The president's speech gave quite an uproar before it was actually given to the munchkins this week.
I'm sure you read the countless extremists' comments warning and protesting the president of the United States addressing the younger population he was elected to lead. North Carolina felt like they didn't have to participate in this nationwide event.
There were administrators giving their teachers the option to tape the 15-minute speech and air it later if it fit into the curriculum.
And some other county public schools were leaving it up to the teachers' discretion completely.
One area actually had it set up where the speech was only showing if it could be worked into the lesson plan for the day.
This system required the parents' approval.
Wow. That's pretty excessive for a speech on education in an academic setting.
His speech included lines such as: "But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities.
Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed."
After prefacing this with other speeches he has given on supporting teachers and parents, I want to know where the threatening line on young minds is drawn.
That line is with the parents. Thankfully, I have had parents who have never pushed politically opinions on me. So when someone asked me who I wanted to vote for, my dad's answer didn't exit my mouth.
The president speaks every term to the young pupils with considerable flak. It's the people who are so quick to jump against the president, no matter who he is, that need their words edited.
Obviously I am for free speech, but the mayhem about an inspiring chitchat with kids in school was taken too far.
Parents were giving permission for their children to miss school because they would be exposed to someone telling them to excel in life.
Maybe the parents should have swapped with their offspring for the day. Or at least read the manuscript for everyone's benefit.
Newt Gingrich and Jim Greer even agreed after it was said and done that it wasn't so bad. I'm sure there is still that obnoxious mother that wouldn't know Obama's health plan from Bush's stimulus plan out there shaking her finger at the school system and the "dumb" president.
Parents: let your kids go to school and decide if they don't want to listen.
If you want to be really extreme, you took them away from a full day of class (minus a 15-minute inspirational speech.)
Let them decide if they want to go against you and side with the Democrats or the Republicans.
It is OK to have opposing views from your children. It makes for more interesting dinnertime conversations. I know my mom and I don't see eye-to-eye when it comes to the political side of life, but, hey, no harm done.
And for the younger ones: have an opinion of your own. Daddy's view does not have to be your view. And don't pretend to have an opinion if you don't. It shows.
I do agree it is slightly difficult to branch out before the collegiate years.
But it is possible to read up on the news (both sides, not just Fox or CNN) and make personal judgements.
It will be satisfying when someone asks you who you are voting for and you can answer with a name you actually know.
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