Even if we dont agree on most things......

acoustic guy

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

acoustic guy

I want to add that I dont know for sure if that is exactly what he is going to ask them but it is what I read more then once....
I am not trying to tell lies here liberal people.

fuck

I was involved in politics as a child and I am grateful for it so no I don't think it's a bad thing.

DeLukin

Kids, this is your brain... and this is your brain on Democracy. Any questions?

Cosmo

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

...
Can you please provide us with the source of this? Where did you hear/read this? Or at least give us something to narrow down the Google Search criteria. When i search for 'Obama' 'Children' I get millions of pages mostly regarding his own kids.

Thanx.

gmarvin

I'm confused...is Obama a socialist or a fascist...people seem to label him one or the other even though the two are on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

norm

Cosmo wrote:

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

...
Can you please provide us with the source of this? Where did you hear/read this? Or at least give us something to narrow down the Google Search criteria. When i search for 'Obama' 'Children' I get millions of pages mostly regarding his own kids.

Thanx.

i'm assuming he means this

http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html

and where he got his outrage

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/200909 ... co/26711_1

Cosmo

norm wrote:

Cosmo wrote:

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

...
Can you please provide us with the source of this? Where did you hear/read this? Or at least give us something to narrow down the Google Search criteria. When i search for 'Obama' 'Children' I get millions of pages mostly regarding his own kids.

Thanx.

i'm assuming he means this

http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html

and where he got his outrage

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/200909 ... co/26711_1

...
So... how does this differ from George H.W. Bush telling kids to stay in school... or Ronald and Nancy Reagan telling kids to, 'Just Say "NO"!'? I guess Reagan and G.H.W.Bush were dirty fascists like Obama and Hitler, too.

CantKeepMeHere

:twisted: seriously? :arrow: :?:

Jeanwah

Students are the future of the country. In what way is trying to communicate with the younger, future generation "wrong"? Remember, the gov't works for us, not the other way around, so I fail to see how this is fascist. If anything, getting young people listening and thinking is much more a benefit than a drawback. We tend to forget that the gov't is supposed to listen to us. Now's our chance.

Some people will read *only what they want to get out of a story*. In other words, if you don't like Obama, you will hardly be objective to anything he does, bottom line. One will always find something wrong with everything.

Talking to younger people, like other presidents have done with the Just Say No campaign, like Cosmo mentioned, is not new. Nor is it something to be shocked about.

Commy

the problem with amerikan democracy is that not enough people are involved in it. the extent of most people's involvement involves checking a box every 4 years, maybe....getting kids interested early is a good thing.

Cosmo

cantkeepmehere wrote:

:twisted: seriously? :arrow: :?:

...
I know...
Do people actually think the President is going to go on television in 5th grade classrooms and drone on about Health Care and the reasons why very large corporations and financial institutions needed heavy government bail-outs? It's going to be one of those, 'Don't be a Fool... Stay In School' things.
How is THAT like Hitler?
Seriously... how is that like Hitler? (I really need to know)

Cosmo

Jeanwah wrote:

Students are the future of the country. In what way is trying to communicate with the younger, future generation "wrong"?

Some people will read *only what they want to get out of a story*. In other words, if you don't like Obama, you will hardly be objective to anything he does, bottom line. One will always find something wrong with everything.

Talking to younger people, like other presidents have done with the Just Say No campaign, like Cosmo mentioned, is not new. Nor is it something to be shocked about.

...
Maybe the reason why they need to speak to the children is because the adults are too fucking stupid.

g under p

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

I absolutely don't agree with you on this one. President Reagan and Bush Sr addressed children and it doesn't appear there was a problem back then. Exactly what is wrong with getting children involved with politics, maybe this might have been the wrong tactic here but maybe if our children were involved in politics we would have less lethargic Congresspeople making our laws.

I believe children should learn about politics through their parents not what a President has asked them to do. I have involved my daughter in the political process when I vote and through peace marches. She understands I like Obama, that I disagree with him many times over and that I didn't vote for him. This will have minimal effect on children's political views as we go forward.

It can be amazing the things children would come up with this political question. Besides anything in this computer age that can assist children to write on paper is a good thing. most are learning or only want to type on a computer.

Peace

Jeanwah

Cosmo wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

Students are the future of the country. In what way is trying to communicate with the younger, future generation "wrong"?

Some people will read *only what they want to get out of a story*. In other words, if you don't like Obama, you will hardly be objective to anything he does, bottom line. One will always find something wrong with everything.

Talking to younger people, like other presidents have done with the Just Say No campaign, like Cosmo mentioned, is not new. Nor is it something to be shocked about.

...
Maybe the reason why they need to speak to the children is because the adults are too fucking stupid.

Many adults are drones. Much better luck with the young and interested, not to mention kids aren't afraid of asking questions.

keeponrockin

Howabout we also stop taking our kids to church..

inmytree

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

Honestly, I can't agree with you in this complaint,...

But Can you agree with me that some will vilify President Obama for anything and everything...?

TriumphantAngel

acoustic guy wrote:

Please tell me you think this is a horrible thing.....to get children involved in Politics. Whichever side you are on, you cant tell me you agree with this?
Obama want to address the children and he wants them to write a note to themselves asking how they can help him? Thats what Fascist rulers do to the children in their country!
Please tell me we at least agree on this one people???

i'm yet to agree with anything i've ever seen you say. i just cannot find common ground with you on anything.
personally, i think it's a good thing, and i just don't see anything wrong with trying to communicate with our future generation.

I'm thinking the only way you would be happy with it, is if the children replied to obama with 'How now, brown cow? How now, brown cow?

You stay classy!

norm

here is the leter sent to principals:

Dear Principal:

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America – he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time.

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.

On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

Byrnzie

Depends on the individual. Some people are geared towards a political frame of mind, some are geared for creativity. It's one of the big questions. Dionysian vs Apollonian, art vs politics.

Check this out...it's brilliant:

William Blake meets Thomas Paine

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tikLELXGoWU
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B__9Ys_cF-k
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMZseIBMyLM
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyG50De9Ado
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2h-101vEFw

gimmesometruth27

i don't see any problem with the president speaking to the kids. i had to listen to the reagans and bushes while in school and i turned out ok. anybody that has a problem with this is seriously making more out of the situation than it really is. stop being so paranoid all the time. obama speaking about something of substance like this in my opinion is much better than pulling a bush and reading "my pet goat".

gimmesometruth27

Cosmo wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

Students are the future of the country. In what way is trying to communicate with the younger, future generation "wrong"?

Some people will read *only what they want to get out of a story*. In other words, if you don't like Obama, you will hardly be objective to anything he does, bottom line. One will always find something wrong with everything.

Talking to younger people, like other presidents have done with the Just Say No campaign, like Cosmo mentioned, is not new. Nor is it something to be shocked about.

...
Maybe the reason why they need to speak to the children is because the adults are too fucking stupid.

amen cosmo. well said. exactly what i was thinking.

Cosmo

norm wrote:

here is the leter sent to principals:

Dear Principal:

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America – he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time.

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website http://www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.

On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

...
Okay... now, i agree with AcousticGuy because after reading that... I am now officially brainwashed to believe I am now a Nazi and ve must kell owl off der Jews... und ve must bekomen der Socialist und wearen der Lederhosen und drinken der LowenBrau... und invaden der Canada mit der blitzen Kreig. Heil Hitl... er... Obama!!! O-bomb-a, O-bomb-a... uber alles...

TriumphantAngel

Cosmo wrote:

norm wrote:

here is the leter sent to principals:

Dear Principal:

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America – he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time.

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website http://www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.

On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

...
Okay... now, i agree with AcousticGuy because after reading that... I am now officially brainwashed to believe I am now a Nazi and ve must kell owl off der Jews... und ve must bekomen der Socialist und wearen der Lederhosen und drinken der LowenBrau... und invaden der Canada mit der blitzen Kreig. Heil Hitl... er... Obama!!! O-bomb-a, O-bomb-a... uber alles...

lol, that cracked me up. too funny cosmo

blackredyellow

At this rate, the right will be all "outraged" out before the mid-term elections... You know things are getting out of control when you have an outright revolt against something that hasn't even happened yet.

If in this video, Obama tells all of the kids to tell their parents to support healthcare reform or some policy issue, then maybe you have a point. But, more than likely it will be some pep talk about working hard, volunteering, staying in school blah blah blah...

If anything it gives parents an opportunity to talk with their kid about politics.

In a handful of months, the crazy right has turned into exactly what they ridiculed the crazy left for being in the Bush years and either are so partisan blind to see their hypocrisy or they don't even care.

fife

hopefully the kids don't act like their parents at all those town meetings. i heard that one person got their fingers bite off yesterday.

lets me honest, Obama is like a rock star and i think kids like him. if him giving a speech about how important education is maybe your highschool drop-out rate will lower. what a concept?

cincybearcat

I personally like the idea of the president addressing the children. I, however, think that his speech should be available to be read prior to him giving it. Parents are a crazy breed and they do have the right to shield their kids from what they believe to be bad for them.


All in all I think it's much ado about nothing. I think it a positive thing.

cincybearcat

fife wrote:

hopefully the kids don't act like their parents at all those town meetings. i heard that one person got their fingers bite off yesterday.

lets me honest, Obama is like a rock star and i think kids like him. if him giving a speech about how important education is maybe your highschool drop-out rate will lower. what a concept?

Let's not get crazy here. Obama giving a speech isn't going to lower the drop-out rate.

Seriously, some people think Obama is a deity or a magician.

polaris_x

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Index

****************
someone really close to my girlfriend spends $10,000 a year to put her 10 year old boy through private school - she basically spends nothing on herself so she can do that ... it's sad to me to think that public education is so bad at that level that she feels she has to pay that amount for her kid to have the opportunities obama speaks of ...

fife

cincybearcat wrote:

fife wrote:

hopefully the kids don't act like their parents at all those town meetings. i heard that one person got their fingers bite off yesterday.

lets me honest, Obama is like a rock star and i think kids like him. if him giving a speech about how important education is maybe your highschool drop-out rate will lower. what a concept?

Let's not get crazy here. Obama giving a speech isn't going to lower the drop-out rate.

Seriously, some people think Obama is a deity or a magician.

i am not saying that it will thats why i put "if". i don't believe that Obama can do everything. i can speak for mtself and i once had a person who i respected talk to me about what i was doing with my life and what i should be doing and it did make me think about where i was going in life.

know1

Forty years ago if the President of the U.S. wanted to address school children, there would have been very little opposition to it no matter what his political persuasion.

Today, people just want to generally be offended by, opposed to, and basically disagreeable to anything and everything that goes on in the world.

I don't like Obama one bit, but in my opinion people are just being foolish and argumentative for no valid reason.

I don't think this is a big deal.

I think children are generally and naturally democratic anyway.