By PoPo

September 9, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

I hope all the early elementary teachers can explain what the word relevant means to those first graders. I think his vocabulary didn’t target his broad audience.

By Concerned Parent

September 8, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Oh, gosh. Is it time to get up? Luoise bored me to sleep with her I’m-so-scared-because-everyone-who-disagrees-with-my-messiah-is-a-bigot routine. It’s better than Nytol. Maybe the FDA should regulate and tax her.

By george

September 8, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Obama grew up in Hawaii in a Euro-American family. His daddy did what alot of African american daddies do, he left mama to raise his child. She and her parents did a good job. So he had a White family upbringing and was taught the correct way. So in his speech today he will try to spread his white ways with his followers, the lower class of the main streets of the USA. Good Luck brutha. One more thing, There are zero black ghettos in Hawaii. Think about that. Hawaii is paradise

By Louise

September 8, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

To Man, you talk about Obama brainwashing your children. YOU are brainwashing your children to be bigots, racists, and haters.

By RM

September 8, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

I am a republican who has read the speech and find nothing socialism in it. I thought the way people were freaking out that he had his brainwashing machine ready for are children. People get a grip,all he wants to do is have are future generations not fail and make something of them selves. I guess it would be ok if a rapper or football player,reality star to present this speech to our students of this country. This was no speech about health care reform or bailing out a company it was about staying the course to not growup to be a burden on society and be someone who does not rely on the gov’t.

By LL

September 8, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Do you think the kids are actually going to pay attention and listen to this? Seriously, they will all be thrilled they aren’t in class doing school work. Blah, blah, blah.

By Vic

September 8, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember conservatives objecting to the political indoctrination of our kids when “W” forced “Abstinence Only” sex education, and tried to force “Creationism” in our kid’s science classes. Why don’t you guys just admit it; you can’t deal with having a Black man in charge!!!!!

By Louise

September 8, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

To Wake Up, Tired of Obama, matter of time, concerned, Squirrellygirl, and Concerned Parent, It is really scary that there are people like you that actually believe the things you wrote.

By Louise

September 8, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

To Wake Up, Tired of Obama, matter of time, concerned, Squirrellygirl, and Concerned Parent, It is really scary that there are people like you that actually believe the things you wrote.

By G

September 8, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

I think it is an absolute shame that we live in a country where we pick and choose when something is right or wrong. When Bush Sr. or Reagan spoke to our youth we were ok with it since it was coming from the “President” who only had our countries best interest in mind, I suppose. Now our current president, Mr. Barack Obama is simply repeating a similar act, but now we are so opposed to that. Get real people, stop being racist, and stop pretending that your not.

By Man

September 8, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

Are you serious “Tired of Obama”, didn’t realize our children will not be part of our country. First I don’t need President Obama brain washing my children. He needs to worry about our Country and leave our Children alone. I refused to allow my children to view his speech in school today. We do not need the days of Hitler…Which is where he would have this country go. If he wanted to be on TV ALL THE TIME, he should have went to Hollywood and not Washington. Watch for those hidden messages.

By Astonished

September 8, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

To Wake up….. Sadly, you must not have paid attention to your reading classes in school. I have read and re-read the speech and find nothing about his birth place….. my my I hope my kids don’t listen. I want them to fail and be on the public dole…. So much better that way… Listen to your own name and Wake up. your argument is lost and will not be reason for any further action. If you don’t care for him. Then find real reasons to rail on and stop Piing around about Bu_it

By Louise

September 8, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

I read the speech and think it is excellent. He is encouraging students to work hard in school, no matter what your background is, or what obstacles you may have. I think it was ridiculous that parents had to sign whether their children could watch the President’s speech or not.

By Momof1

September 8, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

I am tired of being called a bigot or racist because I do not agree with the President’s policies. I gave my daughter the choice to watch the speech or not, the foundation of our Constitution…freedom of choice.

By Sad

September 8, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Dayton, OH is so prejudice - no wonder the city is dying…

By Willie

September 8, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

I liked his student examples names…..Jazmin, Andoni, and Shantel. Real American names, like Barack…..nevermind.

By null

September 8, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this

What is wrong with our President sending a positive message to the children? What are you people so afraid of? All of you who think it is a bad thing have absolutely NO respect for our President or this country. Maybe you need to go back to school and learn the true meaning of respect.

By Bers

September 8, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

I like the speech, as do Mrs. Laura Bush and Mr. Jim Greer (the guy who originally started the uproar about the socialist indoctrination of America’s children). Some people will find terror in it because they have already decided everything before ever being presented with any useful information. There is no hope for some people to use common sense and be rational, so we move on in spite of them. Kudos to all parents with enough good sense to allow their children to be encouraged by the President of the United States of America.

By mr

September 8, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

How can you all be so stupid? Did you listen to Bush Sr. or Reagan when they spoke to the children? Are your beliefs so shallow that by allowing your children to listen to the President of the United States they might change their beliefs?

By no big deal

September 8, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this

There is nothing wrong with the Presidents Speech. HE is giving the students, our future, words of encouragement. Our children will be the next generation that can make a things better. Our generation has only made it worse and look at the example that we are setting for the children of tomorrow..

By tim

September 8, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

Re:Confused “how can we raise our kids republican if he encourages them to do well in school? “ SO True

By Randy Emerick

September 8, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

When I read these comments in my hometown newspaper posted by so many frightened and bigoted people, I’m glad I left Dayton, the dying city.

By Wake Up

September 8, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

WOW…Read the first paragraph. Is our own President FINALLY admitting He wasn’t born in the U.S. Just like his Grandmother said, But this Country failed to realize. And he ran her back to her country quickly…LOL WAKE UP AMERICA…LOL

By Tired of Obama

September 8, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

First I don’t need President Obama brain washing my children. He needs to worry about our Country and leave our Children alone. I refused to allow my children to view his speech in school today. We do not need the days of Hitler…Which is where he would have this country go. If he wanted to be on TV ALL THE TIME, he should have went to Hollywood and not Washington. Watch for those hidden messages.

By matter of time

September 8, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

President’s speech is only the beginning to indoctrinate our children, to make them think a “socialist” nation is ok. If he can connect w/ our kids, what a better way than to give an uplifting speech about education. Hmm? I smell something rotten. And it’s our President and country! Look at the mess we are in! Education speech RIGHT! It’s only his plan to get cozy w/ our youth, then next he will be talking about support socialized medicine for YOUR futures!

By Sheila

September 8, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Why are those that are complaining truly complaining — take the complaining and do something positive to help make our country better. The children are the future — it is a good place to start. Education is the key — we should all be preaching that song to them. Grow up America - I believe this very attitude is what continues to hold us down. Support our President - regardless of his color - give him the same respect you gave all the rest of the men that ruled the United States. Stop trying to find something wrong - grow up!

By Concerned

September 8, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this

I have to agree what has now been written down in black and white seems to appear harmless. However, everything that is brought forth positive, pretty, and shiny, isn’t always that. I know typically when trouble lurks it is presented as something appealing. You don’t gain confidence in someone or something by offering it vinegar.

By COncerned

September 8, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this

I have to agree what has now been written down in black and white seems to appear harmless. However, everything that is brought forth positive, pretty, and shiny, isn’t always that. I know typically when trouble lurks it is presented as something appealing. You don’t gain confidence in someone or something by offering it vinegar.

By Squirrellygirl

September 8, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this

I think Obama should do his job and fill his official posts. Also, I think all of his “czars” (preformed socialistic/communistic) government should be thrown out. These czars do not align with the majority of Americans.

By Squirrellygirl

September 8, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Obama should be intruding into our children’s lives by telling them anything at all. I don’t agree with his agenda, nor the socialist government he is trying to push on us.

By Wildwood Flower

September 8, 2009 7:25 AM | Link to this

I agree, the speech is both heartfelt and positive, and I truly hope it inspires children to take their responsibility as students more seriously. Our president’s life story is relevant to this lesson because he embodies the American Dream. God bless President Obama for caring about our children!

By hakko

September 8, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this

I am no fan of Obama, but that speech is not a problem for me. The only “agenda” he is pushing is for the kids to work hard and get an education. I think that is an “agenda” we can all agree to work toward.

By missy

September 8, 2009 7:21 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Ms.Bryne. I read no political agenda in his speech and it sounds kinda like the “speeches” I have given my own kids about being the best they can be and that life sometimes doesn”t go the way we like or think it should be, but to keep trying and be the best you can be. What, exactly was said that was so political in his speech?

By Concerned Parent

September 8, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

It’s a Trojan Horse. Encouraging students is the job of parents first and teachers second. You must ask yourself why is this guy doing this? Comparing this to Bush (41) and Reagan is invalid as a defense as Hitler also gave speeches to youth. Look at the man behind the speech. Do you trust him after he’s consistently lied to everyone in all political camps? Think about it. Why is he doing this? It’s a Trojan Horse.

By Chris

September 8, 2009 6:12 AM | Link to this

I agree the speech is pretty neutral, and doesnt promote a political agenda. But, one of the real concerns with the speech was the recommended discussion and activity list provided to schools for students after the speech. That list was a little more suggestive of a definitive agenda. The real irony of the whole thing is this: everything he talks about revolves around personal responsibility and the American dream. Great thoughts! But, they are conservative ideals and he isnt a conservative by any stretch. His political agenda pushes a complete lack of personal responsibility in the form of massive government intervention into almost every sector including education. You can see the left’s track record of government intervention in anything (see public school results since formation of Federal Department of Education). See government intervention into the healthcare sector anywhere in the world. See government intervention into the economy. This can really go on and on. See currently proposed re-distrubution wealth in the form of extremely progressive taxation policy. This isnt necessary if people are taking the personal responsibility he references. He talks about making tough choices and taking responsibility for your own future, but at the same exact time is proposing some of the largest entitlement expansions and fundamental changes to our economy which revolve around a lack of personal responsibility (being government controlled anything). Because - when the government handles it - you don’t have to. And when you don’t have to, you slip into a soft dependence on government for every part of your life (retirement, health, etc) negating personal responsibility and making you dependent on the state. This my friends is called socialism. So, once again the speech isnt a problem. I have no issue with the President addressing our students. I just find it ironic, he holds up conservative ideals as a way to move forward then advocates and encourages policies which remove personal liberties, steal wealth and increase dependence on something other than yourself. Does anyone else see the double talk? You can’t have it both ways, and this is his special ability - saying 2 different things at the same time to different groups. Please let the policies and actions do the talking, not the rhetoric. Please read and learn and educate yourselves on actions not news stories.

By Chris

September 8, 2009 6:01 AM | Link to this

I agree the speech is pretty neutral, and doesnt promote a political agenda. One of the real concerns with the speech was the recommended discussion and activity list provided to schools for students after speech. That list was a little more suggestive of a definitive agenda. The real irony of the whole thing is this: everything he talks about revolves around personal responsibility and the American dream. Great thoughts! But, they are conservative ideals and he isnt a conservative by any stretch. His political agenda pushes a complete lack of personal responsibility in the form of massive government intervention into almost every sector including education. You can see the left’s track record of government intervention in anything (see public school results since formation of Federal Department of Education). See government intervention into the healthcare sector anywhere in the world. See government intervention into the economy. This can really go on and on. See currently proposed re-distrubution wealth in the form of extremely progressive taxation policy. This isnt necessary if people are taking the personal responsibility he references. He talks about making tough choices and taking responsibility for your own future, but at the same exact time is proposing some of the largest entitlement expansions and fundamental changes to our economy which revolve around a lack of personal responsibility (being government controlled anything). Because - when the government handles it - you don’t have to. And when you don’t have to, you slip into a soft dependence on government for every part of your life (retirement, health, etc) negating personal responsibility and making you dependent on the state. This my friends is called socialism. So, once again the speech isnt a problem. I have no issue with the President addressing our students. I just find it ironic, he holds up conservative ideals as a way to move forward then advocates and encourages policies which remove personal liberties, steal wealth and increase dependence on something other than yourself. Does anyone else see the double talk? You can’t have it both ways, and this is his special ability - saying 2 different things at the same time to different groups. Please let the policies and actions do the talking, not the rhetoric. Please read and learn and educate yourselves on actions not news stories.

By Ethel S

September 8, 2009 3:14 AM | Link to this

The speech is too long and 50% about BO. If the kids want to learn about him and his life, we can read his autobiography. The original lesson plan with this speech was also about him for the children to write an essay on how to help HIM. With the parents wanting more information about the speech, then politics will be kept out of our schools in the future.

By bruce wilkes

September 8, 2009 1:01 AM | Link to this

When Obama returns the money he got from the Teachers Unions he will stand on better ground on being able to deliver a speech. When our Congressmen actually read the bills they vote on, they will stand on better ground. When all the politicians return the campaign contributions they got from the pharmaceutical, insurance and medical associations they should be able to vote for new medical programs. No matter how Obamas speech is worded, politicians that are bought and sold a thousand times over should be kept away from our children. Dem or Rep, they are all corrupt.

By Tried of the bickering

September 7, 2009 11:57 PM | Link to this

The objections to the President’s speech to the nation’s students is all political. It is anti-patriotic for parents to act the way they are doing and for the schools to not broadcast the message. Any school which does not make this available to it students should lose ALL their Federal funding. Boy, wouldn’t they whine then.

By Tried of the bickering

September 7, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

The objections to the President’s speech to the nation’s students is all political. It is anti-patriotic for parents to act the way they are doing and for the schools to not broadcast the message. Any school which does not make this available to it students should lose ALL their Federal funding. Boy, wouldn’t they whine then.

By Tried of the bickering

September 7, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

The objections to the President’s speech to the nation’s students is all political. It is anti-patriotic for parents to act the way they are doing and for the schools to not broadcast the message. Any school which does not make this available to it students should lose ALL their Federal funding. Boy, wouldn’t they whine then.

By toni c

September 7, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

I found absolutely NOTHING wrong with that speech. All ‘concerned parents’ should want their children to excel, do their best, and stay in school. If anybody out there complaining could give a better speech…Go for it!

By confused

September 7, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

how can we raise our kids republican if he encourages them to do well in school?

By uke51

September 7, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

Thank you TJ for your honesty. Can’t we all just think about the children that he is trying to reach and realize that there may not be political agenda.He is after all a father and probably truly cares about our children.

By TJ

September 7, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Even though I can’t stand him, the speech seems fine and doesn’t have his “agenda” all over it, at least not yet. The part that amuses me is how he keeps talking about all of the hard work it takes to get a good job. Can anyone point out a time when this guy had a “real” job, like flipping burgers or selling cars to get himself through school, or to support himself as a young man fresh out of collage? Has he ever done anything except sell himself in the political arena?

By Concerned Parent

September 7, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

How can a failed and corrupt public official encourage anyone to succeed? Why would any teacher encourage this nonsense except that he/she is foisting that shared agenda of failure upon the students?

By Concerned Parent

September 7, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

How can a failed and corrupt public official encourage anyone to succeed? Why would any teacher encourage this nonsense except that he/she is foisting that shared agenda of failure upon the students?

By Lauranne Byrne

September 7, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

I’m a teacher and I find no fault in President Obama’s Back-to-School Speech. In fact, I thought that he was encouraging our youth to be the best that they can be and to achieve their highest potential with the help of a good education. I agreed with his empowering them in their responsibility in achieving these goals. I also thought that he showed them, by his own life’s example and the example of peers like Jazmin Perez, Andoni Schultz and Shantell Steve, as well as the example of our own forefathers, that we all have the power to perservere when things get tough. I loved the speech. I plan to use parts of it with my own students. I’m proud that we have a world leader who is out spoken about a “grass roots”/foundation of what is one of the utmost importantance in our society, an education. I didn’t read any political agenda in this heartfelt speech.