As a teacher, and yes, a Conservative, here is my take:
I am not opposed to the president, any president, speaking directly to our school children. I would encourage it, in fact. However, I will not be showing the address in my classroom, and here is why.
First, we have not been given a preview of what is going to be said. Yes, we have been told that it will be a speech about, "challenging students to work hard, set education goals, and take responsibility for their learning." Which would be great, if we could trust that this would be all that was in the speech.
Second, to play a live broadcast in school, or any media which has not first been previewed is grounds for disciplinary action. So, for that reason alone, I could, and should say that I won't show it.
Third, if the message is even in the slightest way political in nature. If it is tailored to make kids like Obama, or to suggest the idea that his side is better than any other, it is propaganda, and I won't participate.
Fourth, even if their reasons are over the top, alarmist, etc... we should be listening to what the parents are saying. Already, even the schools here in one of the most Liberal areas in the nation are getting phone calls from parents. We work for them.
Fifth, what if I don't show it? My principal has not yet said anything about it. However, I got an email from my previous principal (I'm still on his mailing list) and he is asking if we will be showing it, and what help we need, if any. My wife's principal has stated that it will be shown, even if parents threaten to withdraw their students. Nothing is being said about what questions might be asked if you don't show the live broadcast.
Sixth, according to some news outlets, the speech will include encouragement to use federal money for schools. Can you say: Strings Attached?
Now for my wacko outlook. This speech will be harmless. So will the next one. And the one after that. But a certain flavor will begin to encroach upon the delivery in one way or another. By the time the fourth annual speech to our "schoochilden" (yes, that is the way the White House press release spelled it initially.) is given, there will be a noticeable lean to one side, it will be an election year, and Obama will be explaining to the children that it is important to vote for "democratic" ideals. He will explain to the children that it might be time for him to say goodbye, that he may not win the election, that he will miss them, and that he hopes to serve the country for another term.
Are you catching on?
I am not opposed to the president, any president, speaking directly to our school children. I would encourage it, in fact. However, I will not be showing the address in my classroom, and here is why.
First, we have not been given a preview of what is going to be said. Yes, we have been told that it will be a speech about, "challenging students to work hard, set education goals, and take responsibility for their learning." Which would be great, if we could trust that this would be all that was in the speech.
Second, to play a live broadcast in school, or any media which has not first been previewed is grounds for disciplinary action. So, for that reason alone, I could, and should say that I won't show it.
Third, if the message is even in the slightest way political in nature. If it is tailored to make kids like Obama, or to suggest the idea that his side is better than any other, it is propaganda, and I won't participate.
Fourth, even if their reasons are over the top, alarmist, etc... we should be listening to what the parents are saying. Already, even the schools here in one of the most Liberal areas in the nation are getting phone calls from parents. We work for them.
Fifth, what if I don't show it? My principal has not yet said anything about it. However, I got an email from my previous principal (I'm still on his mailing list) and he is asking if we will be showing it, and what help we need, if any. My wife's principal has stated that it will be shown, even if parents threaten to withdraw their students. Nothing is being said about what questions might be asked if you don't show the live broadcast.
Sixth, according to some news outlets, the speech will include encouragement to use federal money for schools. Can you say: Strings Attached?
Now for my wacko outlook. This speech will be harmless. So will the next one. And the one after that. But a certain flavor will begin to encroach upon the delivery in one way or another. By the time the fourth annual speech to our "schoochilden" (yes, that is the way the White House press release spelled it initially.) is given, there will be a noticeable lean to one side, it will be an election year, and Obama will be explaining to the children that it is important to vote for "democratic" ideals. He will explain to the children that it might be time for him to say goodbye, that he may not win the election, that he will miss them, and that he hopes to serve the country for another term.
Are you catching on?
atriot:
