K in MI Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Does anyone know anything about this? This was the link posted on Drudge Report: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10582301/President-Obama’s-Address-to-Students-Across-America-September-8-2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekarl2 Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 As far as I know this is for real. While I don't agree with hardly anything Obama says or does, he is the President and I think him making a speech to the school kids of America is appropriate AS LONG AS it's not political. What I mean by that is this: If the speech is merely an encouraging "do well in school" type of thing I think it's fine. If, on the other hand, it covers cap and trade or health care reform, I'd have a HUGE problem with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I'm failing to see anything wrong with this...why is it even posted on the Drudge Report? I like that there are suggestions for how to get more out of the speech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 what is the controversy? When I was a public school teacher President Bush (HW) came to our high school and addressed the students. On 9/11 what was President Bush (W) doing -- visiting elementary students at a school in Florida. This is just making a "visit" available to all schools. There is no requirement for every school in the nation to broadcast this. It is up to each school whether it will be programmed into the day. The description of the classroom activities look like the standard stuff publishers and field trip organizers hand out to teachers who may or may not use them. Being geared to preK - 6th there is a limit to how political he could get. I very much suspect it will be a welcome back to school and do your best address. Really it is unnecessary to see this as controversial. We'll just have to see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abreakfromlife Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The only thing that makes me wary is the 'what is the president asking me to do; what new ideas and actions is the president challenging me to think about?'.............I'll take a 'wait and see' response, but those questions tend to make me think this isn't just some 'go be a good student and be all you can be' type of speech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The only thing that makes me wary is the 'what is the president asking me to do; what new ideas and actions is the president challenging me to think about?'.............I'll take a 'wait and see' response, but those questions tend to make me think this isn't just some 'go be a good student and be all you can be' type of speech. See, I just see that as an exercise in critical thinking, nothing raises any red flags there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 How dare our public school students be recognized as human beings who may be interested in current events! Only homeschooled kids get to have political views. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The part that bothers me is that the suggestions for discussion *repeatedly* emphasize what the President is "asking me to do." Quotes: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President asking me to think about? What specific job is he asking me to do? What do you think the President wants you to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? That aspect sort of makes me uncomfortable. Do Presidents usually address children directly, and ask them to do certain things? Does the Dept. of Education usually guide teachers to help children better understand what the President wants from them? I don't remember in school ever being addressed by President Reagan or President Bush, and feeling an obligation to follow his directions. Admittedly, I do not trust President Obama in areas such as these, and I'm sure that makes me more skeptical about these sorts of things coming from his administration. I would be interested to know what he *is* asking of these students. Hopefully it's just to do well in school and try their best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowan25 Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The part that bothers me is that the suggestions for discussion *repeatedly* emphasize what the President is "asking me to do." Quotes: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President asking me to think about? What specific job is he asking me to do? What do you think the President wants you to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? That aspect sort of makes me uncomfortable. Do Presidents usually address children directly, and ask them to do certain things? Does the Dept. of Education usually guide teachers to help children better understand what the President wants from them? I don't remember in school ever being addressed by President Reagan or President Bush, and feeling an obligation to follow his directions. Admittedly, I do not trust President Obama in areas such as these, and I'm sure that makes me more skeptical about these sorts of things coming from his administration. I would be interested to know what he *is* asking of these students. Hopefully it's just to do well in school and try their best. :iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Do Presidents usually address children directly, and ask them to do certain things? Well, personally I'd rather that presidents go to schools to talk to children, rather than use it as an opportunity to talk to some other group. Audience, and all that. I don't remember in school ever being addressed by President Reagan or President Bush, and feeling an obligation to follow his directions. I never felt obligated to follow their directions either. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The part that bothers me is that the suggestions for discussion *repeatedly* emphasize what the President is "asking me to do." Quotes: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President asking me to think about? What specific job is he asking me to do? What do you think the President wants you to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? These are key elements of audience participation--thinking about what the speaker is trying to tell one, what they are asking one to do, etc. I think some of them are important to critical thinking--what is speaker asking one to think and do? does the speech make one want to do this? is one able to do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I never felt obligated to follow their directions either. ;) Do you feel obligated to follow President Obama's directives? Would you want your child to follow them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) These are key elements of audience participation--thinking about what the speaker is trying to tell one, what they are asking one to do, etc. I think some of them are important to critical thinking--what is speaker asking one to think and do? does the speech make one want to do this? is one able to do this? I don't think so. This is not just any old speech... this appears to be a potential nationwide speech by the President of the United States directly toward children. (assuming this news is accurate) This is coming from a person in a position of great power, to children... much different than listening to a classmate's speech in English class and developing good critical thinking skills. And these instructions have come directly from the Department of Education... not from a local classroom teacher. You know, I just went back and reread the entire notice from the Dept. of Education, including the second page which I did not see at first, and I have gone from being mildy uncomfortable to being very concerned. Have students "write a letter to themselves about what they can do to help the President"?! Then ask the teacher to pas them back at a later time to make students accountable to their goals? I'm sorry, but my children are under no obligation to "help the President," and I wouldn't appreciate them being strongly led to believe through these activities that they are. Even if the goals given are ones I would support, such as trying your best in school, serving your community, etc.-- one does not do those things because the person in the White House asks them to. The President is a *person,* a public servant.. not a god or a king to give commands for people, not to mention children, to carry out on his behalf. This honestly sounds like socialist propaganda to me, and if this is actually going to happen, I find it extremely troubling. Edited September 1, 2009 by Erica in PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 You know, I just went back and reread the entire notice from the Dept. of Education, including the second page which I did not see at first, and I have gone from being mildy uncomfortable to being very concerned. Have students "write a letter to themselves about what they can do to help the President"?! Then ask the teacher to pas them back at a later time to make students accountable to their goals? I'm sorry, but my children are under no obligation to "help the President," and I wouldn't appreciate them being strongly led to believe through these activities that they are. Even if the goals given are ones I would support, such as trying your best in school, serving your community, etc.-- one does not do those things because the person in the White House asks them to. The President is a *person,* a public servant.. not a god or a king to give commands for people, not to mention children, to carry out on his behalf. This honestly sounds like socialist propaganda to me, and if this is actually going to happen, I find it extremely troubling. Do you find Kennedy's speech including the memorable quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" to be just as troubling? Because that's what this sounds like to me, a call to service to the country. I just am really confused about why this whole thing is so troubling and all I can think is that some people, whether they admit it or not, have a bias against the current president and refuse to accept that anything he does is at least neutral in intention, or possibly even good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Do you find Kennedy's speech including the memorable quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" to be just as troubling? Because that's what this sounds like to me, a call to service to the country. I just am really confused about why this whole thing is so troubling and all I can think is that some people, whether they admit it or not, have a bias against the current president and refuse to accept that anything he does is at least neutral in intention, or possibly even good. I think it's obvious that a speech aimed at the general public, encouraging people to be patriotic and serve, (as has been done many times, by every president of the United States) is MUCH different than the President himself addressing every public schooled student directly, and then his dept. of education sending out specific classroom guidelines that make it very much about *him.* It's creating a cult of personality in the classroom. "How can you help President Obama? What is he asking you to do? Can you do what President Obama is asking you to do?" If you cannot see any difference between Kennedy's quote, and this speech and its related activities for school children, then I would suggest that it might be you who has the bias. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Have students "write a letter to themselves about what they can do to help the President"?! Then ask the teacher to pas them back at a later time to make students accountable to their goals? I'm sorry, but my children are under no obligation to "help the President," and I wouldn't appreciate them being strongly led to believe through these activities that they are. Even if the goals given are ones I would support, such as trying your best in school, serving your community, etc.-- one does not do those things because the person in the White House asks them to. Are you suggesting this is the first time a president has asked something of the people? That this is the only time any president has spoken of or asked for public service? President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address: And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country :I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in. : In the field of world policy I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor—the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others—the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors. If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize as we have never realized before our interdependence on each other; that we can not merely take but we must give as well; that if we are to go forward, we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline, because without such discipline no progress is made, no leadership becomes effective. We are, I know, ready and willing to submit our lives and property to such discipline, because it makes possible a leadership which aims at a larger good. This I propose to offer, pledging that the larger purposes will bind upon us all as a sacred obligation with a unity of duty hitherto evoked only in time of armed strife. With this pledge taken, I assume unhesitatingly the leadership of this great army of our people dedicated to a disciplined attack upon our common problems. You can find something similar from speeches from almost every president in the last 100 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Are you suggesting this is the first time a president has asked something of the people? That this is the only time any president has spoken of or asked for public service? President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address: : : You can find something similar from speeches from almost every president in the last 100 years. :lol: No. Not at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I think it's obvious that a speech aimed at the general public, encouraging people to be patriotic and serve, (as has been done many times, by every president of the United States) is MUCH different than the President himself addressing every public schooled student directly, and then his dept. of education sending out specific classroom guidelines that make it very much about *him.* It's creating a cult of personality in the classroom. "How can you help President Obama? What is he asking you to do? Can you do what President Obama is asking you to do?" If you cannot see any difference between Kennedy's quote, and this speech and its related activities for school children, then I would suggest that it might be you who has the bias. I have to agree that those are critical thinking questions. I ask them of my children all the time. What does the author think about x? What does the author want you to think about x? Do you think the author made a successful argument? And it's not HIS Department of Education any more than it's HIS Department of Defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbasil Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Well, gotta get them on board for their mandatory ObamaCorps service when they turn 18. We've already got them singing songs to him and helping administer the census (which has illegally been moved under Rahm Emanuel's control). When an opponent declares, "I will not come over to your side," I calmly say, "Your child belongs to us already... What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community." - Hitler"We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded." "We're all here for you, it's a circle of love." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtZEfn5VrE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I think it's obvious that a speech aimed at the general public, encouraging people to be patriotic and serve, (as has been done many times, by every president of the United States) is MUCH different than the President himself addressing every public schooled student directly, and then his dept. of education sending out specific classroom guidelines that make it very much about *him.* It's creating a cult of personality in the classroom. "How can you help President Obama? What is he asking you to do? Can you do what President Obama is asking you to do?" If you cannot see any difference between Kennedy's quote, and this speech and its related activities for school children, then I would suggest that it might be you who has the bias. I choose not to be paranoid about the state of our country. I chose to believe that when Bush was president, and I was against just about all of his policies. The world kept on spinning through all 8 years of his presidency. You will survive Obama's presidency too, I promise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyrooch Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Do you feel obligated to follow President Obama's directives? Would you want your child to follow them? Yes! & Yes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I choose not to be paranoid about the state of our country. I chose to believe that when Bush was president, and I was against just about all of his policies. The world kept on spinning through all 8 years of his presidency. You will survive Obama's presidency too, I promise. :iagree: It must be some evil plot on the part of President Obama;). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineFarmMom Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 As much as I don't like this administration, I don't really see anything wrong with him addressing the students. Now, that could change drastically if I don't agree with what he has to say!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 As much as I don't like this administration, I don't really see anything wrong with him addressing the students. Now, that could change drastically if I don't agree with what he has to say!! So if you knew in advance what he was going to say and you didn't agree with it, you wouldn't let your children watch? I would tend to see that as a teachable moment-to explain why I disagree and to ask what the kids think. That is a perfect way, IMO, to show that you can respect someone else's opinion, no matter how different it is from yours, and to explain respectfully that you disagree. And that you don't always have to agree with authority. To me, that's the whole point of critical thinking, and that's what the accompanying questions support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 So if you knew in advance what he was going to say and you didn't agree with it, you wouldn't let your children watch? I would tend to see that as a teachable moment-to explain why I disagree and to ask what the kids think. That is a perfect way, IMO, to show that you can respect someone else's opinion, no matter how different it is from yours, and to explain respectfully that you disagree. And that you don't always have to agree with authority. To me, that's the whole point of critical thinking, and that's what the accompanying questions support. I would be fine with watching an Obama speech with my children and doing just that-- in fact, we do, frequently. In a classroom full of kids, and no parents, it is a *totally* different thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Yes! & Yes! Really? Wow! On what basis do you allow him that authority in your life and in your child's life? As much as I've admired some presidents, I would never have allowed any of them that sort of role in our family's lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I have to agree that those are critical thinking questions. I ask them of my children all the time. What does the author think about x? What does the author want you to think about x? Do you think the author made a successful argument? The questions listed on that form do *not* encourage critical thinking... they encourage the student to *comply* with what Obama says, and merely ask how they will do that.... not question it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 The questions listed on that form do *not* encourage critical thinking... they encourage the student to *comply* with what Obama says, and merely ask how they will do that.... not question it. Before: Who is the President of the United States? What do you think it takes to be President? To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking? Why do you think he wants to speak to you? What do you think he will say to you? During: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about? After: What does the President want us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? What would you like to tell the President? It goes on to say that students will be invited to make a video "explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams." This implies the speech will be about education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirth Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Does anyone think that prefacing the introduction of more Americorps into schools will be a part of the talk? http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/us/politics/22service.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekarl2 Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Do you find Kennedy's speech including the memorable quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" to be just as troubling? Because that's what this sounds like to me, a call to service to the country. I just am really confused about why this whole thing is so troubling and all I can think is that some people, whether they admit it or not, have a bias against the current president and refuse to accept that anything he does is at least neutral in intention, or possibly even good. The quote was not, "Ask not what your president can do for you, but what you can do for your president." I don't really have a problem with this speech or the teacher lesson plans (as long as it's a neutral speech, which remains to be seen). But I can see how some here take exception to the angle of the questions. It does seem to be all about Obama and the presidency and not the country itself. It's an important distinction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) That aspect sort of makes me uncomfortable. Do Presidents usually address children directly, and ask them to do certain things? Does the Dept. of Education usually guide teachers to help children better understand what the President wants from them? I don't remember in school ever being addressed by President Reagan or President Bush, and feeling an obligation to follow his directions. President Bush, after 9/11, directly addressed the children of America asking them to earn and send one dollar to help the children of Afghanistan. Our children were honored to be asked to help. And, they happily did so. My son was just three at the time, but he understood that he was being asked to help other children. Edited September 1, 2009 by Imprimis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claire up north Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 These are key elements of audience participation--thinking about what the speaker is trying to tell one, what they are asking one to do, etc. I think some of them are important to critical thinking--what is speaker asking one to think and do? does the speech make one want to do this? is one able to do this? :iagree: Asking these questions is exactly what anyone should do when listening to a speech, political or otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) I bet this is connected to the new 9-11 voluteer & serve campaign stuff. I have only read 2 pages of replies & about to continue... so, others may have more insight. They are taking the private programs that developed from 9-11 tragedy (helping others, soldiers, etc) and "expanding it" into a civil service type of idea... volunteering to save the environment, helping the poor, etc. It is actually changing the direction or focus of the original intent of organizations who developed the concept... and it has gotten some people a bit upset. I wonder if the speech might be connected with promotion. Something perhaps like Mirth is has mentioned on page 3. Edited September 1, 2009 by Dirtroad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) Do you find Kennedy's speech including the memorable quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" to be just as troubling? Because that's what this sounds like to me, a call to service to the country. I just am really confused about why this whole thing is so troubling and all I can think is that some people, whether they admit it or not, have a bias against the current president and refuse to accept that anything he does is at least neutral in intention, or possibly even good. Perhaps b/c that was about the COUNTRY and you could find ways to serve. This may be more about AGENDA & ways to serve are pointed out or listed. That is a huge difference. Someone mentioned patriotism... but even that today has started being a divided word & doesn't have the same general meaning as in past years. I guess like a new buzz word. from sweetbasil.... "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded." Now that scares me! This hits the old community organizer language & not the leadership speech norms. So if you knew in advance what he was going to say and you didn't agree with it, you wouldn't let your children watch? from OHHomeschooler .... I would tend to see that as a teachable moment-to explain why I disagree and to ask what the kids think. That is a perfect way, IMO, to show that you can respect someone else's opinion, no matter how different it is from yours, and to explain respectfully that you disagree. And that you don't always have to agree with authority. To me, that's the whole point of critical thinking, and that's what the accompanying questions support. I think this would greatly depend upon their age. My elementary kids will not watch him at all. Middle & older with supervision & discussions/analysis. Some of it comes down to "do you trust the speaker" ... pres. of the US or the rotary club. Edited September 1, 2009 by Dirtroad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomLovesClassics Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) Well, gotta get them on board for their mandatory ObamaCorps service when they turn 18. We've already got them singing songs to him and helping administer the census (which has illegally been moved under Rahm Emanuel's control). "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded." "We're all here for you, it's a circle of love." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtZEfn5VrE Sorry, I may be mistaken. The mandatory volunteer program, do they want that to start in middle school? I thought I read that somewhere. Then so many hours in high school and college. there seems to be so much change that OBAMA is attempting to acomplish that I can't keep up. Is it HR 1388 or HR 1444 or the GIVE ACT? The one they plan to promote through the public school system?? Does this speech have anything to do with that? Edited September 1, 2009 by MomLovesClassics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyrooch Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Really? Wow! On what basis do you allow him that authority in your life and in your child's life? As much as I've admired some presidents, I would never have allowed any of them that sort of role in our family's lives. I suppose I should clarify. I missed the word "obligated" in the original post. I am not "obligated" to follow his directives. I do however support the majority of the decisions he is making and the things he is trying to accomplish. I support him for his actions, not his title. I pretty much detested G.W. Bush. While I wouldn't have bashed him to my children I did certainly stress to them why I didn't support him or feel the need to "follow his directives." Obama on the other hand is an individual with ideals (for the most part) that I support so I will explain to my children why I support him and his ideals. So to answer the original question. I "choose" to follow his directives and I wouldn't mind if my children did the same. And for the record. No one has "authority" over my life or my children's life except God. He is my only true "leader" that I unquestionably follow. Like I said, I "choose" to support Obama. I'm certainly not giving him authority over my family. No more that I allow the police dept. "authority" over my family. I respect cops for the positions they hold and I respect Obama for his ideas but they do not have "authority" over my family. There is a BIG difference between supporting someone and allowing them to reign over you. Do you not know the difference? Please know that I do NOT intend for this to turn into a political debate. I know quite well where the majority of individuals on this board stand in regards to the Obama administration. I know that I'm in the minority and I know why. We will simply have to agree to disagree on that particular topic. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I really don't see what the problem is. If I disagree with what he is saying my children and I will discuss it. If I agree, we will discuss it. No different from anything else they ever came home from school with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Sorry, I may be mistaken. The mandatory volunteer program . . . Is it HR 1388 or HR 1444 or the GIVE ACT? It was HR 1388. It has already been signed into law. It has no mandatory volunteer provision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Before:Who is the President of the United States? What do you think it takes to be President? To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking? Why do you think he wants to speak to you? What do you think he will say to you? During: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about? After: What does the President want us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? What would you like to tell the President? It goes on to say that students will be invited to make a video "explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams." This implies the speech will be about education. Yes, I read those questions several times. In fact, I quoted them in several of my posts. I do not see anywhere where students are encouraged to question President Obama, asked to agree or disagree with him, asked whether he made a successful argument, etc. Several posters here have suggested that that kind of questioning will take place in the classroom, as part of a balanced discussion... but there is no mention of that type of discussion in the Dept. of Education form. The focus is on understanding and accepting President Obama's message, and leading each child to share how he personally is going to "help President Obama". I am still hoping that this is just a rumor or hoax, but if not, the fact is that such a direct appeal, by the President of the United States, to all public schooled children, along with guided discussion about how to do "what he wants us to do" *is* unprecedented. To suggest otherwise, imo, is disingenuous. A person may think President Obama is the best president ever, might be thrilled that he will be addressing their children, that their children will have the opportunity to serve his purposes-- but please don't pretend that this has been done many times before by other presidents... it has not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineFarmMom Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 So if you knew in advance what he was going to say and you didn't agree with it, you wouldn't let your children watch? I would tend to see that as a teachable moment-to explain why I disagree and to ask what the kids think. That is a perfect way, IMO, to show that you can respect someone else's opinion, no matter how different it is from yours, and to explain respectfully that you disagree. And that you don't always have to agree with authority. To me, that's the whole point of critical thinking, and that's what the accompanying questions support. No, not really that so much. I may have not worded what I said well. I have no problem with him speaking to students. He's the president, and I just don't see that as a problem...students and people need to respect that office. I was saying I may start disagreeing with him speaking to them, as a whole, if I morally disagreed with what he was going to say. I'd let my kids watch one way or the other because, like you said, we'd talk about the whole thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Yes, I read those questions several times. In fact, I quoted them in several of my posts. I do not see anywhere where students are encouraged to question President Obama, asked to agree or disagree with him, asked whether he made a successful argument, etc. Several posters here have suggested that that kind of questioning will take place in the classroom, as part of a balanced discussion... but there is no mention of that type of discussion in the Dept. of Education form. The focus is on understanding and accepting President Obama's message, and leading each child to share how he personally is going to "help President Obama". It doesn't say "help President Obama achieve his political goals." I am still hoping that this is just a rumor or hoax, but if not, the fact is that such a direct appeal, by the President of the United States, to all public schooled children, along with guided discussion about how to do "what he wants us to do" *is* unprecedented. To suggest otherwise, imo, is disingenuous. A person may think President Obama is the best president ever, might be thrilled that he will be addressing their children, that their children will have the opportunity to serve his purposes-- but please don't pretend that this has been done many times before by other presidents... it has not. After this speech my children and I DID what the President asked of us. We went beyond that and purchased school supplies and asked our families for donations of clothing and school supplies that I mailed to Afghanistan to one of the Civil Affairs guys we know and he took them to one of the local schools. Before we leave, I want to make a special request to the children of America. I ask you to join in a special effort to help the children of Afghanistan. Their country has been through a great deal of war and suffering. Many children there are starving and are severely malnourished. One in three Afghan children is orphan, almost half suffer chronic malnutrition, and we can and must help them. We've created a special relief effort that will be supervised by the Red Cross. We are asking every child in America to earn or give a dollar that will be used to provide food and medical help for the children of Afghanistan. You can send your dollar in an envelope marked "America's Fund for Afghan Children" right here to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity to help others while teaching our own children a valuable lesson about service and character. I hope school classes or Boys and Girl Scout troops, other youth organizations will participate in any way to raise the money to send to the children. Wash a car. Do a yard for a neighbor. And I hope the adults will help them as well. Ultimately, one of the best weapons, one of the truest weapons that we have against terrorism is to show the world the true strength of character and kindness of the American people. Americans are united in this fight against terrorism. We're also united in our concern for the innocent people of Afghanistan. I retain the ability to agree or disagree with the President and still HELP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Maybe if he told everyone to go out and go shopping, that would be acceptable. Or wear a flag lapel pin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I choose not to be paranoid about the state of our country. I chose to believe that when Bush was president, and I was against just about all of his policies. The world kept on spinning through all 8 years of his presidency. You will survive Obama's presidency too, I promise. :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 It doesn't say "help President Obama achieve his political goals." After this speech my children and I DID what the President asked of us. We went beyond that and purchased school supplies and asked our families for donations of clothing and school supplies that I mailed to Afghanistan to one of the Civil Affairs guys we know and he took them to one of the local schools. I retain the ability to agree or disagree with the President and still HELP. I was not a Bush fan. :lol: But we did this as well. My children were happy to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Maybe if he told everyone to go out and go shopping, that would be acceptable. Or wear a flag lapel pin. *snort* I remember that. I also now have the "I Will Survive" song stuck in my head! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 *snort* I remember that. I also now have the "I Will Survive" song stuck in my head! :lol: Dang. I missed my chance for the Blahniks without guilt. I hate myself for not feeling in a gay enough mood to shop till I dropped as we prepared for war. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 The part that bothers me is that the suggestions for discussion *repeatedly* emphasize what the President is "asking me to do." Quotes: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President asking me to think about? What specific job is he asking me to do? What do you think the President wants you to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? That aspect sort of makes me uncomfortable. Do Presidents usually address children directly, and ask them to do certain things? Does the Dept. of Education usually guide teachers to help children better understand what the President wants from them? I don't remember in school ever being addressed by President Reagan or President Bush, and feeling an obligation to follow his directions. Admittedly, I do not trust President Obama in areas such as these, and I'm sure that makes me more skeptical about these sorts of things coming from his administration. I would be interested to know what he *is* asking of these students. Hopefully it's just to do well in school and try their best. Those are just suggestions. The speech is suppose to be about the children's educational goals. Quote: "The President will challenge students to work hard, set education goals, and take responsibility for their learning." http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Before:Who is the President of the United States? What do you think it takes to be President? To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking? Why do you think he wants to speak to you? What do you think he will say to you? During: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about? After: What does the President want us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? What would you like to tell the President? It goes on to say that students will be invited to make a video "explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams." This implies the speech will be about education. Exactly!:iagree::iagree: There is no conspiracy to have our children listen to "records" backwards with hidden messages. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Geeze, if this were Bush speaking to a bunch of school kids I know that many if not all of the conservatives woulda' been ALL OVER IT and talking about how great it is. Just because it's Obama doesn't mean that it is some liberal conspiracy. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Yes, I read those questions several times. In fact, I quoted them in several of my posts. I do not see anywhere where students are encouraged to question President Obama, asked to agree or disagree with him, asked whether he made a successful argument, etc. Several posters here have suggested that that kind of questioning will take place in the classroom, as part of a balanced discussion... but there is no mention of that type of discussion in the Dept. of Education form. The focus is on understanding and accepting President Obama's message, and leading each child to share how he personally is going to "help President Obama". I am still hoping that this is just a rumor or hoax, but if not, the fact is that such a direct appeal, by the President of the United States, to all public schooled children, along with guided discussion about how to do "what he wants us to do" *is* unprecedented. To suggest otherwise, imo, is disingenuous. A person may think President Obama is the best president ever, might be thrilled that he will be addressing their children, that their children will have the opportunity to serve his purposes-- but please don't pretend that this has been done many times before by other presidents... it has not. Quote: "Students can record any questions they have while he is speaking and then discuss them after the speech." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.