Should we, as a nation, be concerned that our President wants to speak to every school age child in the US and have them participate in activities that he has sanctioned? The answer to me seems to be: "it depends." If the message is study hard, listen to your teachers, respect the opinions of your peers, and aim to be good citizens, then we should all celebrate his efforts. On the other hand, if the purpose has political motivations, then we should oppose such action. Is asking young people to write down how Obama "inspires" them or how they can help Obama pass his plans or why his reforms should be supported truly educational or is it something more?
As Americans, we should respect and support the office of the Presidency. We should not, however, put too much support or blind faith in the individual who holds that office. There is a fine line that should not be forgotten. It is acceptable to question policies and the individual while still honoring the position. After all, we are a Republic which elects citizens from amongst ourselves to lead for a finite period of time. We are not some form of monarchy or despotism that pays homage to any single individual.
Take a look at the following news article and the press release from the Department of Education and decide for yourself - is this action an educational and inspiring speech from the office of the President or is it a move to build political support for the individual holding that position?
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/02/critics-decry-obamas-lesson-plan-students/
http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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