The president's planned back-to-school speech was being offered to all the schools in the country and set off hysterics on both ends of the political spectrum. Many of those on the right, already deeply distrustful of this president and his ever-more-liberal agenda, were quick to suspect his motives and wonder if it would contain the kind of thinly veiled socialism for which this president is so proud. And many on the left, where he still is seen in messianic terms by many, were eager for their children to hear the speech. They also correctly noted that Obama is not the first president to make a speech directed primarily at school kids.
Hoping to short-circuit the furor, the White House announced that Obama's speech would be made available beforehand to alleviate any fears that it might be political in nature, rather than one touting the importance of staying in school. But the administration didn't help its case when it released a suggested study and discussion guide for teachers, suggesting activities like writing letters on the theme of "What they could do to help the president" and addressing the question, "What is President Obama inspiring you to do?"
School boards and administrators around the country were left holding the bag on whether to allow students to watch the speech. And considering how polarizing this president and his agenda are - how loathed he is by some and loved by others - it was not an easy decision for many of them, we suspect.
Cobb Superintendent Fred Sanderson encouraged schools to recommend that parents watch the message at home with their children, and that schools provide information to parents about how they can accomplish that.
Marietta Superintendent Dr. Emily Lembeck made viewing optional, leaving the decision to the principals and teachers involved, with students able to opt out of watching the broadcast without being penalized.
The bottom line is that it's a sad commentary on our country's polarization - and the deep distrust that so many already hold for this president and his intentions - that even something so seemingly mundane as a speech to schoolchildren can be viewed by so many through such a political prism.
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Yes, this whole affair is sad but it correctly reflects the polarization, distrust and fear that is rapidly spreading throughout our country.
It is now clearly evident that Mr. Obama and his czars are mapping out a new strategy for America. That's a new strategy for you and me. A strategy that is us moving toward socialism and away from democracy. To implement this strategy Mr. Obama need support. He needs support now and he will need support in three years. Consumer product companies have known for years that one of the best ways to get your product into a household is through the children. Win over the children, get your product into the home and you have a new customer. Since taking office Mr. Obama and his czars have developing strategies for children. In the late spring Mr. Obama rushed a summer youth jobs program. A little mundane jobs program but now Mr. Obama has the admiration of thousands of youth who where paid above minimum wage for make work jobs. Now, comes the mundane Speech to America's students. Stay in school (good message). Write a letter about how you can help me (oh I'm part of the team). What am I inspiring you to do (he's my new hero).
If we (you and me) want to hold on to our constitutional rights. If we want to keep our - freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, and etc. If we want to remain free then we need to be fearful and distrustful of Mr. Obama and his czars.
Our Man in Powder Springs