Today is the first day of school for the vast majority of children across the nation. Millions of those children will be attending school for the first time in their lives. Personally, we sent off one of the boys for the first time which now makes three kids in the school system. While teachers will have their hands full getting the kids back in "school" mode, President Obama will be speaking to schoolchildren nationwide at 11 A.M. CST. Last week after President Obama announced that he will be addressing the schoolchildren the blogosphere, talk shows, and media was all a buzz over what the teleprompter was going to have him say. Last Thursday I wrote on the subject in the blog as well. Even though I had not recalled a moment when any previous president had spoken in similar manner, it appears that past presidents have spoken in a national address to schoolchildren in the past.
My problem was not with President Obama speaking to the schoolchildren rather it was the original "suggested" lesson plans afterwards. I have read the speech, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32723584/ns/politics-white_house/, which I am glad the White House put out yesterday for all to read. The speech is free of political rhetoric and does not push any agenda other then the importance of staying in school, getting a solid education, and listening to your teachers. Many in the mass media and those within my circle are shocked at the backlash or fear of what was going to be said today.
The backlash and fear over what the president speech would entail is justified. Now hear me out. Since Obama has taken office Americans have seen government grow to unprecedented size. The CBO came out last week to predict the deficit will be over $9T in ten years which had previously been tagged at $7T. America has seen the takeover of the banking and automotive industry with no exit plan established. The worst part of the deficit amount is it does not include the cost of health care reform and "Cap and Trade". So does it really shock anyone that people are growing skeptical of government? Granted the skepticism is a catalyst for media and talk shows that make a living of stirring the pot from both extremes.
Parents send your children off to school today confident that they will hear a message that is positive and void of political overtones. "We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don't do that – if you quit on school – you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country" the president will say during his speech today. While some may try to spin these lines as proof of President Obama attempt at indoctrination of our children, the spin is just plain wrong. Putting the responsibility on the shoulders of the children is something that our schools and homes miss.
Granted the children cannot learn alone. The president will encourage our children to "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals." The encouragement is good and something adults can learn from as well. So when your child comes home from school and you send them off to do their homework, send them to a location of the house that you will be active in. For when they have a question you are available to answer.
No comments:
Post a Comment