Monday, September 7, 2009

Jumping to Conclusions

Okay, so are we all just completely exhausted??? The exercise that so many have had lately jumping to conclusions should have most of us worn out. I'm going to try to be fair here. This may sound like it's a post about politics but bear with me, I've got a point to make.

Topic: President Obama's speech to students on Tuesday, September 8th. Facebook polls, emails to teachers, threats of keeping kids home for the day, comparisons to what Hitler did with youth, on and on and on. "Oh sure, the speech is changed now that conservatives have voiced their strong opinions." To which I say, well apparently Mr. Obama has listened. Instead of being upset that he's "changed" the speech, rejoice!! He's removed the topics you've been concerned about.

Here's the thing....like it or not, he is our president for the four year term he was elected to. And if you love this country like I do, if you agree that we live in the greatest nation of all, if you value the free speech that we are blessed with, you will teach your children that the office of the President of the United States deserves respect. And the person holding that office deserves to be heard. You will teach your children a whole lot more if you listen to the speech and discuss it with them. You will teach your children to be open-minded. Doesn't that just make sense? Sure makes a whole lot more sense than keeping your kids home from school!! (Photo courtesy of http://vitaeproject.ning.com)

9 comments:

Jeanette said...

You saw my comment on FB, I'm with ya Sistah!!!

Leslie Miller said...

Here, here!

Leanne said...

AMEN, Peg. I'm proud of you. I'm trying to teach my daughters to respect ALL people - whether you agree or not. And I'm sorry, but this job as President is not an easy one. Let's give it a little credit. Thanks for speaking up. I'm with you!

Anonymous said...

After reading the content of his speech and what he has to say is what every parent should say every day to their children. Do your best, act responsibly, and take pride in what you do. Our country will be handed over to this next generation and we have the responsibility to encourage and inspire and if the president can begin that all the better.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'm going to comment.
Respect is something we all deserve. Respect is something the generation of today has not learned. mmmm wonder why? It starts from being taught. Why aren't they being taught to respect others and most of all people in higher power? We were taught to respect everyone, peers, parents, adults, teachers, government,etc. What has happened to our vaule system?

Peggy K said...

Thank you all for leaving comments. I was a bit leery with posting something controversial, but you just confirmed for me that there are ways of dealing with political issues that have nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with being a good human being. Thank you!!

shannon casserly said...

The speech he gave was almost identical to the speech my principal gave to the students when they walked in first thing in the morning. If my principal can say those things, then what is so bad about the president of the united states saying them!

Anonymous said...

It seems rather curious to me that we, somewhat, feel the need to commend our president for delivering a well thought out speech. I, too, am all for respecting the office. I, too, think there is little to be gained by needlessly bashing everything that goes on. But, isn't an appropriate speech the bare minimum of what we should expect from the leader of the free world? Have we lowered the bar so low that we need to praise even basic common sense? Just like we should have high expectations of ourselves and our children shouldn't we hold all elected officials, especially our president, accountable?

Anonymous said...

I agree with "Anonymous 1" - it is what we (parents, teachers, principals, community members) should be teaching our kids, everyday. And I agree with my mom, we should respect and listen and remain open-minded. I think we can praise the president, too, because there were a lot of doubts and concerns prior to the delivery of the speech. So while it is what any good leader should do, I for one am proud of our leader for doing it, and for keeping politics out of it.