Talking Politics

If you know me well, you know how I stand politically and probably that it's not something that I am too fond of debating. I know where I stand and I fully respect those who may not hold the same views as myself, but today I was just plain frustrated. Here is my rant...

Presidents Obama announced that he would be given a message to school-aged children about setting goals for yourself, doing your best and the importance of education. Apparently people are up in arms that students have to watch the President speak during the school day. There is no political, and as many have been saying "socialist" agenda attached to this message. It is purely to give students well wishes in school and to motivate them to do the best they can. Obama is the first president to ever do such a thing.

There are parents that have already requested that their student be pulled out of the class during the broadcast, which I find absolutely ridiculous. This is the first ever message of its kind and what a unique opportunity for kids to feel like the President is talking to them, regardless of political views. Now it the message was to promote any kind of political issue, than I may be hesitant to support the idea. I never remember as a kid feeling one way or another about the President, all I knew what that the President was well, the President. I remember going to see the Governor of Kansas when I was in 6th grade for a special award and at the time I had no idea what his political views were, but all that mattered was that I was seeing the Governor.

I find it sad that politics has come to the point where we feel like we cannot support our President when it comes to simply talking to kids. I overheard some people talking about the issue, and while they adamently disagreed with the broadcast one said, "Think of how it will make all of the black children feel in the inner city." Boy did this get my blood boiling. What in the world was that suppose to mean? This whole race thing is really starting to wear thin on me, and I find it ludicrous that this is for the black children, or some children will get more out of it because the President matches their skin color. It is completely irrelevant and the whole reason Obama is doing this is to reach all kids and motivate all kids to do their best in school.

It has nothing to do with race or politics and I think it is so sad that especially in a school it has to come down to that. I really am learning a lot about suburban schools and while I am so very fortunate to be at the school I am at and learn all that I am learning, I have come to reaffirm my believe that my purpose is not to teach in a suburban school.

I will update after my class and I watch the broadcast on Tuesday with what kind of response was had by the students...