Obama's School Address

[Andantino]

Obama's address here. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/)

Based on this, what reasons do you see to be valid that children would need permission slips to hear this? Completely serious here. I'm having a hard time understanding why a permission slip would be needed for this.

If he was white, would this be happening? I find it hard to believe it would.

I thought about this yesterday. Can you imagine being a child that isn't allowed to hear our President address the kids as a nation? As you watch your classmates go out of a room, what would be going through your head? How is this beneficial in any way to our nation? This is not creating any sense of unity - just the opposite. It's teaching kids division - and why? Why, mommy, can't I watch that man?

I thought we were moving away from centuries of this stuff as a nation - not heading back toward it. I suppose history does repeat itself. I digress.

[ghost]

Nothing stands out to me. It's quite a nice speech.

I would have left out the nationalist stuff, but that's just me.

Was it just some schools that needed permission slips? Have they needed them in the past?

[gardnerj]

I would say what I'd normally say, but I think a lot of inner city kids needed to hear that from the president.

People put a permission slip on everything, because they don't have balls. That speech was fine. It wasn't an opinion speech. It was a speech regarding fact.

[Krill]

If he was white, would this be happening? I find it hard to believe it would.


I think it has a lot to do with what people perceive as his political agenda, and very little to do with his race.

[zero]

I think it has a lot to do with what people perceive as his political agenda, and very little to do with his race.

I think you're right. I really hope that's the case. When I first heard of the permission slips I thought it was ridiculous...still do. I remember that Bush and others addressed the children but these are different times...many people still believe a terrorist/socialist is in the White House and that there will be death panels for the elderly...so i can see why some schools would ask for permission slips. I just wish that their parents were informed enough to know nasty unfounded rumors from facts...but that's another argument.

But I'm interested in whether parents would allow opposing viewpoints in their home? or if they even see a need to try and understand a different view themselves?

[Technical]

I have to admit a severe lack of interest in what Obama has to say, thus ignorance of the content of the school address, but...I am happy that in appearances of late, he seems to be cracking as a result of the drop in his approval. My assessments seem to be demonstrating themselves aligned with reality, as he is the kind of person who not only seeks approval, but has a basic need for it. This is only good for his opposition. I wouldn't be against the man, save for his desire to impose his idealism on the entire world. So in essence, I am fully against him.

[Lurker]

I think it has a lot to do with what people perceive as his political agenda, and very little to do with his race.

I agree.

Obama makes right wingers absolutely rabid.

[Lurker]

I have to admit a severe lack of interest in what Obama has to say, thus ignorance of the content of the school address, but...I am happy that in appearances of late, he seems to be cracking as a result of the drop in his approval. My assessments seem to be demonstrating themselves aligned with reality, as he is the kind of person who not only seeks approval, but has a basic need for it. This is only good for his opposition. I wouldn't be against the man, save for his desire to impose his idealism on the entire world. So in essence, I am fully against him.

For all the people who hope he fails: You do know that affects you, right?

[Technical]

For all the people who hope he fails: You do know that affects you, right?
I'm more concerned with general effects, to be honest. Like, I would feel the injustice if I was the only one allowed to do business without 50% taxation and reams of regulation, and arm myself.

More to your point, I think long term, and the better job Obama does at failing, the happier I'll be when the Democrats are completely lost, once again.

[bass_n_treble]

haha... they were afraid he wouldn't know what to do for 7 minutes while terrorists attacked the country while speaking with the kids.

[bass_n_treble]

For the record: I think it would be our best interests if the country was divided in two. We had a good run at it, but too many people are getting in the way of real progress.

[Technical]

For the record: I think it would be our best interests if the country was divided in two. We had a good run at it, but too many people are getting in the way of real progress.
I think this is the biggest problem with politics, in all honesty. There's no escape anymore, no frontier. There will always be people who will sacrifice security for freedom, and they have nowhere to go today.

[Lurker]

I'm more concerned with general effects, to be honest. Like, I would feel the injustice if I was the only one allowed to do business without 50% taxation and reams of regulation, and arm myself.

More to your point, I think long term, and the better job Obama does at failing, the happier I'll be when the Democrats are completely lost, once again.

I think a lot of Obama's stimulus plan was weaksauce. If you're going to do something like that, either do it all the way or not at all. Giving me 10% off my grocery bill if at least 43.9% of my purchases are vegetables and fruits isn't going to help my finances or my health (because it's a weak incentive), nor is it any of the government's business in the first place. Take the $8000 tax credit for new home buyers, for instance. People aren't buying because it's hard to borrow without excellent credit, plus they are losing their jobs. Only people that are well off anyway would benefit, and that number probably isn't significant enough to boost the economy because a lot of these people may not be in the market, and $8000 is too paltry a sum to sway them. Again, Obama measures everything with teaspoons. His thinking seems oddly distorted.

All that said, I am a democrat who voted for him. I'm displeased because I think he isn't bold enough. I'll be honest, there is a paternalistic air that does bother me, but that was there during Bush's administration as well, and God knows he was a disaster. Both parties suck in a lot of ways. Liberals typically aren't aggressive enough; conservatives often are batshit nuts.

Simplistically put, liberals want to regulate your money and conservatives want to regulate your personal life.

[Chunes]

I wouldn't be against the man, save for his desire to impose his idealism on the entire world.

I think this is quite unfair. The tendency to meddle in the affairs of foreign nations is nothing new and does not respect party boundaries. I think it's quite idealistic for political entities to systematically deconstruct the sovereignty of foreign nations while American-based transnational corporations exploit their natural resources and labor. Ever wonder why third-world countries remain stagnant? Because we're standing on their shoulders.

I'm against every president myself, since it's apparent they have all been figureheads for roughly the same agenda since the early 20th century.

[Technical]

Bold is secondary to strategic. Obama is a man with ideals and goals, but no idea how to get to them, and fittingly, if you take a look at his associates, no desire to hand that task over to seriously calculating people. Everyone's just like Obama, up in there. There will be no results, only intent.

[Technical]

I think this is quite unfair. The tendency to meddle in the affairs of foreign nations is nothing new and does not respect party boundaries. I think it's quite idealistic for political entities to systematically deconstruct the sovereignty of foreign nations while American-based transnational corporations exploit their natural resources and labor. Ever wonder why third-world countries remain stagnant? Because we're standing on their shoulders.

I'm against every president myself, since it's apparent they have all been figureheads for roughly the same agenda since the early 20th century.
When I speak of idealism, I refer to the belief that "We can all get along," and the belief that "As long as we try, we'll be fine." It's the other side, the dirty, dirty Republicans, for the most part, who realize you have to deal with bad things in bad ways in order to reach the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

[MoneyJungle]

I think the people against this are overestimating the damn their children give about what they hear in school.

[Chunes]

It's the other side, the dirty, dirty Republicans, for the most part, who realize you have to deal with bad things in bad ways in order to reach the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow snatch a disproportionately large share of the booty.

ftfy. But it's not just the Republicans.

[zero]

I'm against every president myself, since it's apparent they have all been figureheads for roughly the same agenda since the early 20th century.

wow..this is actually the same reason I can't be really angry at them...but the current political process...there's no real pushing of their personal ideology or beliefs. They eat shit and then have the balls to pass around the plate just like everyone else. And nothing seems more hurtful to the political process than the current trends in our sources of News. Until a president is in actual control I guess I'll have to follow the one that puts the best spin on crap.

[C.J.Woolf]

I think the people against this are overestimating the damn their children give about what they hear in school.
MJ wins the thread.

Any parent who thinks President Obama will indoctrinate their kid with a short speech must have a low opinion of their own ability to indoctrinate their kid.

I think this is part manufactured controversy and part right-wing projection. Remember "Just Say No"?

[Lurker]

Ever wonder why third-world countries remain stagnant? Because we're standing on their shoulders.

More like Western Europe raped and pillaged their nations, then divided them up in economically advantageous (and politically retarded) ways once they pulled out. We are still milking them for all they're worth. They can't pay back the loans they've received -- that's frigging ridiculous. They could feed themselves - in some cases - if they didn't have to grow shit like coffee for export as part of the internationally imposed debt relief restructuring plans.

So, basically, I agree with you. :)

[zero]

I think this is part manufactured controversy and part right-wing projection. Remember "Just Say No"?

OH man...make-believe war on drugs...i miss the 90's

D.A.R.E.

[Technical]

ftfy. But it's not just the Republicans.
Disproportionate is relative to context, as to whether you're talking about our international opponents, or people in our own nation.

History has shown that it's impossible to achieve progress if a "standard" is attempted to equalize class.

[Hermione]

OH man...make-believe war on drugs...i miss the 90's

D.A.R.E.

LOLZ totally. What a "promotional" eh?? Oh and their data also said it was a success.
"Facts can be used to prove anything." Homer Simpson

[Technical]

Hermione, by your rep, I have to assume you think I'm pro-socialist, being that you're a socialist. I am quite opposed to socialism.

[Lurker]

I think this is part manufactured controversy and part right-wing projection. Remember "Just Say No"?
:yes:

Off topic: Did "Just Say No" make anyone else think, "I gotta try that shit!" All it did was increase the mystique of drugs in my case. Also, I always thought the dangers were exaggerated. Turns out I was right about that bit (with some exceptions, goes without saying). When I actually tried drugs, it was a big letdown.

Added: The big War On Drugs was more of an '80s deal, although it certainly spilled over. I give Nancy Reagan credit for piquing my curiosity about drugs. Good job!

[Chunes]

A little off-topic, but all this talk about 'just say no' and similar propaganda campaigns has made me realize just how pathetic it is that the most lucid memories I have of elementary school are reading 'just say no' propaganda that was plastered all over the lunchroom. I question the wisdom of anyone who claims schools don't serve as a propaganda dissemination vehicle for the government.

[Lurker]

A little off-topic, but all this talk about 'just say no' and similar propaganda campaigns has made me realize just how pathetic it is that the most lucid memories I have of elementary school are reading 'just say no' propaganda that was plastered all over the lunchroom. I question the wisdom of anyone who claims schools don't serve as a propaganda dissemination vehicle for the government.

What's even more pathetic is how it backfired. I didn't know a damn thing about drugs - they weren't part of my world - until the constant blabber caught my attention. I daresay a lot of kids didn't know about them at a young age. Thanks for ruining the innocence of children, Nancy.

[Chunes]

Maybe that was the point.

I remember we had a police officer come in and show us all the different drugs and what they looked like. In hindsight, that does seem a tad absurd. Seeing as the the United States government is behind a large portion of drug production worldwide, it wouldn't surprise me if the intent behind its anti-drug propaganda is to pique curiosity while maintaining its 'righteousness' through its anti-drug stance.

[Lurker]

Off down conspiracy lane, we're off down conspiracy lane...

Actually, you could be right, as far fetched as it might sound. I'm cautious about that jump, but I'm not saying it's definitely incorrect either.

Added: Oh Jesus, they actually showed you drugs? That's just nuts.

[Chunes]

Added: Oh Jesus, they actually showed you drugs? That's just nuts.

Yeah. The rationale was that otherwise we might mistake certain drugs for candy if we were ever offered some. :rofl:

[Lurker]

Cocaine is easily mistaken for powdered sugar! All too common a mistake. *shakes head*

[CreativeChaos]

I think the people against this are overestimating the damn their children give about what they hear in school.


MJ wins the thread.

Any parent who thinks President Obama will indoctrinate their kid with a short speech must have a low opinion of their own ability to indoctrinate their kid.

I think this is part manufactured controversy and part right-wing projection. Remember "Just Say No"?

Yesssss! MJ wins this thread :cheers: For the younger kids this speech is over their heads. For those reaching teenage years, they're old enough to think for themselves.


I would say what I'd normally say, but I think a lot of inner city kids needed to hear that from the president.



Yeah, agreed. And I wish him all the success in the world. I think a lot black kids especially need to hear that basketball, and football, aren't going to be their ticket out. I've been in all black schools and that's all black male kids want to be. I hope he sets a good example. And if he fails, we fail. God, I sure hope he does an outstanding job! Jesus! If he doesn't we're all in deep shit! Come on you guys!

[Technical]

Cocaine is easily mistaken for powdered sugar! All too common a mistake. *shakes head*
I've seen more the other way around...

[CreativeChaos]

Damn!:mad: Again by the time I get a post together you guys are on drugs, now. And I get ignored.


CRAPPPP!:mad::mad::mad:

[Thirsty]

The public education "War on Drugs" class is called "Health." Nowadays, they have the anti drug unit, nutrition, etc.

Oh yeah, they also try to force religious ideals down your throat by preaching abstinence.

Shit, I grew up in Montgomery County MD; in my county they weren't allowed to distribute condoms because it "encouraged kids to have sex."

Put two horny teenagers together, and you get sex with or without protection. Bunch of religious prudes run the public education system.

[zero]

The public education "War on Drugs" class is called "Health." Nowadays, they have the anti drug unit, nutrition, etc.

Oh yeah, they also try to force religious ideals down your throat by preaching abstinence.

Shit, I grew up in Montgomery County MD; in my county they weren't allowed to distribute condoms because it "encouraged kids to have sex."

Put two horny teenagers together, and you get sex with or without protection. Bunch of religious prudes run the public education system.

at my schools they never really talked about abstinence...it was briefly mentioned...what they did was use fear...it was a much better tactic...but it seemed to fail as many of my friends were pregnant or raising a kid by the end of HS...

oh and I'm kinda in the south...NC...so i think it's interesting how religious dogma was rarely seen at my schools...there was one time where we had a non-mandatory assembly where christian motivational speakers broke bricks and ripped up phone books with their bare hands!!!...and the power of Jesus...but it got me out of class so I went

sorry about the off topic-ness

[Lurker]

I've seen more the other way around...

:p

[egregious cerebrum]

I would have left out the nationalist stuff, but that's just me.

From my perspective, I agree, but maybe all the SJs ate it up, in a good way. Maybe they'll start caring about their schoolwork for their country, if they don't already for the other SJ reasons. Oh, well. It happened. I still don't care for the "for your country" stuff.

I think the speech would have been a lot better if stuck at bronze wrote it and injected much philosophical irrelevance for the sake of impertinent, albeit random humor

[C.J.Woolf]

I think Obama's speech would have more motivational value if he said something like: "Stay in school, work hard, and someday you too might become President and drive millions like your parents completely bonkers."

[Technical]

I think Obama's speech would have more motivational value if he said something like: "Stay in school, work hard, and someday you too might become President and drive millions like your parents completely bonkers."
If you want a leg up, you must put your foot down. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_a1jkoVxaw)