCE MY CHILDREN AT SCHOOL.
LEAVE THE CHILDREN ALONE... They do not need to get pulled into politics at such an early age.
Oh, the HORROR!
Parents? like mommy and daddy Palin? "Look mom, I'm an advocate against teenager pregnancy and here's my new baby."
VegasInsider said...
"Those of you idiots that listen to the speech.
Please make a note of the amount of times he says "Um" during the speech and post it here so I can laugh my rear off."
Hmmmmm....further evidence of what I have thought for a while. Many of the right-wingers (make that VegasInsider) are too lazy and unmotivated to listen to the speech, but they want some else to count the number "Um's" said by Obama and post the number where they can see it....
On the other hand, maybe it's not a case of being lazy & unmotivated? Maybe VegasInsider simply can't count? That would explain why he's a right-winger!
Reagan gave a nationally televised speech in November 1988 to school kids, and GW Bush did the same thing in October 1991. But when Obama does it, the conservative outrage goes off the charts.
We've had 8 months of the world's biggest temper tantrum from the right. Its going to be a long 8 years to put up with their whining.
If you don't want your kids to hear, then for corn sake, sign them up for the alternative activity!!!!
NEWS FLASH: Early last week, copies of worksheets that were to be given to students were released to the public. They included the following two tasks that students were to do after speech:
Students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the President."
Another task recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech: to engage in a discussion about what "the President wants us to do."
Late last week, the Department of Education decided to pull those worksheets because those two questions were not deemed appropriate.
By the time the Department of Education decided to pull the worksheets, public opinion had turned against the project.
pay attention...so someday you can send your kids to a private school like i went to.
How are you going to keep the kids at home when the neighborhood kids have C-Span? How much of an impression do you think "Work hard and fulfill your responsibilities" is going to make anyway?
What a hoot!!
LARRY;
That IS highly suspicious. I would speculate, and this is mere conjecture on my part, that it was worksheets on how to make bombs to kill the infidels.
AND Intro to ISLAM 101.
My God, you right-winger's are...well, RIGHT!
It's a bloody fight for the MINDS OF THE CHILDREN!
Let's start a new city out in Idaho. We'll call it NewTown! And we'll only teach our kids good, God-Fearing, Christian, Conservative Values. They MUST NOT be exposed to Liberalism. It's EVIL!
Larry, lead the way!
"You can't get corporate jets, you can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer's dime."
"I've talked about your parents' responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox. "
And just like that, microsoft stock will plunge tomorrow!
gmag,
You're totally right! I mean, give the students an assignment to write about something they just heard?!?! Wow... What is this country coming to.
Next thing we know, the gays will be able to hold hands in public and women will be wearing pants.
And Larry, the lesson plans were only pulled because d-bags like you have nothing better to do with your time but complain. I'm convinced the president could hand you guys a $1,000,000 free and clear and you'd find a way to bitch about it.
Typical EL LOBO. No thought No brain.
I will be working tomorrow moron.
Work is that thing people (republicans) do to earn a living and pay for the health care idiots like you need for free.
It amazes me that parents and narrowminded individuals here and other places, think that this speech is going to be part of some political agenda. Sinc when did the POTUS speaking to school chldren, and that includes Reagon AND Bush, become a political issue?
It only became a political issue BECAUSE of the parents and the narrowminded. Sad. Same people who blame Obama for the mess the country is in. and then there are those who are just plain unhappy and angry about anything and everythng regadless who is President.
VegasInsider
Guess you should've paid attention to not only to your teachers but to your shrink - you know. because of your own shortcomings you think every one else is "dumb" especially those you don't agree with.
My favorite educational/motivator says: "There are no mistakes in life; only lessons to be learned. Otherwise, unless you learn the lesson, you will just have to continue to repeat it. The universe will simply present it again, and again, until the lesson is learned."
The message is clear, and could be presented by either party, male or female, old or young, gay or straight. That means it is smart.
Now for the Obama bashers, what the hell have you done today to make the world a better place????? Right now, I'm thinking our evolution as a society ain't got game! And, since you are part of the problem and cannot contribute to solutions, then you are off my team!!!
good post, mamabear!
those bashers can talk the talk but none can walk the walk. One of my friends is like that until i put it to him 'so what would YOU do differently?' No answer came, just more lame excuses.
CaptJack,
What does "d-bags" mean and why are you calling me that?
Altruism and self actualization are liberal diseases now, I guess.
Stay classy neoCons!
Interesting, the Libs look crazier on this thread than the Conservatives.
If the Libs didn't knee jerk this into outer space it would probably just go away.
BTW, Who cares if POTUS speaks to the kids. They will be so hopped up on Ritalin, Adderol and sugar that they may think he is Michael Jordan trying to convince them to buy Nike.
Now everbody, just relax.
getalife, the Dittoheads were convinced Obama was trying to "indoctrinate" the youth of America and Rush spooked his herd into a panic. That's the only knee jerking I've seen.
The Department of Education decided to pull the following two worksheets that students were suppose to complete after the President's speech:
Students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the President."
Another task recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech: to engage in a discussion about what "the President wants us to do."
It's more than just the speech...
getalife; see larry.
edge, I don't think you are being accurate. The more frothing and twitching the Conservatives do the farther reaching the Libs go.
I will not defend or applaud the Rush/Hannity crowd as I have long ago left the bitter water of their wells but come on, the same needs to be true of the kool-aid left.
As extreme as the Cons are the Libs are trying to "out extreme" them.
LazyLarry, if you'd bother to read the speech, then your fear-mongering with those questions would be defused.
The President says he wants kids to stay focused, work hard, take responsibility for themselves. Naturally, they want the kids to ENGAGE on those ideas.
Do you disagree with them? Do you think kids should be less focused? Work less? Shuck responsibility?
Getalife: the fringe-right has the loudest voice in your party, and we've endured days of Dittoheads, Hannityites and Beck's poor abused "herd" shouting that the world would end in Socialism/Communism if Obama told the kids to work harder in school.
To demonstrate just how convoluted and desperate these neo con, right wing hate and fear mongering extremests are,yesterday on a national news interview a woman who was holding her baby was asked how she felt about Obama and his speech to school children. She stated that she was against abortion and gay marriage and did not want Obama ramming these issues down her kids throats.
There is not a rational human being that would bring these issues up with elementary school children.
First of all legalized abortion has been around longer than Obama. Gay marriage is recognized as law by laws passed by state legislatures and or affirmed by the judicial system.
This woman is delusional,stupid, or lacks the ability to have proper cognitive thinking processes, and should not be intrusted to raise and influence children.
When given a chance these right wing nut jobs will lie like there is no tomorrow to malign the truth. Is it any wonder just two in five now consider themselves Republicans. I like most sane people will listen to every side of an issue as long as sanity and common sense are envolved. How this poor nit wit that is married to this idiot must suffer.
Let me see...
ks&99, gmag39 and the rest: I guess you just don't or want to understand my point. I thought I was very clear...
I posted about the two worksheets that speak for them selves...
I was not going to bring this up but, and you can correct me if I am wrong, way back in October 1991 when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech to students at a junior high school in Washington, D.C., Democratic critics went much further and investigated the event. Democrats, who controlled Congress at the time, ordered the General Accounting Office to probe the production of the speech and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for a hearing.
So tell me where I am wrong. I will be waiting for your answer...
I have no problem with any President addressing kids in school with this message, so your "point," Larry... as usual... is pointless.
The worksheets asked the kids to think about what was said. It asked them to consider Obama's message (work hard, study hard, listen to your parents/teachers, take responsibility) and how they could do that. It was a SUGGESTED, not mandatory, activity and one I thought was wholly appropriate.
Obama has run out of plausible campaign subterfuges. Today's episode was a joke on the American people and the fools who supported him. Obama's approval rating will be less than 40% by November 1st. I can't believe Fox News has this much power.
ksand99:
You referenced the following worksheets:
Students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the PRESIDENT."
Another task recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech: to engage in a discussion about what "the PRESIDENT wants us to do."
ksand99 may think that the two "tasks" were fine.
BUT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DECIDED TO PULL THOSE WORKSHEETS BECAUSE THEY FOUND THAT THOSE TWO QUESTIONS WERE NOT DEEMED APPROPRIATE.
You Leftists are starting to remind me of the drunk who continues to feed money into a machine that will never pay out.
Homer, your entire rant about the lady holding her baby speaking her mind is completely out of line and disgusting.
It appears that you are completely full of hate and lack basic compassion for ANYONE who does have your political convictions.
Larry, they were pulled because they were poorly worded. Those of us with an IQ above 20 understand what was meant. I can see why you find it all so difficult.
I guess the Department of Education must not have an IQ lower then 20 according to you.
Oh, by the way... I am sure that you knew that way back in October 1991 when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech to students at a junior high school in Washington, D.C., Democratic critics went much further and investigated the event. Democrats, who controlled Congress at the time, ordered the General Accounting Office to probe the production of the speech and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for a hearing.
So tell me where I am wrong. I will be waiting for your answer...
Excuse me... Let me reword the first sentence of the previous post...
I guess the Department of Education must not have an IQ higher then 20 according to you.
LarryVegas, just because you post something here does not make it a fact. Please provide proof as to how you know the GAO probed the the production to be fact. Waiting for your answer...
"I guess the Department of Education must not have an IQ lower then 20 according to you."
"I guess the Department of Education must not have an IQ higher then 20 according to you."
LOL!
"Oh, by the way... I am sure that you knew that way back in October 1991 when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech to students at a junior high school in Washington, D.C., Democratic critics went much further and investigated the event. Democrats, who controlled Congress at the time, ordered the General Accounting Office to probe the production of the speech and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for a hearing. So tell me where I am wrong. I will be waiting for your answer..."
Tell you where you were wrong about what, exactly? You cited history. You gave no judgment of anything. LOL!
Larry, you still don't have a point. Yes, it's completely appropriate for teachers to engage their students on Obama's message of STUDY HARD, PAY ATTENTION, RESPECT YOUR TEACHER. You apparently disagree?
Who knows, you seemingly can't make up your own mind...
LV4LIFE: Just for you.. See SgtRock's post...
When President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue.
Unlike the Obama speech, in 1991 most of the controversy came after, not before, the president's school appearance. The day after Bush spoke, the Washington Post published a front-page story suggesting the speech was carefully staged for the president's political benefit. "The White House turned a Northwest Washington junior high classroom into a television studio and its students into props," the Post reported.
With the Post article in hand, Democrats pounced. "The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students," said Richard Gephardt, then the House Majority Leader. "And the president should be doing more about education than saying, 'Lights, camera, action.'"
Democrats did not stop with words. Rep. William Ford, then chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate the cost and legality of Bush's appearance. On October 17, 1991, Ford summoned then-Education Secretary Lamar Alexander and other top Bush administration officials to testify at a hearing devoted to the speech. "The hearing this morning is to really examine the expenditure of $26,750 of the Department of Education funds to produce and televise an appearance by President Bush at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, DC," Ford began. "As the chairman of the committee charged with the authorization and implementation of education programs, I am very much interested in the justification, rationale for giving the White House scarce education funds to produce a media event."
Unfortunately for Ford, the General Accounting Office concluded that the Bush administration had not acted improperly. "The speech itself and the use of the department's funds to support it, including the cost of the production contract, appear to be legal," the GAO wrote in a letter to Chairman Ford. "The speech also does not appear to have violated the restrictions on the use of appropriations for publicity and propaganda." That didn't stop Democratic allies from taking their own shots at Bush. The National Education Association denounced the speech, saying it "cannot endorse a president who spends $26,000 of taxpayers' money on a staged media event at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, D.C. -- while cutting school lunch funds for our neediest youngsters."
ksand99: I am not here to judge. I will leave that for you zealots...
No, I do not think that it's completely appropriate for politicians or religious leaders to use school time to talk to the students. If you don't like my opinion, then too bad...
"No, I do not think that it's completely appropriate for politicians or religious leaders to use school time to talk to the students. If you don't like my opinion, then too bad..."
Uhhhhhhhh, then why did LarryVegas get upset that Democrats investigated Bush's speech?
It's called a one termer trying to do as much damage as possible