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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009

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NEXT STOP, REALITY TV (MAYBE)

Va. Socialites Crashed
Obama's State Dinner

And, yes, Tareq and Michaele Salahi want reality-TV turn

Nov 25, 09 9:29 PM CST
Racist Image of Michelle Obama Taken Down

Blog site removes it, not Google, then issues apology

Nov 25, 09 2:07 PM CST
PROFILE

Biden the
Second Most
Powerful
Vice Prez

He's scaling back from Cheney, but a major player in his own right

Nov 26, 09 12:47 PM CST
FACEBOOK DOESN'T LIE, RIGHT?

Party-Crashers Got Close
to Obamas Before

Photos show them in inaugural box; Secret Service admits mistake

Nov 26, 09 7:28 PM CST
Worst Modern VP Picks

Don't be so quick to judge Palin

Nov 26, 09 11:52 AM CST
Blair Knew Iraq Had No WMD
10 Days Before War Began

Intelligence ignored, British panel told

Nov 25, 09 8:16 PM CST
White House Backs Senate On 'Cadillac' Health Tax

Advisers outline cost control measures for health plan

Nov 26, 09 8:48 AM CST
analysis

Kid Lit Goes Political

Children's books get hyper-partisan

Nov 26, 09 4:33 AM CST
Clintons Strive to Avoid Conflict of Interest Claims

Pair lead separate lives focusing on same issues

Nov 26, 09 9:20 AM CST
Google Issues Disclaimer
Over Racist Michelle Image

But company won't
pull doctored photo

Nov 24, 09 12:28 PM CST
MALKIN GETS FESTIVE

This Year's Top Liberal Turkeys

Stimulus, President O-bow-ma get top billing

Nov 25, 09 8:01 PM CST
Bachmann, Palin
to Address
Tea Party
Convention

Nashville to host ultra-conservative gathering February

Nov 25, 09 4:34 PM CST
Lobbyists See Advisory Roles Clipped by New Obama Rule

Feds aim to cut special-interest access; K Streeters demur

Nov 26, 09 11:06 PM CST

|NEXT STORY »

OPINION

107

Back-to-School Speech Anger Rooted in Race

Right-wingers show 'irrational,' gut antipathy to Obama

By Matt Cantor| Posted Sep 4, 09 10:47 AM CDT|

(Newser) – If there’s one thing we should all be cool with, it’s the leader of the free world inspiring kids about education. But somehow the idea of President Obama giving a back-to-school speech has spawned an “outbreak of right-wing crazy,” writes Joan Walsh for Salon—“and this time it's hard not to see racism behind the hysteria.” Ever since the presidential campaign, Obama has been labeled “other” and subjected to “visceral, irrational hatred.”

“From the Birthers' obsession with the facts of his birth—which lets them obsess about his origins in miscegenation—to the paranoia that he's coming for the children, there's a deep strand of irrational paranoia that can't be anything other than racial,” Walsh notes. “It's past time for mainstream, responsible Republicans to stand up against this latest irrational attack on the president."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

President Barack Obama walks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington as he departs for the Camp David presidential retreat, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Barack Obama talks about the the Afghan elections, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, outside the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Barack Obama waves as he walks across the South Lawn of the White House prior to his departure on Marine One helicopter in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The hysteria Obama inspires in his far-right foes is primeval, primordial. - Joan Walsh

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Books Are Bad for You

107 comments

VIEWING:

Timinator2K
Sep 4, 09 10:50 AM CDT

BULL MANURE...as usual....nothing to see here, move along, dot org. Reply

-23

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 11:18 AM CDT

Got your brown shirt on today Tim?

IN RESPONSE:

Robert_Dada
Sep 4, 09 12:04 PM CDT

Yes he does Fondue, but I'm not sure if it's his grandfather's SA uniform or if he fell in verbal poop again.

IN RESPONSE:

Spudsy
Sep 4, 09 12:58 PM CDT

I bet Tim was all upset when Reagan and the first Bush addressed the kids.

IN RESPONSE:

Robert_Dada
Sep 4, 09 1:42 PM CDT

No Spudsy, I bet Tim was fine with that - conservatives have no problem with WHITE people speaking to their children.

IN RESPONSE:

LiberalJesus
Sep 4, 09 1:44 PM CDT

In typical Timmy fashion, all hat and no cattle.

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Sep 4, 09 2:31 PM CDT

I came up with a name for the Birthers, Teabaggers, Homeschoolers, Healthcare crazies and America-haters. Let's start calling you what you really are, Timmy: the New Klux Klan.

IN RESPONSE:

doingtherightthing
Sep 4, 09 2:44 PM CDT

Obama school speech......"Ok class, go tell your parents that Obama is a cool guy. Do as I, I, I say, write it down for your parents so they don't forget who I, I, I am. Let them know that Obama wouldn't do anything for you oops, my mistake, don't write that down, say this instead; "Obama would do anything to mislead you no, no, thats not what I meant". I, I, I say "which one of you little brats turned off my teleprompter". Don't you know that I'm the imperial leader. Step up here and give me your allowances we need redistribution for our illegals. Lets all sing my praise now hail o' chairman Obama! "Class dismissed"..........

-5

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 2:53 PM CDT

@JP how creative you managed to work the KKK into one of you posts, wow! Good Job!

-5

IN RESPONSE:

mehrheit
Sep 4, 09 4:04 PM CDT

@blightthing PRESIDENT Obama's school speech... "Stay in school. Try hard. Learn things." Yeah, I can see where that would be a problem. Can we at least wait until he, y'know, *gives* the speech, before you jump all over him?

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 4, 09 7:02 PM CDT

Gogwang U like the way. PPL work things in, as been sarcastic. U ARE the best example of when U point a finger, 3 point back. NO Ur not worth pointing them out too. examples are on this comment page. With all Ur negitive feedbacks,Whats wrong... no friends on the Corporate, left wing websites. LOL ( To others this is the type of comment Gogawgs made to a some other poster)

-1

IN RESPONSE:

shonangreg
Sep 4, 09 9:24 PM CDT

Wally, if you don't speak English, you can try posting in your native language. It might be less painful to read than what you threw up here.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:01 PM CDT

@walle I was going to reply to you but shonangreg took of that for me.

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou
Sep 5, 09 10:45 AM CDT

If democrats didn't play the race card, they would be all work and no play.

-1

| 0 minutes ago

Guava_Jelly
Sep 4, 09 10:53 AM CDT

Is this really the first article summarized about the back to school speech??? An opinion article which states people are racist for opposing it??? Unbelievable Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

PosterNutbag
Sep 4, 09 11:03 AM CDT

No, this is the third article.

IN RESPONSE:

Rocket448
Sep 4, 09 1:33 PM CDT

Not the first article, but yep, people are opposed to Mr. Obama because of his race. Told you.

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Sep 5, 09 12:04 AM CDT

No, not his race-they object to his color. Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species, variety. There is no such thing as "race."

| 0 minutes ago

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 10:55 AM CDT

Supposedly the right wasn't mad about the speech to the kids, at least I wasn't. Like I said yesterday the only thing that concerned me was the use of the question "What can I do to help the President" which has since been changed by the White House. Now I can't speak for the whole right but that is my take on the situation. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 11:21 AM CDT

What if Bush I or II or Reagan asked the question?

+12

IN RESPONSE:

Forderon
Sep 4, 09 11:35 AM CDT

And what's your problem with that question? The fact that the "other side" is doing it? If Americans from past decades time traveled to now, they'd be ashamed of what's going on today. A completely innocent question has to be blown out of proportion because of latent racism and pure partisan bias.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:36 AM CDT

@fondue that I would have had the same reaction. the question was poorly worded no matter who asked it.

-4

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:38 AM CDT

@ford what other President has ever asked what can you do help him? Do you pledge allegiance to the President or the Flag? Do we live in a monarchy where you pledge allegiance to a king or queen? No we put country first not the person that is elected to the office of President.

-5

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 11:46 AM CDT

It's a bit unfair don't you think.....20/20 hindsight?

IN RESPONSE:

Forderon
Sep 4, 09 11:49 AM CDT

Goodness, you are helpless. This is the problem with the Internet and mass media. Even the most innocent things can snowball when some idiot at one end of the spin cycle says whatever comes to his/her mind without thinking about it. How do people make the jump from "how can you help the President" to "indoctrinating little kids"? How do people make the jump from "stimulus bill" to "fascism"? There is a serious lack of appreciation for nuance and context in this day and age. Everyone wants to gravitate immediately to one polar extreme or another.

IN RESPONSE:

schmidtkoff
Sep 4, 09 11:55 AM CDT

@ford - completely ashamed. i disagree though that it is "latent racism." it is BLATANT racism.

IN RESPONSE:

Wraith
Sep 4, 09 12:00 PM CDT

Fondue. you are 100 % correct, if and repub had given that exact same speech then no problems but a Black man gives that speech and a Dem to boot and suddenly it is a bad thing. They can dress up and dance all night but the bigotry just keeps coming out and they are to much of liars to admit the damn truth...put your sheets away boys the cross burning has been canceled and godawg your the top gran kubla because you dare not even admit the blatant fact of being a racist to yourself.... what a shame

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:09 PM CDT

@fondue you can't ask a question about something in the past and then claim hind site is 20/20 when I don't give you the answer you were looking for.

-6

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:11 PM CDT

@ford i never said anything about the speech, as matter fact search my post's on this subject. the only thing that i even brought into question was the one question that I mentioned in my original post. I was against the stimulus, TARP, and the bailouts, you can look at my posts on that as well. So do you put your country first or your President?

-6

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:13 PM CDT

@wratih he hasn't given the speech yet, so all of your responses from here on out are pointless. You can save these comments about how the right hates the black man until after Tuesday when he is giving the speech.

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 12:18 PM CDT

Dawgs, I'll give you that my question was a bit unfair. The fact is, no one ever pulled their kids out of class, or threatened to over any Bush speech for kids. With Obama, they claim "indoctrination" and haven't even read the speech and believe what ever Fakes and Friends has to say on any issue.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:25 PM CDT

@fondue I agree with you guys about the speech. he is the president and he should be talking to our kids. I don't' think that this is some indoctrination or anything like that. Most normal people on the right (and there are some) took issue with one question, which appears that we just won't agree was a bad question. Now that has been corrected and life is good.

IN RESPONSE:

LiberalJesus
Sep 4, 09 2:00 PM CDT

You seem to be the least hateful and most decent of the usual 3-5 trolls so I will appeal to your sense of decency and ask you this.....why is asking school kids how they can help the President a bad thing? I understand if he were "telling" school kids what they can do but he isnt...he is asking....big difference dont you think? And just last week the republicans said that President Obama needs to ask republicans before he does anything, which he doesnt....we won the election, majority rules and elections have consequences. Did Bush ever ask Democrats if he could do this or that? No..he told the Democrats to go to hell....dont you remember when Dick Cheney told Pat Leahy to go to hell? At least I like to think you "godawgs" are about 4 to 5 levels higher on the IQ chart than the Jerkster, Jamerican, Timinator and Clear Sight, they who only come here to trash everything liberal and or Democratic and President Obama. They never offer any ideas to counter so of course that makes their opinions moot. No ideas means no intelligence and please correct me if I am wrong. Who would you rather be doing open heart surgery on you....someone full of hate or someone of compassion for all? But please tell me why asking kids how they can help the President is a bad thing? I just dont understand the irrationality "godawgs" but I will listen to your reason why its a bad idea because maybe I havent thought this out to the last detail and I will certainly acquiesce to your side of the argument if you'll be kind enough to state why it is objectionable. Thank you

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 2:58 PM CDT

@lj In my opinion, and that is all it is, the question comes off as asking what the kids can do to help the President, like he is above the country, which he isn't. That was my only complaint with the whole thing. You are correct he doesn't have to ask the Republicans shit, he won the election and the dems have a super majority. I don't understand why he is asking. If he wants something and he really believes that it's best then he should do it. The left gives Bush shit, and most of it is deserved but when he wanted something and he thought it was best, he got it done with or without support. President Obama needs to quit trying to be everyone's friend and become a leader. As for the heart surgery which ever dr wasn't drunk I guess.

| 0 minutes ago

BeatBlaster
Sep 4, 09 10:59 AM CDT

You'd think people would be happy their kids are engaged by the President of the United States don't ya? I'd be super giddy whether it was Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan - WHOEVER - talking with my kids. How cool would that be? My kid had a chance to see the president in real life today :) I think that'd be cool to say! Damn all these haters. Reply

+15

IN RESPONSE:

schmidtkoff
Sep 4, 09 12:18 PM CDT

yes beat - but the racism is creeping up through the cracks. it is going to poison everything this/OUR president is trying to accomplish. they will try to beat him down, make him see the errors of his ways. they cannot accept, nor not in the foreseeable future accept, their perception of an "uppity black man" governing or leading our country. ok you'all you make me sick with your rabid unfounded prejudices.

IN RESPONSE:

BeatBlaster
Sep 4, 09 2:22 PM CDT

Maybe it's cause I'm in denial that I don't want to talk racism :( Sad but true. Our country never gets through anything without a raging debate (and that's a good thing!).

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:56 PM CDT

this is for you two http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/03/arne-duncan/barack-obama-not-first-president-address-school-ch/

-3

| 0 minutes ago

Jayster999
Sep 4, 09 11:01 AM CDT

And they say the right spins everything? Obummer comes in with his far left agenda and people quite rightfully are bucking it. Now, predictably, they are playing the race card because the guy is black. The spin: If America wasn't a racist country, they'd bow down and let King Obummer have his way. Reply

-16

IN RESPONSE:

PosterNutbag
Sep 4, 09 11:13 AM CDT

"his far left agenda"-- therein lies the spin. From the far left's perspective, Obama is center-right. Folks ought to cool down, before Obama gets that far over to the left, the paranoid schizophrenic Glenn Bekkk will blow himself away on TV.

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Sep 4, 09 11:23 AM CDT

Comment written like a person who has absolutely no idea of what he speaks, and if having actually read the contents of the President's speech, incapable of rational comprehension.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:39 AM CDT

@dax have you read the contents of the President's speech?

-6

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 11:49 AM CDT

dawg, have you? Of course not, but you accept the spin on a single question.

IN RESPONSE:

piyrwq
Sep 4, 09 11:54 AM CDT

Jayster - try few quick google searches of a few racist terms within the newser.com domain. Let me know if you can find anyone showing an fear of him using racist remark. The race card is played just about every other day on this forum alone.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:14 PM CDT

@fondue that was the point, no one has seen or heard the speech. I have read the original lesson plan, and I didn't like that question. did you read the lesson plan or not?

-3

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 12:22 PM CDT

Yes, I read the lesson plan Godawgs. Again, if this was Reagan's lesson or any other republican, there wouldn't be an issue.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:27 PM CDT

@fondue it would be an issue because the right for the most part will go after there own as well. The wording was bad, and to use a term it has been re calibrated so it's done. Now the kids get like an a half hour where they get to watch TV.

-5

| 0 minutes ago

ObjectiveObserver
Sep 4, 09 11:12 AM CDT

This has nothing to do with an agenda and everything to do with trying to get young children to understand the value of an education. Regardless of political, cultural, or religious views everyone should understand and encourage the value of an education. In my opinion, any person who is truly trying to oppress the public would not champion education, but instead would do the exact opposite. Education leads to awareness and understanding of the environment around one's self and allows for one to make decisions on their own, instead of blindly following the lead of another. Reply

+15

IN RESPONSE:

Caps
Sep 4, 09 11:28 AM CDT

The GOP,are just plain dumb. Who wouldn't think it an honor to have the President to speak to their children about getting a good education? Give us a break. Racist is rampant on the right, and anything he does will not please them. Get a life.

+10

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 4, 09 11:53 AM CDT

Caps, remember the Notre Dame speech?

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:56 PM CDT

@caps your party does the same thing was your excuse? http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/03/arne-duncan/barack-obama-not-first-president-address-school-ch/

-3

| 0 minutes ago

circuitries
Sep 4, 09 11:18 AM CDT

It isn't racist to disagree with the president, obviously, but it's a little weird that people would get all up-in-arms about any president giving a speech to kids about _doing your best in school_. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Reader64481089
Sep 4, 09 12:06 PM CDT

@ circuitries, want to know the REALLY WEIRD part? The GOP came unglued BEFORE one line of any speech had even been written. they were coming apart at the seems and it had net even been penned ..... The GOP is using the Reverse Race Card each and every chance they have and even when not given a chance

| 0 minutes ago

inky
Sep 4, 09 11:38 AM CDT

It's all about color? Really? Ya THINK? But I guess stating the obvious and giving it words might finally show the Beck Brigade and his Merry Band of Morons for what they are. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

AnnieChrist
Sep 4, 09 11:50 AM CDT

“It's past time for mainstream, responsible Republicans to stand up against this latest irrational attack on the president." Good luck with finding any sane, rational republicans. No sane, rational person of any political persuation would see a presidential address to school children as a sinister plot towards mind control of future generations. Some good may come of it after all, though. Republicans are rushing out to buy their copies of 1984 so as to 'prove' their point. This is a big step forward, many of them may actually learn to read now, although inhannity and beckkk will still have to tell them what to think. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

BlahBlahBlah
Sep 4, 09 11:57 AM CDT

I really want to blast all of the idiots who are posting; godawgs & jayster mostly. You know who you are. Instead I will simply state that this is a train wreck of hatred and hypocritical politics. Getting the right wingers all ramped up for no good reason other than irrational fear and hatred or a black president. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:28 PM CDT

i tell you what if you got something to say to me go ahead. Your comments are for the most part inflammatory and non-informed. You come in here and call names and use generalities. I will argue with you as much as you want though.

-5

IN RESPONSE:

BlahBlahBlah
Sep 4, 09 4:36 PM CDT

I am done arguing with you. It is a pointless endeavor.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 5:07 PM CDT

yeah i forgot to tell you that I am not one of those non-confrontational right wingers.

-2

IN RESPONSE:

BlahBlahBlah
Sep 4, 09 6:02 PM CDT

You are part of the right wing, that is bad enough.

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 4, 09 7:19 PM CDT

No BlahBlahBLah.. Gadwags is is Ex army. Lived, clothed, feed. sheltered.medical .retirement provided for ( like it should be) by governmnet, but lack REAL life living... Fears of job. health care for the kids. housing..ETC.Like a teen that never had to leave home. Has a right to free speech,but doesbn't think all should have it.? (earlier post from him)

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:05 PM CDT

@walle actaully I'm ex-Navy, I didn't retire I got out after 9 years so I don't get any retirement, I work full time nw and go to school, I worked full time from the age of 16 in a cotton mill, grocery store and painting houses. I probably have more real living then you wlll ever have but thanks for summing me. I would also like to know which post I said anyone didn't have the right to free speech. thanks

| 0 minutes ago

guitar0nerd
Sep 4, 09 12:05 PM CDT

Sigh...really? The race card? I'm not a republican, nor a democrat, or a RACIST, and even I have an issue with this. I think children need to be shielded from political propaganda. It's manipulative and these kids couldn't give a crap anyway. All they want to do is watch cartoons and play. The whole thing just seems odd. Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

Newser001
Sep 4, 09 12:38 PM CDT

@guitar0nerd, and all other who cry wolf. - Your statements, which can only be defined as an oxymoron, with regard to 'political propaganda' is totally without merit, as with all right-wing assertions. Think about it... All the talking heads on TV and radio complaining have no substance what so ever. I'm a Centrist and see nothing wrong with what the President was attempting to accomplish; motivation, inclusion, success. Look at dropout rates and tell me what exactly is wrong with his approach? Reagan, Bush, etc have politicized speeches to elementary school children in the past. The President's stance is NOT politicization. People are making a mockery out of our government, and the saddest part about all this, the promotion of deep disrespect, its end result, will likely spur a tradition of tit-for-tat among parties as well as among our young, promoting disrespect of authority, community, of country due to the all this reckless, mindless bantering. The price we will pay in the long run for this reckless behavior will be irrevocable.

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 12:59 PM CDT

@newser did Bush or Reagan ever ask the kids what they could do to help them as President?

-3

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 5, 09 2:05 AM CDT

Good luck trying to reasoin with this Hopium-besotted crowd that have NOTHING to do but live here and defend their OMessiah. The race card means that THEY are the racists, judging EVERYTHING by skin color. As I said before, if Arnold Schwartzeneger had kissed his biceps at the mere NAME of George Bush and had asked schoolkids to "pledge to serve George Bush" these same Obots would've correctly gone ballistic. But if their PRECIOUS is the ONE being pledged to, it's a-ok and anyone who disagrees is a "racist." As Jon Stewart says, Zerobama is continuing Bush's war, but he's "making the kids like it." Boneheads....solid boneheads.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 5, 09 2:12 AM CDT

Newser, you lying sadsack, you are the BIGGEST Hopium huffer here. Centrist, my ass. And NO, we're not basing the charge of propaganda "without merit." The White House *backed down* because it was totally within merit to ask them what the hell was up with pledging allegiance to Obama! That's not asking the kids to "stay in school" ---it's asking them to "serve" a politician. JFK didn't say, "ask not what I can do for you, ask what you can do for me!" So why does the narcissist Zerobama conflate himself with our COUNTRY? And why do you CULT FOLLOWERS not see the problem? "Racism" is one of the CULT'S MANTRAS. It's evidence not of the failings of the people objecting to O-worship, it's just more evidence that the worship of this empty-suit corporate puppet is a CULT.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

Shannonals
Sep 5, 09 8:41 AM CDT

Your missing the point of the article guitar0nerd. Republican Presidents have done the same exact thing in the past, yet no one from the Right wing complained about it. Now that a Democratic, and I'm not really sure race is an issue, is doing the same exact thing it's an issue.

| 0 minutes ago

NoReallySeriously
Sep 4, 09 12:46 PM CDT

Let me get this straight. The president wants to encourage kids to stay in school and work hard at their education and there's a problem with that? What am I missing? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 1:01 PM CDT

read the posts with all of the thumbs down, that would be the right wing folks here. the complaint isn't with the speech, its with the lesson plan that accompanied the speech, and the President asking the children to write a letter to themselves saying what they could do to help the President. that is the issue, the speech hasn't even been made public yet.

-4

IN RESPONSE:

NoReallySeriously
Sep 4, 09 1:09 PM CDT

The lesson plan - and the question about asking what they could do to help the president...were those not geared toward education also? I'm confused as to what problem there is with the leader of a country reaching out to the future generations of that country and saying hey - do good in school - and if you have any ideas as to how you can help me help you do a good job - let me know?

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 1:13 PM CDT

@no that might have been the intent of the question but they way it was worded was to have children write letters to what they could do to help the President. It makes it seem as though he is above the country. Change the word President to Country and there would be no argument imo.

-1

| 0 minutes ago

NoReallySeriously
Sep 4, 09 1:16 PM CDT

Ok - so what the country is in an uproar over is semantics - and that uproar over semantics - how would you classify it? I mean - if you are saying that your disagreement with this whole thing (or someone's disagreement with it) is semantics - then why isn't that where the buck stops? Or - are we openly acknowledging that this is just another attempt at an opposition party to find any fault with everything the majority party does? If that's the case then - well - let's just state that at the onset. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 1:33 PM CDT

to me it stopped when they re-wrote the question.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

NoReallySeriously
Sep 4, 09 1:34 PM CDT

I guess you would be the more reasonable of the bunch then? Didn't they do that yesterday - why is this still making news today? Talk to your people. Or - maybe the person that wrote this article is onto something...

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 2:59 PM CDT

@no yes they did that yesterday, which is why it is still surprising that it is news today.

-2

| 0 minutes ago

sache
Sep 4, 09 1:24 PM CDT

Red neck racist at their best. If it were a white president we would not hear shit from them. Where were they when Bush was addressing the kids. Not saying a thing.They have opposed ,found something wrong and been total asshole in regards to everything this president has tried to do. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 1:34 PM CDT

so say Bush went on TV and decided he was gong to give a speech to all of our children about why it was good that we invaded Iraq, do you think that there would be protests from the left?

-4

IN RESPONSE:

NoReallySeriously
Sep 4, 09 1:39 PM CDT

But you're comparing apples to oranges. Obama isn't going on to support some controversial policy/decision of his. He's going on to support education! If Bush had gone on to support EDUCATION would there have been an uproar? That's the question you should be asking if you're actually being serious about denying Sache's assertion. Otherwise it, to me, appears that you're just trying to get him to say something that will make your argument look relevant to someone that isn't really paying attention to the facts. I've read your posts @GO and you seem like you have the ability to be reasonable - so why is it that you try to score points with completely irrelevant thoughts? Don't you see that you're not proving yourself right - you're just proving that you're playing politics on...a message board. no offense or anything but - doesn't that seem a bit irrational?

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:01 PM CDT

@no you're right it is a totally different subject and an unfair question, thank you calling me out.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:58 PM CDT

@sache apparently the dem's didn't like it when bush talked either and he was a white guy

-2

| 0 minutes ago

LiberalJesus
Sep 4, 09 1:35 PM CDT

Why is asking what kids can do to help our President a bad thing? Seems like if the President were pushing war and tax cuts like Bush and Reagan there would havew been an uproar but there never was. The right sinks lower in the eyes of the rational and sane everyday. Good God almighty is there anything that comes out of President Obama's mouth or mind that isn't going to lead some whackos on the right to make it something that it isnt? If he says to the kids " I hope you all make it to college and have great careers" does that mean something nefarious? If he tells the kids he hopes none of them fall ill or lose a parent in their youth will that be construed as communism because he wants all kids to stay healthy? Where is the sanity on the right? I feel so sorry for the kids of these narrow minded bigoted republicans....and even though they are passing along their hatred for a black man, they are engaged in a losing battle as the demographics of the last election and the coming of age the Hispanic and minority boom in this country can attest to. I believe we are literally watching the end of the republican party as being anything close to a responsible viable party able to lead. Too bad because as hard core liberal as I am, I at least (unlike Karl Rove) truly believe America needs at least 2 parties in this country to keeps each other in check but I am afraid the whackos of the gop have pretty much laid to rest any hopes that we are going to get an adult response from what was once a party that actually had something to be proud of. Party of Lincoln.....not anymore....More like the Party of Duke.....David Duke that is. Too bad. But like the Whigs and the Do Nothing Party of the past, I thing we'll see the gop in our rearview mirror and watch the lights slowly fade. No ideas, no class and no responsibility to their country, only to a narrow minded group of hatefilled white people. Sad..... Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 4:01 PM CDT

so when the dems did this to Bush 1 were they passing along their hatred of a white man? http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/03/arne-duncan/barack-obama-not-first-president-address-school-ch/

-3

| 0 minutes ago

Rocket448
Sep 4, 09 1:47 PM CDT

If I were a school aged student I would be ecstatic to have the chance to tell the President what I think he should be working on and why. Knowing that my words would come directly to him, not put aside or thrown away, would come as a real challenge to me. The President will read my essay! Oh. My. God. But no, sadly I won't have this opportunity and why? Because of adults who interfered and spoiled my chance. God, I hate adults. They act more like kids than some kids do. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:02 PM CDT

actaully your letters wouldn't be sent to the President according to the lesson plan. The would be stored and given back to the kids that wrote them at a later date.

-2

| 0 minutes ago

Reader44614809
Sep 4, 09 3:45 PM CDT

Wow, this thing has really stirred up some stuff. As I've stated elsewhere, I'm suspicious of this President's political agenda, but I see nothing wrong with him encouraging kids to do well in school. It's all good, no matter who the President is. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DarkFrancis
Sep 4, 09 3:52 PM CDT

If birfers wasn't bad and town hall gun toters weren't bad enough, this stupidity locks it all in: a section of America is out of its goddamn mind. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 3:59 PM CDT

both parties do this.... http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/03/arne-duncan/barack-obama-not-first-president-address-school-ch/

-3

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 4, 09 6:53 PM CDT

Godawgs went to http://www.pulitzer.org/awards/2009 because the web site Ur getting Ur info from said there are a pulizter prise winner 2009. Can't see there name, Did I miss it?. Could this be a sign of what Ur info's worth?

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:09 PM CDT

@wallle what is your fascination with using the text type language? i don't know whether laugh or cry as you are probably a product of our public education system. just copy the link, I would say type it but in your case typing is hard.

| 0 minutes ago

MarkFL
Sep 4, 09 7:39 PM CDT

If the right will take the pledge of allegiance out of schools liberal teachers like me won't show the Obama speech. Deal? What a bunch of whiny hypocrites. They are trying so hard to become a laughing stock. A speech by the President is not indoctrination. As a teacher I think that it should become a tradition. Don't worry righties. There are always private schools out there to miseducate people and teach them that the earth is 6000 years old and that the President is trying to trick them into caring about their education. This is the last straw. I have been respectful up until right now. All opposition to this speech is total stupidity. Is there any part of conservatism that is not based on lies? So embarrassing to be in the same country as these dimwits. How the hell do they get on the news? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:11 PM CDT

dude they took the pledge of allegiance out of school like 20 years ago, where the hell do you teach?

| 0 minutes ago

cornelison
Sep 4, 09 7:40 PM CDT

It's not just race. The GOP has a huge following of undereducated voters. When Children of the GOP don't finish their education, they are more susceptible to right-wing propaganda. Just look at the opposition of health care change. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 4, 09 11:12 PM CDT

you mean all those old folks they keep showing on TV?

| 0 minutes ago

ezrider
Sep 4, 09 7:53 PM CDT

the tea parties ,the birthers and know the speechers,oh sorry i forgot the gun toters Reply

| 0 minutes ago

yoeydude
Sep 4, 09 8:45 PM CDT

as we fall behind the rest of the world in the numbers of graduating engineers , and scientists , are we actually complaining about a former Harvard teacher , now President of the country , speak of inspiring kids to learn ? man we are some strange fish Reply

| 0 minutes ago

jdnshell
Sep 4, 09 8:47 PM CDT

I would rather hear that it is right wingers, instead of racism. I happen to have 3 teens at home. 1-18 just graduated, 17 junior and 14 freshman. I DO NOT want ANYONE talking politics without myself or my husband around. it is my right to teach MY children about politics just as it is my right to teach about religion. Why does everything have to turn to race. how about obama help the economy and this country instead of talking to kids that arent listening to him anyway, there just getting out of class(that happens to be suffering from cutback.) but you know step on as many toes as you wish MR President. Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

AABIyL
Sep 5, 09 2:57 AM CDT

So your "just grad"...are they going to college?

| 0 minutes ago

my-name-here
Sep 4, 09 9:26 PM CDT

You know Reagan addressed a classroom of school children teaching the republican belief of cutting taxes to stimulate the economy, and Bush Sr. addressed school children as well. While there was some disagreement from liberal politicians, there was no uprising from parents of either persuasion. This sort of a reaction does appear to be unique to our current president. Even if he was going to ask the children to ask themselves "How can I help the president?" How is that indoctrination? The question is not "How can I help the president accomplish his goals?" It is not a propaganda technique to "turn them into bleedin' hearts" Jeez, so many on this site act as though their political bias is a religion. That is scary. Since when did either side appoint their party as all knowing and perfect? Does everyone really think every policy proposed by the opposing party is flawed because it's proposed by the opposing party? "Liberalism is a disease, conservatives are evil" Lighten up a little, no one is getting out of this alive. Remember, all of our leaders...that's the best we can collectively do. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

jdnshell
Sep 4, 09 11:38 PM CDT

I dont mind debate but debate facts, yes i am white. NO I do not consider myself a racist. I have never held anything but a persons stupidity against anyone. Igorance can be cured, stupity cannot. Look I am already soooo tired of the race card being pulled and played since he became President. you see racesm from "the blacks" for lack of a better world. It does nothing but make people mad. I may not like Obama but the least, the very least, is his ethnetisit.(sp) that he is black doesnt really make a differance. may be just work on our country Reply

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 5, 09 2:22 AM CDT

jdnshell...I agree the race card is tiresome and downright offensive, but the ones making it so offensive aren't blacks. Why would they? They live it every day....racism exists in all stripes. No, it's the WHITE cult followers of Zero who are making such an issue out of this, because they are sooooooooo wrapped up in proving they aren't "racist" that they voted for a know-nothing who lied nonstop to them and is turning out to be a continuation of the Bush corporate puppet administration. They can't afford to come down off their Hopium high and face themselves, so the charges of "racism" get every more shrill. (And spare me, 9/11 conspiracynut jon, if you plan on parading your native heritage to justify your insane "new ku klux klan" bs).

-1

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 5, 09 2:25 AM CDT

Oh, and by "live it every day" I mean that AA's live with racism against them every day, thus they would not single out one group as more racist than another...because they have first hand knowledge that it exists in every aspect of society.

| 0 minutes ago

Revenge_of_Mint
Sep 5, 09 11:50 AM CDT

HES OUT FOR THE BLOOD OF CHILDREN SWEET JESUS, CHILDREN! AND HES A BLACK MUSLIM TERRORIST! EVEN! VAMPIRE BLACK MUSLIM TERRORIST ? NON EVEN AN AMERICAN VAMPIRE BLACK MUSLIM TERRORIST. How do these people even function on a daily basis? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

cognitivefilter
Sep 5, 09 3:55 PM CDT

wtf? let's see how you can skew this to seem racist. this is so ridiculous...any opposition to the president is immediately thrown the RACE CARD.......dissent is patriotism, not racism!! Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Revenge_of_Mint
Sep 6, 09 9:12 AM CDT

When you make shit up (death panels), call him a muslim, doubt his eligibility because you think he wasnt born in the us, and just try to stop him at every moment just because it seems allot like racism. Someone told me they thought the apocalypse was coming because a black president was getting elected. I've also heard these same people say a revolution was coming on the 11th of this month. This kind of shit just sickens me. Give him a chance before you decided you dont like him because hes black.

IN RESPONSE:

cognitivefilter
Sep 6, 09 10:15 AM CDT

the bullshit you listed, and i agree that it is bullshit, is unrelated to the school speech. what he said in the school speech, that kids should make a list of things to help the president, is extremely nationalist. take that as you will, but it has nothing to do with race.

| 0 minutes ago

Reader83540559
Oct 6, 09 2:20 PM CDT

Joan Joan Joan, Herman Cain is accused by some of being racist. You are about to beat racism to death. Go ahead you're looking more idiotic with each accusation . I am sick of racism and you. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 107 comments »

children • school • racism • back to school • speech • right wingers • Election 2008 • Obama administration • students • President Obama • schoolchildren • birther • kids

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