Patterico's Pontifications

9/1/2009

Obama’s Speech to Students

Filed under: Education,Obama — DRJ @ 7:53 pm



[Guest post by DRJ]

President Barack Obama will give a speech to America’s students on Monday Tuesday, September 8. The Department of Education has posted instructional materials to help teachers prepare for Obama’s speech and what Obama wants students to remember. Here is an excerpt from those materials to be used before Obama’s speech for students in grades 7-12 [emphasis supplied]:

“Short readings. Notable quotes excerpted (and posted in large print on board) from President Obama’s speeches about education. Teacher might ask students to think
alone, compare ideas with a partner, and share their collaborations with the class (Think/Pair/Share) about the following:

What are our interpretations of these excerpts?
Based on these excerpts, what can we infer the President believes is important to be successful educationally?”

I decided to do what Obama asked teachers and students to do, so I searched “Obama-speech-education-transcript” and the search returned Obama’s speech in Dayton, Ohio, on or about September 9, 2008. Here are the quotes I noticed and some questions for students to think about:

OBAMA: “Let me — let me be more specific. If we want to keep building the cars of the future here in America, then we can’t afford to see the number of Ph.D.s in engineering climbing in China, South Korea and Japan even as it’s dropped here in the United States. We can’t afford a future where our high school students rank near the bottom in — in math and science among industrialized countries, and our high school drop-out rate is one of the highest in the industrialized world.

If we want to build a 21st century infrastructure and repair our crumbling roads and bridges, we can’t afford a future where a third of all fourth graders and a fifth of all eighth graders can’t do basic math, and black and –black and Latino students are even further behind; a world where elementary school kids are only getting an average 25 minutes of science each day when over 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs require some knowledge in math and science.”

Students, what are you doing to focus your educations on math and science? Art, music, and languages are fine but your first priorities should be math and science. So load up on those subjects and drop liberal arts and fine arts electives. Ignore Barack and Michelle Obama, neither of whom focused on math or science in their education. Forget about your GPAs and take as many math and science courses in high school and college as you can.

OBAMA: “But that’s not the leadership we’ve been getting from Washington. For decades, folks in Washington have been stuck in the same tired debates over education that have crippled our progress and left schools and parents to fend for themselves. It’s been Democrat versus Republican, vouchers versus the status quo, more money versus more reform. There’s partisanship and there’s bickering, but there’s no understanding that both sides have good ideas that we’ll need to implement if we hope to make the changes our children need. And we’ve fallen further and further behind as a result.”

Students, Obama said that “black and Latino children are even further behind,” so ask yourselves why his Secretary of Education helped to end the Opportunity Scholarship Program that provided vouchers to poor or underprivileged Washington, D.C., public school students to use for higher-performing schools. And why did Obama sign a law eliminating the Program? More important, why doesn’t the Obama Administration support the bipartisan bill (S. 1552) that would reinstate the Opportunity Scholarship Program in D.C.?

OBAMA: “When I’m president, we’ll fight to make sure we’re once again first in the world when it comes to high school graduation rates. We’re going to push our children to study harder and aim higher. I’ve worked with Republican Senator Jim DeMint on a bill that would challenge high school students to take college-level courses and make sure low-income neighborhoods and rural communities have access to those courses, and I’ll make it the law of the land when I’m president. And we’re also going to set a goal of increasing the number of high school students taking college-level or AP courses by 50 percent in the coming years because I believe that when we challenge our kids to succeed, they will succeed.”

Students, how many hours do you study a night and how many AP courses have you signed up for this semester? Whatever those numbers are, each one of you should study harder and sign up for at least 50% more AP courses before you graduate. If you don’t study or you aren’t signed up for any AP courses, then find a fellow student and tell him or her to study twice as hard and sign up for twice as many AP classes. Just remind them, “Yes, We Can.”

OBAMA: “Now, I know this sounds like a lot, but we can do it all. We can increase the number of students taking college-level courses. We can expand innovation and school choice. We can invest in the schools of tomorrow. And we can put a quality teacher in every classroom. And you know what? We can do all of this for the cost of just a few days in Iraq. We can do it. We’ll pay for that cost by carefully winding down the war in Iraq, by ending no-bid contracts, by eliminating wasteful spending. So we’ll make these investments, but we’ll do it without mortgaging our children’s future on an even larger amount of debt. We’ll do it responsibly.”

Students, here’s a two-part question: Do you think we can re-invent America’s educational system and do all President Obama promises for “the cost of just a few days in Iraq”? (Bonus points for any student who notes that America is still in Iraq.) More important, what role does Obama’s projected $9T deficit play in “mortgaging our children’s future” and why is Obama acting “responsibly” when he facilitates that kind of long-term burden?

Finally, in his speech last year, Obama talked about giving every American the same chance at a great college education that he and his wife had. Would that be a merit-based education or an affirmative action-based education? Today’s news includes one short-sighted college that decided to eliminate its National Merit Scholarship program because it costs too much and frees up money for needy students. Then again, I wonder how many American leaders and colleges care about merit anymore.

— DRJ

94 Responses to “Obama’s Speech to Students”

  1. It’s like I’m not even posting at The Jury…

    🙂

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  2. Correction: You mean Tuesday, Sept. 8th. Next Monday is Sept. 7th, and Labor Day.

    Alan Kellogg (c3aa1e)

  3. Thanks, Alan. You can tell I don’t have kids in school anymore or I would know that.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  4. A lot of these kids have daddies what studied but don’t have no job and next week there will be more of these kids with jobless daddies and not cause of they didn’t study.

    Our ADD dirty socialist president seems to have trouble staying on task and keeping his eye on the economic ball. Plus also he’s just sort of a dirty socialist wanker generally.

    happyfeet (6b707a)

  5. Bush: No Child Left Behind

    Obama: No Child Left Not Brainwashed

    You might enjoy some of my somewhat amusing Obama graphics at my name.

    I’ve been told I’m funny. OK, my husband is the one who said it.

    Yes WEE Can (ab2260)

  6. Scott,

    Check the first link.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  7. While Barcky and his NEA lackeys are pushing this propoganda on our children, they could be actually learning something. Can we have our kids opt out?

    JD (c971c7)

  8. “But that’s not the leadership we’ve been getting from Washington. For decades, folks in Washington have been stuck in the same tired debates over education that have crippled our progress and left schools and parents to fend for themselves. It’s been Democrat versus Republican, vouchers versus the status quo, more money versus more reform. There’s partisanship and there’s bickering, but there’s no understanding that both sides have good ideas that we’ll need to implement if we hope to make the changes our children need. And we’ve fallen further and further behind as a result.”

    Is it — wait, I know! — one of those — you can see it coming — FALSE CHOICES?

    JVW (d1215a)

  9. I see that now. My apologies…

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  10. Get rid of the Department of Education as quickly as possible.

    charles (eb6028)

  11. Oh, the pressure to choose! I commented at Scott’s post on Jury…

    Dana (863a65)

  12. Obama knows he’s got more people who aren’t fans of him than are. he’s not an idiot.

    he also knows that our nation is bitterly divided. He knows a lot of parents don’t want their kid listening to his speech.

    Bush was in a similar position, and managed to respect that in an admittedly awkward way. He did not shove himself into our homes or schools like this. He backed off because he respected that a lot of people didn’t want this kind of crap.

    Obama doesn’t care that this will up the hostility and division. Why?

    Juan (bd4b30)

  13. Why?

    I’m not at all convinced that he believes he has less than more fans. I think he’s so isolated from the truth and so surrounded by the loyal followers, that that is why is willing to insert himself to directly into the American family. His lack of respect toward the will and rights of parents is not surprising, but should be expected at this point in time.

    The difference between he and Bush with regard to this is that Bush was not tone deaf. Our president is. But is unaware of that fact.

    Dana (863a65)

  14. Cause what his dirty socialist media will do is to go to great pains of duh to point out that this is the first time school children have had a black president speak directly to them, Juan. Barack always gets very historically pigmenty when he wants approval. It’s very douchey of Barack Obama to do that but you’re supposed to pretend you don’t notice, and tv has a lot trained you not to notice even when you do. It’s kind of like suspension of disbelief except specifically for people who watch dirty socialist tv.

    happyfeet (6b707a)

  15. Obama doesn’t care that this will up the hostility and division. Why?

    Because, Juan, Obama is such a narcissist that he truly believes that once he delivers his speech to you that you will see the error of your ways and change your mind. He also knows that the youth are impressionable and generally favorable towards him, so he is trying to work up support for his radical change with the next generation of voters (aided by their NEA teachers, of course).

    JVW (d1215a)

  16. Dana,

    If I were you, I’d comment at Scott’s post. This post is admittedly a rant on my part, but I’m very unhappy about the state of education in America.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  17. I can only hope that the Principal at my daughter’s school sees through this political charade.

    JD (b9706a)

  18. Youngsters will be kept home that day rather than face Obama ‘indoctrination.’

    Mommylife.net’s Barbara Curtis thinks parents should “send their kids back to school September 9 rather than September 8.”

    She’s a self-described recovering, “passionate radical left leader.”

    steve (fdabf6)

  19. DRJ – I, for one, really like the tone.

    JD (b9706a)

  20. Meh. The good schools could not care less — they don’t need Obama to tell them nothing to teach to their students. The bad schools have students who won’t listen to nobody — not their teachers and not Obama. A waste of time for a waste of an empty suit.

    nk (ce533b)

  21. So yes, keep your kids home on September 8th and teach them that the power of America rests in the hands of its people, no one else.

    Absolutely the best way for parents to fight back.

    Dana (863a65)

  22. Dana’s POv is compelling. Who in Obama’s circle is going to tell him he’s unpopular? Does he surf the internet and watch Fox News? Even IGs who aren’t corruptible seem to have a short life expectancy. Obama doesn’t have thick skin, and the people around him have promised these policies would boost his popularity and may be hesistant to admit they didn’t. I doubt Bush’s advisers didn’t tell him that staying the course was not the politically expedient path. but that’s not like giving us ‘free’ health care and buying our clunkers.

    I knew the person who clipped newspapers and magazines for W. Only intern slot in the west wing after Lewinsky destroyed that excellent educational opportunity for hundreds of people (at this point). Every morning before she had breakfast, she’d make a little binder full of different stories. Bush didn’t have time to sort through everything out there. My point is, it would be easy to skew reality in the oval office. It would be stupid, but easy.

    And JVW’s compelling too. The teachers are largely democrats, and there is probably someone in the chain in 90% of the schools who will make life miserable for anyone who is critical of Obama’s speech. It’s a great way to indoctrinate our kids. How many kids are going to be tested on this material? I bet some are.

    Obama keeps on taking over the airwaves (he doesn’t do it so much now that the shows’ seasons ended, though! I worry that Obama will make this a regular event.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  23. In DRJ’s self described ‘rant’ (looks pretty civil to me):

    More important, what role does Obama’s projected $9T deficit play in “mortgaging our children’s future” and why is Obama acting “responsibly” when he facilitates that kind of long-term burden?

    If Obama were a man, he would point out that these kids are indeed the people paying for his policies, and it’s a gift that Obama’s voters gave themselves. He should start and end with a deep expression of gratitude for the work they will have to go through to pay this nation’s crushing debts. He should explain why he’s had to increase the deficit more than all other presidents put together.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  24. Without the liberal media carrying his water and fellating him at every opportunity, Owebama’s approval ratings would be below Bush levels. Suck on that liberals.

    Trying to indoctrinate kids is a cheap dirty socialist ploy and a shameful greasy move.

    daleyrocks (718861)

  25. “The teachers are largely democrats, and there is probably someone in the chain in 90% of the schools who will make life miserable for anyone who is critical of Obama’s speech.”

    My youngest has come home from school spewing Obama’s greatness for the past two years. It is truly truly vomit inducing. Layer that on top of the global warming alarmism they pound into their heads and it is amazing the crap they are being abused with these days.

    daleyrocks (718861)

  26. daley, I’m sorry.

    that is abuse. I would probably have a heart attack from anger if that was my child. Of course, you can turn that around.

    A good teacher could explain what fascism is on September 7th, and then let the kids connect the dots. So could a good parent, though they have every right to avoid hiding the ball.

    global warming hysteria has really gotten into people’s heads. Try to be scientific about it and some folks start freaaaaking out.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  27. And I should add that I’m sure you are a good parent and are turning it around, but I suspect the vast majority of folks out there aren’t in a constant debate by proxy with their school. Which is basically what it takes to be a good parent if your kids are in public school.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  28. Actually, daley, I do believe Obama has separated himself from Bush numbers. And I made an update to my “brief poll comparison” on my site, stating such.

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  29. We can expand innovation and school choice. We can invest in the schools of tomorrow. And we can put a quality teacher in every classroom. And you know what? We can do all of this for the cost of just a few days in Iraq. We can do it. We’ll pay for that cost by carefully winding down the war in Iraq, by ending no-bid contracts, by eliminating wasteful spending.

    I would love to see a blogger (hint, hint) put together a list of every new spending program that Obama has promised can be covered by what we are spending in Iraq. Education, health care, public works, bailouts, etc. — I’ll bet Obama has promised twice the alleged Iraq savings in new spending programs. And, of course, he also promises that Iraq “savings” will somehow be used to pay down the deficit too.

    JVW (d1215a)

  30. My daughter often gave me the liberal lines, even though she’s a self-described conservative. It’s the lines she heard everyone spouting and the lines she heard on news broadcasts. I would rattle off lots of counters to those lines.

    Just this past week, after 4 or 5 years of my countering her lines, she asked me where I got my information. I told her my information came from blogs, Fox News, AM radio.

    Her response? “AM radio, the last place conservatives own.” And she said she actually researched my rebuttals and found out to her surprise I was right on each of them. She didn’t just accept my statements as right (what child does?) but did some research herself. I only wish she’d have done the research before repeating what the MSM and “they” said.

    But I was very pleased to find out the spacey expression and closed body language was not an accurate depiction of her level of interest and openness. Educating, informing and de-poison-ifying your children is very hard work and an endless task, even after they graduate HS and go on to have lives of their own. And it is often a thankless job for years before a vest-button-bursting statement comes from a child who proves to have actually listened.

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  31. You know the first thing I thought when I read what the teachers were planning while the President “speaks’ to students all over the country?

    Hey, I thought prayer in school was illegal?

    Eric Blair (a88004)

  32. John Hitchcock @ 9:36 pm

    That should be encouraging to commenters here with young kids or better yet, teenagers. Nothing we say or do goes unexamined. And aren’t we thankful that they can discover that we are, after all, of sound mind and rational thought…

    Dana (863a65)

  33. The presidential narcissism shines through once again. One of the suggested teaching aid questions for lower graders to ponder is: “what can I do to help the president?” Gee, would it kill them to ask the kids to ponder what they could do to help their COUNTRY?! JFK at least got that one right. How far we’ve fallen in 40 years.

    elissa (8c85f1)

  34. Dana and John,

    Our college-aged son is pretty conservative but even he trots out liberal dogma every now and then. When pressed, he says it’s what he was taught in school. But there is hope. Just this week our son mentioned reading an article I hadn’t seen about a PC event and he was concerned about it, and frankly I think we’re seeing more skepticism from Leviticus, too. Part of it is disappointment in the way Obama is leading the country but I think most of it is the realization they will have a very hard time finding work. Experiencing how politics has real-life consequences is an eye-opener when you’re twentysomething.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  35. I trotted out a very little bit of liberal dogma once and my dad made me finish eating dinner at the formal dining room table all by myself and then after dinner he made a scotch for himself and we had to have a talk where I didn’t say anything.

    happyfeet (6b707a)

  36. I did it once (at dinner) and my Mom made me eat celery soup. It was a long time before I liked celery in anything.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  37. DRJ, as a parent, I had always hoped that my kids would eventually start thinking it through for themselves – not buying into a political pov because we their parents tell them it’s right, and not buying into it because their peers or profs tell them it’s right. But hopefully, over time, they’ll start to ask the right questions and (most critical) be open to the answers (especially from us). That’s why John’s and your comment hit home. My kids are now older and one is a bit of a squishy conservative (I blame UCLA :)), the other two are a bit stronger in their views.

    Most importantly: A parent needs to teach them *how* to think.

    Dana (863a65)

  38. John Hitchcock @ 9:36 pm

    Middle son, junior in college, has finally turned the corner I think but went the route you describe. He wouldn’t admit I was right about anything before doing his own research and only then grudgingly. That’s only fair. Now he knows to take what he hears on the news with buckets full of salt.

    daleyrocks (718861)

  39. Eh, that was a poorly worded comment in #38. To the corner with me for celery soup.

    Dana (863a65)

  40. Great Post DRJ – Amazing how the left, which has systematically taken over education in this country, blames opposition to its monopoly for its failure.

    It’s as if those opposed were sitting in those classes and forcing those kids to not learn.

    The left is never responsible for anything.

    Apogee (e2dc9b)

  41. Heh. It still brings back unpleasant memories, Dana. Thanks for an image that makes me laugh instead.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  42. I’m the rebel, the only conservative in the family. I never had to eat celery soup, but if I really cranked it up I could force every one else away from the table.

    Rats on a log were a staple growing up, btw.

    daleyrocks (718861)

  43. I dunno… I’m a high school dropout, and I’d challenge Obama to a game of chess any day (if you know what I mean).

    Leviticus (f565c1)

  44. Not really. Is that a euphemism or are you talking about a real game of chess? I suspect you could beat him at chess.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  45. You have to get past all twelve of his pawns before you can beat him in chess.

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  46. “frankly I think we’re seeing more skepticism from Leviticus, too.”

    – DRJ

    Heres the thing, DRJ: I’m one cynical Mo – to the point that it’s rubbing off on my father, of all people. The skepticism you see in me is something I’ve had for a while – it’s been a (relatively) long time since I had any faith in any party, to do what it promised or even to conduct itself in an otherwise ethical manner. But make no mistake – I’m not “coming around” to “conservative values” or anything like that. I’m still what you guys would call “a dirty little socialist” – I’m just one who happens to think the Democrats are a bunch of lying bastards. But don’t get me started on either party – the Republicans are no better.

    I’m starting an organization here in NM with the stated goal of getting the state legislature to vote to call a Constitutional convention. That’s how far it’s progressed, for me – to the point of thinking of an end-run around our own Congress as the only hope of any true reform.

    Leviticus (f565c1)

  47. in re: a game of chess,

    No euphemism. I just meant that I think I’m proberly smarterer than that perticular individial. And me bein’ a high-shcool droppy type an all.

    Leviticus (f565c1)

  48. I understand your skepticism isn’t directed solely at the Democrats or the Republicans, Leviticus, but I still think I see more of that quality in your comments in the past few weeks than before the election.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  49. I don’t want Leviticus to join a ‘team’. He’s doing what I feel most people should do – question organizations, people and ideas.

    The one messed up thing about questioning – the more you do it, the less you’re able to buy into any one story again. Eventually especially socialism.

    And that’s a good thing. It’s the foundation of this country. Checks and balances.

    Apogee (e2dc9b)

  50. Agreed. So, Leviticus, tell us about your idea for a Constitutional Convention.

    DRJ (3f5471)

  51. I can see that, DRJ – skeptical and cynical as I am, there were moments during the campaign (brief though they may have been) when I wondered whether or not Obama might have been the real deal. Obviously, I’ve since taken that wondrance out back and put a bullet in its head.

    FOR THE RECORD, I expressed no enthusiasm whatsoever when Obama won on Nov. 2 – I said (more or less) “Whatever; he’s just another stinking (D) politician.” Ask my DC roomies – who still owe me money for the state-by-state electoral pool, I might add. Swindlers.

    Leviticus (f565c1)

  52. To whatever degree schools are failing, I do not in fact blame the teachers. Much more fault should be placed at the feet of parents who somehow think that school is just day care with desks and books.

    Something else I never see addressed is how the US will fund the HS education of every pupil, no matter that they are dumb as a rock. Most nations shunt their less able into trade schools early. It is way easier to send every HS graduate to a university when you’ve already kicked out most of the population.

    A simple reform I would like to see, change the US school system such that it ignores both the bottom 20% and the top 10%. The first group you just aren’t going to do very much for and the latter will take care of itself.

    Soronel Haetir (2b4c2b)

  53. DRJ,

    Any Constitutional Convention that does eventually occur can unfold as it will – I have no particular stake in what people do or do not propose (although I’d at least like to see the notion of proportional representation a la the Israelis considered). The big thing for me is just to get the NM legislature to vote for a Constitutional convention – and then to go to 34 other states and get them to do the same (which would trigger the Article V provision of the Constitution relating to the calling of Constitutional conventions).

    My logic is as follows: our representatives no longer represent us. A two-party system allows members of Congress to effectively ignore their constituents. It was my job as a Congressional intern to tactfully ignore and deflect any person who called the office hoping to reach someone who could address their problem.

    Put another way, the lowest ranking member of a Congressman’s staff is the Legislative Correspondent – the person who deals with constituents: that’s because that person’s only job is to broadly categorize constituent input and feed it into an admittedly impressive computer database that spits the appropriate form letter in said constituent’s general direction. They rank lowest because their job is least important to the boss. Above them are (respectively) Legislative Assistants (who see to it that the boss’ name gets tacked onto various pieces of legislation), the Communications Director (who sees to it that the press hears about said tackings on), the Legislative Director (who, as far as I can tell, monitors the general perception of the boss’ legislative portfolio), and the Chief of Staff (who throws all that other bullshit out the window and worries solely about getting the boss reelected).

    That’s a broken system. And I’m not about to try to go to such a system to get it to reform itself. So the only alternative (other than violent revolution) is to try to do an end-run around the Legislative Branch – and a Constitutional Convention seems to me the best way to do such a thing.

    Leviticus (f565c1)

  54. Soronel, as a former member of the latter, I am deeply offended by your remarks. As a former member of the latter, I was forced to endure years of unchallenging classes because it was more important for me to be in my own age group for socialization reasons. Good for an education system to prevent education for socialization reasons. Also good for those educators to prevent someone who was outside the age-group social structure from learning at a challenging pace. This was my ultimate consideration when I homeschooled my daughter 4 grades in 3 years. The heck with keeping her in the same age group. Put her in the same ability group instead.

    And I homeschooled to provide a more stable footing to combat the anti-truth dept of ed, AFT, NEA, ACLU, etc, ad infinitum.

    Anyone who dares claim the top 10 percent can fend for themselves in the quicksand known as public education deserves to eat my elbow, knuckles first (to borrow from a Mike Warnke story).

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  55. For the record, I graduated HS with a 3.45 gpa in 1984, reduced in later years to a sub-3.4 since the weighted courses were retroactively unweighted. We don’t want the less successful students to feel bad about the fact other students were more successful, after all. To heck with education in our education indoctrination system. Self-worth, however unearned, is more important than learning.

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  56. Comment by John Hitchcock — 9/1/2009 @ 11:31 pm

    I am thinking in terms of more active ignoring, rather than passive. Would save money as well because you aren’t artificially keeping kids around who really don’t belong.

    The sort of active ignoring I envision moves that top 10% out just as soon as the school can no longer provide meaningful education. If I had stayed in the district I started HS I would have graduated halfway through my junior year. Instead my folks packed up and moved to a district that had more to offer.

    Soronel Haetir (2b4c2b)

  57. I think I remember a post on this site or on the other side of this site with a link to an 8th grade final examination from a century ago. I added that info to my site in an educ article. I also added another educ article or so, trashing today’s pub ed syst using numbers, those mathematical things, comparing today’s pub ed to christian schools and home schools.

    I have no desire to ignore anyone, especially the top of the student group. And today’s pub ed sys sucks compared to any other available ed sys. And all ed today sucks compared to pub ed 100 years ago in this country.

    I took the ACT back when max score was 35 and not the 36 it is today. Back before the test was dumbed down and another point was added to it. The four scores it gives, I earned 29, 29, 33, 34. My composite was 31, which meant by my ACT alone, I could get into any college or univ in the US I wanted. My lack of study skills (the lack of challenge from K onward prevented learning those) caused my 3.45, later downgraded cumulative HS gpa and removed me from many college options.

    And I graduated HS in 1984. Pub ed has deteriorated immensely since then. I didn’t learn how to learn until after I escaped high school. Screw the pub ed sys and any who support it, however weakly. It is only a sys to indoctrinate, not to educate.

    John Hitchcock (3fd153)

  58. Obama’s school children indoctrination can be summed up in one word: insidious

    krusher (f1c4de)

  59. I’m not at all convinced that he believes he has less than more fans. I think he’s so isolated from the truth and so surrounded by the loyal followers, that that is why is willing to insert himself to directly into the American family. His lack of respect toward the will and rights of parents is not surprising, but should be expected at this point in time.

    The difference between he and Bush with regard to this is that Bush was not tone deaf. Our president is. But is unaware of that fact.

    Comment by Dana — 9/1/2009 @ 8:28 pm

    Well said, Dana, and also JVW, who pointed out what a narcissist Obama is. But here’s a good line from the teachers’ guide for activities after the speech:

    Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. [emphasis added] These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.

    You see, because it’s not the president The One Obama who serves them, it’s they who are to serve him.

    Teachers thought that’d be a good thing for kids to do. That he’s been inspiring this kind of cult-like adoration in even so many (so called) adults? No, creepy doesn’t even begin to describe this president.

    no one you know (1ebbb1)

  60. I think it all started around 1975-6. I was a sophomore in HS, and I noticed that there was a new “buzzword” that seemed to be all the rage in most of the English and Social Studies courses: “values”.

    Most of the students in my peer group (honors program) saw it for what it was worth – pure unmitigated bullshit.

    Around the same time, one of the “teachers”, who BTW, was not one of the more respected (she was a hippish type of chick) and was a more than a little liberal and vocal about spouting this nonsense, had just received her Doctorate of Education, a truly worthless degree if there ever was one. The only purpose of said degree is to ensure unqulaified dumbasses get overpaid admisistrative positions because they couldn’t teach worth a damn to begin with.

    I remember on of the Social Studies teachers warning that if Carter was elected in 1976, we would have a nuclear war on our hands by the time he left office. That’s how much things had changed since then.

    Dr. K (eca563)

  61. JVW makes a great point in #30 about how many times over the “savings” from Iraq have been spent, literally and rhetorically. I would add to that point that the savings were largely mythical in the first place, as we are still there, and his “savings” came from projecting current spending levels out a decade, something nobody ever envisioned, and then cut dollars that were never going to be asked for.

    DRJ – I think celery soup will quickly become a recurring theme around here.

    Leviticus – you and I should work together. I have been calling for a Constitutional Convention for quite some time, as I envision broad-based support for my proposition to give Lower Quebecistan to Canada.

    JD (0c1fee)

  62. The problem with our education system has absolutely nothing to do with how much teachers challenge students. It has everything to do with the idiotic pop culture society that we have developed that undervalues learning in favor of sports and partying.

    If we want to increase the number of science graduates from our colleges, the first thing that we need to do is change the requirement that all kids get a college-preparatory education. We need to take the children who apply negative social pressure on those who achieve academically and put them someplace else. Take these kids who are in high school for reasons other than learning and put them into trade schools. We’ll probably be helping them in the long run.

    Do that, and academic achievement will become a goal for more kids again. But right now, getting good grades is a good way to get yourself socially exiled.

    Newtons.Bit (8ccdcf)

  63. Mao had his little red book, and all school children were required to have it with them at all times.

    Gaddafi has his little green book, and all school children are required to have it with them at all times.

    I’m open to suggestions as to the color of The One’s book. Perhaps a nice mocha color to reflect His black & white heritage along with His post-racial attitude.

    “Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. That you put down your divisions. That you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones. That you push yourselves to be better. And that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed.” – Michelle Obama, February 2008

    Hope! Change! Snappy Uniforms!

    Obama Uber Alles

    Remember kids, let’s Sing for Change

    Afterall Tomorrow Belongs To Me

    Horatio (55069c)

  64. Constitutional Convention? Egads!

    If you feel like risking everything on one roll of the dice, get yourself to Vegas and bet your own money. Don’t bet our system of gov’t, lousy as it has become, on one grand throw.

    Who do you suppose would get organized and dominate a ConCon these days? Do you think we could get some modern day group of wise founding fathers (and mothers – and other representatives of the 5 or 6 new genders) to give us a new and better republic? Consider me skeptical.

    Gesundheit (47b0b8)

  65. DRJ ________

    plz gave me your e mail address… i wants to talk with you.

    juin sarkar

    juin sarkar (31945f)

  66. Yeah… That’ll happen.

    Scott Jacobs (9b5ed3)

  67. ……..And so the indoctrination of the children starts.

    Duke Nukem (d9d8ce)

  68. Wars we know we’ll get in are much cheaper if we go in earlier.

    We’d have saved a bundle if we had taken care of Saddam in 1991. We’d save a bundle by taking care of Iran today instead of when we inevitably do.

    And if Obama ruins what Bush built in the middle east, he might call that saving money for ‘education’ and whatever else, but it will just be another tremendously expensive gift he’s given today at the expense of tomorrow.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  69. My mom just e-mailed me, asking for info on what channel/what time this broadcast is, because the district wants to show it. At least one teacher wants to watch it as a school in the gym.

    I informed her (she shares most of my politics) that I would have no hand in assisting the district – if the Superintendent and/or tech director wants to do this, they can find it themselves.

    Scott Jacobs (6aff37)

  70. Beautiful, DRJ.

    My husband is a Dem and I’m more conservative, fiscally at least. I think the Dems are a silly party, but I don’t think of myself as a Republican.

    My kids are much more libertarian, and think Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Penn, and Teller have it about right (theoretically at least).
    I don’t care what conclusions they come to in life, as long as they know why they’ve come to them.
    That’s why I can’t abide by the notion that they’d do anything for the President just because he gave a speech.

    MayBee (294fde)

  71. “We need to take the children who apply negative social pressure on those who achieve academically and put them someplace else.”

    Bingo. See Our School by Joanne Jacobs about a charter school that managed this. In fact, they did more than that — they kept most of those kids and turned them around. The team that founded the school created a positive learning culture, and kids that had never experienced that realized that they could achieve after all, and changed. Very inspiring book. Makes you want to found a charter school (and there is a checklist at the end that tells you how to do it!).

    I don’t have kids, but I am very creeped out by this speech. I sent a polite email today to the principal of our local middle school letting them know I find this unsettling, asking if our town is planning to participate, and if so, whether I may attend a classroom presentation to gain a firsthand understanding of the event. At the very least, I want to know what actually happens. If they will let me be part of the discussion, so much the better.

    Sarah Rolph (3a75b8)

  72. Just called the superintendant’s office of our local high school district here in Silicon Valley. They had had 3 calls already today but they have had not formal communications or directions to broadcast Obama’s speech to the kids. They had no plans.

    Fine, I told her, let’s keep it that way.

    One good thing about Big Government is it’s clumsiness.

    Joseph Somsel (e5cbf5)

  73. Don’t keep your students home on Sept 8th – it will only hurt the teachers. The very people who are trying their very best to do what is best for our students. They will have to re-teach everything to those students that stay home and miss out on other important lessons. Write a note to have your student given an opportunity to do something else during the speech.

    Karen (14f80f)

  74. I am so blessed that my kids go to a Christian, private school and do not have to endure the speech by our socialist president. Where will he stop, he’s taken over the banks, the car companies, soon healthcare, then the airwaves. I think the Republic of Texas is the answer. Ya’ll are welcome to visit our revitalized country!

    Barb (27d5ec)

  75. Karen – When the teachers’ political voice starts to coincide with what is actually best for the kids, then I might be concerned about whether or not it will “hurt” a teacher if people keep their kids home instead of subjecting them to this crap.

    JD (f756a6)

  76. alrite so at skol i got this web page desighn class, and ima learn how to make websites, ima make one about me and my rappin career, like put up audios im gonna be makin, try ta get noticed, if any one want i can do the same for them, juss hit me up

    go get ’em, tiger

    happyfeet (71f55e)

  77. “Who in Obama’s circle is going to tell him he’s unpopular? Does he surf the internet and watch Fox News? ”

    LOL @ “does obama watch foxnews.”

    imdw (603c39)

  78. He should, imdw, nearly half of Fox News viewers are Democrats.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  79. Apparently someone finally figured out how controversial students writing letters to themselves about “how they can help the president” was. The line’s apparently removed now. Heh, I say, heh.

    This does not make the utter arrogance of the president inviting himself into every classroom in America any less arrogant however. It’s worse than repeatedly demanding prime time for post-election campaign speeches, of which The One is of course also guilty.

    When it at long last dawns on him that not everyone in America adores him and sees themselves as his servants, utterly at his pleasure and disposal, it’s not going to be pretty methinks. And that day cannot come soon enough. I hope he has a complete meltdown in front of a camera somewhere.

    no one you know (1ebbb1)

  80. “Constitutional Convention? Egads!

    If you feel like risking everything on one roll of the dice, get yourself to Vegas and bet your own money. Don’t bet our system of gov’t, lousy as it has become, on one grand throw.

    Who do you suppose would get organized and dominate a ConCon these days? Do you think we could get some modern day group of wise founding fathers (and mothers – and other representatives of the 5 or 6 new genders) to give us a new and better republic? Consider me skeptical.”

    – Gesundheit

    At this point, Gesundheit, I am willing to risk it; and I think a lot of people – perhaps even enough people – feel the same way.

    Every day we allow this system to continue is a day we allow Congress to spit in our collective face without repercussions – and to piss all over the values the claim to uphold, to boot. I’m tired, man. Enough. Enough, already. We shouldn’t accept a destructive and demeaning political system simply because we’re afraid to try something new, and I won’t anymore. But it’s a democracy – so, if it’s important enough to you, do whatever you think you need to do to stop me. I certainly won’t hold it against you – hell, I even understand where you’re coming from.

    Leviticus (1daf74)

  81. Leviticus – I will agree to help out your crusade so long as you agree to help me give Minnesota away, and to ban socialism and socialisms in the new Constitution.

    JD (f756a6)

  82. […] no one you know and The Campaign Spot, it seems the Education Department has removed the section of the […]

    Patterico’s Pontifications » Obama’s Education Department Wakes Up (e4ab32)

  83. This does not make the utter arrogance of the president inviting himself into every classroom in America any less arrogant however.

    It actually is not at all unheard of.

    The activity packet, however, is new to my knowledge, and is the far more troubling of the items.

    Scott Jacobs (d027b8)

  84. cool more comment spam.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  85. As far as Im concerned we don’t need Obama telling our children to stay in school.
    If Obama wants to preach that message he ought to be doing it in black schools where kids get pregnant at 13 and where 50% of them are too lazy to finish school anyway.

    We do just fine, instilling in our children a sense of responsibility and a work ethic.
    We don’t rely on the government for handouts.
    Our kids don’t get preferential treatment
    There are no quotas for our kids.

    Obama should save his “stay in school speeches” for his own people.
    They’re the ones who really need to hear that message

    Norris Hall (abb519)

  86. Norris, fuck you. Whether you’re real or fake, we’re all one people, white and black. Obama’s just as bad for a black man as he is for ‘your people’.

    Juan (bd4b30)

  87. […] Patterico’s Pontifications » Obama’s Speech to Students […]

    president obama s speech to students | Latest News | Hot News | Recent News (38d323)

  88. Whether you’re real or fake, we’re all one people, white and black.
    Comment by Juan — 9/4/2009 @ 4:09 am

    Nice catch Juan.

    Stashiu3 (ed6467)

  89. What can his speech hurt. Truth is, our students are falling behind other nations and their futures could be at risk because of that. I’ve had foreign exhange students laugh at how easy our schools are and how focused on entertaining kids, not just educating them out schools can be. What can hurt to have our president speak to our children and make an effort towards motivating them.

    tam (c1642d)

  90. tam, so you’ve paid no attention at all to the actual controversy? You’ve just jumped in pretending that nothing has gone on at all.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  91. The President’s speech is not the problem…Hey he is the President and can address any group any time he sees fit…..He is using technology the best way – hats off to his advisors… Now who got this mess started??? It was the stupid DOE…that is Department of Education which submitted the original “speech course outline” first draft making it mandatory for all schools to follow – giving Teachers a strict guideline to follow with very strict “suggestive questions” and did not leave room for the Teachers to address or communicate with their students in a non bias forum – absolute crap…by the way none of you all knew about it until the public demanded to see this document. As it was sent to all School Administrations: the first draft was terrible – so bad even Kim couldn’t touch it! Now since August 25th – MOST Teachers did not know it even existed until this past Wednesday – how wonderful is that — real smart. Now out great DOE – wonderful DOE has sent out several other drafts and toned it down on the “suggestive course outline”. You can finally read the final draft at http://www.ed.gov I would encourage you all Left or Right to review it. They finally took out the wording: “mandatory, parent / child accountability” among other wonderful terminologies. The schools whom have opted out was not because of our President’s speech it, this was driven by the B^&%$SIY* that the DOE placed upon the school systems – holding them for “extortion” if the schools did not broadcast the speech and follow this “course preparation pre – during – post – guidance document”…. So Yea I am a Right dude – and I do back up the President no matter who he addresses – however the Idiot and I use that loosely who made the mess was the DOE Czar and his board – as the original document would make Castro cry like a baby….Anyone have the original draft before all the DOE Lawyers watered it down…. The DOE Czar needs to resign, be fired or go clean toilets because his organization really made a mess of things, waited a lot of people’s time and made a mess of our President’s ability to make one heck of a good speech to the kids of the US….. SO DOE Czar you need to do what your Environmental Brother Czar did last night… QUIT!

    oldetomycar (4906a5)

  92. I don’t think I was listening to the same speech as most of those who commented above were (if they even did listen to it). It was motivational and non-political in nature, over all very good and should be inspiring to anyone with an open mind. Too many people don’t motivate their children to do their best in school.

    Jim

    J. Lefevre (b94a00)

  93. Oh good Allah.

    JD (c40e14)


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