President Barack Obama's Address to Students is No Biggie

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

07 Sep 2009 04:01 PM

This is one of those under a rock situations where you had to be practically brain dead to not be aware of the uproar over The President's planned address to students scheduled for Tuesday September 8. After reading the full transcript for the planned speech, it is clear to me that it's really no big deal.

While there is a chance that he won't read the pre-written speech verbatim, I can't find anything that a reasonable parent would object to.

In short, the president talks about some students may be reluctant to go to school and tells about when his mother used to wake him up to study before school.

He tells students that they must accept their role in their education by showing up at school, paying attention, and doing what parents and family members ask.

He reminds them that they will need an education to do ANYTHING that they want in life and if they quit, they are "not only quitting on themselves, but they are quitting on their own country."

He plans to tell students that there is not excuse for not trying hard and doing their best. He gives examples of students who have had a difficult road but still succeeded.

He asked for a call to action. He wants students to set goals, not let failures stop them, don't be afraid to ask questions, and never give up. He also asks student to contribute to the good of their society.

Full speech here.

If any parent has a problem with this speech, I would love to try to understand why.

If you liked this you should also read my other posts at the home blog, the homeschooling blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.

Meanwhile, here are some issues you will want to protect your children from: The epidemic of online child sexual crimes

Preschoolers and Car Dangers

Teens and Prescription Drugs

Allowing Teens to Drink?

Are Your Kids a Target for Abductors?

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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Pattie Hughes (7652) 02 Oct 2009 07:49 PM

I didn't understand that controversy either. Personally, an obviously well educated and successful person is more than welcome to tell my child to stay in school, set goals and work hard to achieve them. They hear it from us all the time, but it's good reinforcement. Love the idea of teaching kids to take responsiblity for their education. What a novel idea!