Obama's speech to students

Heather - posted on 09/08/2009

Thank you all for your input. The speech will also be aired live today for anyone who wants to watch it at home. You can see it at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ at noon EST.

Amanda - posted on 09/08/2009

i would feel the same way if mccain had wanted to do this and the problem is if it had been him or another white president then you wouldnt be so defensive either, i dont care what color he is he can be purple for all i care , i dont like the speech , i dont like what he stands for, i dont like what he belives and dont believe in. so the matter of fact of the truth is that i would still be the same way.

Amanda - posted on 09/08/2009

well actually I AM VERY EDUCATED thank you. but the only reason my children went today is because i have already read it to them and explained to them the parts that we didnt agree with, the way i refuse to raise my children believeing and then their daddy and i answered any questions that they may have had. And im sorry but you throw clinton in to the mix of one of the ones who gave a speech and look what he done for our nation. we might not have been perfect before he got in, but we sure was better off then we were when he got out, and after his affair i mean shoot thats a good example for our nation to. so no i dont approve of this speech and the only reason my children went is because they have already heard it, they know where we stand and thats it.

Debbie - posted on 09/08/2009

Actually it's not "unheard of" for a president to address the school children. Reagan did it, as did Clinton. I actually READ the speech and think that the message is fine for my son. I was also raised to respect authority. Like him or not, Obama is our president and I am raising my children to respect the office of the president as well as the man who sits in it. How can anyone claim to care so much about the education of their children when they don't take the time to educate themselves?

Theresa - posted on 09/08/2009

If you are uncomfortable with this speech AFTER READING THE TEXT, then I think you need to really examine why. Honest examination of your own feelings, without input from the raving media.

That PSA - has nothing to do with President Obama - and I think we can all agree most celebs are flat out stupid.

Nikki - posted on 09/08/2009

The bottom line is it should be up to the parents on whether or not our children watch any speech or video by the president or any one else for that matter. There is a post of a PSA on you tube that shows movie stars pledging to support different charities. And it starts out very encouraging and at the end they say they pledge to support President Obama. Not that the position shouldn't have respect but he is not God and shouldn't be treated as he were. It is very non-christian. And from what I understand they are suppose to show this along with the speech. For children they are very impressionable. And I don't want my children subjected to anything that I don't know for sure will help or hurt them. Just my opinion!!! God is good!!! Trust in the Lord!!! If you are uncomfortable with this speech there is a reason. Trust you instincts!!!

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

Girl, I hear you!! I spend my day with toddlers, then come home to be surrounded by kids. Thank the Lord for the internet! haha

Have a great night Amanda. :)

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

Sorry i didnt mean to come across that way, i am dislexic and i do realize sometimes i misunderstand things but in this case that is not it. the reason for it is because i read it and then had my husband read it so i do understand it. but that is why i got defensive, im going to bed now, my hands are cramping. lol... you have a good night and sweeet dreams god bless and it has been real fun. i dont get much adult conversations since im a stay at home mom. haha

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

THE PART ABOUT HIS KIDS AND ALL THAT WAS TO A RESPONSE ABOUT ANOTHER POSTING, IM SORRY, I WAS WONDERING WHY U WERE ALL OVER ME ALL OF A SUDDEN. LOL.. ITS AT A POST AT THE BEGINNING I WAS JUST READING THROUGH THEM. I do have an objective mind.

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

I'm sorry if I'm upsetting you - I don't think you are stupid! I'm simply saying I think the President is stressing that any person has to work and practice to hone their skills.

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

What exactly should not be there? I'm not trying to pick a fight, I just must not see what you're reading.



You are assuming he would tell his children something different than his public stances, and frankly I don't know what that has to do with anything about this speech.



I don't think you should just lap up anything a President says with a smile - that's why God gave us a mind and discernment. BUT, it is important to have an objective mind when taking these things into consideration - otherwise misinterpretations occur, etc.

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

AGAIN I AM NOT STUPID I CAN READ AND I CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT I READ, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT HE SAID NO ONE IS BORN GOOD AT ANYTHING. AND THAT MY DEAR IS JUST NOT TRUE. SO STOP TELLING ME I DONT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING WHEN I UNDERSTAND

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

i did not say that he says that to his children i said he was ok for gay marriages and if he says its ok and his children hear that speech then why wouldnt they think it is ok, i have nothing against anyones color or there sexuality, i have black friends and i have gay friends what i said was if he went back in the house and said forget that i said im for gay marriages you better marry a man then he is a hypocrite, that is what i said, i really could care less what he says to his children, however i am glad to know what he is going to say to mine, i have already read the speech to my children so if they had any questions they could ask me, and not just be setting there wondering, and i also corrected some of the things i dont believe is right for him to say. and im sorry but just because he is my president does not mean i have to like him or dis like him, i am a strong oppinionated person and i voice my oppinion its apart of freedom of speech. i dont mean to offend anyone i simply gave my oppinion. and i know god loves everyone, im not stupid when it comes to the bible, in fact i know more then a lot of people would think, but this is not about religion or race its the simple fact that some of the things in the speech should not be there. and i am letting my kids go, but only because i have already read it to them and they know how me and their daddy feel. and we know how they feel so its all good.

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

Amanda, I think you miss the point of what President Obama was saying about rappers and stars. He was saying no one gets to their goals without hard work. No one meets their goals with zero effort! Why is that a problem? That is a wonderful encouraging speech, and a lot of truth in it. I think it's something he will likely do at the start of every school year in his tenure *heres to an 8 year stint*.

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

Ooookay...

President Obama held the exact same position on gay rights at McCain. Both were for civil rights, but not marriage. I don't know what you mean by "for" gays - but Jesus loves us all. Maybe not what we do, but He cares for each and every one of us, yes - even the ones struggling with homosexuality. How do you know what he says to his own children? And - ummm, they are still young children. Why are you so sure he is a hypocrite? Are you looking for reasons to dislike our President?

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

Ok first of all its not about the color of his skin. i could care less about the color of his skin. he can be green for all i care, i did not vote for him or anyone else so i have no right to say what he does with our nation, however i do have all the rights in the world to my children and what they here, i do monitor my children tv time and there internet time, my computer is in the family room and the only time they are allowed to be on the internet is when im setting there with them and only to be on educational websites. that is it. I dont understand why some people turn this into a race thing. And you really shouldnt throw other presidents in it until you do your research. why is it ok for him to tell our children that they are not born good at something, when there are children everywhere that are born with many talents, and why is right for him to tell my child or yours that they cant be rappers or professional sport players. i mean really its so nice to know he has so much confidence in our youth. that really sounds like he cares. SO NO i am not racist, i have a biracial nephew that i love dearly and spend every holiday with and birthday and have plenty of photos and im not afraid to show him off. so no i am not racist, how ever i do believe that our country is a religious country, i believe that if he stands up and says he accepts gays and his children hear it then why wouldnt they belive in it. if he does go in his big white house and say forget what i said, you better marry a man then he is a hyprocrite and that is who is running our country and speaking to our children.

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

Well, Amanda - I feel like the more people encouraging the young to stay in school, the better! Particularly if it's a person of high influence. :)



BTW, I agree the schools waste money daily - if your area are being foolish with their funds - especially with something like asbestos! - you should try to get more involved on the local level. Then you can affect real change that will directly benefit your own children and community. :)

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

its not that im opposed to the speech for say its that im so tired of everyone making such a big deal out of every thing that man does. like when he killed a fly on tv. because he got a dog for his kids, because he drank a beer at a basket ball game. because his wife wore shorts. i mean they act like they are following god. everyone gets so in an up roar over having a black president when in fact he aint black he is biracial. the flat out truth is its not the presidents place to tell our kids to stay in school its ours and if they decide to one day quit. ( god forbid. i want my children to be brain surgeons) but its not my life its theirs. i quit school and now i have 4 college degrees and im doing fine. our kids half to live with their decisions just like i did and all of us other parents. On the other side my daughters said they want to go and i will let them, i also read the speech and it sure sounded long winded but like i said i asked my children about it and they want to go so i will let them, because i believe to a point that they have a right to make some of their own decisions and i wouldnt' dare hide something like that from them or keep them from it, on the other hand if they would have said no they didnt want to go then no i wouldnt have sent them. Im glad that he wants to encourage our children, but my question is if a preacher wanted to walk in and encourage them to stay in school would our school systems let them. And why is it they can afford stupid things like playground equipment, new fancy roof, picnic tables, painting on sidewalks,. but they cant afford to remove the asbestos from the schools. This is the things that make me mad

Theresa - posted on 09/07/2009

Amanda, the text has been up all day to read. Check it out, I can't imagine you'd find anything you'd be opposed to. :)

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

i totally agree with you. I mean if you ask the school what it is about or entails they cant tell you anything except idk, what is up with that. I think im keeping mine home. idk, yet.

Brenda - posted on 09/07/2009

i have decided to not let me kids see it.i dont feel that my kids would actually sit and understand it plus i think its wrong that it can be put in the classrooms and children cant even talk about god or bring religion into the classrooms.

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

im sorry if i cant help you on that subject cuz im still trying to figure it out myself. I think the schools should be able to tell us more about it since they are showing it. so if you find out anything let me know.

Audrey - posted on 09/07/2009

Thank you for posting this Heather! God bless you!

Connie - posted on 09/07/2009

Thank you for putting facts instead of gossip out for the public to read.

Heather - posted on 09/07/2009

For those of you who are interested Whitehouse.gov released this today:

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event

Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009

The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.
Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.
I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.
I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.
I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.
Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.
And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.
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.
Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.
So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.
But 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 – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. 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.
Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.
That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.
And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.
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.
And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.
It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

Heather - posted on 09/07/2009

I almost regret asking this questions. Yes it is controversial, and yes I did want an honest debate, what I didn't want was Christians attacking each other. It makes me very sad that while we each are Christians with different views, we can't respect each other. God lays different convictions on each of our hearts, and each of us need to follow what God tells us. The name calling, criticism, and harsh words are never from God. I honestly believed that this group of wonderful Christian women could handle this question in a godly way, please forgive me for asking something so controversial.

Stina - posted on 09/06/2009

My son is entering preschool this year. I doubt he will be listening to this speech. If my kids were older and among those who might listen to it in their classrooms, I would probably record it and make sure to watch it myself... so we could discuss it around the dinner table. It is good to be aware of what is happening in our world... and this could be a good teachable moment- to talk to our children about the president. He will probably only talk about the value of education- not talk about other more controversial things. However, eventually we will all need to talk with our children about the things that are acceptable in the world- but not to us as followers of Christ.

Kisha - posted on 09/06/2009

Quoting Theresa:

Quoting Tonya :

My children are under 18 and not able to vote. I don't won't someone telling them things I don't agree with... Once they become adults then they can make their own minds up. I don't like the idea. I have given up many believes so my children could think for themselves. Haven't pushed things on them. I have a empty feeling that everything I worked for is going to be destroyed. I have talked to my kids and let them decide if they wanted to hear the broadcast . Not happy at all. They aren't adults. I should have the choice of what they hear in the broadcast! Just left me with something to worry about. If everyone takes a moment to stop and look back...... Where are we headed?????

Sooo, you disagree that your children should focus on doing well in school?  You think they should not plan on college? You think they shouldn't be contributing to their country's well being with social services? i.e. volunteer work?

 

This makes no sense.

 

Personally, I would have been horribly offended if my children had been present for a speech telling them to "turn in troublemakers".

 

 

I guess I'd be a "radical Christian" too. Jesus told us to love, not judge. Jesus told us to help, not tear down. Jesus told us to spread the message of the gospel, and to walk that life.  Not to board up in our homes, and stay within the four walls of our church. Your children are much stronger than you know, especially if you are feeding into their souls daily, as I'm sure you are. You need not fear other's input when your childeren are standing on the Rock.

 

 

Amen!!!!

Connie - posted on 09/06/2009

I think this is a chance to have a conversation with our children about our believes and those of others. If you are for or against the Pres. speech use it as a learning tool to build on. God made us all in his image and you don't have to accept a lifestyle to accept a person. We as a majority voted for change but when it starts to happen we pass judgement without the facts. Unsure of the speech join in and volunteer in the classroom that day. If you have disagreements with the content talk to your child about it. Be secure in yourself as parents and know the real influences comes from you.

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) Thirty-fifth President of the USA

Norma - posted on 09/06/2009

I really can't see it being a bad thing, but a lot of people are simply agenst the president himself so ofcorse there will be conflict over the matter.

Audrey - posted on 09/06/2009

My children are not in school yet, but I wouldn't let my children watch it without watching it myself first. I agree with you ladies that God lets everything happen for a reason, but I also believe that He gives us discernment on how to raise our children. We all have our own opinions, but let's make our points without harsh, degrading words. I've seen a few comments made by women on here who only seen to make comments when there is a big debate, and only comment when they have something harsh to say. I don't think that's how God wants us to live our lives, He wants us to be able to uplift and encourage each other in Him. God bless you all!

Vicki - posted on 09/06/2009

I'm just tuning into this post today and have a couple comments. Heather, who started this post, asked for honest debate and it looks like she got it, partly thanks to Theresa Krause. Her comments were more in line with what I would have said. After her comments things got more real, more balanced on the debate side of this issue. Tam also had some valuable comments in how we choose our words. Often times the message is better conveyed with a softer, gentler, more loving approach.



I am happy Obama is addressing our children. I have no doubt he will deliver an eloquent, positive message of encouragement. But even if I did have a doubt, I don't think I would be afraid. I would pray for God to be his guide, as well as the children and parents guide. Our children are faced with ungodly stuff everyday. I see each one as a learning opportunity for us to teach them God's way, and for them to make a choice which way they will go. Our kids will be tempted, they will sometimes make the ungodly choice, but that is one of the most powerful ways of learning. They experience free will and the consequence that comes with it. We are not to teach our child to be slaves of God, we are to teach them to LOVE Him with all thier hearts, souls, and might.

Theresa - posted on 09/06/2009

Quoting shavaun:

President Obama is giving a speech on the importance of education and staying in school. This is something EVERY single president of the United States of America has done in the past but without so much criticism...it really makes me wonder why??

Two things that are different, is that the previous Presidents spoke to one school at a time. Now, technology affords us the ability to speak to the world at once. And the lesson plan thing is different. BUT, the things I've seen are just asking kids their thoughts. That is NOT a bad thing!

Also, if you are concerned your child's teacher is going to "push liberal agenda" on your child - rest assured that teacher will not limit him/herself to this one day. If you are that uncomfortable with your child's teacher maybe a different teacher or school would be a better plan.

But again, this whole thing is simply ridiculous. If McCain had won, and were planning this - this simply would not be happening. It's sad really.

Theresa - posted on 09/06/2009

Quoting Tonya :

My children are under 18 and not able to vote. I don't won't someone telling them things I don't agree with... Once they become adults then they can make their own minds up. I don't like the idea. I have given up many believes so my children could think for themselves. Haven't pushed things on them. I have a empty feeling that everything I worked for is going to be destroyed. I have talked to my kids and let them decide if they wanted to hear the broadcast . Not happy at all. They aren't adults. I should have the choice of what they hear in the broadcast! Just left me with something to worry about. If everyone takes a moment to stop and look back...... Where are we headed?????

Sooo, you disagree that your children should focus on doing well in school?  You think they should not plan on college? You think they shouldn't be contributing to their country's well being with social services? i.e. volunteer work?

This makes no sense.

Personally, I would have been horribly offended if my children had been present for a speech telling them to "turn in troublemakers".

I guess I'd be a "radical Christian" too. Jesus told us to love, not judge. Jesus told us to help, not tear down. Jesus told us to spread the message of the gospel, and to walk that life.  Not to board up in our homes, and stay within the four walls of our church. Your children are much stronger than you know, especially if you are feeding into their souls daily, as I'm sure you are. You need not fear other's input when your childeren are standing on the Rock.

Shavaun - posted on 09/06/2009

Because sin and iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold....et tu christian moms?

Shavaun - posted on 09/06/2009

President Obama is giving a speech on the importance of education and staying in school. This is something EVERY single president of the United States of America has done in the past but without so much criticism...it really makes me wonder why??

Tam - posted on 09/06/2009

Ladies,



(Heather, hope I'm not out of place here...but...)



Please remember that while we may not all agree on everything 100% there is no reason we need to dissemble into harsh and bitter words, nor do we need to critcize the way others raise their children. If we believe someone is not doing something Godly, then we should exhort them and encourage them, not yell at them or humiliate them--those are fruits of sin not the Spirit. Such rude comments (for either side) does not promote a healthy, Godly discussion. I believe the original question was asked in all sincerity for advice.



And I don't think it's all "right vs. left" here. Someone mentioned other presidents speaking to our kids. The difference is that there was no major pre-planned curriculum associated with it and it was not kept as hush-hush as this is. I don't believe most of these women are promoting fear-mongering either, but rather training up their children and are being watchwomen and seeking the best way to teach their children to guard their precious hearts in certain situations.



For some it could very well be a personal prejudice against the president, but I honestly do not believe that it is for each person posting. Just because someone does not like what President Obama is doing in this instance does not mean that they are anti-Obama. Please remember to keep generalizations to a minimum. By painting such a broad brush against all opinions that don't seem to line up with yours, you are doing the same thing you are judging for.



No matter what, we all need to remember that he IS the president and as such, we need to pray for him and for those in authority over the country. Just as we need to continue to pray for and train up our children.



Please remember, we are supposed to be sisters in our Lord. Yes, we should stand by our convictions, but there is a way to do so respectfully. We should be able to respond in kindness and encouragement, whether we agree or not. We should be able to witness our faith by our words. Let's work together and not let squabbles make us weak or foolish in the eyes of the watching world.



Blessings and Prayers,

Tam

Tonya - posted on 09/06/2009

My children are under 18 and not able to vote. I don't won't someone telling them things I don't agree with... Once they become adults then they can make their own minds up. I don't like the idea. I have given up many believes so my children could think for themselves. Haven't pushed things on them. I have a empty feeling that everything I worked for is going to be destroyed. I have talked to my kids and let them decide if they wanted to hear the broadcast . Not happy at all. They aren't adults. I should have the choice of what they hear in the broadcast! Just left me with something to worry about. If everyone takes a moment to stop and look back...... Where are we headed?????

Kisha - posted on 09/05/2009

Wow, this is one of the reasons why i was leary of posting on one these site becausei guess i would be a radical christian. Both my children go to a public school in particular my son goes to one where his class mates parents are gay. what am i to tell my son, not to play or associate with them because they are evil. We are not to judge, only god will do that on judgement. We are to love each other, like Jesus has loved us. Please don't forget that.

Far as President Obama,I"m sick of these ultra conservatives calling everything but the son of god and turning evetything he does into evil. Obama believes that education and healthcare is A RIGHT not a priviledge. ones income or SES (socioeconomic status) should not determine who gets good quality education or healthcare, eveyone should be entitled to it. I'm sick of the hypocrisy of this country. Just listen to some of the comments by these narrow minded critics. i wish people just be real and honest with them and say what 's on their mind and stopping blaming his political view. Look how's he's viewed across the the world...

Theresa - posted on 09/05/2009

Wow, the fearmongering and ignorance is shocking in this thread. Obama is trying to be the next Hitler!!! Obama will teach our kids it's okay to be gay!!!!!!!

President Obama will be addressing our nation's youth regarding their education and futures. He is a highly educated man who understands the value in working toward a goal and focusing on the future. The questions relased, that are sooo sccaaaaryyy - are asking kids to THINK about the ideas presented. Think about their schooling, think about their civic duties. Wait, didn't I read somewhere about caring for your neighbors - helping your fellow man?? Oh - yeah IN THE BIBLE.

This is quite repulsive that schools will "review" the President's speech, like he is some dangerous subversive. He is OUR PRESIDENT. Duly elected and appointed for this time, yes - from God. All authority is authored by God and should be respected as such. The poster whose FIRST GRADER told his teacher he can't listen to his President give a speech because he disagrees with his parent's views. Wow. Way to teach your child respect for authority. Remember this moment when he's a teen.

BTW, all of you who think putting your child in a bubble is protecting them, you are CRIPPLING them. No - you don't just expose them to any garbage that's out there, but guess what? We Christians aren't the only ones on planet Earth. And we have to teach our children that not only do others have different opinions sometimes, but they have the right to them also. You have to teach your children to think, and to know WHY you believe what you do, or they will have a very difficult time taking that faith for their own, instead of just spewing back what they've been told.

All of that to say, this entire situation has been cooked up by the bitter Republicans and their latent racism. Those who still believe WRONGLY that 1. President Obama wasn't born in America 2. President Obama is a socialist 3. President Obama is a Muslim etc, etc, etc. Those people are trying to make mountains out of vapor and see our President as some radical subversive just waiting for the opportunity to make us all zombified worker bees.


Get. A. Grip. Perhaps turn to your Bibles instead of the garbage being spewed out of blogs and others with their own agendas to push though. I doubt you will find fear, hatred, and disrespect being the orders Jesus left us with.

Alma - posted on 09/05/2009

Our students need all the encouraging they can get. President Obama sees education as essential for all students and therefore will do just that, encourage them to stay in school and to do their best. Radicals have made this an issue. Senior Bush spoke to school children during his service as president. Too many people are allowing their fear of this brilliant man get in the way of truth.

Kati - posted on 09/05/2009

Quoting Heather:

None of us here let our kids watch nonsense on TV or the internet. I believe that was an unfair statement. Most of us here are involved in the schools. We talk to the teachers and our children and know what they are learning about. No one knows what this is about. I don't know how you can get a 20 minute speech out of Be cool and stay in school. My 1st grader doesn't even have that kind of attention span. I have no problem with the color of his skin, God made all people equal. This is a Christian site and we all believe that. My concern is with his religious beliefs being taught to our children.

Amen Heather,  I don't have a problem in how he looks. I have problem with what he stand for .  I have 100% faith in God but the Bible tells us "to train a child in the way they should go"  it doesn't say just expose them to everything under the sun.

Kati - posted on 09/05/2009

Here is the ed.gov site that shows the letter sent to all principals and the lesson plan to go along with it. Our school district has sent home letters allowing the parents to opt out of their children's participation. BEWARE of this Obam is sneaking in suggestion a/s what can our children do to make him a better president. He has no right to do what he is doing, please be careful when considering it.

Samantha - posted on 09/04/2009

This is how some of my Christian friends with children in school are handling this situation, and if my daughter were in school, i would have her do the same.

On September 8, 2009 at Noon Eastern time/9 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time President Obama will address the Nation's children with a school speech via live video feed. This could be the flashpoint for a great spiritual awakening, Obama is not the answer to our nations crisis, nor is any other government official, this is our opportunity to let them know in one voice with which Kingdom we stand. www.studentwalkout.com

Jennifer - posted on 09/04/2009

A transcript of the speech is supposed to be released Monday for parents to preview: www.ed.gov Historically a president speaking directly to "students" is not a new occurance; Regan & Bush, and never before has there been such "disscussion". It's interesting as to why there is now...not that it is bad for all people to pay attention to and take an interest in our goveronment, that's what makes America what it is!

Heather - posted on 09/04/2009

My school has decided to tape it, review it, then make a decision later on if they will show it, and who they will show it to. They sent home a note about it. I am going to talk to the school on Tuesday when I take my son and make sure I have all of the details right. But as of now, they haven't said they will show it to his class.

Tam - posted on 09/04/2009

Heather, from what I understand, no one is spilling what is in the speech. However, I did find some of the questions that are to be asked BEFORE and AFTER the speech for various grades and a lot of them are dealing with servitude, not necessarily "stay in school".

One big problem is that if the Education Department was so prepared for this that they have essentially "curriculum" for the speech, then why are we not told the topics that will be discussed--they obviously know what will be covered. It could be innocent, but the fact that they refuse to admit anything about the speech makes me nervous on behalf of my daughter (who is in public school--the boys are homeschooled).

That said, she did ask her teachers today and they said that her school will not be participating. So, she will be going to school on Tuesday.

I do think that your solution of going up to the school is a sound one. Like said, we don't know what the speech is about. It could be innocent, but it could also be a wolf in sheep's clothing. We won't know until we hear it/read a transcript. But I feel that the fact that the because the government will not cooperate with concerned parents about this and not share what is inside the speech, there is some cause for caution and discernment.

I'll be praying for all the children and the President. God doesn't let anything happen without knowing about it already, so He knows what's coming next week. We all need to turn to Him and pray for our nation and our children for next week and the future.

Melissa - posted on 09/04/2009

Amen Heather! :)

Heather - posted on 09/04/2009

None of us here let our kids watch nonsense on TV or the internet. I believe that was an unfair statement. Most of us here are involved in the schools. We talk to the teachers and our children and know what they are learning about. No one knows what this is about. I don't know how you can get a 20 minute speech out of Be cool and stay in school. My 1st grader doesn't even have that kind of attention span. I have no problem with the color of his skin, God made all people equal. This is a Christian site and we all believe that. My concern is with his religious beliefs being taught to our children.

Julie - posted on 09/04/2009

Heather,

Here is the link I found that talks about them toning down the lesson plans. I said speech, in my earlier quote, sorry! My mind runs faster then my fingers sometimes!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009...