So…. maybe you heard about the controversy surrounding the speech that the President of the United States is giving in Arlington, VA today. If not, I’ll try to fill you in quickly. Its a speech to children. Children in a school. A public school. And it it being broadcast around the country to any other public or private school that would like to participate. In fact, the White House in encouraging all schools to take part, but it is not a mandate to do so. Why this is controversial? That’s what I am trying to figure out myself.
Before reading on, I would really encourage you to read the entire speech online at www.whitehouse.gov. Many people have accused the President of being a skilled orator, with a dynamic speaking presence that can mesmerize an audience, whatever the subject matter may be. So please, take the time to read it yourself, so that you are not hearing his voice or seeing his actions, but just the content of his message.
Well…. what did you think? Pretty chalk-full of liberal propaganda right? Most of the uproar about this speech has come from Americans who do not believe that a (insert adjective here) President should have an audience with young, moldable minds. Is it because he is a Democrat? Is it because he is young? Is it because he is (gasp)… black? I really don’t know.
I really believed that the President has the right to such a request to speak to the nation’s youth. I wondered why people would be against it. After reading the speech myself, I am even more convinced of his intentions to encourage America and promote American ideals.
Having some background in preaching myself, I was reminded of some of the better sermons that I have listened to in my life. His call was not to judge the world and everything that is currently besetting our country. He didn’t bemoan the financial crisis or speak ill of past leadership. He spoke directly to the student, and put the responsibility right on the individual to take charge and make right the world in their own unique way.
Encouraging kids to continue their education to reach their dreams? Propaganda!
Sharing stories from his own life to illustrate what perseverance can result in? Brainwashing!
Building up children to set high goals and understand the work needed to achieve them? He is the antichrist!
Now, these answers have come from people of varying degrees of political extremism. But they are real responses to the idea of the President speaking to America’s children. If you have a problem with the speech, is it because you are an American, or because you are a Republican? Would you be opposed to a speech made by John McCain (whom I voted for….TWICE!) under similar circumstances?
It’s almost been a year since we officially voted a young, black, democrat with a background in Islam to the White House. When will more of us treat him with the respect that his office commands?
Thank you for your investment in today’s American youth, Mr. President Barack Obama. You have earned these 15 minutes with my children.
