Never before have U.S. Presidential messages been the stuff of banning, opting out, or permission slips in public schools, particularly when the message is specially prepared to encourage students in their school careers by someone eminently qualified to do just that.
This is the second year that the academically accomplished President of the United States has given his uplifting message of encouragement. The President speaks of the value of hard work, discipline, avoiding trouble and the relationship of hard work to success…oh, the horror! It’s no wonder right-wingers believe this is a message to be avoided at all costs. After all, parents, teachers, and administrative staff all had the opportunity to read President Obama’s entire address to students before it was televised.
What lies at the root of this unprecedented avoidance and teaching of disrespect for the office of President? Fox News – "We Report, We Decide" has
claimed that the message is political indoctrination. Should anyone involved in the upbringing and education of children base their judgments on such biased idiocy? It’s been two years, and not once has President Obama given the clarion call for children to revolt and take up arms against their ignorant racist parents, teachers, and superintendents…they’ll have to stumble onto that one on their own.