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twitterObama: Stay in school and ‘stay focused’
Clark County School District not sure how many local students saw speech
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, talks to students prior to delivering a speech on education at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009.
Published Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 | 9:26 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 | 11 a.m.
Obama's speech
Sun archives
In a pep talk that kept clear of politics, President Barack Obama on Tuesday challenged the nation's students to take pride and ownership in their education – and stick with it even if they don't like every class or are overcoming tough circumstances at home.
"Every single one of you has something that you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer," Obama told students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., and children watching his speech on television in schools across the country. "And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is."
Presidents often visit schools, and Obama was not the first one to offer a back-to-school address aimed at millions of students in every grade. Yet this speech came with a dose of controversy, as several conservative organizations and many concerned parents warned Obama was trying to sell his political agenda.
That concern was caused, in part, by an accompanying administration lesson plan encouraging students to "help the president," which the White House later revised.
Obama did not address the controversy in his address, focusing instead on directly addressing students.
“I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, and supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working, where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world – and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities, unless you show up to those schools, unless you pay attention to those teachers, unless you listen to your parents and grandparents and other adults and put in the hard work it takes to succeed. That's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. ”
Clark County School District Superintendent Walt Rulffes said the district had received numerous calls from parents about the speech, which was broadcast live on the White House Web site and on C-SPAN.
Schools in the district were able to decide whether to show the speech to students, but parents who didn’t want their children to see the president’s speech could ask that their children be given an alternative activity.
The district instructed principals to determine how the speech would be used at each school, but students generally weren't going to see the speech unless it tied to related course work, such as in political or history classes.
School district spokesman Dave Sheehan said Tuesday the district does not know how many students were shown the speech because the decision was made on a class-by-class basis in the district’s 350 schools.
“It just would be an impossible task right now to find (that) out,” he said.
Some schools told the Sun this morning that no teachers were showing the speech, despite the OK from the district to do so if they wished.
Representatives in other schools said they were not sure whether teachers were showing the speech.
Sheehan said the district continued to receive numerous calls from parents today, but he had not heard reports of problems at any of the schools because of the speech.
A spokesman for the Clark County Republican Party said that while “the content of the speech was fine,” concerns and protests over the president’s address were justified.
“What he said was fine, you cannot disagree with the things he said, although I will say that’s a parent’s responsibility, that’s a family’s responsibility, to go over those things, and once you start supplanting the parent’s responsibility and passing that off and thinking the government’s going to handle that, we go down a dangerous road with that,” Ron Futrell said.
Futrell said many of the concerns before the speech were because of Obama’s political agenda and a distrust of what he would say to the students.
“The reservations that many people had prior to his speech were based on Obama’s agenda of making government larger and more intrusive into people’s lives,” he said. “That’s an absolute natural apprehension based on Obama’s history.”
Some Republicans are also upset because of the suggested lesson plans provided by the U.S. Department of Education to go along with the speech and a "I Am What I Learn" video contest the department is sponsoring for students to show how they “respond to the president's challenge,” according to the department’s Web site.
“To me that sounds more like a polling project than a speech to the kids,” Futrell said. “I think people should have reservations about our kids being used as a polling project by the president.”
Local Democrats disagreed with the Republican protests, saying the president's speech was inspirational and not political.
“President Obama’s message to students to take personal responsibility for their education – to stay in school and study hard – was an inspirational one,” said Nevada Democratic Party spokeswoman Phoebe Sweet. “This chance for the president of the United States of America to speak directly to students was a good educational opportunity. Despite the rhetoric from the other side, the president’s speech was far from political, and a must-watch, according Newt Gingrich and Laura Bush.”
Obama used examples from his own life and that of his wife, Michelle, to encourage students to get a good education, even if they find it difficult.
“At the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – none of that is an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school.
“That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying,” the president said.
The uproar over the speech followed Obama across the Potomac River from Washington, as his motorcade was greeted by a small band of protesters. One carried a sign exclaiming: "Mr. President, stay away from our kids."
Critics accused him of overstepping his authority, and school districts in some areas decided not to provide their students access to his speech.
The White House posted Obama’s prepared remarks online Monday to give parents and educators a chance to review them before the speech.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan acknowledged again Tuesday that some prepared guidance for school officials included a suggestion that students could compose essays stating how they could help support Obama and his causes -- an idea the education secretary acknowledged was wrongheaded.
Before the speech, Obama and Duncan met with some 40 students gathered in a school library.
The president told students to "be careful what you post on Facebook."
"Whatever you do," he told them, "it will be pulled up later in your life."
"When I was your age," Obama added, "I was a little bit of a goof-off. My main goal was to get on the varsity basketball team and have fun."
During his meeting inside with students, one young person asked why the country doesn't have universal health insurance. "I think we need it. I think we can do it," Obama replied.
The president said the country can afford to insure all Americans and that doing so will save money in the long run.
Repeating remarks he prepared for the address to students across the country, Obama said young people should "stay focused, find something you're passionate about."
Obama said that not having a father at home "forced me to grow up faster."
One young person asked the president whom he would choose to dine with if he could make only one such selection.
"Gandhi," Obama replied. "He's somebody I find a lot of inspiration in. He inspired Dr. (Martin Luther) King" with his message of nonviolence.
"He ended up doing so much and changed the world just by the power of his ethics," Obama said of the inspirational leader Mahatma Gandhi. At another point, Obama told the students "a lot of people are counting on me."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Discussion: 57 comments so far…
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When will we see the republican response by Mark Foley?
Great uplifting speech!
Now the children will be able to run the death panels that all Republicans will soon face. Maybe they could be run on face book?
in other words...the Whitehouse and Rahm Emanuel might use what you have posted on facebook against you.
Yeah, right reagan that's it. Employers are using facebook information to fire people or just not hire them in the first place. The advice from the President is excellent - not just for kids either.
@ vegasstudent
I guess you have no sense of humor.
The man should know what he is talking about concerning those social networking sites ( mySpace, Facebook, etc. ) " it ( information ) will be pulled up later in life...... " We already know about his Kenyan birth certificate!
Our Hugo Chavez, president Barrack Obama. When will we as a nation wake up? This is not the change I want!
thumper
I expevted a response like that from you. Kids today don't realize when they post their lives on the internet everyone can see it and keep it indefinitely. Pictures, facebook comments, you name it. (Hello sexual predators) Good advice he gave because obviously parents don't get across to their kids.
Same to you jlykins. narrow minded bigots.
Hey thumper and jlykins can you please post a url link to see the kenyan birth certificate?
I would like to see this for myself.
LMAO at the last three posts! Clearly you lack facts and have nothing to contribute to this country but your asinine comments. Thanks for the laughs though.
I wish my daughter was old enough to be in school so she could have heard what the President had to say! He is an exact image of education leading to success. To bad there are so many ignorant fools here in Las Vegas and in this country. I find it funny that so many people who couldn't complete high school them selves have the balls to not want thier children to hear from a man that graduated high school and also Harvard!!! You know they say ignorance is bliss!! We love and have faith in you Barack!!
Yea I would like to see the real Kenya birth cert., also not the fake the nut wings produced. Second how is your gov. her in Nevada doing, another fine upstanding retard screwing around. You might want to look closer to home, Governor,Senator oh I forgot,god forgave them so it is alright. You don't hear them telling your kids to do what is good and right.
Birthers.. these people sat there while Bush & Co raided the Federal Treasury, went to war unjustly and tortured people. What's the point? Now they're just a bunch of toothless racists who want Obama and America to fail as much as they have in life..
Kind of like being born a muslim in Kenya.
Not his fault. Just a fact.
----------------------
Really? 8 years of Bush and Cheney controlling all of the major investigative agencies in the federal govt., and not a one of them found evidence to the contrary? And you don't think it would have been in their best interests to do so?
Awww.. cute. Our first affirmative action president talking about working hard. Anyone with any ability to apply some critical analysis knows white guilt (and racist black block voting) is what got him elected.
I do want the eligibility question answered which includes his qualifications through his British father and adoption by an Indonesian man. Why won't he release his records (not just the long form birth certificate).
When did Americans become so fearful and distrusting of their government and leaders? Could it have been with Richard Millhouse Nixon announced, "I AM NOT A CROOK!"...maybe it began then, is that possible?
I can't believe that so many Americans cannot think and draw conclusions for themselves but rely on volumns of false information set out on the internet... They obvivously did not do well in school themselves and could have profited by such a speech in their own school days. They obviusly failed themselves personally but our counry as well.
Fears of the government are now being extended to the flu vaccines for H1N1 virus... Many people will not have their school aged children vacinated because of fear mongering and misinformation being put out on the internet by misinformed, uneducated and unscientific people and sources.
Remeber the Reagan and Bush administrations advocated a policy of fanatical anti-science ideology with the American public. That is now beginning to come home to roost. They stymied, halted and even altered genuine scientific research in the quest for, and support of theological centered science...
If a major pandemic of H1N1 should occur millions of our children and citizens will die from sheer ignorance and fear of a flu vaccine.
This country's fear and distrust of government, the politicians,and national policies is ruining us. We suspect that everything has a sinnester motive behind it; we suspect without evidence, or proof on innuendo, gossip and rumor started by who knows whom and where... We condemn without giving a reasonable person a chance to explain or provide proof contrary to what is suspected...they are just plain guilty and we don't trust them...PERIOD !
I think Obama gave a terrific message to all students who watched it. It showed them that somebody, some adult, at least cared enough to bring these ideas to their attention. How many parents have really done that? Too many are too damn busy watching TV sports or soap operas or talk shows to give much of their precious to helping with homework or to talk to them about academic success.
There are so many purely ignorant, uneducated people in our country that it is embarassing. Some still believe he is leading students to socialism, communism, liberalism, muslimism, and other imagined or real '..isms'. They didn't hear or see the talk but condemn it anyway out of pure ignorance, stubborness and in all truth out of bias and prejudice.
Thumper forgot to take his meds again today.
Cuckoo, Cuuckoooo.
Did you know if you play his speech backwards it says "Kids kill Republicans"......
Thumper, your meds may make you feel groggy and sluggish but your doctors prescribed them to you because they help control those voices you hear. You know the ones, rush, sean, mike, .......
Thumper sees conspiracy behind everything. I suggest lithium.
Normal Response;
I disagree with the President speaking to my kids.
Thumper's Response;
Barack SUCKS. Shut his PIE HOLE. Freakin' commie-Kenyan. What, you disagree? You wanna piece o' me? I got CHUNKS O'
guys like you in my STOOL! I crapped ya into the poluted stinkin' LAKE MEAD! AHHHHH!!!!!
The Obama Deception HQ Full length version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwa...
NWO = Bush, Obama, FED, World Bank (IMF), Bilderburgs
watch it just so you know what the "elites" are planning. its all part of the plan.
in your dreams, "THUMP"!
The whole birther conspiracy is a sad attempt to not have to talk about the issues. If you have no points - or if all of your points are cowardly and self centered and just sound really bad when spoken out loud - just deny the premise.
Questioning the Presidents citizenship despite the overwhelming evidence and logic to the contrary is right in line with a lot of pseudo-patriot arguments. It is the same argument they use with immigration; if "they" are not citizens then "they" can't be humans and have no rights nor can they be president. When in reality this is a thin, cowardly but convenient mask for their racism.
Check the other posts from the birthers, there is a lot of hatred and fear. If given enough time they will usually slip up and show their true racist feelings.
hey "thump".......
BOOO!
AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Can ya tell us the one about the lake polution again???
OR-
How about that Harrah's, ha?
Thump sure does elevate the debate doesn't she? Is there really a lot of pillaging going on somewhere? That is pretty good, I wasn't aware.
And in light of all of your lunatic posts about the President being some sort of foreigner/criminal you are really going to try to wave the Constitution now?
I didn't call you a racist because of your "defense" of the constitution but because of your fear and hatred of people who don't look like you.
Now I am sure there are a lot of people who would like to discuss the President and his school speech, maybe we should get back to that? Or do you have anymore potty jokes or youtube videos to post?
This Thumper is a real nut case. I haven't heard this kind of craziness since the John Birchers' talking against putting floride in water. Maybe that is why bottled water caught on.
you wouldn't be called a bigot or racist if you didn't act like a bigot and a racist. PERIOD.
"Insert Incoherent Nonsensical Response Here"
Thumper you redneck moron... go back to Alabama to them there pigs you done left without a daddy.
OK, I just sat through the entire campaign program; now for some questions.
1. Why did he do it in front of a live audience?
2. Why have all the hacks present?
3. Why can't he stop campainging and deliver an actual speech?
I have more but these are the ones that bug me the most.
ps - Can't this guy just address us as Americans and leave the hoopla for some other idiot. His message was strong but I really disagree with the setting.
pps - I want this guy looking Presidential not like he's running for student body president.
Thumper you crack me up. Some of the things you have to say are just plain. . .true. I noticed how all your detracters here didn't respond to your challenges, they just attacked you. Don't let it get you down. It's so typical of left wingers. They attack personally, yet have virtually no substance to any of their drivel. Most of them are so filled with hate that they explode if you confront them on . . . issues. Facts really get in their way. . They hate truth and reality throws them a loop.
Don't worry my friend, there are more of us than them. Just like back in the 1770's when the Loyalists attacked the Patriots. That's of course when Thomas Paynes' "Common Sense" came out and sent the Loyalist packing. It's happening again against this ultra leftist, socialist leaning president. Funny thing, it only took the Dems SIX MONTHS to make everything worse than that "horrible Bush Administration".
Conservatives=45% Liberals=21% = minority rule
He's still campaigning...but now its in front of kids who can't vote. Pathetic.
One other thing Thumper. . .keep up the good work. You've kept the name calling down to just mere sarcasm while your detractors used such intellectually inspirational dialogue as: "real nut case"; "bigot"; "racist"; "redneck moron"; cuckoo,cuckoo and pig daddy?
I would suggest you use the normal "attacks" against these inane leftists (they'll look inane up). By normal "attacks", I mean facts, truth, common sense, etc..
Also, I highly suggest you don't call them names. It allows them to hypocritically "cry foul" and change the subject to escape scrutiny.
SickBrain: can we call them, er, Leftists?
vsestini.....
Great post! It's a shame that those who need to read what you said, can't read. Many of those that can read aren't capable of assimilating the information and using it to help themselves....
Your statement saying "I can't believe that so many Americans cannot think and draw conclusions for themselves but rely on volumns of false information set out on the internet..." hit the nail on the head.
Being dumb, stupid, paranoid, and distrustful of one another, not to mention our government, is currently in style. The old saying that a "little bit of knowledge is a very dangerous thing" pretty much describes millions and millions of Americans.....
We've almost arrived at the point where we're a danger to ourselves....
In 1991 Bush gave a speech in front of high school students.
The Democrats held hearings on why Bush did that.
The Washington Post front page slammed Bush for that.
Obama's speech and Bush's speech are very similar in content.
I guess we are learning the word "hipocrispy" from our lib koolaid friends.
Do you have a link for that WP front page sgtrock?
"hipocrispy"? Is that a new chicken at KFC?
LOL! Dumb as a rock.
Washington Post Story: http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpo...
The site that is breaking this story:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinio...
Of course, will the WP now run a story on how Obama is using the students as props to deliever a message?
Will the Democrats now call congressional hearings into the Obama misused of students like they did in 1991 on Bush?
I am ready to read all the doublespeak now from the lib koolaid crowd.
I love the smell of incinerated Leftists in the morning. Actually, any time is appropriate.
Assuming the two speeches were similar, and not having read the entire WP piece I don't know that they really were - but assuming they were - I'll say shame on the Dems. But does this not also tell us that Presidents give talks to students, that this is OK and normal? Harmless even??
President Obama mentioned "God" not once, but twice in his speech to the students. Where's the outrage over this?
the kids dont read this crap, and they've seen how bush/cheney operated with their 'jihad' in iraq. once they get them overseas, they extend their enlistment so they can stay another 8 months in climate controlled baghdad. what drugs are you neo cons taking?
I'd like two hipocrispies and a coke.
If I were President, and I'm not, I would want to tell our kids to do something with their lives. This is one quick visit to planet Earth. Goofing around, I would tell them, is gonna set you back. Your brain works well now. In forty years, it slows down. Run hard, pay attention, do something good. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Barry did the same thing. Why the hoopla?
This is a first, having a President address the youth like this.So many so called families are being run with one adult and mostly without the father.Surrounded with so many forces,drugs,gangs,murders,to name a few,these kids have to be looking over their shoulder all the time. A far cry from when I was a kid,for sure. Being a parent these days requires so much more.Being able to keep their kids on the straight and narrow and make it to "adulthood" without scares obvious is such a problem in this country...the president has to address it.We are not # 1 in education...far from it.
The hooopla was not so much over the speech, which was rewritten after the controversy started, but over the materials handed out after. Not sure if it was handed out after the whole controversy started. It was a good speech, Bush said the same thing and got vilified for it. I wonder now how many kids will take that turn and take a different path than what they are on. Maybe they will surround themselves with tax cheats on professed communists. I digress. Maybe they will listen to him. maybe they will listen to their parents as well. Really shouldn't parents and teachers already be saying this stuff.
Comment for vsestini
Your post was excellent and demonstrated your grasp of the issues and intellect.
I applaud you.
Obama used to deal drugs and now he's a role model for our youth. Not.
Trying to frame Obama as a drug dealer is very helpful. He admitted to smoking pot. Does his honesty not appeal to you after the deceit of Bush?
If you really think you're making a good point in destroying the character of Mr. Obama, I think you have shot yourself in the foot.
I am GLAD he is able to be honest about the difficulties of growing up poor and outcast.
Have you no understanding?