This “boycott” or whatever of the President’s speech is an embodiment of the “not my president” principle, which I recall the right didn’t appreciate from the other side of the aisle, but seems we’re all to willing to behave in a similar fashion when it suits our needs. But I think it sends other signals, too.

I think it’s a bad message to send to children that the President isn’t worth listening to. We have enough of an issue with people not paying attention to current events and politics- we shouldn’t be encouraging this. It’s also important that children learn civic responsibility- that we have the right to speech and what that means. This actually is a teachable moment.

Parents who don’t like Obama should still allow the discourse to proceed. Give the man the floor, and talk to your children about your political principles later after school. It’s the American thing to do.