And therein lies the problem for this teacher. It adds nothing to what, for my students, is the third week of school -- and detracts from what we ought to be doing in my classes.
Last month, my district gave me a rather detailed calendar of what I am supposed to be teaching and when. It maps out day by day what should be going on in my classroom. And do you know what? Nowhere does it include spending a class period listening to a speech unrelated to my subject matter. But in an already shortened week, I'm now expected to do that with each and every one of my classes -- and yet still be on target for the district-mandated test that is based upon that original calendar, and which is used to evaluate, in part, how effectively I am teaching my students.
Now don't get me wrong -- I don't object to the president speaking to students in our nation's schools. I would just prefer that it was a speech relevant to what is supposed to be going on in my classroom. Want an example? Several years ago, Senator Robert Byrd (D-KKK) pushed through an unfunded mandate that all schools teach about the Constitution on September 17. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if, instead of the presidential pep talk that the kids will get this week, students were instead given a lesson on the Constitution by a man who has, after all, taught Constitutional law? Imagine the opportunity for discussing different views of the Constitution, the role of the presidency, or individual liberties! I'm sorry to say it, but what we are getting instead is a missed opportunity for real learning.
Of course, there are a couple of other issues that have been at work here in creating the controversy about the speech. The first has to do with lesson plans, while the second has to do with protocol.
In regard to the first, let me just say that the initial inclusion of a lesson that required students to write letters about how they could "help the president", and the follow-up activity designed to "hold students accountable" for having done so, was absolutely ripe for controversy, regardless of the president. Imagine the howls if such a plan were sent out regarding George W. Bush rather than Barack Obama. There would have been howls of outrage over it -- and I would have agreed with those complaints.
Do I believe that someone at the White House created those plans? No, I don't, nor do I believe that they were vetted at that level, either. I think someone at the Department of Education simply missed the mark with what they were trying to do, and that others were tone deaf to the problem until it became a blogospheric controversy. But the reality is that, just as you cannot unring a bell, they could not undothe damage that had already been done with the lesson plan.
And then there is the other issue -- the move by the Department of Education to exclude school districts from the decision-making process by appealing directly to building principals to show the speech. That is simply improper, because school district officials -- whether the board or the superintendent -- are ultimately responsible for such decisions. One local school board president put it quite well in addressing Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, himself a former school superintendent, about that protocol violation.
I understand that your office sent a request to all of the school districts across the country, which was addressed to our principals that our students tune into an internet broadcast by President Obama next week. As the request was sent directly to our principals and not through the proper protocol of our administrators, you have created a state of confusion. You of all people should know you cannot allow that type of request to be distributed to our staff, without going through the proper channels.
As a former Superintendent, I am sure you realize that our curriculum is very stringent and deliberate. In addition, as a former superintendent, I am sure you realize that your request will only disrupt the lesson plans that have already been developed for that day. Finally, as a former superintendent, you must realize that your request appears to have some political ramifications.
He is, of course, exactly right in pointing out that this speech is a distraction and a disruption in every school and district in the country -- for those of us already long back in school, for those whose first day is September 8, and for those who will not have even returned to school on that date.
Will the speech be shown in my classroom? Yes, it will -- in each of my classes on Thursday. Our district won't let us all show it at the same time for fear of crashing the district servers if we all try to get it live (the speech is a webcast, not a television broadcast). I have a spot in my lesson plan where I can wedge the speech without too much disruption on Thursday, so we'll do it then. Other social studies teachers in the district will do it Wednesday or Friday, as best fits their schedules. But we all know that the bungling in Washington means we will have students whose parents opt them out of the showing of the speech -- an unfortunate yet understandable response to the mishandling of the entire matter in our nation's capital.
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What is wrong with a president encouraging kids to do well? It's important for children to be able to respect their leaders, and Pres. Obama is a thoughtful, insightful, leader. He might even inspire some of these kids who hear him to think maybe they can someday aspire to be president, and that's great! Hearing your country's president encourage you to be a hardworking, thoughtful, attentive student is a very good thing--not an interruption to assignments; the long term impact could be tremendous! It's simply silly politics--and short-sightedness to cut out the president's encouragements to our children. I share this as a mother and a former teacher--who had my curricula to follow-- and someone who values all children believing in themselves and doing their best. Stop the politics and think about what's really best for the kids--long term.
Posted by: Eileen Knoff at September 07, 2009 07:21 PM (XaD6D)
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Wow, I sure am glad I don't have any children in school that might be forced to listen to Mr Obama's propaganda. The importance of getting an education and bettering oneself is definitely NOT the American Way. The President needs to stop encouraging schoolchildren to excel because we don't need educated people in this country, all it does is make the reactionaries feel ignorant. It's okay to be ignorant, just not okay for somebody else to make you think you are, and that is precisely what Mr Obama is doing.
When this ridiculous flap started, I tried my best to find some objection that wasn't racially biased. All the Presidents before this one could come on TV and speak all day, and no one would have uttered a peep, why all the (unfounded) vitriol now?
We all(reasoning people, that is) know the answer.
If the only reason you object to the speech is because the President happens to be black, that makes you a racist. Own it. If you object to the speech because the ReThuglicans told you to, that makes you cattle, following the herd like a good little ignoramus, because your education didn't include the ideas of free thought and dispassionate analysis. I do not agree with everything the President does, but at least he didn't lie to us about WMD's or compromise a citizen's security because her husband disagreed with him. But that's okay, because Dubya is the unquestioned icon of those who value division and ignorance over unity and if not wisdom, the path by which to attain it.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 07, 2009 08:17 PM (ojQeb)
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The department of education is forbidden by its authorizing legislation to have anything to do with curriculum. It certainly can not change lesson plans of schools. Those are valid concerns.
I like the speech, itself. I wish that it had been handled better.
Posted by: Republican David at September 07, 2009 09:26 PM (4s6Mz)
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Barbara, you discredited your entire comment the second you start claiming the reason for folks objecting is Barack Obama's race. The only folks talking about race are left-wingers like yourself who don't want to deal with the objections offered by conservatives.
And Eileen, I respectfully (and I do mean respectfully) disagree with you on this one. The mishandling of the lesson plan issue created a concern that could not be overcome for some people. I don't fault Obama personally on that, but understand the concern that some folks had. But my objection remains -- we don't need a presidential pep talk for our kids.
And David, my friend -- the lesson plans were not mandatory, and are the sort of thing that get offered by government agencies and private organizations all the time. Don't read more into it than there is -- it was not an attempt to mandate curriculum.
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I completely agree with your assessment of the situation. I was pleasantly surprised to see a "conservative" message. The only part in the message that did not sit well with me was President Obama's challenge to not fail because you will "fail your country." I don't personally feel that is an appropriate message and is an additional burden to place on our children. They have enough to contend with today without worrying about whether or not they will fail their country. Especially as kindergartners.
I am adding a link of your blog to my blog roll as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you so much for sharing your wise perspective.
Posted by: Dominique at September 08, 2009 11:33 AM (mkP+e)
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Rhymes with Right, YOU discredit yourself, I see you did not give your NAME, you know, the one you were given at birth. And, if you will go back and read my comment, I have not claimed what you attribute to me. You know, my grandma always told me that someone who seeks to vehemently decry a supposition or characterization are usually the ones who are most guilty of it. Maybe time to look in the mirror?
The fact that we have a black(half black, really, though I and you know that whatever other half he is the only half that matters is the black half) President makes some of you want to make believe racism is dead in America. It is not dead yet, but it is dying, thank Goddess. You have no further to look than your own neighborhoods, schools, churches, workplaces. Face it, RACE MATTERS in this country more than anything except maybe money. And it matters most to those who would see a speech encouraging children to do their best in school as brainwashing, subversion or sacrelige even though speeches similarly given by other Presidents before reflect similar sentiments. So, answer me, Rhymes with Right (white?) why the objections?
If you want race out of any equation, take it out of your homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces. No one can do it but you. If it were so now, this ridiculous flap would not have taken off in the first place
THAT IS A FACT
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 01:12 PM (z/HGM)
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And by the way, I am not a left winger. I am and Independent with centrist leanings who has voted Republican when I felt that that person was right for the job. I wouldn't vote for a ReThuglican now for dogcatcher! Conservatism does not appeal to me because the politics of division is more dangerous for these United States than you realize.
A house divided against itself cannot stand
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 01:37 PM (z/HGM)
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Bullshit, Barb! Your ad hominem attacks, continual appeal to racism, and use of "ReThuglican" is proof that you are a hard leftist. Now go crawl back into the sewer where you came from, and keep your trashy ass off my blog.
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Oooh, name calling! The absolute last resort of someone who is bereft of anything relevant to say! I STILL don't see your name nor did you answer my question...Why the objections?
Since this is America I WILL come to this blog to shine some light into the dark corners of the psyches of you and those like you whenever I damn well please, you got that? and there's nothing your trashy, sewer-dwelling, inbred, beer-swilling, hatemongering, Klan sympathizing, NASCAR watching ass can do about it. Don't that just burn your grits? I love it, love throwing up the crap you and all you conservatives spew back in your faces! So what if I were a leftist? I am not ashamed of ANYTHING I feel think or do. You must be ashamed of yourself and your idea(l)s, otherwise you'd print your name, let everybody know just who you are. Come on, put up or shut the hell up!
And while you're at it, answer the question I posed...Why the objections? I suppose you'll start again with the namecalling, pointing out in stark relief the FACT that YOU are guilty of everything I've said.
I am eagerly awaiting your next diatribe.
You call yourself conservative, what are you trying to 'conserve' or save? White Right and Privelege, and you see it going the way of the dinosaur. That's exactly where it should go, and I thank the Goddess for the young people of all ethnicities in this country who are going to make sure it dies the death it needed to long, long ago.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 06:32 PM (z/HGM)
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1) I don't have to justify my use of a pseudonym. The Founders of this country often wrote under pseudonyms, so their example is good enough for me.
2) For a moderate independent, you sure do sound like a race-hating moonbat.
3) My blog, my rules. Precisely who the hell do you think you are coming here and telling me to "put up or shut the hell up" on my own site? So let me suggest that you eff off, bitch!
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No less than could be expected from a hatemongering right wing nutjob who lacks the courage to stand for what he believes in without his white sheet obscuring his identity. It may be your blog, but since it IS public, your "rules" mean about as much as this period at the end of this sentence. Don't like it? Make it private, I won't come looking for you.
You STILL haven't answered my question!
Who the hell do I think I am...somebody with something to say who has no compunction about saying it OR signing my name to it. Who the hell are YOU? Do you know or have the RETHUGLICANS told you who to be for so long that you don't know anymore? I really wish you would answer my question, but your continued intransigence indicates to me that you have no answer that makes any sense to any reasonable person. Probably doesn't make sense to you, which is another reason I have no answer yet. So, Adolph, you racist son of a donkey dick effing bitching bastarding bitch, answer me or admit that you are just what you are Just for the record, I HATE RACISTS OF ANY STRIPE. You just happened to be the one who drew my fire is all.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 07:54 PM (z/HGM)
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Gee, Barbara -- you sound like a crack whore jonesing for her next fix.
Actually, I'm pretty sure you ARE a crack whore jonesing for your next fix.
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And calling people names dose not help them to understand your views on a subject, as you can see with your bout with Mrs. Barbara Williams.
Posted by: Brian Heyde at September 08, 2009 08:44 PM (z/HGM)
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Oh, and the funny thing, you race-baiting strumpet, is that no where did I object to the president giving a speech to the nation's children.
I actually argued that I would rather have him give a speech on his area of teaching expertise, the Constitution, rather than a pep talk.
I said that this man who has taught at one of the finest schools in the United States ought to share his knowledge of our nation's founding document with the students in America's schools.
I suggested that a man who is, by accounts of those who are acquaintances and associates of both myself and Barack Obama, a brilliant intellect would do more by sharing some of his knowledge with our young people.
If that makes me a racist, it would appear that it is the most respectful form of racism that I've ever heard of -- one that treats the supposed inferior as someone to respect and learn from.
Let me guess, you insipid tart -- you didn't even bother to read any of what I wrote beyond the first paragraph or so. You saw a criticism of the speech, and decide at that point to play the race card. Guess what -- the race card doesn't work here, you stupid wench.
And as for my use of a pseudonym, I choose to use it for professional reasons.. And you have my first name at the end of every post on this blog -- and my unusually spelled last name "rhymes with right". If that isn't enough for you -- go turn another trick so you can smoke another rock.
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Brian -- With all due respect, I'd rather that my students get more than a pep talk. I'd rather that they actually learn something. As I've indicated -- I believe that there was an even better use of the time the President took out of so many school days, namely actually educating those students. One of the many hats Barack Obama has worn in his life is that of teacher -- I wish he would have taken the time to actually impart some knowledge about his field of expertise (the Constitution) rather than give a platitude filled speech.
And as for Barbara -- who says I'm trying to persuade her of anything. She's a troll, and so I'm taking a little bit of pleasure clubbing her like a baby seal (creatures that are cuter, smarter, and more useful than she is).
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And what did they learn from H. W. or Reagan, pray tell? So we see BHO is being held to a different standard than they. Separate but equal, right? Still name calling , I see, and you still haven't answered my question or had the nerve to sign your name to your comments. Coward!
Sorry to disappoint you, I don't do crack and I am nobody's whore. Look to your wife for that one whomever he or she is. S/He could probably teach ME a few things in that area.
I would have considered your comments seriously had you not started with the strident tone and name calling. And I'm so sick of people like you hiding behind pseudonyms and petty disagreement to misdirect true seekers away from your REAL agenda. I was directed to this site from one that printed the speech, and all I wanted to know is the same question I've been asking all along...why the objections? I STILL have no answer, and I can see I won't get one from the likes of you!
I suppose I can expect no better from a wingnut that has no answer for his horseshit other than to resort to name calling.
Why the objection? ANSWER MY QUESTION, with reason, and I might be moved to quit making you look like the shitty asshole you truly are.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 09:34 PM (z/HGM)
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Actually, Barbara, did you read Reagan's speech? It was all about America's founding values and self-government. It was a teaching speech -- and if Barack Obama gave such a speech I would be thrilled to hear it and have my kids hear it.
As for the Bush speech, I found it disappointing for the same reasons I found Obama's speech disappointing -- too many platitudes, not enough teaching. And had I been in a classroom in 1991, I would have griped just as much about the Bush speech as i have about the Obama one. By the way, you do realize that the Bush speech provoked a congressional investigation from Democrats who considered such a speech a waste of federal money and a politicization of our nation's classrooms. Seems to me that Obama got treated just the same way, so you know where to shove your false allegation of racism.
You asked what the objections were to the speech. The common ones were mentioned in my post. I've reiterated my main one in the comments. It doesn't seem to satisfy you, and you still keep flinging around the utterly meaningless term "racism" as if it means "failed to fall down and worship Barack Obama as the new messiah." I don't know what more you expect.
Lastly, YOU came here and started with name-calling and false accusations of racism. Why you would expect a courteous response to anything after having done so is beyond me. You then began setting conditions upon which I was allowed to speak and post on my own site -- a mighty arrogant position from someone who is a visitor here. After you post your street address, employer, and home and work phone numbers here I will consider your demand for my full name -- and probably reject it as irrelevant. Judge my position on the speech on its merits -- you don't need my name to do that.
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Brian -- the difference between when a teacher gives a pep talk in class and when a president commandeers every classroom in America for one is that the teacher knows the students and their needs and gives it at an appropriate time. Obama, God bless the man for his good intentions, doesn't know those things and cannot know them for every classroom from his perch in the Oval Office. That is why I would rather have content over a pep talk.
As for my treatment of Barbara, let me share a story. A few years ago, I had a guy show up on a post about Israel one day spouting all sorts of lunacy. Anyone who disagreed with him was a Zionist -- indeed, anyone who dared support Israel was not a real Christian and was going to burn in Hell as an apostate. I spent days trying to politely show the man my point of view -- and every time I did he questioned my patriotism, my faith, and my eternal salvation. Never did he actually address the points I made in my posts where he commented -- he simply showed up ready to spout his pre-fabricated load of anti-Semitic nonsense. Barbara, with her pre-fabricated talking points about racism that in no way deal with what I actually wrote in my post is just such a commenter -- and so I treated her with the exact same sort of contempt that I should have shown from the beginning towards that earlier commenter. She's not here to discuss and to engage -- she's here to repeat the same hackneyed Obamunist talking point over and over, namely that any disagreement with Obama makes one a racist.
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1 I did not call anyone any names. I wrote IF you object because he is black..et al. That does not qualify as pointing to someone and accusing. "If" is a qualifier, if you remember your English classes
2 Reagan's speech was HIGHLY political, yes I did read it, why(and it was a LOOONG time ago) do I not remember any objections from those who hold up the Constitution so faithfully? WHY?
3 Everyone is a visitor here, I do believe. You don't like my being here because I know who you are, and called you on it. You prove it with every name you call.
4 I have given you my name, I asked for yours. You are in no danger of losing your teaching job by divulging said information, because I'm sure everyone around you acts, feels and thinks the same way you do.
5 If you had judged MY position on its merits instead of looking for something to object to, being a reactionary, there would not have been all this nastiness. I am able to digest an opinion that is different from my own, especially if it is presented with REASON and is FACTUAL.
I found no reason in any objections I read before I was directed to this site, and I guess it was my stupid faith in human intelligence that made me think I might find it here. My bad!
6 I would love to give you my address and other vital info, but I'd hate to be driven to measures that would not make me proud of myself should you come here and attempt to confront me. I only asked for that which I so freely give.
7 I don't fall down on my knees and worship ANY human, and neither should you or anyone else. We humans are much too flawed to be upon such a pedestal. Conservatives worshipped Dumbya that way, probably still do. "God is in the White House" What a crock!
8 Give me a legitimate reason to object to this speech. I objected to Reagan because he made it fashionable to be racist again. I objected to his policies of financing the Sandinistas with cocaine sold to our people, all our people, which he didn't see as a problem until it became a problem for other than the minority communities.
9 When you wake in the morning and check this blog, I want you to answer to yourself a serious question, and don't take the first answer that pops into your head. Who am I, what do I believe, and is it right, not only for yourself and your family, but the entire human community. Would you want to be the one some of this mess is targeted at? Your children?
10 I loved Michael Jackson, had ambitions to become his wife one day when I was young, until I found out he didn't like women, but would rather molest little boys. He wrote a song called "The Man in the Mirror" that brought me to tears and made me think about some of the things I was doing and thinking, and about what I could do to make the world a better place. I am only one person, but that's how things begin, with one person willing to step up and put themselves out there for the greater good.
I implore you to reject the politics of division and work to promote unity wherever you are, one person to another at a time.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 11:18 PM (z/HGM)
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1) Actually, you started out by saying you could think of only one reason for the objections -- race. That despite the fact that I had already given my reasons in the post. So yes, you did start with name-calling and accusations.
2) There were two paragraphs that talked about Reagan's policies in the context of current world events, but the speech was not highly political. Go back and read it again.
3) No, I don't like you here because you came in here playing the race card without even reading my whole post. You knew what talking points you were going to use before you ever navigated to my post about the speech.
4) I've had to fight the attempts of "liberals" to get me fired on a couple of occasions over this blog, which is why I scrubbed it of my name. Also, I keep my name off so that my students don't come here and make it necessary to discuss my blog in class. It is the same reason I don't Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
5) I gave my reasons, but you still haven't bothered to read the post or subsequent comments -- proving that ther is little intelligence or intellectual honesty on your part.
6) I don't actually want any of that info -- I was pointing out how unreasonable your shrill demands are.
7) Sorry, but I don't believe you -- you sound like a drugged-out cultist. And if you were familiar with this site, you would know I had plenty of criticism for the former president.
Already gave them to you. And the fact that you attack Reagan and not his speech (and use the documented false charge about selling drugs in the black community) proves to me that you are intellectually weak and dishonest.
9) I know who I am, what I believe, and that it was right. And if Obama doesn't like what he is getting, he (and any politician) can resign from office and return to private life.
10) You came here sowing the politics of division -- and quoting Michael Jackson songs like they have any sort of deep meaning shows what a shallow thinker you really are.
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We all know who and what you are. And if those who frequent this blog didn't know it before, they know it now. I came here to ask a question. YOU did the rest. Everybody with half a brain knows rightwingers are racist, classist, sexist idiots, and if you don't want anybody else to believe that, STOP ACTING LIKE IT
Now, I'm tired of playing in the gutter. I hope it doesn't take a day to wash this foul stench off me.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 09, 2009 11:54 AM (z/HGM)
I see your argument has distilled into typical left-wing, name calling nonsense. Bravo.
It is clear YOU are the racist.
Now, go take a bath and wash off those foul stenches.
Arguments based on race are weak arguments and ignore the facts raised by people that don't care what color your skin is.
And the use of "Goddess" in your posts indicate YOU are also the "sexist idiot" you accuse others to be.
Perhaps after that bath, to wash off your racism and sexism, you can check the mirror for some trace of introspection. Clearly, you could use a dose.
BO gives us so much ammunition that to raise any point based on race is a waste of time. But to argue with anyone, so blind to his REAL agenda, is truly frustrating.
These things are intuitively obvious, even to the casual observer. Even to one such is yourself.
Posted by: Agrees With Right at September 09, 2009 12:50 PM (0XEcj)
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And so you come full circle. After coming to my blog to play the race card without reading my original post, you demand make all sorts of accusations and demand that I answer your questions. When I answer your questions, you again conclude by calling me a racist without ever giving any indication that you have ever grappled with my actual post.
But I'll have to concede you are right about one thing -- anyone with half a brain would think exactly like you. Fortunately, most Americans have a full brain and can think for themselves enough to see that you are full of crap.
Well, The Text Of The Speech Is Out
And it is much as I expected it to be -- full of platitudes and devoid of actual academic content.
And therein lies the problem for this teacher. It adds nothing to what, for my students, is the third week of school -- and detracts from what we ought to be doing in my classes. Last month, my district gave me a rather detailed calendar of what I am supposed to be teaching and when. It maps out day by day what should be going on in my classroom. And do you know what? Nowhere does it include spending a class period listening to a speech unrelated to my subject matter. But in an already shortened week, I'm now expected to do that with each and every one of my classes -- and yet still be on target for the district-mandated test that is based upon that original calendar, and which is used to evaluate, in part, how effectively I am teaching my students. Now don't get me wrong -- I don't object to the president speaking to students in our nation's schools. I would just prefer that it was a speech relevant to what is supposed to be going on in my classroom. Want an example? Several years ago, Senator Robert Byrd (D-KKK) pushed through an unfunded mandate that all schools teach about the Constitution on September 17. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if, instead of the presidential pep talk that the kids will get this week, students were instead given a lesson on the Constitution by a man who has, after all, taught Constitutional law? Imagine the opportunity for discussing different views of the Constitution, the role of the presidency, or individual liberties! I'm sorry to say it, but what we are getting instead is a missed opportunity for real learning. Of course, there are a couple of other issues that have been at work here in creating the controversy about the speech. The first has to do with lesson plans, while the second has to do with protocol. In regard to the first, let me just say that the initial inclusion of a lesson that required students to write letters about how they could "help the president", and the follow-up activity designed to "hold students accountable" for having done so, was absolutely ripe for controversy, regardless of the president. Imagine the howls if such a plan were sent out regarding George W. Bush rather than Barack Obama. There would have been howls of outrage over it -- and I would have agreed with those complaints. Do I believe that someone at the White House created those plans? No, I don't, nor do I believe that they were vetted at that level, either. I think someone at the Department of Education simply missed the mark with what they were trying to do, and that others were tone deaf to the problem until it became a blogospheric controversy. But the reality is that, just as you cannot unring a bell, they could not undo the damage that had already been done with the lesson plan. And then there is the other issue -- the move by the Department of Education to exclude school districts from the decision-making process by appealing directly to building principals to show the speech. That is simply improper, because school district officials -- whether the board or the superintendent -- are ultimately responsible for such decisions. One local school board president put it quite well in addressing Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, himself a former school superintendent, about that protocol violation. He is, of course, exactly right in pointing out that this speech is a distraction and a disruption in every school and district in the country -- for those of us already long back in school, for those whose first day is September 8, and for those who will not have even returned to school on that date. Will the speech be shown in my classroom? Yes, it will -- in each of my classes on Thursday. Our district won't let us all show it at the same time for fear of crashing the district servers if we all try to get it live (the speech is a webcast, not a television broadcast). I have a spot in my lesson plan where I can wedge the speech without too much disruption on Thursday, so we'll do it then. Other social studies teachers in the district will do it Wednesday or Friday, as best fits their schedules. But we all know that the bungling in Washington means we will have students whose parents opt them out of the showing of the speech -- an unfortunate yet understandable response to the mishandling of the entire matter in our nation's capital.Posted by: Greg at 01:49 PM
Comments
Posted by: Eileen Knoff at September 07, 2009 07:21 PM (XaD6D)
When this ridiculous flap started, I tried my best to find some objection that wasn't racially biased. All the Presidents before this one could come on TV and speak all day, and no one would have uttered a peep, why all the (unfounded) vitriol now?
We all(reasoning people, that is) know the answer.
If the only reason you object to the speech is because the President happens to be black, that makes you a racist. Own it. If you object to the speech because the ReThuglicans told you to, that makes you cattle, following the herd like a good little ignoramus, because your education didn't include the ideas of free thought and dispassionate analysis. I do not agree with everything the President does, but at least he didn't lie to us about WMD's or compromise a citizen's security because her husband disagreed with him. But that's okay, because Dubya is the unquestioned icon of those who value division and ignorance over unity and if not wisdom, the path by which to attain it.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 07, 2009 08:17 PM (ojQeb)
I like the speech, itself. I wish that it had been handled better.
Posted by: Republican David at September 07, 2009 09:26 PM (4s6Mz)
And Eileen, I respectfully (and I do mean respectfully) disagree with you on this one. The mishandling of the lesson plan issue created a concern that could not be overcome for some people. I don't fault Obama personally on that, but understand the concern that some folks had. But my objection remains -- we don't need a presidential pep talk for our kids.
And David, my friend -- the lesson plans were not mandatory, and are the sort of thing that get offered by government agencies and private organizations all the time. Don't read more into it than there is -- it was not an attempt to mandate curriculum.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 04:15 AM (WRheB)
I am adding a link of your blog to my blog roll as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you so much for sharing your wise perspective.
Posted by: Dominique at September 08, 2009 11:33 AM (mkP+e)
The fact that we have a black(half black, really, though I and you know that whatever other half he is the only half that matters is the black half) President makes some of you want to make believe racism is dead in America. It is not dead yet, but it is dying, thank Goddess. You have no further to look than your own neighborhoods, schools, churches, workplaces. Face it, RACE MATTERS in this country more than anything except maybe money. And it matters most to those who would see a speech encouraging children to do their best in school as brainwashing, subversion or sacrelige even though speeches similarly given by other Presidents before reflect similar sentiments. So, answer me, Rhymes with Right (white?) why the objections?
If you want race out of any equation, take it out of your homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces. No one can do it but you. If it were so now, this ridiculous flap would not have taken off in the first place
THAT IS A FACT
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 01:12 PM (z/HGM)
A house divided against itself cannot stand
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 01:37 PM (z/HGM)
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 04:43 PM (WRheB)
Since this is America I WILL come to this blog to shine some light into the dark corners of the psyches of you and those like you whenever I damn well please, you got that? and there's nothing your trashy, sewer-dwelling, inbred, beer-swilling, hatemongering, Klan sympathizing, NASCAR watching ass can do about it. Don't that just burn your grits? I love it, love throwing up the crap you and all you conservatives spew back in your faces! So what if I were a leftist? I am not ashamed of ANYTHING I feel think or do. You must be ashamed of yourself and your idea(l)s, otherwise you'd print your name, let everybody know just who you are. Come on, put up or shut the hell up!
And while you're at it, answer the question I posed...Why the objections? I suppose you'll start again with the namecalling, pointing out in stark relief the FACT that YOU are guilty of everything I've said.
I am eagerly awaiting your next diatribe.
You call yourself conservative, what are you trying to 'conserve' or save? White Right and Privelege, and you see it going the way of the dinosaur. That's exactly where it should go, and I thank the Goddess for the young people of all ethnicities in this country who are going to make sure it dies the death it needed to long, long ago.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 06:32 PM (z/HGM)
2) For a moderate independent, you sure do sound like a race-hating moonbat.
3) My blog, my rules. Precisely who the hell do you think you are coming here and telling me to "put up or shut the hell up" on my own site? So let me suggest that you eff off, bitch!
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 07:31 PM (WRheB)
You STILL haven't answered my question!
Who the hell do I think I am...somebody with something to say who has no compunction about saying it OR signing my name to it. Who the hell are YOU? Do you know or have the RETHUGLICANS told you who to be for so long that you don't know anymore? I really wish you would answer my question, but your continued intransigence indicates to me that you have no answer that makes any sense to any reasonable person. Probably doesn't make sense to you, which is another reason I have no answer yet. So, Adolph, you racist son of a donkey dick effing bitching bastarding bitch, answer me or admit that you are just what you are Just for the record, I HATE RACISTS OF ANY STRIPE. You just happened to be the one who drew my fire is all.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 07:54 PM (z/HGM)
Actually, I'm pretty sure you ARE a crack whore jonesing for your next fix.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 08:34 PM (WRheB)
Posted by: Brian Heyde at September 08, 2009 08:44 PM (z/HGM)
I actually argued that I would rather have him give a speech on his area of teaching expertise, the Constitution, rather than a pep talk.
I said that this man who has taught at one of the finest schools in the United States ought to share his knowledge of our nation's founding document with the students in America's schools.
I suggested that a man who is, by accounts of those who are acquaintances and associates of both myself and Barack Obama, a brilliant intellect would do more by sharing some of his knowledge with our young people.
If that makes me a racist, it would appear that it is the most respectful form of racism that I've ever heard of -- one that treats the supposed inferior as someone to respect and learn from.
Let me guess, you insipid tart -- you didn't even bother to read any of what I wrote beyond the first paragraph or so. You saw a criticism of the speech, and decide at that point to play the race card. Guess what -- the race card doesn't work here, you stupid wench.
And as for my use of a pseudonym, I choose to use it for professional reasons.. And you have my first name at the end of every post on this blog -- and my unusually spelled last name "rhymes with right". If that isn't enough for you -- go turn another trick so you can smoke another rock.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 08:59 PM (WRheB)
And as for Barbara -- who says I'm trying to persuade her of anything. She's a troll, and so I'm taking a little bit of pleasure clubbing her like a baby seal (creatures that are cuter, smarter, and more useful than she is).
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 09:09 PM (WRheB)
Sorry to disappoint you, I don't do crack and I am nobody's whore. Look to your wife for that one whomever he or she is. S/He could probably teach ME a few things in that area.
I would have considered your comments seriously had you not started with the strident tone and name calling. And I'm so sick of people like you hiding behind pseudonyms and petty disagreement to misdirect true seekers away from your REAL agenda. I was directed to this site from one that printed the speech, and all I wanted to know is the same question I've been asking all along...why the objections? I STILL have no answer, and I can see I won't get one from the likes of you!
I suppose I can expect no better from a wingnut that has no answer for his horseshit other than to resort to name calling.
Why the objection? ANSWER MY QUESTION, with reason, and I might be moved to quit making you look like the shitty asshole you truly are.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 09:34 PM (z/HGM)
As for the Bush speech, I found it disappointing for the same reasons I found Obama's speech disappointing -- too many platitudes, not enough teaching. And had I been in a classroom in 1991, I would have griped just as much about the Bush speech as i have about the Obama one. By the way, you do realize that the Bush speech provoked a congressional investigation from Democrats who considered such a speech a waste of federal money and a politicization of our nation's classrooms. Seems to me that Obama got treated just the same way, so you know where to shove your false allegation of racism.
You asked what the objections were to the speech. The common ones were mentioned in my post. I've reiterated my main one in the comments. It doesn't seem to satisfy you, and you still keep flinging around the utterly meaningless term "racism" as if it means "failed to fall down and worship Barack Obama as the new messiah." I don't know what more you expect.
Lastly, YOU came here and started with name-calling and false accusations of racism. Why you would expect a courteous response to anything after having done so is beyond me. You then began setting conditions upon which I was allowed to speak and post on my own site -- a mighty arrogant position from someone who is a visitor here. After you post your street address, employer, and home and work phone numbers here I will consider your demand for my full name -- and probably reject it as irrelevant. Judge my position on the speech on its merits -- you don't need my name to do that.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 10:24 PM (WRheB)
As for my treatment of Barbara, let me share a story. A few years ago, I had a guy show up on a post about Israel one day spouting all sorts of lunacy. Anyone who disagreed with him was a Zionist -- indeed, anyone who dared support Israel was not a real Christian and was going to burn in Hell as an apostate. I spent days trying to politely show the man my point of view -- and every time I did he questioned my patriotism, my faith, and my eternal salvation. Never did he actually address the points I made in my posts where he commented -- he simply showed up ready to spout his pre-fabricated load of anti-Semitic nonsense. Barbara, with her pre-fabricated talking points about racism that in no way deal with what I actually wrote in my post is just such a commenter -- and so I treated her with the exact same sort of contempt that I should have shown from the beginning towards that earlier commenter. She's not here to discuss and to engage -- she's here to repeat the same hackneyed Obamunist talking point over and over, namely that any disagreement with Obama makes one a racist.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 08, 2009 10:36 PM (WRheB)
2 Reagan's speech was HIGHLY political, yes I did read it, why(and it was a LOOONG time ago) do I not remember any objections from those who hold up the Constitution so faithfully? WHY?
3 Everyone is a visitor here, I do believe. You don't like my being here because I know who you are, and called you on it. You prove it with every name you call.
4 I have given you my name, I asked for yours. You are in no danger of losing your teaching job by divulging said information, because I'm sure everyone around you acts, feels and thinks the same way you do.
5 If you had judged MY position on its merits instead of looking for something to object to, being a reactionary, there would not have been all this nastiness. I am able to digest an opinion that is different from my own, especially if it is presented with REASON and is FACTUAL.
I found no reason in any objections I read before I was directed to this site, and I guess it was my stupid faith in human intelligence that made me think I might find it here. My bad!
6 I would love to give you my address and other vital info, but I'd hate to be driven to measures that would not make me proud of myself should you come here and attempt to confront me. I only asked for that which I so freely give.
7 I don't fall down on my knees and worship ANY human, and neither should you or anyone else. We humans are much too flawed to be upon such a pedestal. Conservatives worshipped Dumbya that way, probably still do. "God is in the White House" What a crock!
8 Give me a legitimate reason to object to this speech. I objected to Reagan because he made it fashionable to be racist again. I objected to his policies of financing the Sandinistas with cocaine sold to our people, all our people, which he didn't see as a problem until it became a problem for other than the minority communities.
9 When you wake in the morning and check this blog, I want you to answer to yourself a serious question, and don't take the first answer that pops into your head. Who am I, what do I believe, and is it right, not only for yourself and your family, but the entire human community. Would you want to be the one some of this mess is targeted at? Your children?
10 I loved Michael Jackson, had ambitions to become his wife one day when I was young, until I found out he didn't like women, but would rather molest little boys. He wrote a song called "The Man in the Mirror" that brought me to tears and made me think about some of the things I was doing and thinking, and about what I could do to make the world a better place. I am only one person, but that's how things begin, with one person willing to step up and put themselves out there for the greater good.
I implore you to reject the politics of division and work to promote unity wherever you are, one person to another at a time.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 08, 2009 11:18 PM (z/HGM)
2) There were two paragraphs that talked about Reagan's policies in the context of current world events, but the speech was not highly political. Go back and read it again.
3) No, I don't like you here because you came in here playing the race card without even reading my whole post. You knew what talking points you were going to use before you ever navigated to my post about the speech.
4) I've had to fight the attempts of "liberals" to get me fired on a couple of occasions over this blog, which is why I scrubbed it of my name. Also, I keep my name off so that my students don't come here and make it necessary to discuss my blog in class. It is the same reason I don't Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
5) I gave my reasons, but you still haven't bothered to read the post or subsequent comments -- proving that ther is little intelligence or intellectual honesty on your part.
6) I don't actually want any of that info -- I was pointing out how unreasonable your shrill demands are.
7) Sorry, but I don't believe you -- you sound like a drugged-out cultist. And if you were familiar with this site, you would know I had plenty of criticism for the former president.
9) I know who I am, what I believe, and that it was right. And if Obama doesn't like what he is getting, he (and any politician) can resign from office and return to private life.
10) You came here sowing the politics of division -- and quoting Michael Jackson songs like they have any sort of deep meaning shows what a shallow thinker you really are.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 09, 2009 04:19 AM (WRheB)
Now, I'm tired of playing in the gutter. I hope it doesn't take a day to wash this foul stench off me.
Posted by: Barbara Williams at September 09, 2009 11:54 AM (z/HGM)
I see your argument has distilled into typical left-wing, name calling nonsense. Bravo.
It is clear YOU are the racist.
Now, go take a bath and wash off those foul stenches.
Arguments based on race are weak arguments and ignore the facts raised by people that don't care what color your skin is.
And the use of "Goddess" in your posts indicate YOU are also the "sexist idiot" you accuse others to be.
Perhaps after that bath, to wash off your racism and sexism, you can check the mirror for some trace of introspection. Clearly, you could use a dose.
BO gives us so much ammunition that to raise any point based on race is a waste of time. But to argue with anyone, so blind to his REAL agenda, is truly frustrating.
These things are intuitively obvious, even to the casual observer. Even to one such is yourself.
Posted by: Agrees With Right at September 09, 2009 12:50 PM (0XEcj)
But I'll have to concede you are right about one thing -- anyone with half a brain would think exactly like you. Fortunately, most Americans have a full brain and can think for themselves enough to see that you are full of crap.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at September 09, 2009 04:06 PM (WRheB)
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