Obama´s speech to school children
The reaction to Obama´s speech to school children generated lot of outrage. Most writers are flabbergasted by the outrage by the right which they clearly see as a manufactured controversy. Here are some excerpts:
I am flabbergasted that anyone would object to schoolchildren watching the President of the United States give a speech emphasizing the importance of education and hard work. ……. Ironically, hard work, education and respect for the presidency used to be conservative values.
Or this letter:
Is there any truth to the rumor that the Republicans will offer a rebuttal to the President’s speech in which they urge America’s youth to quit school, discuss the dangers of persisting at most anything and the advantages of failing in school. …..How else can we raise another generation of Republicans?
A very thoughtful letter by an educator said this:
We want our students to learn that patriots can disagree about policy choices in a democracy while still loving their country and wanting the best for all of her people. Opting out of hearing a speech by the President or a member of the clergy from a different religion or any opinionated speaker does not serve the goal of learning about others and, eventually, yourself. We believe that our students’ education is well-served by exploration and engagement about issues, not by refusing to even hear opposing views.
Well said
Tags: School speech