Freak-Out of the Day

Politics • Views: 5,352

The right wing blogosphere is hyperventilating again, and again I just can’t join the freak-out.

This time it’s over Barack Obama’s plan to address the nation’s schoolchildren, and indoctrinate them with evil communist principles like working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. Why, he’s just like Karl Marx.

Some are even urging parents to pull their children out of school that day, so they won’t be exposed to this horror.

But seriously — what in the world could possibly be wrong with this? Question for you folks who are blowing the horns of doom: do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

Get a freaking grip.

Time after time, the right wing gets the vapors over their fantasies about what Obama is going to say in his next big speech. And time after time, they’re proven wrong and embarrassed as Obama takes it straight down the middle and says nothing extreme. You’d think they would learn not to keep crying wolf.

UPDATE at 9/2/09 12:52:45 pm:

Free Republic is going completely bug-eyed nuts over this story, posting a form letter for parents to protest the speech and urging that children be pulled out of school. And they’re accompanying this with pictures of Obama as a Nazi youth leader: Letter to Public School Superintendent.

September 8 is National Keep Your Kids Home Day.
September 8 is National Home Schooling Day.
September 8 is National School Sick Day.
September 8 is National Indoctrination Resistance Day.

Keep your kids home from school on September 8, and keep them safe!

UPDATE at 9/2/09 1:59:00 pm:

Here’s a little-known video seen by only 487,265 people, in which Barack Obama reveals his sekrit plan to mesmerize the children of America into becoming little Vladimir Lenins:

Youtube Video

Jump to bottom

1258 comments
1 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:13:22pm

There are days where I just shake my head and say, "People can't REALLY get any more stupid, can they?"

They always prove me wrong.

2 crashnburn  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:14:08pm

I'd tell my kids to not stare at the spinning psychodelic wheel next to Mr. Obama's head!

3 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:14:33pm
This time it’s over Barack Obama’s plan to address the nation’s schoolchildren, and indoctrinate them with evil communist principles like working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. Why, he’s just like Karl Marx.

Reminds me of that horrible White House campaign about "Just Say No". ///

4 Cannadian Club Akbar  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:14:40pm

I don't have kids, but if I did, I wouldn't attend. Unless it was pizza day.
/ and don't skimp on the corn!!

5 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:14:42pm

I wonder if liberal parents pulled their kids from class when Bush showed up to read to them on the ill-fated 9/11 occasion.

Somehow, I doubt it.

6 shifty  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:14:54pm

Probably no need to worry unless your kid's teacher is that crazy black lady who made the McCain kid cry.

7 mbruce  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:15:39pm

Why subject my kid to more lies?

8 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:15:47pm

Le Freak! C'est chic!

9 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:15:54pm

I thought the Freak Out would be more like this one:

Youtube Video
10 Cannadian Club Akbar  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:15:59pm

In a related story, all kids have been asked to wear furry hats.
/

11 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:02pm

Would they rather Mark Sanford discuss responsibility with the kids?

12 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:02pm

I hope is address to school children goes something like this...

Youtube Video
13 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:21pm

re: #9 Kosh's Shadow

Nice.

14 Altermite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:28pm

I got an email telling me to stay at home on the 8th.

I will have flown several thousand miles from home the day before.

This could be difficult.

15 pink freud  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:32pm

More cult of personality mongering.

16 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:43pm
You’d think they would learn not to keep crying wolf.

This concerns me immensely.

17 KenJen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:51pm

re: #11 Sharmuta

Would they rather Mark Sanford discuss responsibility with the kids?

Good one.

18 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:16:58pm

re: #7 mbruce

Why subject my kid to more lies?

WHAT LIES?

19 HelloDare  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:17:06pm

Obama's speech was leaked. You can see it here:

[Link: www.viddler.com...]

20 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:17:28pm

Well...

But seriously — what in the world could possibly be wrong with this? Question for you folks who are blowing the horns of doom: do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

But seriously, until we actually hear or read the contents of what he says to the school, this question is moot.

Let's wait and see.

21 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:17:46pm
22 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:17:48pm
But seriously — what in the world could possibly be wrong with this?

I have it on good authority that if you play Obama's scheduled speech backwards, a Satanic voice intones "this isn't the nirth certifikit you're looking for".

23 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:17:55pm

Well, at least he's not saying "turn on, tune in, drop out."

24 Sheila Broflovski  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:18:38pm

9 of my 22 grandkids will not be affected by this, since they live in Israel and Canada. The ones who attend school in Brooklyn, will probably just ignore it.

I remember the JFK worship when I was a kid. This was before the assassination. It got much worse afterward. This is a good reason for everyone to pray that Obama stays safe and protected.

25 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:18:41pm

re: #7 mbruce

Why subject my kid to more lies?

If that's what you call "lies", you should probably just homeschool your kid. Clearly your idea of truth isn't what is being taught in schools today.

26 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:18:44pm

Maybe Sarah Palin should talk to the kids about not dropping out.

27 shifty  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:19:11pm

The good news is that most children will have moved on to more important things like video games and forgot what Obama said by lunchtime.

28 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:19:15pm

Now that Haakondahl has outed me as a Marxist (and a gay one, he believes - but I digress), I'm dropping the mask.

It's all part of a plan that Soros, Gramsci and I have been working on for more than a century.

Once it's complete, I will be rewarded with the proconsulship of the Province Formerly Known as Maine, where I shall introduce sex education into pre-school and bring in wolves to keep the Republican population down.

There is nothing you can do to stop us.

29 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:20:31pm

First down-dinger already! That was fast.

Been getting hate mail all morning accusing me of being "anti-Christian," which is always a treat.

30 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:20:42pm

re: #15 pink freud

Youtube Video
31 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:20:42pm

re: #21 buzzsawmonkey

"The Crying Wolf" is a good pub name.

Would you name a Nevada cat house the Mountain Lion?

32 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:14pm

Could you imagine if this was the 80s and liberal bloggers were telling their readers to defy Nancy Reagan by getting drugs for their kids? I really don't see how this is different.

33 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:26pm

Freak out in a moonage daydream, oh yeah!

I would post the apporpriate video if I could access UTube at work.

34 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:27pm

It's things like this, from the Department of Education's website, that concern me:

Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected
and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their
goals.

Not "What can you do to help the country" but the President. I can't stand this cult of personality that has developed around Obama. It's unbecoming of a republic. And it is especially unbecoming to encourage schoolchildren to participate in it. If that makes me a right-wing nut bag, then I'll see you at the Planter's factory.

35 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:29pm

re: #29 Charles

First down-dinger already! That was fast.

Been getting hate mail all morning accusing me of being "anti-Christian," which is always a treat.

For the record, Charles, I'm a Christian and I have never felt out of place on your blog. Anyone who says otherwise can stuff it.

36 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:51pm
37 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:21:52pm

re: #28 Cato the Elder

Now that Haakondahl has outed me as a Marxist (and a gay one, he believes - but I digress), I'm dropping the mask.

It's all part of a plan that Soros, Gramsci and I have been working on for more than a century.

Once it's complete, I will be rewarded with the proconsulship of the Province Formerly Known as Maine, where I shall introduce sex education into pre-school and bring in wolves to keep the Republican population down.

There is nothing you can do to stop us.

You're getting narrower. It only took you 28 posts to go off topic. At least it wasn't all about Sa... oops, I almost said it.

38 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:22:09pm

re: #26 Sharmuta

Maybe Sarah Palin should talk to the kids about not dropping out.

Ha!
/snort

39 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:22:21pm

I might be cynical, but I don't think Obama's message will be 100% something I'd agree with or want my children, if I had any of school age, exposed to.

My guess is he will say things about how the government needs to help people more, not get out of their way.
But that doesn't mean I think kids will come out of the speech all mesmerized, turning in their parents who disagree with nationalized health care.
Just that they will hear how the government should be like parents, at an age when they really need parents.

40 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:22:31pm

re: #20 Walter L. Newton

Well...

But seriously, until we actually hear or read the contents of what he says to the school, this question is moot.

Let's wait and see.

You're right, you never know. He might just drop the mask and start ranting about re-education camps and radical egalitarianism.

I think we just might be doomed.

41 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:22:32pm

I have no problem with it as long as it's:

"What can I do to help THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"

not

"What can I do to help PRESIDENT OBAMA."

Otherwise, I find the "why is it important to listen to the President and other elected officials..." a bit creepy.

Considering NOT listening to him was the highest form of patriotism not too long ago.


Overall, it has the feeling of preparing yeshiva buchers for Schneerson.

Would I keep my kids at home?

Probably not.

42 stickman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:22:34pm

I'm sure President Obama will give the kids an inspiring talk. However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.

43 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:22pm

Now, I do have to say... if this report is true, some of this does make me slightly uneasy:

But in advance of the address, the Department of Education has offered educators "classroom activities" to coincide with Obama's message.

Students in grades pre-K-6, for example, are encouraged to "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."

44 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:36pm

re: #37 Walter L. Newton

You're getting narrower. It only took you 28 posts to go off topic. At least it wasn't all about Sa... oops, I almost said it.

How is it off-topic? The President's speech is an integral part of our plan.

I'm just being honest, for Pete's sake.

45 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:37pm

re: #42 stickman


However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.


They probably would have ignored it.

46 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:50pm

re: #42 stickman

I'm sure President Obama will give the kids an inspiring talk. However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

47 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:52pm

re: #42 stickman

What did they say about Nancy Reagan's anti-drug campaign? I think most people see good advice for kids as being good advice for kids regardless of the spokesperson.

48 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:23:58pm

I'm giving this the "wait and see".
Tuesday! Be here!
Charles will find us a stream.

49 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:24:28pm

re: #35 thedopefishlives

For the record, Charles, I'm a Christian and I have never felt out of place on your blog. Anyone who says otherwise can stuff it.

I second that, Charles.

50 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:24:34pm

"...and just remember, children, if you hear your parents saying fishy stuff like 'free enterprise' or 'patriotism' you know just what to do. That's right, send it to Uncle Barry and Auntie Michelle on our new e-mail line, kidsnitch@whitehouse.gov."

Pheew! Just woke up from a nap, thought it was a nightmare but it turns out I just had Fox News on in the background.

51 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:24:42pm
Frederick Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, said the suggested lesson plans cross the line between instruction and advocacy.

"I don't think it's appropriate for teachers to ask students to help promote the president's preferred school reforms and policies," Hess said. "It very much starts to set up the president as a superintendent in chief."

52 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:24:42pm

re: #40 Charles

You're right, you never know. He might just drop the mask and start ranting about re-education camps and radical egalitarianism.

I think we just might be doomed.

Is that what you think I was saying? I ask since you didn't supply a sarc tag. If that was what you think I was saying, you are wrong.

53 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:24:44pm

re: #26 Sharmuta

Maybe Sarah Palin should talk to the kids about not dropping out.

Or acid.

54 voirdire  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:10pm

He would never do anything out of line to shamelessly promote himself.

55 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:36pm

Didn't Bush do a tv address to school kids asking each one to send a dollar to kids in Afghanistan?

Great idea, until the Afghan kids sent a goat to South Park.

56 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:44pm

re: #26 Sharmuta

Maybe Sarah Palin should talk to the kids about not dropping out.

"Sarah says: don't be a quitter!"

57 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:51pm

re: #42 stickman

I'm sure President Obama will give the kids an inspiring talk. However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.

You don't have to think about it. Bush did go to classrooms and speak to students, and there would have been no media notice of it whatsoever (there was, for instance, no media discussion hype about it ahead of time), had one of those occasions not been at the precise moment terrorists chose to drive 2 aircraft into the World Trade Center.

58 Altermite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:58pm

re: #42 stickman

I'm sure President Obama will give the kids an inspiring talk. However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.

At most, they would have likely made fun of his twang. I don't recall the GENERAL MEDIA making a huge stealth-whatever fuss. The bloggers and protesters? Yes. But I can't recall any of the 'he's gonna indoctrinate away our freedooomsss' coming from them without at least forged evidence.

59 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:25:59pm

re: #53 Ben Hur

Or acid.

"Mom, why does this stamp taste funny?"

/I plead the 5th.

60 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:26:05pm

re: #36 buzzsawmonkey

I might.

Remember that "Folger's sex" is mount 'n' groan.

*ditto*

61 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:26:19pm

re: #43 Occasional Reader

Now, I do have to say... if this report is true, some of this does make me slightly uneasy:

Now, I do have to say... if this report is true, some of this does make me slightly uneasy:

But in advance of the address, the Department of Education has offered educators "classroom activities" to coincide with Obama's message.

Students in grades pre-K-6, for example, are encouraged to "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."

WHAT?

62 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:26:20pm

re: #43 Occasional Reader

That's a distortion/lie. Don't believe anything you read on FOX. Read the link that Charles put up. They're going to little assignments about what was said in the speech. Very simple comprehension type stuff. Nothing spooky.

63 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:26:36pm

re: #42 stickman

I'm sure President Obama will give the kids an inspiring talk. However, I can't help but think about what the general media would be saying now if this had been Bush.

Sure, he'll be inspiring, about how easy it is, with little experience, to become President of the US.

64 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:26:48pm

There was a time not so long ago when I slammed President Bush for failing to use the bully pulpit to get his message out. It looks like President Obama took that criticism to heart, and now seeks out every camera imaginable to get a message out to the public.

Pressers? Check
Telepromtper-side chats? Check.
Speeches to students? Check.

He's gone so totally in the opposite direction that he's stepping on his own message because he can't maintain tight control of the message. Never mind that the message was busted before he started speaking (health care as he envisions it is not what most Americans want or need). He's just frittering away the last remants of goodwill from his election, and that makes his job of actually leading the nation that much more difficult.

It would be a much better use of his time, and ours, if he tried leadership instead of politicking. The problem is that he's got so little experience, he wouldn't know where to start.

65 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:27:22pm

re: #43 Occasional Reader

Now, I do have to say... if this report is true, some of this does make me slightly uneasy:

A suggested lesson plan that calls on school kids to write letters to themselves about what they can do to help President Obama is troubling some education experts, who say it establishes the president as a "superintendent in chief" and may indoctrinate children to support him politically.

I have a problem with that.

66 wrenchwench  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:27:36pm

re: #33 Mad Al-Jaffee

Freak out in a moonage daydream, oh yeah!

I would post the apporpriate video if I could access UTube at work.

Youtube Video
67 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:27:43pm

So, if George Bush had announced he wanted to do this, the left would not explode? They would say, "Oh look, he is just going to talk about staying in school and trying hard, no problem?"

A cult of personality arises when a country's leader uses mass media to create an idealized and heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships and Stalinist governments.
A cult of personality is similar to general hero worship, except that it is created specifically for political leaders. However, the term may be applied by analogy to refer to adulation of religious or non-political leaders.

He's not Stalin and this is not a totalitarian dictatorship, but Obama is building his "love cult" either way...

Youtube Video
68 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:27:58pm

re: #61 MandyManners

FOX News = not true.

69 bulwrk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:06pm

Really nothing to worry about unless of course Obama is a big Star Trek fan

70 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:15pm

re: #56 Charles

"Sarah says: don't be a quitter!"

I feel so bad for Cato, not being able to follow up comment.
/

71 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:18pm

Meh. I have middle school and high school age children in public school in Texas. They will go and listen to the President and I will ask them what he said. It will be a nice dinnertime conversation topic. I really want to know what my children think they can do to "help" President Obama.

72 pink freud  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:38pm

re: #34 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

It's things like this, from the Department of Education's website, that concern me:

Not "What can you do to help the country" but the President. I can't stand this cult of personality that has developed around Obama. It's unbecoming of a republic. And it is especially unbecoming to encourage schoolchildren to participate in it. If that makes me a right-wing nut bag, then I'll see you at the Planter's factory.

Imagine if you will the uber-cooperation the NEA would provide to facilitate Bush speaking to schoolchildren nationwide. Imagine the cooperation from the untold thousands of liberal educators in the classrooms. Would this be allowed, encouraged, and supported then?

73 bemused  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:42pm

re: #34 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

That's why I too am concerned. Like you, if that makes me a hyperventilating right wing nut case too, so be it.

And yes, had this been President Bush, all of the MSM would be shrilly up in arms protesting the Executive intrusion into the classroom.

74 The Other Les  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:45pm

Time after time, the right wing gets the vapors over their fantasies about what Obama is going to say in his next big speech. And time after time, they’re proven wrong and embarrassed as Obama takes it straight down the middle and says nothing extreme. You’d think they would learn not to keep crying wolf.

They're expecting a Socialist to behave like a Socialist.

When I attended public schools the presidents who were in office were Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. Not once during all of that time did any one of them felt compelled to speak to the national student body as a whole in a live broadcast.

I once promised myself that I would never deliberately put a child into the public school system. When I did that I NEVER expected to see part of a modern day remake of TRIUMPH OF THE WILL in the public schools.

(On YouTube there is a video of Hitler addressing a mass gathering of Hitlerjugend as "my youth".)

75 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:28:54pm

re: #67 Desert Dog

So, if George Bush had announced he wanted to do this, the left would not explode? They would say, "Oh look, he is just going to talk about staying in school and trying hard, no problem?"

Bush DID do this, and the left did not explode. Charles provided a link to one such incident.

76 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:29:16pm

re: #64 lawhawk

There was a time not so long ago when I slammed President Bush for failing to use the bully pulpit to get his message out. It looks like President Obama took that criticism to heart, and now seeks out every camera imaginable to get a message out to the public.

Pressers? Check
Telepromtper-side chats? Check.
Speeches to students? Check.

He's gone so totally in the opposite direction that he's stepping on his own message because he can't maintain tight control of the message. Never mind that the message was busted before he started speaking (health care as he envisions it is not what most Americans want or need). He's just frittering away the last remants of goodwill from his election, and that makes his job of actually leading the nation that much more difficult.

It would be a much better use of his time, and ours, if he tried leadership instead of politicking. The problem is that he's got so little experience, he wouldn't know where to start.

I'm seeing some stuff out there that suggests we may be hearing yet another important speech from Obama on healthcare as early as next week. Goody.

77 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:29:19pm

re: #43 Occasional Reader

Some of the comments over should be investigated.

And I'm not being sarcastic.

78 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:29:41pm
79 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:29:49pm

re: #67 Desert Dog

So, if George Bush had announced he wanted to do this, the left would not explode? They would say, "Oh look, he is just going to talk about staying in school and trying hard, no problem?"

That's way to easy.

Bushitler Youth.

80 jantjepietje  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:29:53pm

How much influence is 1 speech really going to on school children? Regardless of the content children are mostly shaped by what they see and hear every day from friends and from their parents. One speech is going to completly change their entire outlook on life? Really?

81 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:30:05pm

re: #46 Charles

Your link just goes to show that these kids are NOT so easily duped. They can spot a bullshitter a mile away and are generally not afraid to call them on it.

82 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:30:22pm

Obama is putting himself in Loco Parentis and I do not think it is appropriate.

Not that I am freaking out.

But, suppose he makes his pitch, and then later is involved in a big scandal (politicians are prone to them); then it would be easy for a student to dismiss the message he or she will be getting.

And this smacks too much of going after the young and impressionable when he's not doing so well with grown-ups.

Feh.

83 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:30:36pm

re: #75 Yashmak

Bush DID do this, and the left did not explode. Charles provided a link to one such incident.

Don't you realize that people don't want to hear that?

84 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:31:19pm

re: #62 Killgore Trout

That's a distortion/lie. Don't believe anything you read on FOX. Read the link that Charles put up. They're going to little assignments about what was said in the speech. Very simple comprehension type stuff. Nothing spooky.

Um... I don't know how to break the news to you, Killgore, but... here, I am cutting and pasting, without alterationg, one of the "prek-6" suggested classroom activities, from the link provided at the Dept. of Ed website, from the link Charles posted. Last page:

• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.

So... not a distortion, not a lie. Straight from the horse's mouth.

85 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:31:37pm

re: #62 Killgore Trout

That's a distortion/lie. Don't believe anything you read on FOX. Read the link that Charles put up. They're going to little assignments about what was said in the speech. Very simple comprehension type stuff. Nothing spooky.

This is the link of suggested activities for pre-K through 6th.

[Link: www.ed.gov...]

86 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:31:46pm

President Wee wee now addresses the wee ones.

87 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:31:56pm

I can understand reporting on shark attacks when the news is slow...but the 'Obama policy' news ain't slow. There's plenty to question him on. Not this. He ain't done it yet. I'd wait and see.

88 Tats66  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:32:16pm

Id personally be less concerned woth the actual message from the Big O than I wld from maybe the propogandized follow up of some of the teachers...:)

89 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:32:42pm

re: #83 Charles

For the record, that was George H.W. Bush, (41), who did that speech (seeing how it was 1989 and all). A whole lot changed in the time between 1989 and when GWB took office.

90 varnish  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:32:44pm

This has been my go-to website for years, but Charles, you are starting to concern me. I don't like the idea of a president having access to my school kid like this - it really doesn't matter what he says, but he is an habitual sophist, so I am sure he will lie and/or mislead.

91 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:32:49pm

Maybe Michele Bachmann can talk to the kids about blood communicable diseases.

92 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:32:57pm

re: #83 Charles

Don't you realize that people don't want to hear that?

Indeed, but I happen to take great pleasure in voicing FACTS that people don't want to hear. I think that's what makes me like this blog and its commentors so much, there are many others like me here.

93 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:33:06pm

re: #83 Charles

Don't you realize that people don't want to hear that?

I think there is a reasonable argument Bush speaking about "say no to drugs" (more or less) is rather different from this.

94 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:33:14pm

re: #46 Charles

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

A lot about not doing drugs in that article.

Not so much about Bush talking about Bush.

95 Rexatosis  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:33:36pm

Well there is a school day down the drain, cool for the kids, photo-ops for the Pres. and Press, but the lesson plans are shot.

96 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:33:46pm

re: #70 unrealizedviewpoint

I feel so bad for Cato, not being able to follow up comment.
/

Did Cato get the stick?

97 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:21pm

re: #84 Occasional Reader

So... not a distortion, not a lie. Straight from the horse's mouth.

LOL.

98 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:22pm

re: #68 Killgore Trout

FOX News = not true.

No. 85.

99 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:27pm

re: #87 unrealizedviewpoint

I can understand reporting on shark attacks when the news is slow...but the 'Obama policy' news ain't slow. There's plenty to question him on. Not this. He ain't done it yet. I'd wait and see.

PRECISELY!

/sorry about the shouting

100 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:32pm

BREAKING: shocking video of Obama's education speech!

Youtube Video
101 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:42pm

Freshly dredged from the fever swamp (Free Republic)!

Here's a helpful form letter to let your school superintendant know that you are a barking mad crank not going to allow your child to be indoctrinated into the Obamanation:

Dear Mr. XXX,

I am the parent of a XXX grader and deeply concerned that the school will be broadcasting an address from the President of the United States during my child's class time on September 8th. I have no idea what the content of this address will be, and am unable to vet it as a parent. The politicization of my child's education is not something I welcome. My child is not old enough to vote, and he is not old enough to formulate political opinions without my guidance. Therefore I urgently request that parents be able to read and view the exact same speech before it is given to students. If this is not possible, then I must insist that my son's normal school day take place on September 8th, without interruption from the President of the United States.

In addition, I have read Department of Education materials suggesting student assignments after the presidential address. There is one suggestion that my child can discuss what he, my child, can do for the President. I find these suggestions very offensive and believe they run counter to the United States Constitution, which expressly limits the role of the federal executive branch. My child is getting an education for himself and his community, and is not required to do anything for the President. The President is not a king. I must insist that any teacher at the school refrain from suggesting that my child owes any sort of "help" to the President.

Please inform the parents what the school district will do to preserve the relatively non-politicized atmosphere that has, apparently until today, existed in XXX classrooms.

102 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:43pm

re: #96 CyanSnowHawk

Did Cato get the stick?

You wish.

103 Irish Rose  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:44pm

Good freaking grief.

104 Lincolntf  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:34:53pm

I'm thinking of the tons of kids who had "1984" on their summer reading list. They're gonna walk into school next week and see Obama's face beaming down at them from a monitorm telling them how to be better citizens. Should provoke an interesting essay or two.

105 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:02pm

re: #96 CyanSnowHawk

Did Cato get the stick?

No, No!
He made a pact to not diss Palin for 1 month.

106 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:15pm

re: #83 Charles

Don't you realize that people don't want to hear that?

I agree..What is the matter with having the President of the United States speaking to our children and inspiring them to achieve higher goals?

107 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:17pm

re: #102 Cato the Elder

You wish.

in bed

108 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:23pm

re: #85 MandyManners

Mandy = Not true.

109 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:27pm

Obama is coming for your kidz.

Youtube Video
110 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:36pm

I hope he tells my kids to stay in school, study and work hard, get advanced degrees and make lots of money so they can help pay back the the incredible debt the govt. is running up.

111 Flyers1974  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:55pm

re: #96 CyanSnowHawk

He decided not to discuss Palin for one month. Sadly in my opinion.

112 MandyManners  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:35:55pm

Speaking of wee ones,..gotta' go.

113 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:03pm

re: #84 Occasional Reader

Here's that section in context...

Create posters of their goals. Posters could be formatted in quadrants or puzzle pieces or trails
marked with the labels: personal, academic, community, country. Each area could be labeled with
three steps for achieving goals in those areas. It might make sense to focus on personal and
academic so community and country goals come more readily.
• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected
and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their
goals.
• Write goals on colored index cards or precut designs to post around the classroom.
• Interview and share about their goals with one another to create a supportive community.
• Participate in School wide incentive programs or contests for students who achieve their goals.
• Write about their goals in a variety of genres, i.e. poems, songs, personal essays.
• Create artistic projects based on the themes of their goals.
• Graph student progress toward goals.


It's about setting goals, making a plan, and implementing it. Very basic educational cognitive type stuff. It's nothing spooky or sinister.

114 HelloDare  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:17pm

I'm not worried about the nation's children. Obama is just going to practice talking down to people.

BREAKING NEWS: President Obama to address joint session of Congress Sept. 9

115 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:22pm

re: #106 HoosierHoops

I agree..What is the matter with having the President of the United States speaking to our children and inspiring them to achieve higher goals?

Don't you get it? He's evil! Evil, I say! He has powers we can only dream of, to warp the impressionable minds of our youth!

116 Irish Rose  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:29pm

re: #106 HoosierHoops

I agree..What is the matter with having the President of the United States speaking to our children and inspiring them to achieve higher goals?

Not a damned thing.

117 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:42pm

re: #115 Charles

Don't you get it? He's evil! Evil, I say! He has powers we can only dream of, to warp the impressionable minds of our youth!

Shall I break out with the wooden stakes, crosses, and garlic?

/

118 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:43pm

re: #85 MandyManners

This is the link of suggested activities for pre-K through 6th.

[Link: www.ed.gov...]

From the instructions:

Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.

I'd rather they write letters about what they can do to help the country.

119 ArchangelMichael  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:47pm
Question for you folks who are blowing the horns of doom: do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

"Of course, he teh Hypnobama!"

Youtube Video
120 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:36:55pm

I would like to see what he is going to say, first.

121 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:01pm

re: #98 MandyManners

It's in the section about setting goals and making plans, etc. It's very common in education.

122 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:06pm

To get all worked up over this before he even makes the address is just ridiculous. Even if he does press a hard left agenda in his talk (which I seriously doubt will happen), don't we already know that the majority of the academic system already leans left and basically has the NEA to ensure leftist indoctrination. (/ - do I really have to sarc tag the hyperbole here? Yes, there is some, but really, people...)

Frankly, I don't have an issue with my daughter in the 7th grade seeing this. If she has some questions, then we will discuss them at the dinner table that night and she can process that along with the President's talk and the viewpoints of some of her teachers who march with Code Pink locally.

There is no need to create a kerfuffle - and better ideas / better articulation always win over hyperbole.

123 oh_dude  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:06pm

Speaking of looniness, my brother just IM'd me that a rumor is starting to stir about the cause of the Station fire here in LA.

The target was Mt. Wilson since not only are all the TV/Radio towers up there, there's also cell/comm sites for FBI, CIA, etc.

124 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:10pm

re: #90 varnish

This has been my go-to website for years, but Charles, you are starting to concern me. I don't like the idea of a president having access to my school kid like this - it really doesn't matter what he says, but he is an habitual sophist, so I am sure he will lie and/or mislead.

I'm sure he'll tell them horrible lies, like how staying is school will benefit them, more education will give them more opportunities, and more opportunities will lead to them achieving their dreams. How awful.

125 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:22pm

re: #113 Killgore Trout

Here's that section in context...


It's about setting goals, making a plan, and implementing it. Very basic educational cognitive type stuff. It's nothing spooky or sinister.

And that's from Fox?

126 Spider Mensch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:32pm

he's going to tell the kids..." now all of you go home and have a temper tantrum in front of mommy and daddy saying... I WANT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE!!! I WANT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE!!! NOW!!! WHAAA!!!...and yell real loud and long until mommy and daddy agree just to shut you up...and after that kiddies..go into mommys purse, when her and daddy aren't looking, and take out a $20 bill and send it to uncle obama at his white house address...ok kids?"

/mwahahaha!!

127 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:40pm

re: #86 Ojoe

President Wee wee now addresses the wee ones.


Heh, Heh, you said wee wee

/Beavis & Butthead

128 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:40pm
129 Altermite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:45pm

re: #90 varnish

This has been my go-to website for years, but Charles, you are starting to concern me. I don't like the idea of a president having access to my school kid like this - it really doesn't matter what he says, but he is an habitual sophist, so I am sure he will lie and/or mislead.

He hasn't done most of the things that chicken littles have been concerned about.

All the serious crap he has pulled has been way out in the open, like the healthcare bill. Rushed, but out in the open.

130 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:52pm

re: #115 Charles

Don't you get it? He's evil! Evil, I say! He has powers we can only dream of, to warp the impressionable minds of our youth!

All with a scary soundtrack, backwards Romanian monk-chant, and masks. See my #109.

131 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:37:58pm

Back to work for me. SAVE THE CHILDREN!™

132 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:02pm

blah...

133 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:26pm

re: #131 Danny

Back to work for me. SAVE THE CHILDREN!™

Collect the whole set!

134 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:38pm

re: #113 Killgore Trout

Here's that section in context...


It's about setting goals, making a plan, and implementing it. Very basic educational cognitive type stuff. It's nothing spooky or sinister.

All those are great. And then... there's the rather odd one about "what can I do to help the president", without no explanation/context about helping him do WHAT. The preceding section you cite has no real "context" for that bit.

Oh, and do you acknowledge that Fox wasn't "lying" about the bit I quoted, at least? It really is there?

135 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:44pm

• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.

The president.

136 Irish Rose  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:45pm

re: #115 Charles

Don't you get it? He's evil! Evil, I say! He has powers we can only dream of, to warp the impressionable minds of our youth!



The idiocy, it burns.

137 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:51pm

re: #126 Spider Mensch

he's going to tell the kids..." now all of you go home and have a temper tantrum in front of mommy and daddy saying... I WANT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE!!! I WANT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE!!! NOW!!! WHAAA!!!...and yell real loud and long until mommy and daddy agree just to shut you up...and after that kiddies..go into mommys purse, when her and daddy aren't looking, and take out a $20 bill and send it to uncle obama at his white house address...ok kids?"

/mwahahaha!!

Sounds like something out of a Mad Magazine parody of children's TV.
What, me worry?

138 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:38:59pm

re: #84 Occasional Reader

So... not a distortion, not a lie. Straight from the horse's mouth.

Perhaps Obama can lecture the chidren about how deficient the Constsitution is, you know not an "Economic Justice" clause

139 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:39:42pm

Speaking of powers and freakouts... stand by for the MA pandemic response bill, currently working its way through the House...
[Link: www.mass.gov...]

140 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:39:50pm

re: #134 Occasional Reader

Dude.

Stop smoking my weed.

141 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:39:52pm

re: #117 thedopefishlives

Shall I break out with the wooden stakes, crosses, and garlic?

/

We oughta caution the Jewish Lizards about trying to use Stars of David.

/... Richard Benjamin ... "Love at First Bite"

142 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:39:54pm

re: #136 Irish Rose

The idiocy, it burns.

From both sides of the fringe...

143 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:40:06pm

re: #115 Charles

Don't you get it? He's evil! Evil, I say! He has powers we can only dream of, to warp the impressionable minds of our youth!

I don't care for Obamas' policies, principles or politics, but I don't think there is any way he is going to use the whole public school system to promote his personal politics.

144 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:40:29pm

I find it acceptable that the President (the first African American President) addresses the nations school children on the first day of school. This really is okay folks. It really is.

145 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:40:38pm

re: #141 pre-Boomer Marine brat

We oughta caution the Jewish Lizards about trying to use Stars of David.

/... Richard Benjamin ... "Love at First Bite"

Ha! I remember that scene.

"No... it's the other one."

146 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:40:45pm

re: #102 Cato the Elder

You wish.

Not really, I find your PDS entertaining, even if a little stale. I was trying to find out what the sarc tag was for, you not being able to respond, or unrealizedviewpoint feeling sorry for you.

147 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:40:50pm

re: #32 Sharmuta

Could you imagine if this was the 80s and liberal bloggers were telling their readers to defy Nancy Reagan by getting drugs for their kids? I really don't see how this is different.

That's nice. This gets a ding down.

Sorry if it hurts your precious little wepublican sensibilities, but it's quite true. Democrats did not go intentionally hook kids on drugs in an attempt to stick it to the White House.

148 _RememberTonyC  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:24pm

President Obama's kids seem pretty normal, in spite of the celebrity of their family. Perhaps the POTUS knows a thing or two about imparting wisdom to children.

149 solicitr  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:25pm

#113:

It doesn't get any less creepy in full.

150 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:25pm

Well, looking at the worksheet (gr. 7-12), I'm against the idea of pairing the kids up to discuss their goals. Goals need to be individual. Nobody takes your SAT for you or goes to college for you.

151 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:32pm

re: #144 unrealizedviewpoint

I find it acceptable that the President (the first African American President) addresses the nations school children on the first day of school. This really is okay folks. It really is.

I agree.

If it's about serving themselves and the United States.

Not him.

152 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:33pm

Wow, over 140 posts without a deletion or banning.

I have to get some work done now, so all the fun will have to go on without me. I'll check back every so often, though.

153 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:41:49pm

re: #144 unrealizedviewpoint

I find it acceptable that the President (the first African American President) addresses the nations school children on the first day of school. This really is okay folks. It really is.

"What can I do to help the country"--fine.

"What can I do to help the president"--just a tad cult-of-personality-y, doncha think?

154 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:03pm

re: #68 Killgore Trout

FOX News = not true.

Not true = NYT

therefore

FOX News = NYT

what a crazy world...

155 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:04pm

re: #105 unrealizedviewpoint

No, No!
He made a pact to not diss Palin for 1 month.

OMG. One day at a time Cato, one day at a time.

156 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:16pm

re: #126 Spider Mensch

It's more likely that the students will be promised $20...

157 voirdire  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:35pm

Perhaps he'll back intelligent design.

158 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:39pm

re: #153 Occasional Reader

"What can I do to help the country"--fine.

"What can I do to help the president"--just a tad cult-of-personality-y, doncha think?

yep...but it's ok...right?

159 HelloDare  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:41pm

re: #144 unrealizedviewpoint

I find it acceptable that the President (the first African American President) addresses the nations school children on the first day of school. This really is okay folks. It really is.

He should wear the Joker make-up. Kids would really like that.

160 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:42:42pm

re: #150 EmmmieG

Well, looking at the worksheet (gr. 7-12), I'm against the idea of pairing the kids up to discuss their goals. Goals need to be individual. Nobody takes your SAT for you or goes to college for you.

This is for the good of the village. It's a bit selfish to be only concerned about your children. It's almost Un-American.

161 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:43:08pm

re: #156 Athos

It's more likely that the students will be promised $20...

Without mentioning their parents' taxes will be raised $60 to pay for it.

162 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:43:16pm

re: #157 voirdire

Perhaps he'll back intelligent design.

He's come out firmly behind evolution.

163 PAUL_MACDONALD  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:43:46pm

Ultimately, this kind of screeching ends poorly for the screechers. They've painted Obama as the most evil person on the planet, so all he has to do is be generally competent.

164 ArchangelMichael  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:44:04pm

re: #105 unrealizedviewpoint

No, No!
He made a pact to not diss Palin for 1 month.

That's like the time Beavis and Butthead were banned from laughing in school.

165 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:44:09pm

re: #162 Sharmuta

He's come out firmly behind evolution.

Too bad evolution isn't behind him.
/rimshot

166 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:44:59pm

re: #163 PAUL_MACDONALD

Ultimately, this kind of screeching ends poorly for the screechers. They've painted Obama as the most evil person on the planet, so all he has to do is be generally competent.

How's that working for him... NOT.

167 Rexatosis  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:22pm

As someone who has a graduate degree in Ed., has taught H.S., and teaches College, anyone who thinks Pres. Obama's speech to the students will not be used by pro-Obama teachers to promote the President's agenda is naive. The whole "letter" to help the President will be used as part of that. Down-ding if you want but I'm in the ed. business.

168 jordash1212  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:23pm

Well said. Obama is a man of rhetoric. Everyone who voted for him knows this. It's the reason he made it into office! Even if what he says is "extreme," that doesn't at all concern me. It's his actions that concern me. Obama is charismatic, and I think that has helped us in the Middle East. But when push comes to shove he's really quite moderate. His rhetoric is just a balancing act. And if you want to talk about symbolic politics like Obama taking a book on Latin American exploitation from Hugo Chavez, well looks at it this way: what does Venezuela have on the United States? It might be a moment of glory and massive propaganda for Chavez, but in the end Obama and the United States are still in a position of power.

169 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:34pm

re: #153 Occasional Reader

"What can I do to help the country"--fine.

"What can I do to help the president"--just a tad cult-of-personality-y, doncha think?

Cub Scout book--Bear

pg. 41 "Tell three things you did in one week that show you are a good citizen."

pg. 71 "Know what you can do to help law enforcement."

170 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:44pm

re: #145 Occasional Reader

Ha! I remember that scene.

"No... it's the other one."

*grin* ... IMHO, as good as some of Peter Sellers'.

171 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:50pm

I don't see what the problem is with TOTUS talking to the kids.
He's already shown a talent for choreography, maybe it will get them interested in the arts...
//

Youtube Video
172 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:52pm

re: #159 HelloDare

He should wear the Joker make-up. Kids would really like that.

LOL
incorrigible you are

173 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:45:59pm
Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.

So, if Johnny writes "I respectfully disagree with many of President Obama's goals, and I want to help the President by getting him to change his mind on a lot of them"... uh, what does the teacher do with this?

Isn't there something of a suggestion here that children's classroom performance should be evaluated in part based on quasi-political criteria?

At best, this part was badly thought out.

174 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:00pm

Obama--taking the epitat "Nanny-statist" and running in an all too literal direction.

That said, I don't see why anyone who puts their children in public school has much reason to be upset.

175 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:12pm

By the way, Charles, I think we may have found another downdinger in the process.

176 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:15pm

re: #168 jordash1212

Obama is charismatic, and I think that has helped us in the Middle East

Give one example.

177 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:31pm

re: #155 CyanSnowHawk

OMG. One day at a time Cato, one day at a time.

It seems I am not needed. Why, someone here even mentioned the word "quitter" without prompting from me.

Who was that...?

178 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:37pm

re: #163 PAUL_MACDONALD

Ultimately, this kind of screeching ends poorly for the screechers. They've painted Obama as the most evil person on the planet, so all he has to do is be generally competent.

I don't think he's even going to manage 'generally competent'. . .but you're right, screeching about this speech is a bit premature, and probably counterproductive.

179 voirdire  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:40pm

re: #167 Rexatosis

Teachers would never use the classroom for political purposes.

180 JammieWearingFool  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:42pm

Here's where I object to this intrusion in the classroom.

Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of Congress, or the governor. Why is what they say important?

They should be listening to us, not the other way around.

Also, Obama is in our face 24/7. That's bad enough, but leave the children out of the politics. This garbage is not suitable for pre-K, let alone adolescents.

181 ClosetRepublicInSantaMonica  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:46:43pm

While not worthy of a freak out part of this plan really bothers me in it's scope and the "event" driven nature of the speech; everybody gather together is a little too "Dear Leader" for my taste. Why not just produce a video that schools can use at their discretion and better fit into their curriculum? I heard someone on the radio object because education is a local issue. (I also don't know why we need a Dept. of Education.) It bothers me in the same way that children's choir video from the Venice, CA charter school during the election bothered me, the whole cult of personality thing. I agree that the/a President encouraging children to do well in school is a good thing. That said (and I believe others have mentioned that the supplemental materials seem to suggest this) is this about what the children can do to help the President or Obama? Why isn't it what children can do for their country and their nation. Given Obama's track record and tendency to see things as they affect him, not how they effect the country I am skeptical to say the least. And given the suggestions from the Dept. of Ed. I see the move more as self serving than anything else. Given the Obama White House emphasis on marketing Obama and the administration I'd say a healthy amount of skepticism and actually looking at the address on Tuesday is warranted. I'll wait and see but color me a doubtful that this is about giving good advice to school children.

182 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:47:29pm

re: #175 thedopefishlives

By the way, Charles, I think we may have found another downdinger in the process.

I updinged your post to counter that guy, a while back. The Other Les, I believe it was, who downdinged you.

183 crimeshark  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:47:52pm
But seriously — what in the world could possibly be wrong with this? Question for you folks who are blowing the horns of doom: do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

Get a freaking grip.


And Charles, with all due respect to the President and his minions of change, you would think he'd be making this speech on, well, a school day. We start on the 9th- not the day of the speech, which will be the 8th.

Regardless, I don't much care who the President is- he can save his addresses to the schoolchildren for after the school day ends. I don't pay for private schooling to have it interrupted by some well-meaning politician.

184 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:11pm

To my downdinger LAZARUS, do you have a problem with family dinnertime conversation or the fact my kids go to public school or that I will send them on that day?

185 steve  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:21pm

My kids school district just sent out a letter with a form attached, wanting to know if I want to opt out of them giving my kids information to military recruiters.

Not really a problem except the form that came with it.

My I am just over reacting?

186 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:42pm

re: #176 Ben Hur

Give an example..


See video at # 171.

187 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:42pm

re: #182 Yashmak

I updinged your post to counter that guy, a while back. The Other Les, I believe it was, who downdinged you.

There's another one. I don't really care about my karma per se, but I know that habitual downdingers are periodically frowned upon and I wasn't sure if the master lizard had noticed.

188 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:43pm

re: #176 Ben Hur

Give one example.

Well, there's the Syrian... er, um... wait, Iran's new... ummm... ah, in Iraq, the violence has really... hmm...

189 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:48:53pm
190 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:00pm

re: #56 Charles

"Sarah says: don't be a quitter!"

LMAO

191 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:01pm

re: #187 thedopefishlives

PIMF... Scratch the periodically.

192 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:12pm

re: #134 Occasional Reader

All those are great. And then... there's the rather odd one about "what can I do to help the president", without no explanation/context about helping him do WHAT. The preceding section you cite has no real "context" for that bit.

Oh, and do you acknowledge that Fox wasn't "lying" about the bit I quoted, at least? It really is there?

Yes, the only reason people find that scary is because FOX News (and other idiots) say it's scary. If you were to read that yourself without the spooky idea implanted by FOX, you'd probably be able to discern that these are simple exercises to see if the kids payed attention to what was said, did they comprehend it, etc. This is preK-6! This is for very young children and they just want to see if the kids with their little brains understood what the man on the TV said.
/I know ODS is impervious to logic and common sense but I still feel compelled to try.

193 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:19pm

[Link: newsbusters.org...]

NOW this is beyond funny, gov't run betting goes bankrupt, and the zero thinks gov't can run health care cheaper the gov't can't even run a bookie operation at a profit. and the fools think they can do something that is really complex better.

anyone want to buy a bridge?

194 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:25pm

re: #169 EmmmieG

Cub Scout book--Bear

pg. 41 "Tell three things you did in one week that show you are a good citizen."

pg. 71 "Know what you can do to help law enforcement."

"help law enforcement" OK.
"help Chief Wiggun" not so OK.

195 Altermite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:28pm

re: #167 Rexatosis

As someone who has a graduate degree in Ed., has taught H.S., and teaches College, anyone who thinks Pres. Obama's speech to the students will not be used by pro-Obama teachers to promote the President's agenda is naive. The whole "letter" to help the President will be used as part of that. Down-ding if you want but I'm in the ed. business.

Pro-Obama teachers using something to support the president is a far cry from Obama making a speech to enmesh students into his sinister web.

As someone with a graduate degree in anything at all, you should know the difference.

PS:
Anti-Obama teachers can do the exact same thing.

196 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:38pm

re: #180 JammieWearingFool

Here's where I object to this intrusion in the classroom.

They should be listening to us, not the other way around.

Also, Obama is in our face 24/7. That's bad enough, but leave the children out of the politics. This garbage is not suitable for pre-K, let alone adolescents.

Everyone is overreacting to this. When you child comes home with the "Parental Competency Check List," then get worried.

197 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:40pm

The usual suspects are going truly batshit over this one:

September 8 is National Keep Your Kids Home Day.
September 8 is National Home Schooling Day.
September 8 is National School Sick Day.
September 8 is National Indoctrination Resistance Day.

Keep your kids home from school on September 8, and keep them safe!

There is also a nice graphic of Obama as a Nazi youth section leader.

I will abstain from swearing. It seems likely to me that every POTUS since Jefferson, or at least Lincoln, has taken time to speak to schoolchildren at one time or another.

198 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:53pm
199 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:56pm

re: #167 Rexatosis

As someone who has a graduate degree in Ed., has taught H.S., and teaches College, anyone who thinks Pres. Obama's speech to the students will not be used by pro-Obama teachers to promote the President's agenda is naive. The whole "letter" to help the President will be used as part of that. Down-ding if you want but I'm in the ed. business.

The thing is- the biggest influences on a kid are Mom and Dad. Others may make a difference- role models, etc. but kids from conservative houses are not going to return from school after hearing this and be mindless drones. It's as if Mom and Dad are incompetent at raising their children to think one speech could be so damaging.

200 Rexatosis  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:49:59pm

Re # 179 voirdire

I hope you just forgot your /// tags.

201 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:06pm

re: #188 Occasional Reader

FoxNews is your brain.

202 JammieWearingFool  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:16pm

BTW, if your kids somehow escape the Obamadoctrination, the television will be saturated with his after school special all that evening.

Yay!

One of the reasons Obama is now so unpopular is people are sick of seeing him.

Among a few dozen other reasons, of course.

203 voirdire  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:37pm

re: #200 Rexatosis

Re # 179 voirdire

I hope you just forgot your /// tags.

. . . dropped'em . . .

204 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:43pm

re: #198 buzzsawmonkey

It starts out like some weird fraternity initiation ritual.

205 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:48pm

re: #189 buzzsawmonkey

"Lazarus" is just trying to get a rise out of you.

in bed

206 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:54pm

Dear Self:

In order to help the President, you need to report all fishy stuff to whitehouse.gov.

From,

Me


P.S. Work hard, study, listen to your parents, and stop krazy-gluing the dog to the various household appliances that you deem "too noisy".

207 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:50:57pm

I really don't get this irrational fear of what Obama is going to say to these school children.

Now clowns, on the other hand... those are freakin' scary!

208 tgibson1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:06pm

I don't need the President to lecture my children on working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. That's my job. Plus, since I've actually done those things, I think I'm better qualified than he is to hold forth on those subjects. As an example, I've never once told my kids "It's Bush's fault."

209 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:20pm

re: #183 crimeshark

And Charles, with all due respect to the President and his minions of change, you would think he'd be making this speech on, well, a school day. We start on the 9th- not the day of the speech, which will be the 8th.

Regardless, I don't much care who the President is- he can save his addresses to the schoolchildren for after the school day ends. I don't pay for private schooling to have it interrupted by some well-meaning politician.

Listening to the President speak "is" a learning experience.

210 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:23pm

re: #185 steve

My kids school district just sent out a letter with a form attached, wanting to know if I want to opt out of them giving my kids information to military recruiters.

Not really a problem except the form that came with it.

My I am just over reacting?

There's a supply of slightly used apostrophes over in the corner if you need some. Help yourself...

;^)

211 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:26pm

Repost.. turned into one essay.

I am all for a president actually taking the time to promote education. It is something they all speechify about during campaigns but then forget about while in office. One of the reasons our elected officials are as bad as they are is that the voters are as proudly ignorant as they are.

We live in a culture where if Mike Tyson said "I could probably whup you" the average American would surely agree. But if Albert Einstein dared to even hint that he might be smarter or know more, then the average American would get furious about "who does that Einstein think he is!"

How dare Einstein think he knows more than you!

We have no respect for education in this society. It is seen only as a drudgery and a means to a financial end by most Americans, who are happy to discount any fact that they do not like. Americans rarely let facts get in the way of justifying themselves.

If Obama gets just one kid to study harder because of this, he deserves a great deal of praise.

If it is just more of the political nonsense then he is no different from the rest. As to what is said in those 15 minutes, I am certain it will be a rousing story of how he personally saw education as important and how his education helped him to become the president.

The message that if you study hard and work hard you could be president used to be the core of American values.

It is a very conservative view of mine that we go back to those values.

212 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:29pm

re: #183 crimeshark

And Charles, with all due respect to the President and his minions of change, you would think he'd be making this speech on, well, a school day. We start on the 9th- not the day of the speech, which will be the 8th.

Regardless, I don't much care who the President is- he can save his addresses to the schoolchildren for after the school day ends. I don't pay for private schooling to have it interrupted by some well-meaning politician.

The 8th is the first day of school for many kids across the country. Most of them I think.
Little Hawk started on Aug. 4th, but he's got this weird year-round hybrid schedule.

213 JammieWearingFool  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:39pm

re: #192 Killgore Trout

I didn't need Fox News to make up my mind for me, thankyouverymuch. In fact I blogged about it over 24 hours ago,before it was even noted on the air.

Your bias is showing.

214 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:49pm

re: #189 buzzsawmonkey

"Lazarus" is just trying to get a rise out of you.

The Terminator Meets Jesus

Youtube Video
215 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:51:51pm

re: #208 tgibson1962

I don't need the President to lecture my children on working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. That's my job. Plus, since I've actually done those things, I think I'm better qualified than he is to hold forth on those subjects. As an example, I've never once told my kids "It's Bush's fault."

That's Un-American IMHO.

216 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:01pm

re: #189 buzzsawmonkey

"Lazarus" is just trying to get a rise out of you.

That was sure cryptic, and on a grave subject too.

/kind of the ultimate up-ding

217 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:19pm

re: #192 Killgore Trout

If you were to read that yourself without the spooky idea implanted by FOX, you'd probably be able to discern that these are simple exercises to see if the kids payed attention to what was said, did they comprehend it, etc

Right, Killgore, we're all such imbeciles that we think whatever Fox (Glenn Beck!) tells us to think, everyone except you.

Good grief.

And if you "were able to read that yourself", you'd see that "what can I do to help the president" (with an implicit suggestion that the child will be graded on that activity) is NOT directly related to a simple "hearing comprehension" exercise.

218 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:28pm

re: #184 snowcrash

To my downdinger LAZARUS, do you have a problem with family dinnertime conversation or the fact my kids go to public school or that I will send them on that day?

You are a terrible parent to allow your kid(s) to hear this speech! Because your kid(s) can't think for themselves, despite your upbringing. Letting your kid(s) hear this speech proves you're incompetent!

That's the message I'm getting now from some right-wingers, any ways.

219 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:29pm

re: #216 pre-Boomer Marine brat

That was sure cryptic, and on a grave subject too.

/kind of the ultimate up-ding

Save the puns for a dead thread...

220 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:37pm

i am from the gov't and i am here to help

[Link: newsbusters.org...]

221 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:43pm

re: #194 Kosh's Shadow

"help law enforcement" OK.
"help Chief Wiggun" not so OK.

I should have specified: I'm okay with those questions, as they are about law and order, and not specific people.

Other examples of okay vs. not okay:

Bear book: Requirements 5 & 6 have the kids recycling, looking up extinct animals, putting out bird feeders, looking at their families' energy use and what they can do to conserve (turning off lights, not letting water run, etc.), figuring out where garbage goes, etc.

However, my daughter came home from school (seven years ago), talking about how the evil manufacturing companies were melting the ice caps. Not okay. An evil manufacturing company provides the funds she lives on.

222 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:44pm

re: #110 snowcrash

I hope he tells my kids to stay in school, study and work hard, get advanced degrees and make lots of money so they can help pay back the the incredible debt the govt. is running up.

uh-uh. Remember, profit=bad, community servie=good.
He'll just tell them that they should be proud of living in America, once it starts taking care of sick people and stops poisoning the precious polar bears.

223 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:49pm

re: #6 shifty

Probably no need to worry unless your kid's teacher is that crazy black lady who made the McCain kid cry.

I'm thinking she isn't the only one in the country.

Youtube Video
224 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:52pm

re: #211 LudwigVanQuixote

Repost.. turned into one essay.

I am all for a president actually taking the time to promote education. It is something they all speechify about during campaigns but then forget about while in office. One of the reasons our elected officials are as bad as they are is that the voters are as proudly ignorant as they are.

We live in a culture where if Mike Tyson said "I could probably whup you" the average American would surely agree. But if Albert Einstein dared to even hint that he might be smarter or know more, then the average American would get furious about "who does that Einstein think he is!"

How dare Einstein think he knows more than you!

We have no respect for education in this society. It is seen only as a drudgery and a means to a financial end by most Americans, who are happy to discount any fact that they do not like. Americans rarely let facts get in the way of justifying themselves.

If Obama gets just one kid to study harder because of this, he deserves a great deal of praise.

If it is just more of the political nonsense then he is no different from the rest. As to what is said in those 15 minutes, I am certain it will be a rousing story of how he personally saw education as important and how his education helped him to become the president.

The message that if you study hard and work hard you could be president used to be the core of American values.

It is a very conservative view of mine that we go back to those values.

Too bad, according to the "lesson plan" that the Board of Education has posted on their website, that none of those wonderful things you mention (and I agree with) are part of the message.

225 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:52:52pm

re: #208 tgibson1962

I don't need the President to lecture my children on working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. That's my job. Plus, since I've actually done those things, I think I'm better qualified than he is to hold forth on those subjects. As an example, I've never once told my kids "It's Bush's fault."

Your kids are lucky to have you. Many are not so lucky.

226 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:01pm

Dear Self,

I need to get really good grades so I can go to an Ivy League school and learn all I need to know to set my country back on track after all the old Ivy Leaguers effed it up.

Me.

227 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:09pm

re: #201 Ben Hur

FoxNews is your brain.

Glenn Beck has put a spell on me!
'Scuse me, while I kiss this guy

228 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:18pm

re: #213 JammieWearingFool

It's very clear what the section in question is about. I don't think you should be proud that you arrived at this paranoid fantasy on your own.

229 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:19pm
230 Diamond Bullet  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:33pm
like working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility.

I'd be more impressed if Obama himself did any of those things.

231 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:44pm

re: #219 LudwigVanQuixote

Save the puns for a dead thread...

What does that mean?

232 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:52pm

re: #209 unrealizedviewpoint

Listening to the President speak "is" a learning life altering experience.

233 Rexatosis  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:54pm

Re # 195 Altermite

Pres. Obama is well aware of where the NEA falls regarding support for his policies and will use them as he has used other unions in support of his policies.

234 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:53:56pm

re: #219 LudwigVanQuixote

Save the puns for a dead thread...

I can dig that.

235 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:54:02pm

re: #218 Sharmuta

You are a terrible parent to allow your kid(s) to hear this speech! Because your kid(s) can't think for themselves, despite your upbringing. Letting your kid(s) hear this speech proves you're incompetent!

That's the message I'm getting now from some right-wingers, any ways.

I really don't get that attitude. Assuming I had a kid, I'd be a terrible parent if I _didn't_ let them hear the speech. If my kids turned into Obamabots over one speech, then I'm not doing it right - they need to be conditioned to think critically on the issues for themselves.

236 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:54:09pm

re: #197 Shiplord Kirel

The usual suspects are going truly batshit over this one:

I will abstain from swearing.

Hehe. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

It seems likely to me that every POTUS since Jefferson, or at least Lincoln, has taken time to speak to schoolchildren at one time or another.

Yep, they have. Usually without any gnashing of teeth from the other side of the political aisle.

237 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:54:33pm

re: #229 buzzsawmonkey

Nicely said.

Then I'll repeat myself for you too!

Too bad, according to the "lesson plan" that the Board of Education has posted on their website, that none of those wonderful things you mention (and I agree with) are part of the message.

238 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:54:51pm

well the POTU$ can go to any school he wants to speak

but aren't we not supposed to have religion in the class room.
are Messiah allowed in the classroom?

239 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:13pm

re: #219 LudwigVanQuixote

Save the puns for a dead thread...

I agree, leave them shrouded in mystery

240 JammieWearingFool  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:13pm

re: #228 Killgore Trout

It's very clear what the section in question is about. I don't think you should be proud that you arrived at this paranoid fantasy on your own.

You're free to subject your kids to this indoctrination. We sane people prefer otherwise.

Wisely, my school district is smart enough to skip this exercise in Obama's self-indulgent mental masturbation.

241 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:15pm

re: #217 Occasional Reader

This is preK-6! What is a 5 year old going to do to advance Obama's radical fascist agenda? They are just checking to see what the kids understood from the speech. This paranoia is amazing.

242 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:26pm

re: #219 LudwigVanQuixote

Save the puns for a dead thread...

Don't kill the buzz!

243 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:38pm

re: #202 JammieWearingFool

BTW, if your kids somehow escape the Obamadoctrination, the television will be saturated with his after school special all that evening.

Yay!

One of the reasons Obama is now so unpopular is people are sick of seeing him.

Among a few dozen other reasons, of course.

Tonight, on a very special Presidential speech.
This is turning into leadership by bad TV.
/

244 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:55:43pm

re: #235 thedopefishlives

I really don't get that attitude. Assuming I had a kid, I'd be a terrible parent if I _didn't_ let them hear the speech. If my kids turned into Obamabots over one speech, then I'm not doing it right - they need to be conditioned to think critically on the issues for themselves.

It's as if folks like the Freepers don't have confidence in their own kids to spot bullshit or good advice when they hear it.

245 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:01pm

re: #144 unrealizedviewpoint

I find it acceptable that the President (the first African American President) addresses the nations school children on the first day of school. This really is okay folks. It really is.

My only problem with the comment is that many, many of the nation's schoolchildren have been in school for weeks when the address is given. Not every kid goes back on the day after Labor Day.

246 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:07pm

re: #239 pre-Boomer Marine brat

I agree, leave them shrouded in mystery

If you leave them alone, they'll probably decompose.

247 steve  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:10pm

re: #210 Cato the Elder

There's a supply of slightly used apostrophes over in the corner if you need some. Help yourself...

;^)

C**p I missed that. Not good for a former communications major.

248 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:11pm

re: #231 Walter L. Newton

What does that mean?

I think it was a follow-on pun, Walter.
In the context of Lazarus, etc, etc

249 HelloDare  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:11pm

re: #171 tradewind

Not fair. Don't you remember the video of kids chanting that "because of Bush" they were going to stay in school and become part owner of a baseball team. I had that link somewhere. Can't seem to find it. /

250 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:12pm

One of us!
One of us!

251 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:14pm

re: #185 steve
My ISD gives you the choice starting Junior year. Doesn't matter because once your kid takes the SAT, admission info from all kinds of colleges and the military will be flooding your mailbox addressed to him.

252 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:38pm
253 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:43pm

re: #248 pre-Boomer Marine brat

I think it was a follow-on pun, Walter.
In the context of Lazarus, etc, etc

Oh, I get it, I missed the pun. Sorry.

254 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:43pm

gov't run OTB goes bankrupt

move right along folks no news here.

255 Spider Mensch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:56:54pm

obama need to aim lower..grade school kids already have formed their ideas..obama needs to do his speech on Yo Gabba Gabba! get his word out to the toddlers..plus wouldn't it be cool to see obama dressed up like this...Image: 592935794_l.jpg

256 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:08pm

re: #231 Walter L. Newton

What does that mean?

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

257 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:08pm

re: #243 CyanSnowHawk

Tonight, on a very special Presidential speech.
This is turning into leadership by bad TV.
/

That reminds me... wasn't every episode of "Blossom" a very special episode?

I'm ashamed I remember that.

258 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:12pm

re: #244 Sharmuta

It's as if folks like the Freepers don't have confidence in their own kids to spot bullshit or good advice when they hear it.

I see this trend a lot in newer-generation parents. It's sort of an outgrowth of the attitude that causes them to be utterly overprotective to the point of obsession - you know, the type that practically wraps their kids in bubble wrap any time they leave their safely padded room.

259 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:17pm

re: #184 snowcrash

To my downdinger LAZARUS, do you have a problem with family dinnertime conversation or the fact my kids go to public school or that I will send them on that day?

Ditto...

260 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:22pm

re: #219 LudwigVanQuixote

Save the puns for a dead thread...

Thread police

261 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:28pm
262 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:40pm

Coming up next on Obamavision: President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress on health-care reform on Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Pass it!

263 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:46pm

re: #193 yochanan

[Link: newsbusters.org...]

NOW this is beyond funny, gov't run betting goes bankrupt, and the zero thinks gov't can run health care cheaper the gov't can't even run a bookie operation at a profit. and the fools think they can do something that is really complex better.

anyone want to buy a bridge?

Government health care, brought to you by the same fine people who
brought you the efficiencies of the Post Office & the TSA!

264 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:48pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

There was a pun in there.

Grave.

265 Kragar  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:54pm

Speculation rises that Supreme Court Justice Stevens will retire

Reporting from Washington - Justice John Paul Stevens, who will turn 90 early next year, has given a hint that this Supreme Court term will be his last, potentially clearing the way for a second appointee from President Obama next summer.

Stevens, like most of the justices, hires new law clerks a year in advance, and he confirmed that he has hired only one clerk for the fall of 2010, not the usual contingent of three or four. Retired justices have only one clerk.

Stevens has not said he will step down next year, and he could hire extra clerks in the months ahead. But his early hiring plans, which were first reported by the Associated Press, set off speculation that he has already decided to retire.

Earlier this year, the first clear hint of Justice David H. Souter's retirement came in the news that he did not hire a full set of law clerks.

Stevens, a Chicago native and an appointee of President Gerald Ford, has been the leading voice of the court's liberal wing for nearly two decades.

266 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:54pm

re: #217 Occasional Reader

Right, Killgore, we're all such imbeciles that we think whatever Fox (Glenn Beck!) tells us to think, everyone except you.

Good grief.

And if you "were able to read that yourself", you'd see that "what can I do to help the president" (with an implicit suggestion that the child will be graded on that activity) is NOT directly related to a simple "hearing comprehension" exercise.

I don't even watch Fox news - or any of them any more.

And I figured out all by my little lonesome that I don't like the "what can I do to help the President" bit myself.

I keep looking to see if there's anything in that "lesson plan" that hints at the idea that the U.S. Government is accountable to its citizens; citizens are not accountable to the government in such a way that we have to provide assistance to the President.

267 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:57:57pm

re: #252 buzzsawmonkey

I suspect you are right, but Lucius' post, free-standing, contained a number of useful observations about the way education is viewed.

Ok. I agree with that, and I did agree with LVQ thoughts, I wish the lesson plan followed those thoughts.

268 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:00pm

Reminds me of one of the most extraordinary encounters of my life, something I have mentioned here but not recently.

I have never met very many big-time celebrities, but one I did meet was perhaps the biggest of all, the honest-to-God Winston Churchill himself. He came to our school at Lakenheath Air Base and spoke to my second grade class. This was in 1956, two years after he had left office for the final time. He shook my little hand and asked me what my dad did in the Air Force. Our teacher had told us he was the greatest man in the world and that we would be in detention until 1970 or so if we misbehaved.

I'm sure there were endless complaints about his presence there.///

269 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:01pm

re: #68 Killgore Trout

Our poor country, then since Fox is the consistent numbers leader for the networks.
Guess we're just one big nation of bitter clingers.

270 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:01pm

re: #252 buzzsawmonkey

I suspect you are right, but Lucius' post, free-standing, contained a number of useful observations about the way education is viewed.

Shut up, nerd.

/

271 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:02pm

I'll give President Obama credit when credit is due. But, in this instance, I cannot help but think there is an ulterior motive to this little exercise. Perhaps there isn't, but this man's narcissism, ego and drive for power never cease to amaze me.

272 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:06pm

re: #245 Honorary Yooper

My only problem with the comment is that many, many of the nation's schoolchildren have been in school for weeks when the address is given. Not every kid goes back on the day after Labor Day.

We're doing the best we can here with what we got.

273 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:07pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

That's a fantastic name for moderators here (monitor lizard).

274 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:12pm

re: #211 LudwigVanQuixote

Repost.. turned into one essay.

I am all for a president actually taking the time to promote education. It is something they all speechify about during campaigns but then forget about while in office. One of the reasons our elected officials are as bad as they are is that the voters are as proudly ignorant as they are.

We live in a culture where if Mike Tyson said "I could probably whup you" the average American would surely agree. But if Albert Einstein dared to even hint that he might be smarter or know more, then the average American would get furious about "who does that Einstein think he is!"

How dare Einstein think he knows more than you!

We have no respect for education in this society. It is seen only as a drudgery and a means to a financial end by most Americans, who are happy to discount any fact that they do not like. Americans rarely let facts get in the way of justifying themselves.

If Obama gets just one kid to study harder because of this, he deserves a great deal of praise.

If it is just more of the political nonsense then he is no different from the rest. As to what is said in those 15 minutes, I am certain it will be a rousing story of how he personally saw education as important and how his education helped him to become the president.

The message that if you study hard and work hard you could be president used to be the core of American values.

It is a very conservative view of mine that we go back to those values.

We are so going to have to talk soon.

275 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:25pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

I thought it was a play on the Lazarus rising from the dead, but I'm not the brightest bulb in the chandelier...

276 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:30pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

That's what I thought, but someone else said he was just being humorous. I missed it.

277 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:30pm

re: #231 Walter L. Newton

What does that mean?

Well it was a pun Walter, Lazarus rose from the dead...

Sorry you didn't get it.

278 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:33pm

re: #268 Shiplord Kirel

Reminds me of one of the most extraordinary encounters of my life, something I have mentioned here but not recently.

I have never met very many big-time celebrities, but one I did meet was perhaps the biggest of all, the honest-to-God Winston Churchill himself. He came to our school at Lakenheath Air Base and spoke to my second grade class. This was in 1956, two years after he had left office for the final time. He shook my little hand and asked me what my dad did in the Air Force. Our teacher had told us he was the greatest man in the world and that we would be in detention until 1970 or so if we misbehaved.

I'm sure there were endless complaints about his presence there.///

Cult of personality!

279 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:39pm

What about the spoiled children of the rich folks who will never have to worry about getting a job and who don't have to be responsible or work hard?
Why should they needlessly be pressured by the State?
Next thing you know the Government will encourage the rich kids to rat out their rich parents for cheating on their income taxes.
Where will this commie stuff end?
///

280 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:48pm
That was sure cryptic, and on a grave subject too.

/kind of the ultimate up-ding

Save the puns for a dead thread...

Get it.

L's line was a pun!

281 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:49pm

re: #147 Sharmuta
"Could you imagine if this was the 80s and liberal bloggers were telling their readers to defy Nancy Reagan by getting drugs for their kids? I really don't see how this is different."

That's nice. This gets a ding down.

Sorry if it hurts your precious little wepublican sensibilities, but it's quite true. Democrats did not go intentionally hook kids on drugs in an attempt to stick it to the White House.

I downed you so I'll answer--wanting your kids not to be imersed into partisan politics in kindergarten is quite different from giving them crack. If you don't see the difference you're the loon.

282 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:58:54pm

re: #253 Walter L. Newton

Oh, I get it, I missed the pun. Sorry.

*grin*
Don't worry about it.
Threads go fast, and I can see how you might have missed the others.

283 crimeshark  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:14pm

Interesting. What grade is he in, and what is a year-round school schedule? How does that work? re: #212 CyanSnowHawk

284 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:34pm

re: #241 Killgore Trout

What is a 5 year old going to do to advance Obama's radical fascist agenda?

To paraphrase David Bowie:

There's a Strawww Mannn waiting in the sky
he'd like to come and meet us
but he thinks he'd blow our minds...

285 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:49pm

re: #273 Yashmak

That's a fantastic name for moderators here (monitor lizard).

Already been done.

286 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:53pm

re: #268 Shiplord Kirel

very cool

287 obscured by clouds  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:54pm

I'm against the Obama/school children teleconference because it's not the President's job to interrupt every public school in America to tell kids anything at all, let alone give them some goofy "assignment." And I'm not impressed with his telling them to "work hard and stay in school" (if, in fact, that's what he does say). That's the job of the childrens' parents. 0bama has a job to do and it has nothing to do with addressing children -with the kids basically being forced to listen- during school hours, Big Brother style. It comes across as a campaign stunt more than anything else.

It's hard for me to not look at damn near everything 0bama does through the Saul Alinsky prism - this included. Call me a quack; I don't care.

288 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:54pm

re: #281 nikis-knight

When did staying in school become partisan?

289 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 12:59:54pm

re: #277 LudwigVanQuixote

Well it was a pun Walter, Lazarus rose from the dead...

Sorry you didn't get it.

I got it now, and if you check up thread, I was asking for an explanation and not dumping on you. Interesting, I got the explanation, nicely explained to me, until you tried.

290 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:00:35pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

It means Ludwig lately has decided he's a monitor lizard.

Nope.
Follow-on pun.
It was cool.

291 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:00:37pm

Cult of personality! = the zero

292 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:00:41pm

re: #288 Sharmuta

When did staying in school become partisan?

Apparently, whenever the President is giving a speech.

293 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:00:45pm

re: #287 obscured by clouds

I'm against the Obama/school children teleconference because it's not the President's job to interrupt every public school in America to tell kids anything at all, let alone give them some goofy "assignment." And I'm not impressed with his telling them to "work hard and stay in school" (if, in fact, that's what he does say). That's the job of the childrens' parents. 0bama has a job to do and it has nothing to do with addressing children -with the kids basically being forced to listen- during school hours, Big Brother style. It comes across as a campaign stunt more than anything else.

It's hard for me to not look at damn near everything 0bama does through the Saul Alinsky prism - this included. Call me a quack; I don't care.

That's un-American talk there.

294 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:05pm
295 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:05pm

re: #231 Walter L. Newton

What does that mean?

Um Walter, it was a pun.

296 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:13pm

re: #249 HelloDare

Not fair. Don't you remember the video of kids chanting that "because of Bush" they were going to stay in school and become part owner of a baseball team. I had that link somewhere. Can't seem to find it. /

Youtube Video
297 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:14pm

re: #290 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Nope.
Follow-on pun.
It was cool.

And when it was explained to me, yes, it was very clever. I must have missed the set up.

298 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:22pm

re: #260 kcladderman

re: #256 Occasional Reader

re: #256 Occasional Reader

Guys... what does the story of Lazarus have to do with making a pun about a dead thread?

I'll tell you what, I'll open a web page that will be called Ludwigreenfootballs2.0 and you can all join and snark at me for no reason. Would that please you?

299 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:38pm

re: #295 CyanSnowHawk

Um Walter, it was a pun.

Got it, explained to me a number of times. It was a good pun, after I got it.

300 beholden  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:44pm

I'm no fan of Obama, but why is everyone going all "Beck" over this? I seriously don't get how there is controversy before he even speaks?

301 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:01:48pm

re: #298 LudwigVanQuixote

re: #256 Occasional Reader

re: #256 Occasional Reader

Guys... what does the story of Lazarus have to do with making a pun about a dead thread?

I'll tell you what, I'll open a web page that will be called Ludwigreenfootballs2.0 and you can all join and snark at me for no reason. Would that please you?

You First, your majesty

302 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:01pm

re: #288 Sharmuta

When did staying in school become partisan?

Wasn't that January 20, 2009?

303 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:13pm

re: #298 LudwigVanQuixote

I'll tell you what, I'll open a web page that will be called Ludwigreenfootballs2.0 and you can all join and snark at me for no reason. Would that please you?

Can I be a monitor lizard there? If so, yes ;)

304 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:15pm

re: #274 Sharmuta

We are so going to have to talk soon.

Umm, just so long as you are married... Otherwise I might not be able to resist you...

:)

305 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:16pm

re: #298 LudwigVanQuixote

re: #256 Occasional Reader

re: #256 Occasional Reader

Guys... what does the story of Lazarus have to do with making a pun about a dead thread?

I'll tell you what, I'll open a web page that will be called Ludwigreenfootballs2.0 and you can all join and snark at me for no reason. Would that please you?

You forgot me. I feel left out :)

306 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:31pm

frankly after 8 years of donk BDS it is currently hard for me to give the current POTU$ the respect the office deserves.

maybe after the zero leaves office

307 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:02:47pm

Why My Kid Will Be In School Sept. 8

Venomous Kate has a slightly different take that objectors might want to consider.

(I've never linked here to that blog, so if it's on the "no-can" list please delete the post with apologies.

308 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:11pm

re: #294 buzzsawmonkey

"Then I'm sure to get a brain...some books...a plan..."
"The nerd!"
We're off to view the Wizard, the Wizard that is Obama
We hear he is a whiz of a Wiz from the East Coast to California...

Under the house with you!

/or else I'll water down my remarks!

309 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:18pm

re: #304 LudwigVanQuixote

*blush*

310 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:25pm

re: #306 yochanan

frankly after 8 years of donk BDS it is currently hard for me to give the current POTU$ the respect the office deserves.

maybe after the zero leaves office

Thank you.

311 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:26pm

re: #266 reine.de.tout

I don't even watch Fox news - or any of them any more.

And I figured out all by my little lonesome that I don't like the "what can I do to help the President" bit myself.

I keep looking to see if there's anything in that "lesson plan" that hints at the idea that the U.S. Government is accountable to its citizens; citizens are not accountable to the government in such a way that we have to provide assistance to the President.

I agree. And of course, Killgore's going to distort our point to make it look like we're "paranoids" who are claiming that Obama is indoctrinating toddlers to kill us in our sleep, or something. But, whatever.

The "help the President" line was poorly thought out; and again, it appeared to have survived the highest levels of scrutiny in the Administration without anyone realizing anything was "off" about it. I'm reminded of Obama's bizarre "it's my job is to fight negative stereotypes of Islam" line in the Cairo speech. Are they asleep at the switch, or what?

312 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:48pm

re: #287 obscured by clouds

I'm against the Obama/school children teleconference because it's not the President's job to interrupt every public school in America to tell kids anything at all, let alone give them some goofy "assignment." And I'm not impressed with his telling them to "work hard and stay in school" (if, in fact, that's what he does say). That's the job of the childrens' parents. 0bama has a job to do and it has nothing to do with addressing children -with the kids basically being forced to listen- during school hours, Big Brother style. It comes across as a campaign stunt more than anything else.

It's hard for me to not look at damn near everything 0bama does through the Saul Alinsky prism - this included. Call me a quack; I don't care.

When ObamaCare is passed, maybe there will be a vaccine for ODS?
/

313 wrenchwench  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:51pm

re: #211 LudwigVanQuixote

The message that if you study hard and work hard you could be president used to be the core of American values.

And, IMHO, coming from this president, the message is a little less trite.

314 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:55pm

frankly i could careless if he speaks at a school, the father away from d.c. the less damage he can do.

just hope he stays away from Jerusalem.

315 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:57pm

I've got it! We can insist that the GOP be allowed a response by, say, Michelle Bachmann.
I'm sure our Democrat contingent will support this idea.

316 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:59pm

re: #265 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Stevens retiring during this administration would probably hurt liberals more than conservatives if the appointment of Sotomayor is any indication. Stevens has been on the far left fringe of the court with Ginsburg for quite some time now. A second Sotomayor type would moderate the court more than Stevens has.

317 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:03:59pm

re: #304 LudwigVanQuixote

Umm, just so long as you are married... Otherwise I might not be able to resist you...

:)

I just barfed a little in my mouth... BBIAB...

318 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:10pm

The President should be a role model for children.
Therein lies the rub.

319 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:25pm

re: #311 Occasional Reader

I agree. And of course, Killgore's going to distort our point to make it look like we're "paranoids" who are claiming that Obama is indoctrinating toddlers to kill us in our sleep, or something. But, whatever.

The "help the President" line was poorly thought out; and again, it appeared to have survived the highest levels of scrutiny in the Administration without anyone realizing anything was "off" about it. I'm reminded of Obama's bizarre "it's my job is to fight negative stereotypes of Islam" line in the Cairo speech. Are they asleep at the switch, or what?

Kinda busy with Ramadan I understand.

320 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:26pm

re: #296 unrealizedviewpoint

But Obama as Alpha and Omega?
Someone should explain those terms to the kids in the video, because it's a good bet they have no clue re their actual meaning.

321 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:31pm

re: #51 Occasional Reader

That is what bothers me so much.

322 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:36pm

If Obama is thouroughly forthright with the kids, he can say"Look, you can spend your high school years drunk & stoned with really bad grades & become the President, I did."

323 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:38pm

re: #298 LudwigVanQuixote

Oh, for fuck's sake, I missed the pun, mil disculpas, now get over yourself. Sheesh.

324 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:43pm

re: #306 yochanan

frankly after 8 years of donk BDS it is currently hard for me to give the current POTU$ the respect the office deserves.

maybe after the zero leaves office

Except that I don't recall the left screaming about it on any of the occasions Bush spoke to school children. . .

Keep in mind, I don't have much respect for Obama, but on this topic, I think the level of outrage is a bit ridiculous.

325 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:49pm

re: #307 Pianobuff

Why My Kid Will Be In School Sept. 8

From the link:

But, see, I already know how little children work: they’ve been indoctrinated for years to idolize the office of the President and until they’re well into their teens it’s difficult for many to separate the office from the man. I also know that kids — and this time I include teens — are insanely curious about anything that Mommy or Daddy is against. Keep a kid home so they don’t listen to Obama then send him to school the next day when all of his little friends are hero-worshiping the guy, and what do you get? A future Democrat.

That's a great point.

326 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:04:56pm

re: #305 Walter L. Newton
I was the one who called Lazarus out! lol

327 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:03pm

re: #318 Spare O'Lake

The President should be a role model for children.
Therein lies the rub.

Or therein rub the lies.

328 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:29pm

re: #300 beholden

I'm no fan of Obama, but why is everyone going all "Beck" over this? I seriously don't get how there is controversy before he even speaks?

They can't help it. It's instinctive.

329 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:33pm

re: #311 Occasional Reader

Are they asleep at the switch, or what?

No, just some filters are askew...

330 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:34pm

re: #199 Sharmuta

The thing is- the biggest influences on a kid are Mom and Dad. Others may make a difference- role models, etc. but kids from conservative houses are not going to return from school after hearing this and be mindless drones. It's as if Mom and Dad are incompetent at raising their children to think one speech could be so damaging.

There was an article published about 3-4 years ago by a college professor, dunno who any more. I heard him interviewed on the Medved show. He said, basically, it doesn't matter if conservatives out breed liberals, cause we get your kids in school.

I'd wager he has a point in that most kids these days probably see teachers in general much more than they do mom or dad, and mom and dad tell them to always listen to and trust and obey their teachers.

331 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:35pm

I hope he gives a message like Mr. T used to in his cartoon.

[Link: snltranscripts.jt.org...]

If you believe in yourself, drink your school, stay in drugs, and don't do milk - you can get work!

332 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:41pm

re: #322 opnion

If Obama is thouroughly forthright with the kids, he can say"Look, you can spend your high school years drunk & stoned with really bad grades & become the President, I did."

If your handlers can get you into Harvard.

333 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:05:51pm

re: #312 unrealizedviewpoint

When ObamaCare is passed, maybe there will be a vaccine for ODS?
/

That's extra...

334 Doubleview  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:08pm

Perhaps people are concerned Obama willl use the same language as one of his czars, Van Jones:

[Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...]

335 calcajun  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:10pm

(OK-- third try at this-- maybe it's not as funny as I thought)

In response to what might BHO be planning on saying to our kids on 9/8, I posited that he might say the following:

"Kids, tonight I want you to go into your parents' bedrooms after they're sleeping and go into their wallets and take a $10 bill out and send it to me at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave..."

c'mon, it's Soupy Sales redux...

336 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:23pm

And Jesus said, "Lazarus, come forth!"

And he came fifth and lost the job.

337 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:26pm
Frankly, I like to pick my battles carefully. Those of us in the GOP need to realize that bitching about every little thing the Dems do doesn’t make us sound informed or even draw attention to our primary issues; it just makes us sound bitchy.

I love this woman...

338 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:42pm

re: #317 Walter L. Newton

I just barfed a little in my mouth... BBIAB...

You know mouthwash will help with that.

339 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:49pm

re: #324 Yashmak

i don't care if he speaks at a school none issue for me

now that the gov't run OTB goes bankrupt now that is a issue.

340 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:06:58pm

re: #62 Killgore Trout

That's a distortion/lie. Don't believe anything you read on FOX. Read the link that Charles put up. They're going to little assignments about what was said in the speech. Very simple comprehension type stuff. Nothing spooky.

Killgore, it's from the DOE link.

341 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:04pm

re: #330 nikis-knight

There was an article published about 3-4 years ago by a college professor, dunno who any more. I heard him interviewed on the Medved show. He said, basically, it doesn't matter if conservatives out breed liberals, cause we get your kids in school.

I'd wager he has a point in that most kids these days probably see teachers in general much more than they do mom or dad, and mom and dad tell them to always listen to and trust and obey their teachers.

There's the first problem. Unless it's something objective like math or English, I'd tell them to take everything the teacher says with a grain of salt. Not to say they should be smartasses and always questioning the teacher, but asking questions and understanding WHY is something most people these days don't do.

342 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:05pm

re: #313 wrenchwench

And, IMHO, coming from this president, the message is a little less trite.

I couldn't agree more.

343 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:06pm

re: #332 kansas

That had to have been an Occidental admissions slip.

344 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:07pm

re: #312 unrealizedviewpoint

When ObamaCare is passed, maybe there will be a vaccine for ODS?
/

That's what the H1N1 vaccine actually is. Why do you think they are pumping it so hard?/

345 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:20pm

re: #62 Killgore Trout

With the overwhelming liberal leanings of teachers, I have a pretty good idea where those "little assignments" will lead to. It may in fact end up being harmless, but to conclude so with such certainty is to ignore the actual situation in public education when it comes to injecting politics into lessons. It happens all the time in public schools.

This is really not the same thing at all as G Bush sitting in one classroom with 20 kids reading them a book.

As others have noted, we can wait to see what really happens, but I'm not giving BO the benefit of the doubt. He can prove me wrong.

346 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:39pm

re: #336 Cato the Elder

And Jesus said, "Lazarus, come forth!"

And he came fifth and lost the job.

HOLY HAND GRENADE OF ANTIOCH !!!

347 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:07:46pm

re: #332 kansas

If your handlers can get you into Harvard.

See , that's how it works. it started with poor high school grades & then an academic scholarship to Occidental College!

348 Yashmak  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:08:16pm

re: #337 Sharmuta

I love this woman...

Realism; for some (like that gal), it's still a prime conservative virtue. That's a great article all right.

349 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:08:48pm

re: #344 kansas

I just hope the Chinese biotech firm that is conducting the research on the vaccine does a better job than they did with the dog food and baby formulas...

350 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:08:52pm

...and when Glenn Beck rants and cries about this for the next week conservatives are going to look even dumber.

351 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:08:54pm

re: #346 LudwigVanQuixote

HOLY HAND GRENADE OF ANTIOCH !!!

upding for Holy Grail quote

352 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:09pm

re: #330 nikis-knight

There was an article published about 3-4 years ago by a college professor, dunno who any more. I heard him interviewed on the Medved show. He said, basically, it doesn't matter if conservatives out breed liberals, cause we get your kids in school.

I'd wager he has a point in that most kids these days probably see teachers in general much more than they do mom or dad, and mom and dad tell them to always listen to and trust and obey their teachers.

Youth tend to be more liberal, and grow more conservative with age. Again- a kid committed to conservatism before college is just as likely to retain that as not. If everybody who went to college became a democrat and stayed that way- we wouldn't have republicans.

353 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:26pm

re: #346 LudwigVanQuixote

Quick, before Beck finds it to use on Obama...

354 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:31pm

re: #339 yochanan

i don't care if he speaks at a school none issue for me

now that the gov't run OTB goes bankrupt now that is a issue.

Two mentions about bankrupt OTB's. Please explain.

355 Kevlaur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:41pm

I don't agree with this little 'lecture' for some of the reasons mentioned here (What if Bush had done the same thing? [reading a book to a class is NOT the same thing], Doesn't he have better things to do?). And, finally, when is he going to get off of the campaign trail?

Some of you here go nuts over conservative 'wackiness' a little too much. This stuff does NOT compare with leftist moonbats' antics.

356 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:48pm

re: #317 Walter L. Newton

re: #338 LudwigVanQuixote

You know, a room might be good for you two.

357 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:49pm

re: #316 Honorary Yooper

Stevens retiring during this administration would probably hurt liberals more than conservatives if the appointment of Sotomayor is any indication. Stevens has been on the far left fringe of the court with Ginsburg for quite some time now. A second Sotomayor type would moderate the court more than Stevens has.

I agree, and this is a poor time for Obama to pick a fight with moderates and conservatives by selecting a far-left nominee.

358 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:09:50pm

re: #229 buzzsawmonkey

Nicely said.

Thanks!

359 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:14pm

re: #350 Killgore Trout

...and when Glenn Beck rants and cries about this for the next week conservatives are going to look even dumber.

I am so fucking sick of Glenn Beck references. I am not going to look any different no matter what Glenn Beck does.

360 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:22pm

re: #283 crimeshark

Interesting. What grade is he in, and what is a year-round school schedule? How does that work?

Typically, a year-round broke up the Summer vacation evenly into several shorter breaks throughout the year. Something like 8 weeks in school, 4 weeks out, adjusted to put major holidays in the out time. I had some friends who did that in the 70s. It was sometimes used to adjust for overcrowded school facilities.

Little Hawk has a short Summer break (2 months) with some weeks of vacation added into the school year to compensate. He's in 3rd grade now. The district he is in calls is a modified year-round. I call it a pain in the ass to working parents.

361 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:26pm

re: #356 Honorary Yooper

re: #338 LudwigVanQuixote

You know, a room might be good for you two.

More like a ring. No rules fighting. :)

362 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:34pm

re: #356 Honorary Yooper

re: #338 LudwigVanQuixote

You know, a room might be good for you two.

An octagon shaped room...

363 redmonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:38pm

As immigrant from communist country I am feeling very uneasy about this speach and specialy about after speach activity. This is direct way to cult of personality and kids indocrination.

364 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:39pm

re: #337 Sharmuta

I love this woman...

BTW, Justin's dad goes after Hall & Oates today.

365 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:42pm

BHO gives new meaning to the phrase "Anyone can grow up to be President".

366 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:10:46pm

re: #311 Occasional Reader

I agree. And of course, Killgore's going to distort our point to make it look like we're "paranoids" who are claiming that Obama is indoctrinating toddlers to kill us in our sleep, or something. But, whatever.

The "help the President" line was poorly thought out; and again, it appeared to have survived the highest levels of scrutiny in the Administration without anyone realizing anything was "off" about it. I'm reminded of Obama's bizarre "it's my job is to fight negative stereotypes of Islam" line in the Cairo speech. Are they asleep at the switch, or what?

The "to help the President" bit is in the lesson plan, I believe.

If the point of the activities is to see whether kids listened to the speech or not, what is it that's going to be in the speech that would make that an activity or "lesson" that the kids need to understand?

Now, this speech may perfectly well be completely benign; however, parents need to get a copy of the thing so they know what their kids heard, and have their own family conversation with their kids.

I'm not against the speech, in general.

I do have to wonder if there will be something in there suggesting that citizens need to work to "help the President", rather than expecting our government to work for us.

It's not paranoia - it's a legitimate concern, and would I would apply to that part of a "lesson plan" suggested by ANY PRESIDENT.

367 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:11:12pm

I, for one, will be watching the address VERY closely, to see what messages Obama will be blinking in Morse Code.

/

368 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:11:32pm

re: #355 Kevlaur

I don't agree with this little 'lecture' for some of the reasons mentioned here (What if Bush had done the same thing?

Uh.

Bush DID do this.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

369 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:11:40pm

re: #362 Leonidas Hoplite

An octagon shaped room...

THUNDERDOME!

370 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:11:52pm
371 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:01pm

re: #281 nikis-knight

I don't know how that double posted but it's not fair for Charles to take advantage of his glitch to give me double the down dings.

/like I care.
Sorry for the double post anyway.

372 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:09pm

re: #363 redmonkey

As immigrant from communist country I am feeling very uneasy about this speach and specialy about after speach activity. This is direct way to cult of personality and kids indocrination.

raelly?
/

373 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:16pm

re: #367 Occasional Reader

So that's the reasons for all those meetings with Pelosi...

374 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:20pm

re: #328 Killgore Trout

*softly said*

Killgore, I've been staying out, but watching. I believe OR has a valid point. The inclusion of the words "to help the President" is perhaps innocent, ... or perhaps not. The point is, we don't know.

LGF is based upon valid questioning. That's one of them.

/and I'm a knee-jerk basher of ODS

375 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:25pm

re: #366 reine.de.tout

The "to help the President" bit is in the lesson plan, I believe.

Yes, I know.

376 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:55pm

re: #299 Walter L. Newton

Got it, explained to me a number of times. It was a good pun, after I got it.

I was a little behind in my reading, didn't mean to pile on.

377 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:12:56pm

re: #367 Occasional Reader

I, for one, will be watching the address VERY closely, to see what messages Obama will be blinking in Morse Code.

/

"I think he's saying... S-E-N-D M-O-R-E C-H-E-E-T-O-S..."

378 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:01pm

re: #366 reine.de.tout

The "to help the President" bit is in the lesson plan, I believe.

If the point of the activities is to see whether kids listened to the speech or not, what is it that's going to be in the speech that would make that an activity or "lesson" that the kids need to understand?

Now, this speech may perfectly well be completely benign; however, parents need to get a copy of the thing so they know what their kids heard, and have their own family conversation with their kids.

I'm not against the speech, in general.

I do have to wonder if there will be something in there suggesting that citizens need to work to "help the President", rather than expecting our government to work for us.

It's not paranoia - it's a legitimate concern, and would I would apply to that part of a "lesson plan" suggested by ANY PRESIDENT.

And I will add - I'm speechless that anyone would ask us to just fall in line and not look at and question the lesson plans that our kids will be subject to. Parents do it for their school's regular curriculum; why is this different?

379 Spider Mensch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:16pm

re: #367 Occasional Reader

I, for one, will be watching the address VERY closely, to see what messages Obama will be blinking in Morse Code.

/

actually you'll also need your obama decoder ring..for obama's secret message..

D r i n k y o u r O v a l t i n e

381 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:32pm

re: #359 kansas

I am so fucking sick of Glenn Beck references. I am not going to look any different no matter what Glenn Beck does.

But, there are a lot of conservatives that cannot think for themselves, they need to be warned about Beck, Buchanan, Hannity, Rush and all the others. We are on the brink and it's scary.

382 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:38pm

re: #348 Yashmak

I bookmarked her.

383 jaunte  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:40pm

President Obama sure knows how to keep people talking about what he'll do next.

384 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:46pm

re: #369 Occasional Reader

THUNDERDOME!

Two lizards go in, one comes out!

385 Kevlaur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:13:54pm

re: #306 yochanan

Amen. And, how much less could you care? Just curious.

386 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:14:07pm

re: #362 Leonidas Hoplite

An octagon shaped room...

WMTA. Warped Minds Think Alike

387 HelloDare  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:14:21pm

CNN poll: Majority now oppose ObamaCare

388 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:14:24pm

re: #366 reine.de.tout

These are very young children who will hear the speech. They've just heard the President talk. What in the world could be wrong with asking them how they can help the President?

389 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:14:54pm

re: #366 reine.de.tout

The "to help the President" bit is in the lesson plan, I believe.

If the point of the activities is to see whether kids listened to the speech or not, what is it that's going to be in the speech that would make that an activity or "lesson" that the kids need to understand?

Now, this speech may perfectly well be completely benign; however, parents need to get a copy of the thing so they know what their kids heard, and have their own family conversation with their kids.

I'm not against the speech, in general.

I do have to wonder if there will be something in there suggesting that citizens need to work to "help the President", rather than expecting our government to work for us.

It's not paranoia - it's a legitimate concern, and would I would apply to that part of a "lesson plan" suggested by ANY PRESIDENT.

As a parent, you are overreacting.

390 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:15:51pm

re: #380 zombie

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO;

Sheesh, who does she think she is, a Canadian defense minister or something?

/

391 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:08pm

re: #356 Honorary Yooper

re: #338 LudwigVanQuixote

You know, a room might be good for you two.

I really don't want to fightwith him. It just seems that everything I say, he has to snark at.

392 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:10pm

re: #363 redmonkey

As immigrant from communist country I am feeling very uneasy about this speach and specialy about after speach activity. This is direct way to cult of personality and kids indocrination.

It could very easily be. It could also be a mind-less inclusion by an Education Professional (caps used for sarc).

We don't know, and won't, until they do or don't try to indoctrinate.

393 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:14pm

re: #387 HelloDare

CNN poll: Majority now oppose ObamaCare

Fox = lies.

394 redmonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:24pm

re: #372 unrealizedviewpoint

raelly?
/

I guess you are democrat

395 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:45pm

re: #388 Charles

These are very young children who will hear the speech. They've just heard the President talk. What in the world could be wrong with asking them how they can help the President?

Help him do what?
Better question would be - what can you do to help your country become or stay productive?
Answer - stay in school and study.

But what is it they are supposed to help him with?

396 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:50pm

re: #391 LudwigVanQuixote

I really don't want to fightwith him. It just seems that everything I say, he has to snark at.

And of course, you failed to see my compliment at your long post about education?

397 ckb  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:50pm

I'd like to read a copy of the speech before it is delivered to my kids. I would be asking for this regardless of who the president is.

I'm sure the speech will be fine. The stuff the Dept. of Education is putting out about "keeping kids accountable for the goals they set" based on the speech is wierding me out.

398 MrSilverDragon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:16:57pm

Time to hit the road, folks. Y'all have a wonderful night, hope to catch y'all tomorrow!

399 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:11pm

re: #380 zombie

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO;

Duh? How else are you going to get to Venus?

400 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:37pm

re: #370 buzzsawmonkey

I know what you're thinking. Is this the flu or just a cold? To tell you the truth, I kind of can't tell in all this excitement. But seeing as how this is the H1N1 flu, the strongest, deadliest flu strain around--strong enough to wipe your family clean out--what you have to ask yourself is, "Do I feel lucky?"

Well, do ya, punk?

I don't feel lucky either way. The vaccine, as I understand it, isn't created yet, will be poorly tested when it is released, and since my wife had Guillain Barre syndrome 4 years ago, she can't take it anyway. So...I am SOL.

401 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:40pm

And I must say- teachers are not a monolithic group. I had two conservative teachers when I was in public school, two professors who were conservatives in college, and since then have met other conservative teachers in public schools. They do exist. Is their union biased- sure, but don't lump all teachers together as if they're the same. It's not fair.

402 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:49pm

re: #394 redmonkey

I guess you are democrat

Can't hide, can I?

403 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:53pm

re: #399 kcladderman

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO;

Duh? How else are you going to get to Venus?

Park and Ride.

404 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:53pm

re: #391 LudwigVanQuixote

I really don't want to fightwith him. It just seems that everything I say, he has to snark at.

We demand bread and circuses!
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

405 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:54pm

re: #399 kcladderman

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO;

Yoko Ono got remarried?

406 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:17:57pm

re: #7 mbruce

Why subject my kid to more lies?

"It's important to work hard in school." Is THAT a lie?

What on earth do you imagine Obama is going to SAY to these kids?

407 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:23pm

re: #368 Charles

Uh.

Bush DID do this.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

That was Bush père. He didn't draw quite the venom his son did.

408 Bloodnok  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:34pm

Amazing levels of paranoia. When I was a kid there was a photograph of the current President (Reagan, then GHW Bush) in the office of my school and in some classrooms.

Some of us (gasp) even looked up to the President and we talked about what the President did for his job. We didn't understand the political side of what Reagan was doing, and if it had been mentioned to us we wouldn't have cared.

We learned about the President's Council on Physical Fitness and the President's Challenge and it was integrated into our Phys Ed curriculum. And we knew damned well who the President was at the time. It did not destroy our minds, make us all Reaganbots/Bushbots or turn us into personality cultists.

It's okay for kids to know who the President is or even to like him.

409 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:38pm

re: #352 Sharmuta

Youth tend to be more liberal, and grow more conservative with age. Again- a kid committed to conservatism before college is just as likely to retain that as not. If everybody who went to college became a democrat and stayed that way- we wouldn't have republicans.

All the more reason to raise the voting age to 35.
/

re: #281 nikis-knight

When did staying in school become partisan?

Right. Just like funerals or college commencements are never used to promote liberals causes, right?

410 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:42pm

re: #391 LudwigVanQuixote

I really don't want to fight with him. It just seems that everything I say, he has to snark at.

There's a lot of snark that goes around here. If he wants to snark, let him and ding him down. There's no need for an extended content-free triade between you and him. The extended triades are not fun to read, and totally unecessary. Dinging achieves the same effect.

411 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:43pm

re: #403 Walter L. Newton

Park and Ride.

In bed.

/sorry, too good to resist

412 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:18:49pm
413 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:12pm

re: #374 pre-Boomer Marine brat

The point is, we don't know.


Don't include me in your "we". It's part of very simple comprehension exercises for very young children. It is very simple. To suspect other motives is very obvious paranoia. This is why the right is so susceptible to conspiracy theories these days. This is very innocent and obvious yet people are freaking out. Did Bush create a Rovian army with his speech to school children? (see 368). Did the Koskidz freak out about it? I don't recall them pulling their kids out of school over Bush's speech. If they did we would have laughed at them. This is no better. It's stupid and paranoid.

414 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:19pm

re: #406 SanFranciscoZionist

"It's important to work hard in school." Is THAT a lie?

What on earth do you imagine Obama is going to SAY to these kids?

"Hi, I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."

415 srmoss  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:29pm

To think that BHO would do anything or say anything without some political or personal gain in mind is naive. Is there anything he does that isn't manipulative and exploitive?

416 ckb  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:34pm

re: #368 Charles

Uh.

Bush DID do this.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Bush Senior, yes. I would have wanted to read that one too. I was just starting college, though. No kids. :)

417 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:36pm

From the Press Release:

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school.

I'm not sure, but I would be willing to bet that even though George H. W. Bush focused on avoiding drugs, he included this topic in his speech.

Does anyone have a transcript?

418 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:44pm

re: #406 SanFranciscoZionist

"It's important to work hard in school." Is THAT a lie?

What on earth do you imagine Obama is going to SAY to these kids?

For some reason, I'm having flashbacks to that scene from The Groove Tube where the clown reads erotic literature to children when out of sight of the parents.

Remember that one?

419 Kevlaur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:19:53pm

re: #368 Charles

Really? Thanks for the link. I sit corrected.

At least 15,000 superintendents and 55,000 principals were notified by the Education Department of the speech today, and many schools held assemblies or brought television sets into classrooms so students could watch Mr. Bush.

That doesn't seem as 'compulsory' as this is coming across. And, the MSM is really making this sound like it is something spectacular that no school would DARE allow their students miss it.

420 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:03pm

re: #395 reine.de.tout

Help him do what?
Better question would be - what can you do to help your country become or stay productive?
Answer - stay in school and study.

But what is it they are supposed to help him with?

Agreed...I'll admit, when I first saw the FOX story, I saw it as "dear leaderish" because of the way the questions were written. I think I now see it as poorly thought out because it can strike people are narcissistic.

421 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:06pm

re: #353 Athos

Quick, before Beck finds it to use on Obama...

Well, Obama does have very sharp teeth...

I imagine that if Beck were in that movie he would be sir Robin.

True justice for Beck, would be a catastrophic loss of sphincter control, while sobbing hysterically, on live television...

422 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:07pm

re: #412 buzzsawmonkey

I've been hearing about flu plagues since the Ford Administration, and every single one of them has been a bust. I'm not fretting.

Me neither actually. I have never had a flu shot. Since I've been watching by the time they give them, the strain has mutated.

423 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:16pm

re: #412 buzzsawmonkey

I've been hearing about flu plagues since the Ford Administration, and every single one of them has been a bust. I'm not fretting.

Are you trying to start two pun threads here?

Am I a boob thinking you're posting about stringed instruments?

424 jaunte  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:17pm

I hope the President's talk has a positive effect on the dropout rate.

425 wrenchwench  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:18pm

re: #287 obscured by clouds

It's hard for me to not look at damn near everything 0bama does through the Saul Alinsky prism - this included. Call me a quack; I don't care.

Sorry to pick on your post for this, but I've been holding it in...

The Alinsky prism has been way over done. Alinskyites don't run for office. Obama ceased being one when he ran for the Illinois Senate.

426 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:32pm

re: #408 Bloodnok

How many go through school not even knowing who the President is?
Sad!

427 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:43pm

re: #381 Walter L. Newton

But, there are a lot of conservatives that cannot think for themselves, they need to be warned about Beck, Buchanan, Hannity, Rush and all the others. We are on the brink and it's scary.

On the other hand we hear arguements every day that are White House
talking points.

428 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:43pm

re: #395 reine.de.tout

Help him do what?
Better question would be - what can you do to help your country become or stay productive?
Answer - stay in school and study.

But what is it they are supposed to help him with?

It's the open-endedness of that question that bothers me.

If the question is just an open question - what's a young child going to say? Send him pennies?

If it isn't an open question - if there is something in the speech that naturally leads to that question, then what is that going to be? I'd like to know. And if I can't get it before the speech, I will get a copy of the speech afterwards.

It may be perfectly benign. But as a parent, I want to know what the lesson plans my child is subject to are supposed to be teaching. The school's lesson plans are all online, I can go online and see each day's activities and handouts, proposed learning outcomes.

429 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:45pm

re: #424 jaunte

I hope the President's talk has a positive effect on the dropout rate.

RINO!

430 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:20:50pm

re: #415 srmoss

To think that BHO would do anything or say anything without some political or personal gain in mind is naive. Is there anything he does that isn't manipulative and exploitive?

Considering how everything he has tried to do has tanked, I would say he isn't manipulative and exploitive, just incompetent.

431 Kevlaur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:00pm

re: #416 ckb

Uh... I DON'T sit corrected. That was HW Bush. I was talking W.

432 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:12pm

re: #74 The Other Les


When I attended public schools the presidents who were in office were Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. Not once during all of that time did any one of them felt compelled to speak to the national student body as a whole in a live broadcast.

Because of course, in the 1960's and 70's all our schools were fully wired for cable, and streaming video on the web, so of course those presidents' individual reluctance was the only barrier to them doing such things.

I guess I'm about your age... I remember teachers reading "message from the president" pages. I can't swear for sure the White House sent them out, maybe the principal just copied them out of the newspaper and asked teachers to read them. But every Apollo mission, and when the EPA passed, or major turning points in the war (a lot of my classmates had older siblings in Vietnam) or to announce an essay contest. And once even to explain why we had to take a physical fitness test (pull-ups and push-ups and timed mile runs) to see if we're stronger than Russian kids.

433 debutaunt  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:35pm

re: #179 voirdire

Teachers would never use the classroom for political purposes.

Oh gee, I'm so silly.

434 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:46pm

re: #420 Charpete67

Agreed...I'll admit, when I first saw the FOX story, I saw it as "dear leaderish" because of the way the questions were written. I think I now see it as poorly thought out because it can strike people are narcissistic.

And that is probably what it will end up being.
But I don't know yet that that is the case.
I will - if I can't find out before, I will find out after.

435 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:48pm

re: #412 buzzsawmonkey

I've been hearing about flu plagues since the Ford Administration, and every single one of them has been a bust.

But those were different. THIS one was deliberately engineered in sekrit government laboratories to carry out a eugenics program.

/as I noted earlier, do NOT listen to C-SPAN call-in shows, if you want to retain much hope for our country

436 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:55pm

re: #409 nikis-knight

Right. Just like funerals or college commencements are never used to promote liberals causes, right?

There ought to be a law! Ban funerals! Ban graduation! Ban concerts! Someone might make a political statement! The horror!

437 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:21:55pm

re: #32 Sharmuta

Could you imagine if this was the 80s and liberal bloggers were telling their readers to defy Nancy Reagan by getting drugs for their kids? I really don't see how this is different.

Well, drugs are actually harmful, and listening to the president encourage you to do your best for fifteen minutes isn't, but otherwise it's a good analogy...

438 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:03pm

re: #395 reine.de.tout

Help him do what?
Better question would be - what can you do to help your country become or stay productive?
Answer - stay in school and study.

But what is it they are supposed to help him with?

The speech is about the importance of education. I'm guessing a 3rd grader might say something like, "I'll help the president by not disrupting class and picking up litter at recess." These are very young children hearing a speech about education.

439 mrbaracuda  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:09pm

I see Germany is still popular abroad!
Evening Lizards! :-D

440 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:20pm

re: #427 opnion

On the other hand we hear arguements every day that are White House talking points.

Where? Any place I know?

441 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:23pm

re: #415 srmoss

To think that BHO would do anything or say anything without some political or personal gain in mind is naive. Is there anything he does that isn't interpreted by you as manipulative and exploitive?

FTFY

442 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:28pm
443 akalivas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:54pm

re: #34 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

It's things like this, from the Department of Education's website, that concern me:

Not "What can you do to help the country" but the President. I can't stand this cult of personality that has developed around Obama. It's unbecoming of a republic. And it is especially unbecoming to encourage schoolchildren to participate in it. If that makes me a right-wing nut bag, then I'll see you at the Planter's factory.

Exactly.

444 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:22:59pm

It depends on what the Obamessiah's going to say.

IF his speech is limited to a message of 'stay in school' 'work hard' and encouraging personal responsibility, then I'm all for it.

If it veers into a call for kids to push mommy and daddy to support Obamacare, higher taxes, understaaanding radical left wing groups like Code Pink or Acorn, then I'd have a huge issue with it.

Obama's got a good ability to stay on message when his teleprompter works. If it fails, God only knows what kind of bilge he'll end up spouting.

445 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:23:06pm

re: #424 jaunte

I hope the President's talk has a positive effect on the dropout rate.

I do too, Jaunte, and I suspect that is what the intent is, and I suspect he can have a positive effect on some kids who may be on the path to dropping out.

I still want to know what that lesson plan is all about.

446 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:23:18pm

re: #413 Killgore Trout

Don't include me in your "we". It's part of very simple comprehension exercises for very young children. It is very simple. To suspect other motives is very obvious paranoia. This is why the right is so susceptible to conspiracy theories these days. This is very innocent and obvious yet people are freaking out. Did Bush create a Rovian army with his speech to school children? (see 368). Did the Koskidz freak out about it? I don't recall them pulling their kids out of school over Bush's speech. If they did we would have laughed at them. This is no better. It's stupid and paranoid.

That was the first Bush, and I'm sure plenty of no-drug-war kooks objected.

In 1989, Rove was tutoring Rick Perry and could only dream of the conquering Rovian forces to come.

447 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:23:19pm

re: #442 buzzsawmonkey

No, this refers back to my response to kansas at 370.

Well then, carry on my wayward son.

448 calcajun  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:23:24pm

re: #377 MrSilverDragon

"I think he's saying... S-E-N-D M-O-R-E C-H-E-E-T-O-S..."

No it
It'll be S.M.O.K.E.M.O.R.E.M.A.R.L.B.O.R.O.S.

449 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:23:28pm

re: #388 Charles

We haven't heard the speech yet. There is nothing to say about it. All the people who are freaking out about it pre-emptively are wasting their time -- as are all the people saying it's going to be a wonderful speech. When we hear it, then we can comment on it.

Frankly, since the speech will be partly directed at very young children, I can't imagine it could refer to politics at all. Kindergartners don't grasp economic theories. I predict the speech will contain a lot of simple words, and be fairly bland, and probably pointless as well.

If kids always did what authority figures told them to do, the world would be a utopia. But kids don't. They're sarcastic, contrarian, and mocking. If such a thing had happened when I was in school, I guarantee most of the class would be laughing and throwing spitwads at the screen, just on general principles.

450 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:24:10pm

OT - (repost from earlier - for Lizards who are interested)

Some people over the last few days have wondered where Steve from New Mexico is?

He just gave me permission to pass on some info, but I will keep it to a minimum to preserve his privacy.

He has spent the last 5 days in the hospital, this was a scheduled procedure, but serious. He is ok in the sense he is not dying, but the procedure does not look like it fix anything.

So there will be a future round in the hospital, which will cause major changes to his lifestyle, but he will still be with us.

He'll be back when he can, he say's hi to all. I will repost this occasionally over the next 24 hours in hopes that any Lizard interested will see this.

451 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:24:25pm

re: #440 Walter L. Newton

Where? Any place I know?

Umm, let me think. Give me the weekend, I'll get back to ya.

452 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:24:25pm
453 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:24:49pm

re: #424 jaunte

I hope the President's talk has a positive effect on the dropout rate.

Heh. That bring up another good point: suppose some kid is inspired to do good in school because of this. The instinctive wish for Obama's failure and trying to derail everything he does is not good for the country.

454 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:24:57pm

re: #444 right_wing2

It depends on what the Obamessiah's going to say.

IF his speech is limited to a message of 'stay in school' 'work hard' and encouraging personal responsibility, then I'm all for it.

If it veers into a call for kids to push mommy and daddy to support Obamacare, higher taxes, understaaanding radical left wing groups like Code Pink or Acorn, then I'd have a huge issue with it.

Obama's got a good ability to stay on message when his teleprompter works. If it fails, God only knows what kind of bilge he'll end up spouting.

Why, can't our younger citizens be good little comrades too?

455 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:00pm

re: #388 Charles

I am helping the president be successful by opposing most of his agenda. If I succeed, so will he.

456 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:05pm

re: #438 Killgore Trout

The speech is about the importance of education. I'm guessing a 3rd grader might say something like, "I'll help the president by not disrupting class and picking up litter at recess." These are very young children hearing a speech about education.

You may very well be correct. Do you know that for certain right now? It probably will be that he will say something about the importance of staying in school, and how it's important for a President to have an educated populace, etc.

But I do not know that for certain right now. And I would like to know. Or, they can change the lesson plan to focus on what's good for the country, not the president - that's a better lesson anyhow.

457 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:18pm

re: #354 unrealizedviewpoint
OTB in nyc a gov't run monopoly is going bankrupt.
the gov't can't even run a bookie joint and make a $$

458 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:20pm

re: #437 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, drugs are actually harmful, and listening to the president encourage you to do your best for fifteen minutes isn't, but otherwise it's a good analogy...

That's true. Not a perfect analogy, but both the message of Nancy Reagan and Obama's planned speech to get kids to stick with education are both beneficial. Dropping out increases these kids' chances of getting involved in the drug trade- increases te likelihood they'll live in poverty... There are a lot of reasons to tell kids to stay in school- the least of which is the ego of a narcissist.

459 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:25pm
460 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:25:33pm

re: #413 Killgore Trout

Don't include me in your "we". It's part of very simple comprehension exercises for very young children. It is very simple. To suspect other motives is very obvious paranoia. This is why the right is so susceptible to conspiracy theories these days. This is very innocent and obvious yet people are freaking out. Did Bush create a Rovian army with his speech to school children? (see 368). Did the Koskidz freak out about it? I don't recall them pulling their kids out of school over Bush's speech. If they did we would have laughed at them. This is no better. It's stupid and paranoid.


Were there Koskidz in 1989?

I don't doubt Obama's motives--he just wants to help kids learn. That doesn't make it appropriate. Children are not constituents.

461 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:03pm

re: #453 Killgore Trout

Heh. That bring up another good point: suppose some kid is inspired to do good in school because of this. The instinctive wish for Obama's failure and trying to derail everything he does is not good for the country.

I suspect there will be children who are inspired to do better in school.
I have no issue with that.

My issue is with the lesson plan activity - it is poorly thought out.

462 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:04pm

re: #449 zombie

...Frankly, since the speech will be partly directed at very young children, I can't imagine it could refer to politics at all. Kindergartners don't grasp economic theories. I predict the speech will contain a lot of simple words, and be fairly bland, and probably pointless as well...

I know Congress is full of simpletons but I had no idea it was this bad

463 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:05pm

re: #449 zombie

Frankly, since the speech will be partly directed at very young children, I can't imagine it could refer to politics at all. Kindergartners don't grasp economic theories. I predict the speech will contain a lot of simple words, and be fairly bland, and probably pointless as well.

Milton Friedman was a stinky butt.

464 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:05pm

re: #410 Honorary Yooper

There's a lot of snark that goes around here. If he wants to snark, let him and ding him down. There's no need for an extended content-free triade between you and him. The extended triades are not fun to read, and totally unecessary. Dinging achieves the same effect.

I agree. I really do...

465 crimeshark  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:07pm

My daughter is starting 2nd grade on the 9th. The schools here have a summer break/vacation of approximately 3 months. We have a short so-called "mid-winter" break, but the operating hours are 8 to 3, with an optional after school program that runs until 5:30. I have her signed into that every day- it cuts down on the interference with my work schedule and gives her extra tutoring. re: #360 CyanSnowHawk

466 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:13pm

re: #452 buzzsawmonkey

Plus, given the ubiquity of Obama on the news, etc., fifteen minutes is a drop in the bucket.

Given that, the 9/9 address to the Joint Session of Congress would be more frightening...the direct audiance is likely more impressionable than 3rd graders...

467 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:21pm

As long as it isn't Barney the Dinosaur giving the speech, we should be OK

468 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:23pm

re: #424 jaunte

I hope the President's talk has a positive effect on the dropout rate.

I also hope it has a positive effect on the dropout rate and that he can show that being smart and getting through school is a good thing to do regardless of socioeconomic and racial background.

469 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:35pm

re: #413 Killgore Trout

Don't include me in your "we". It's part of very simple comprehension exercises for very young children. It is very simple. To suspect other motives is very obvious paranoia. This is why the right is so susceptible to conspiracy theories these days. This is very innocent and obvious yet people are freaking out. Did Bush create a Rovian army with his speech to school children? (see 368). Did the Koskidz freak out about it? I don't recall them pulling their kids out of school over Bush's speech. If they did we would have laughed at them. This is no better. It's stupid and paranoid.

(it was a rhetorical "we")

I'm not suspecting Obama of dark motives regarding this talk. I'm merely saying that OR has a rational point -- and my context for feeling that way is based upon Obama's background connection with "Alinsky-ism". I don't trust him, but I want to wait until (and if) he DOES something before I nail him.

And that speech was by GHW Bush.

470 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:26:43pm

I know it's a cynical question, but why would Obama be doing this?

He's not known for his concern for children.

I don't see anything he could say as having much effect on the kids.

There's no education bill pending.

Even if he spoke of any of the hot issues of the day, that's a strange audience for addressing such things.

I don't get it.

471 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:27:12pm

re: #467 Kosh's Shadow

As long as it isn't Barney the Dinosaur giving the speech, we should be OK

Or the gay teletubbie!

472 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:27:15pm

Stealth downdinger's should hunted down and dinged.

473 redmonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:27:23pm

re: #402 unrealizedviewpoint

Can't hide, can I?

Usually, on left sites democrats starts immediately tease me on misspell.
First time it happens here.

474 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:27:25pm

re: #368 Charles

President Bush was talking to school kids on sept 11 and the liberals gave him hell for it.

475 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:27:52pm

re: #74 The Other Les


I once promised myself that I would never deliberately put a child into the public school system. When I did that I NEVER expected to see part of a modern day remake of TRIUMPH OF THE WILL in the public schools.

(On YouTube there is a video of Hitler addressing a mass gathering of Hitlerjugend as "my youth".)

Are you actually insane, or just enjoying the thrill of living under a man you believe can be casually compared to Adolph Hitler, without the actual inconveniences of a police state?

I say this with all due respect.

476 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:05pm

re: #454 Walter L. Newton

Why, can't our younger citizens be good little comrades too?

Young Pioneers?

477 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:05pm

re: #435 Occasional Reader

But those were different. THIS one was deliberately engineered in sekrit government laboratories to carry out a eugenics program.

/as I noted earlier, do NOT listen to C-SPAN call-in shows, if you want to retain much hope for our country

I actually have a friend who thinks that. She also believes the perfectly ordinary emergency plan is a plot to deprive us of our freedoms. I didn't have the heart to correct her on it because she posted this on FB along with a notice that her godson (the son of a close friend of both of us) had died of complications of H1N1. He was an only child and only 23 years old.

478 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:15pm

> Free Republic is going completely bug-eyed nuts over this story, posting a form letter for parents to protest the speech and urging that children be pulled out of school.

Geez, don't they realize what a great opportunity they have? Instead of panicking and getting the truant officers on their case, these kooks could just as easily send their kids to school and turn it into a national "town hall" on steroids. Wouldn't that make them look sane?

Hmmm, then again, maybe we'd all be better off instead if these kids missed a day of school. Go to a museum or something where they might actually learn something. And bring their parents with them.

What's funny is that on the first day of school, there is never any teaching. It's all about learning procedure and room numbers and filling out forms and making lists of supplies to buy, etc. I hate to think about what a logistical nightmare it's going to be for the whole country's school A/V administrators to coordinate this event.

Public school rule number one: Kids = chaos

479 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:17pm

re: #467 Kosh's Shadow

As long as it isn't Barney the Dinosaur giving the speech, we should be OK

I can hear Obama signing..."I love you, You love me..."

/

480 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:18pm

re: #377 MrSilverDragon

S-E-N-D--M-O-R-E--A-R-U-G-U-L-A

481 SixDegrees  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:33pm

re: #421 LudwigVanQuixote

Well, Obama does have very sharp teeth...

I imagine that if Beck were in that movie he would be sir Robin.

True justice for Beck, would be a catastrophic loss of sphincter control, while sobbing hysterically, on live television...

He's already lost control of his sphincter.

Oh, wait - that's the other end of his alimentary canal they show on camera, isn't it?

482 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:37pm

re: #468 Honorary Yooper

I also hope it has a positive effect on the dropout rate and that he can show that being smart and getting through school is a good thing to do regardless of socioeconomic and racial background.

One of the leading indicators for poverty is dropping out of school!

483 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:28:48pm
484 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:00pm

re: #474 yochanan

President Bush was talking to school kids on sept 11 and the liberals gave him hell for it.

But that was because Bush planned 9/11.
/

485 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:00pm

re: #479 Athos

*singing

PIMF

486 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:06pm

re: #429 Charles

RINO!

I want to show my true GOP loyalty.

I hope that Obama fails at getting kids more interested in education. Any ideas he gives them are not GOP approved ideas. I want to keep those ideas out of the schools that refuse to accept free ideas like the idea of teaching the controversy over intelligent design. School needs to be free to have our ideas in them only. I hope he fails in everything he does. I hope that he fails and drags the whole nation down with him...

///

487 redmonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:11pm

re: #476 opnion

Young Pioneers?

And octebryata

488 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:18pm

re: #470 eschew_obfuscation

I know it's a cynical question, but why would Obama be doing this?

He's not known for his concern for children.

That is completely untrue. He has made several speeches about the importance of education, and his speech to the NAACP in particular was extremely forceful and direct about it.

I don't get it.

He's using the bully pulpit of the presidency to try to inspire children to achieve academically. I wholeheartedly approve of this.

489 HippieforLife  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:18pm

Frankly, I think that speaking to K-6 is a waste of time. My first grade grandson could not care less about his "goals".

Civics is not being taught anymore so at the junior/senior level this could be a good learning tool. It is interesting to study government but should be done with a view to the how and why, not ideology.

490 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:26pm

re: #450 Walter L. Newton
Thanks for the update. Tell Steve I hope he gets home soon and feels better. I miss his posts.

491 Spider Mensch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:29:37pm

oh the speech is for younger kids?..6, 7, 8 year olds..ok..all he has to do is use his "wee-wee'd" line and he'll have them in the palm of his hands..and add in some poo poo and fart jokes and they'll be all his...kids love potty humor :)

492 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:00pm

re: #385 Kevlaur

with the zero supporting making parts of Jerusalem judenfrei not much

493 brandon13  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:07pm

re: #474 yochanan

President Bush was talking to school kids on sept 11 and the liberals gave him hell for it.

They gave him hell for being there in the first place, or for not having the reaction they wanted him to have after being told we were under attack?

I know Bush caught all kinds of hell for the latter but I don't remember him getting any flack for the former.

494 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:07pm
495 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:19pm

I wonder how many kids show up to school on Tuesday carrying placards, yelling: "hands off my healthcare?"
/

496 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:38pm

Today on Fox Talk Radio... John Gibson (who I adore) was all up in it saying it was bad.

Scott Allen Miller was filling in for Tom Sullivan (the next show) and mentioned the BDS/ODS similarities.

I was with Scott on that one.

497 jaunte  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:50pm

re: #470 eschew_obfuscation

A cynical response would suggest he's just doing it for positive PR.
Maybe he actually wants to tell kids getting an education is valuable.

498 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:30:57pm

re: #468 Honorary Yooper

I also hope it has a positive effect on the dropout rate and that he can show that being smart and getting through school is a good thing to do regardless of socioeconomic and racial background.

I agree, and another good message would be to emphasize American students to study the 'hard' sciences/disciplines - physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology - the list goes on. We are getting our tails kicked in this arena.

499 obscured by clouds  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:05pm

re: #388 Charles

These are very young children who will hear the speech. They've just heard the President talk. What in the world could be wrong with asking them how they can help the President?

If the President needs "help" from a bunch of 8 year olds, he's even more in over his head than I imagined.

500 ArchangelMichael  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:18pm

re: #476 opnion

Young Pioneers?

Takes a lot more than one 15 minute speech on TV to turn kids into Die Junge Pioniere.

501 opnion  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:23pm

re: #487 redmonkey

And octebryata

Cool!

502 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:23pm

re: #450 Walter L. Newton

Thank you!
Please give albusteve my very best.

503 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:36pm

re: #459 buzzsawmonkey

Thanks, Walter. If you're in touch with him, give him my best.

May he enjoy a refuah shelemah (a complete healing) insofar as possible.

re: #490 snowcrash

Thanks for the update. Tell Steve I hope he gets home soon and feels better. I miss his posts.

I clipped and pasted you LGF comment and forwarded it to Steve. Thanks.

504 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:31:41pm

re: #497 jaunte

A cynical response would suggest he's just doing it for positive PR.
Maybe he actually wants to tell kids getting an education is valuable.

I vote BOTH

505 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:14pm

re: #497 jaunte

A cynical response would suggest he's just doing it for positive PR.
Maybe he actually wants to tell kids getting an education is valuable.

I would imagine being a politician it is equal parts of both.

506 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:27pm

re: #497 jaunte

A cynical response would suggest he's just doing it for positive PR.
Maybe he actually wants to tell kids getting an education is valuable.

IMO- it's likely both PR and a good thing to tell the children.

507 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:42pm

Unless The One can secure a game ball signed by Dustin Pedroia my son will not give a crap.

508 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:43pm

Maybe he plans to tell the kids all about "nuclar proliferation".

Will he wear a cardigan?

509 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:46pm

re: #504 Desert Dog

re: #505 kcladderman

re: #506 Sharmuta

GMTA

510 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:47pm

re: #474 yochanan

President Bush was talking to school kids on sept 11 and the liberals gave him hell for it.

Yes but for different reasons.

Also, even if that were right, I once again say...

That if a Democrat were to erect a graven image to Ba'al and sacrifice boy scouts upon it, after pulling out and eating their still beating hearts, it would not mitigate the Republicans for their crazy one bit. Not one jot. Not one iota.

Children do not get left off the hook for doing something bad, just because another child also did something bad. It was not an excuse as a child, it is not an excuse now.

511 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:32:53pm

re: #502 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Thank you!
Please give albusteve my very best.

I forwarded your comment to Steve.

512 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:33:13pm
513 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:33:38pm

I heard he is going to make each and every first grader the czar of something.

514 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:33:50pm

re: #511 Walter L. Newton

I forwarded your comment to Steve.

My best wishes also, please.

515 MittDoesNotCompute  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:33:56pm

re: #105 unrealizedviewpoint

No, No!
He made a pact to not diss Palin for 1 month.

I don't think Cato will be able to make it...just my opinion.

516 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:07pm

re: #495 unrealizedviewpoint

I wonder how many kids show up to school on Tuesday carrying placards, yelling: "hands off my healthcare?"
/

Wonder how many will show up with signs saying health care is a right and a moral obligation?

517 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:12pm

re: #173 Occasional Reader

So, if Johnny writes "I respectfully disagree with many of President Obama's goals, and I want to help the President by getting him to change his mind on a lot of them"... uh, what does the teacher do with this?
.

I insist that Johnny rewrite it neatly, correct his misspellings, and I mail it. What did you THINK I was going to do with it?

518 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:12pm

re: #512 buzzsawmonkey

But I've read books where the 8-year-olds always solve the mystery, or save the farm, or something.

Ah, Encyclopedia Brown. I loved those books!

519 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:15pm

The citizens of this country do not serve a President, any President, any elected official.

For a school lesson plan to suggest that citizens ought to be thinking about serving the President by "helping" him in some way is just baloney.

Again - the speech, I believe, will probably have a positive effect on some segment of the school population who are on a path to dropping out, may inspire some to study harder. I believe this will happen.

My concern is that the lesson plan is so off-key on that point. And I do believe parents need to be aware of the lesson plan and have a family conversation about what it means to be a citizen of this country.

To ask people to simply put any and all concerns out of their heads, be unaware of the speech itself and the lesson plan and avoid having such a conversation with their children is a really odd request.

520 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:18pm

re: #503 Walter L. Newton
Nice. Thank you.

521 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:21pm

re: #512 buzzsawmonkey

He wants Harry Potter to make him a unicorn and turn the deficit into a frog.

522 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:25pm

re: #513 Mikey_Dallas

I heard he is going to make each and every first grader the czar of something.

Little Timmy would make an excellent Nose Picking czar!

523 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:26pm

re: #488 Charles

He's using the bully pulpit of the presidency to try to inspire children to achieve academically. I wholeheartedly approve of this.

Assuming that's all there is to it, I also wholeheartedly support it.

I just thought it seemed a little out of character for one hatched in the Chicago machinery that was his home for so long.

524 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:32pm

re: #450 Walter L. Newton

Thanks, Walter. Add me to the albusteve "Get Well Soon" list.

525 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:34pm

re: #513 Mikey_Dallas

I heard he is going to make each and every first grader the czar of something.

Will they make bumper stickers then?

"My Child was Appointed Hall Monitor Czar by Pres. Obama"

526 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:39pm

re: #515 talon_262

I don't think Cato will be able to make it...just my opinion.

Is there an over/under?

527 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:42pm

re: #401 Sharmuta

And I must say- teachers are not a monolithic group. I had two conservative teachers when I was in public school, two professors who were conservatives in college, and since then have met other conservative teachers in public schools. They do exist. Is their union biased- sure, but don't lump all teachers together as if they're the same. It's not fair.

To tell you the truth.. Most of my Prof's in College were probably liberals..Who knows? Doesn't mean I didn't hate their guts for non political reasons...:)
I could care less about who they voted for every couple of years..
This was frigging college...I don't worry about 1st grader politics and brainwashing of kids...
Kids need inspiration... Parents..Leaders, Presidents, Sports hero's, Teachers..It's a rainbow...Anybody that doesn't want their child to hear the President of the United States speak on the first day of school needs to get a life and look around..Turn off the Talking heads for 5 minutes..
I scammed the Pope to sent me a letter once when I was a Kid..Got his autograph...It was the high life of 5th grade...
My favorite person I have ever met was Jesse Owens...Kids need inspiration...Don't worry...They don't vote for years

528 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:45pm

re: #508 Mikey_Dallas

Will he wear a cardigan?

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood,
a beautiful day in the neighborhood,
would you be mine,
would you be mine,
would you be my neighbor.

529 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:47pm

re: #497 jaunte

A cynical response would suggest he's just doing it for positive PR.
Maybe he actually wants to tell kids getting an education is valuable.

I hope that's what it is.

530 Pianobuff  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:34:55pm

Do you ever feel like this guy?

Youtube Video
531 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:35:12pm

re: #513 Mikey_Dallas

I heard he is going to make each and every first grader the czar of something.

The eraser cleaning czar.
Oh, they don't use chalk any more, do they?

532 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:35:51pm

re: #510 LudwigVanQuixote

Yes but for different reasons.

Also, even if that were right, I once again say...

That if a Democrat were to erect a graven image to Ba'al and sacrifice boy scouts upon it, after pulling out and eating their still beating hearts, it would not mitigate the Republicans for their crazy one bit. Not one jot. Not one iota.
.

Not even one little smidge? Eating a beating heart seems a tad extreme.

533 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:35:53pm

re: #518 zombie

Ah, Encyclopedia Brown. I loved those books!

I was addicted to those books. I loved it that the smart, nerdy kid was the hero who figured it all out. I wanted to be Encyclopedia Brown, in fact, but my semi-rural neighborhood was devoid of mysteries.

534 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:35:57pm

re: #531 Kosh's Shadow

Hall Monitor Czar - that's the job I want for MY kid.

535 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:36:27pm

re: #516 kansas

Wonder how many will show up with signs saying health care is a right and a moral obligation?

That is the more likely scenario.

536 Athos  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:36:33pm

re: #531 Kosh's Shadow

Oh, they don't use chalk any more, do they?

The EIR for using chalk didn't get approved.

537 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:36:47pm

What the heck... September 8? It's the day after Labor Day anyway... there'll probably be a lot of kids out who just didn't make it back after the holiday.

538 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:36:58pm
539 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:37:13pm

re: #531 Kosh's Shadow

The eraser cleaning czar.
Oh, they don't use chalk any more, do they?

Screw that, the real power is with the milk money czar. Piss him off, you're getting oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate chip for the next month.

540 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:37:25pm

re: #526 Leonidas Hoplite

Somebody start a pool...

541 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:37:34pm

re: #538 buzzsawmonkey

Maybe just put a cloak of invisibility on it.

542 obscured by clouds  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:37:35pm

re: #425 wrenchwench

Sorry to pick on your post for this, but I've been holding it in...

The Alinsky prism has been way over done. Alinskyites don't run for office. Obama ceased being one when he ran for the Illinois Senate.

Oh, really. So you're saying that Alinsky's influence (and tactics) are like a switch that turns itself off once an Alinskyite runs for office? Does the same go for Jeremiah Wright? Rezco? Phleger? Serious question.

543 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:37:40pm

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Team A really choked in the 7th inning against Team B in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

544 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:06pm

The Teacher's Pet Czar.

545 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:20pm

Here comes the Tea Party Purge...
Leverage: Hit Them Where it Hurts in 2010

The TEA party and town hall firestorm that swept through the grassroots community should serve as a valuable lesson for conservative activists looking to make a tangible difference. By all accounts, these protests have been wildly successful. Democrats are on the run, and Republicans are now acutely aware just how fine of a line they walk with the conservative base.

The lessons and strategy of these protests can be recycled in the upcoming 2010 elections. More specifically, conservatives can (and should) use these protest tactics in primary contests where a conservative Republican is challenging a moderate/liberal Republican.

In these races, the moderate/liberal Republicans typically have the upper hand because they are either incumbents or have previously served in office.


This'll be fun.
/

546 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:31pm

re: #531 Kosh's Shadow

Traces of lead. There's probably some kind of EPA ban.

547 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:39pm
548 UFO TOFU  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:40pm

re: #380 zombie

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO; I eat the sun.
It could happen!

549 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:38:44pm

re: #539 doppelganglander

Screw that, the real power is with the milk money czar. Piss him off, you're getting oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate chip for the next month.

Ooooh... PISS HIM OFF! PISS HIM OFF!

550 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:01pm

re: #150 EmmmieG

Well, looking at the worksheet (gr. 7-12), I'm against the idea of pairing the kids up to discuss their goals. Goals need to be individual. Nobody takes your SAT for you or goes to college for you.

Pair and share is a fairly common teaching technique. I agree, it's a bit odd when talking about personal goals, although expressing them to your partner is probably useful.

551 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:01pm

re: #543 zombie

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Team A really choked in the 7th inning against Team B in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

Well I know one thing about the 2017 world series. There is no way in hell the Royals are going to be in it.

552 polo02332  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:06pm

While initially hyperventilating about the prospect, I have decided it will be better for my three (K,5th, and 10th) to be in the room than to be out.

I do though have a problem with this preparation question:

Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important?

Should they not listen to US?

I am also concerned that my son (K) will announce, as he has in the past upon seeing or hearing BHO, "Barack NoBama is a bad guy! He wants to take your money!"

/no idea where he got that

553 lawhawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:09pm

re: #543 zombie

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Team A really choked in the 7th inning against Team B in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

Well, we know it wont be the Cubs playing. /

554 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:14pm

re: #450 Walter L. Newton

OT - (repost from earlier - for Lizards who are interested)

Some people over the last few days have wondered where Steve from New Mexico is?

He just gave me permission to pass on some info, but I will keep it to a minimum to preserve his privacy.

He has spent the last 5 days in the hospital, this was a scheduled procedure, but serious. He is ok in the sense he is not dying, but the procedure does not look like it fix anything.

So there will be a future round in the hospital, which will cause major changes to his lifestyle, but he will still be with us.

He'll be back when he can, he say's hi to all. I will repost this occasionally over the next 24 hours in hopes that any Lizard interested will see this.

Thanks for the update Walter. :)

555 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:16pm

The Spelling Bee Czar Tsar

556 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:33pm

re: #425 wrenchwench

Sorry to pick on your post for this, but I've been holding it in...

The Alinsky prism has been way over done. Alinskyites don't run for office. Obama ceased being one when he ran for the Illinois Senate.

When will he stop using the tactics then? They are so obvious once you know what they are.

557 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:40pm

re: #527 HoosierHoops

To tell you the truth.. Most of my Prof's in College were probably liberals..Who knows? Doesn't mean I didn't hate their guts for non political reasons...:)
I could care less about who they voted for every couple of years..
This was frigging college...I don't worry about 1st grader politics and brainwashing of kids...
Kids need inspiration... Parents..Leaders, Presidents, Sports hero's, Teachers..It's a rainbow...Anybody that doesn't want their child to hear the President of the United States speak on the first day of school needs to get a life and look around..Turn off the Talking heads for 5 minutes..
I scammed the Pope to sent me a letter once when I was a Kid..Got his autograph...It was the high life of 5th grade...
My favorite person I have ever met was Jesse Owens...Kids need inspiration...Don't worry...They don't vote for years

I agree with you Hoops! Sports leagues do have their players go to schools to talk about things like this- staying in school, working hard at the books as much as at sports, and the hard work they went through to get where they are. No one seems to think the NFL (or other leagues) are doing this to promote ticket sales...

558 tradewind  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:40pm

re: #543 zombie

If he's true to form, he'll talk a while but won't actually say anything.

559 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:39:49pm

re: #450 Walter L. Newton

Hopefully he is trying to get his "Rolling Stones" addiction cured.

Give him my best, too, please.

560 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:01pm

I don't think that this speech is the beginning of the end of American Democracy, or will even have any long term consequences. But it is very unlikely to have any positive consequences, either. Young children don't have a concept of why they should obey the president (and in fact they should not be given an inclination to do so except in cases of legitimate national emergency. We are a nation of free men, not subjects.), and young children like school anyways unless their peers turn them off of it. Older children aren't likely to start studying because the president tells them to.

And it is a bit on the creepy side. This isn't reading a book to children, a photo-op but at least a useful activity; it's lecturing by a federal official. The urgency of doing it live or at least simultaneously is strange, and it comes off as another of his many policy infomercials, but in a completely inappropriate venue. Sure, perhaps Obama can stict to the script and merely generate a bit of good will with the tween crowd, but we've seen more than a few occurances of strange tangents.

561 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:04pm

re: #551 kcladderman

Well I know one thing about the 2017 world series. There is no way in hell the Royals are going to be in it.

Chiefs won't be in the play offs in 2009 either.

562 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:10pm

re: #519 reine.de.tout

The citizens of this country do not serve a President, any President, any elected official.

For a school lesson plan to suggest that citizens ought to be thinking about serving the President by "helping" him in some way is just baloney.

Again - the speech, I believe, will probably have a positive effect on some segment of the school population who are on a path to dropping out, may inspire some to study harder. I believe this will happen.

My concern is that the lesson plan is so off-key on that point. And I do believe parents need to be aware of the lesson plan and have a family conversation about what it means to be a citizen of this country.

To ask people to simply put any and all concerns out of their heads, be unaware of the speech itself and the lesson plan and avoid having such a conversation with their children is a really odd request.

"And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"

563 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:16pm

re: #553 lawhawk

Well, we know it wont be the Cubs playing. /

Hey!!!

Ahh...you're probably right. Damn it!

564 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:27pm

First rule of fairness and playing nice:
... don't hit someone when they can't hit back.

Get off Cato's back re whether or not he'll make it.
It's his to do ... or not.

/now taking my other various opinions out for a while

565 Killian Bundy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:34pm
Youtube Video

/not so long ago

566 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:40:37pm

re: #543 zombie

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Actually, we do have a good idea what he's going to say, because he outlined it pretty clearly right here.

Youtube Video

"The importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country."

Marxism! Alinsky!

567 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:41:00pm

re: #524 doppelganglander

Thanks, Walter. Add me to the albusteve "Get Well Soon" list.

re: #514 Cato the Elder

My best wishes also, please.

Done, forwarded to Steve.

568 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:41:10pm

re: #527 HoosierHoops

To tell you the truth.. Most of my Prof's in College were probably liberals..Who knows? Doesn't mean I didn't hate their guts for non political reasons...:)
I could care less about who they voted for every couple of years..
This was frigging college...I don't worry about 1st grader politics and brainwashing of kids...
Kids need inspiration... Parents..Leaders, Presidents, Sports hero's, Teachers..It's a rainbow...Anybody that doesn't want their child to hear the President of the United States speak on the first day of school needs to get a life and look around..Turn off the Talking heads for 5 minutes..
I scammed the Pope to sent me a letter once when I was a Kid..Got his autograph...It was the high life of 5th grade...
My favorite person I have ever met was Jesse Owens...Kids need inspiration...Don't worry...They don't vote for years

You met Jesse Owens? That is COOL.

569 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:41:22pm

re: #543 zombie

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Team A really choked in the 7th inning against Team B in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

Hey Charles, maybe this is a good opportunity to take a poll and get the 'sense' of the current LGF community. It's been a while, and we've had quite a few new members.

Something that would tell us a percentage of members who are in line with the 'Freak Out' - it seems by some of the posts that they are in line with keeping kids out of school on the 8th.

570 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:41:29pm

re: #525 Desert Dog

my kid can beat up your hall monitor czar

571 John Neverbend  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:01pm

re: #399 kcladderman

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO;

Duh? How else are you going to get to Venus?

Astral projection?

572 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:11pm

re: #563 Dahveed

Hey!!!

Ahh...you're probably right. Damn it!

Keep the Faith!

573 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:15pm

re: #547 buzzsawmonkey

"You're gonna need a bigger cloak."

--Harry Potter and the Jaws of Bankruptcy

Is that the one where the Ministry of Magic tries to bail out Gringott's?

574 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:16pm

re: #559 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Hopefully he is trying to get his "Rolling Stones" addiction cured.

Give him my best, too, please.

re: #566 Charles

Actually, we do have a pretty good idea what he's going to say, because he outlined it pretty clearly right here.


[Video]

"The importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country."

Marxism! Alinsky!

Considering that public school is a socialist training ground, this makes sense.

575 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:28pm

re: #545 Killgore Trout

Here comes the Tea Party Purge...
Leverage: Hit Them Where it Hurts in 2010


This'll be fun.
/

Scrapping the bottle of the barrel with that one, eh? Think this guy has the power and sway to control the Republican party?

576 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:44pm

This Obama speech is peanuts. Freepers know how to freak out properly...
Coverage under Obamacare will require an implantable microchip.


There's a pretty starling thing in the bill that 95% of Americans won't like.

The Obama Health care bill under Class II (Paragraph 1, Section B) specifically includes ‘‘(ii) a class II device that is implantable." Then on page 1004 it describes what the term "data" means in paragraph 1, section B:


OMG!

577 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:42:57pm

re: #553 lawhawk

Well, we know it wont be the Cubs playing. /

Not too long ago, people would have said the same thing about the Red Sox.

578 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:03pm

So... the Freepers are organizing a boycott against Obama's speech.

Where are the Glenn Beck defenders to tell the Freepers how they're poisoning the political discourse?

579 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:07pm

re: #549 eschew_obfuscation

Ooooh... PISS HIM OFF! PISS HIM OFF!

You prefer oatmeal cookies? I distinctly remember my disappointment in kindergarten when we got them. Dry, chewy, and not fun. I'm sure someone out there makes good oatmeal cookies, but I am too discouraged to find out.

580 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:08pm

re: #562 unrealizedviewpoint

"And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
John Kennedy

Or not.
Barack Obama

581 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:15pm

re: #551 kcladderman

Well I know one thing about the 2017 world series. There is no way in hell the Royals are going to be in it.

Are you nuts??!?!? The 2017 Royals will be kick-ass! They'll have that pitcher with three arms, and that shortstop from Turkmenistan who can pull off a triple-play singlehanded. They'll be unbeatable!

582 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:26pm

re: #551 kcladderman

Depressing, isn't it? I miss the days of Brett, Quizenberry, Saberhagen, McRae, Patek, Willie Wilson...

583 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:30pm

re: #449 zombie

They're sarcastic, contrarian, and mocking.

Ahem...and there's something wrong with that?

584 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:43:36pm

re: #569 Dreader1962

I'd be afraid to see the results.

585 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:44:05pm

re: #185 steve

My kids school district just sent out a letter with a form attached, wanting to know if I want to opt out of them giving my kids information to military recruiters.

Not really a problem except the form that came with it.

My I am just over reacting?

What part are you upset about?

586 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:44:06pm

re: #561 kansas
Thats no lie, who would have thought they could get worse.

I can't wait until we get PROFESSIONAL sports teams back in KC

587 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:44:12pm

re: #553 lawhawk

Well, we know it wont be the Cubs playing. /

Cubs vs. Royals! The greatest series in history!

588 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:44:17pm

re: #543 zombie

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Chicago Cubs really choked in the 7th inning against Chicago WHITE SOX in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

FTFY

589 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:03pm

re: #579 doppelganglander

You prefer oatmeal cookies? I distinctly remember my disappointment in kindergarten when we got them. Dry, chewy, and not fun. I'm sure someone out there makes good oatmeal cookies, but I am too discouraged to find out.

Make your own from the Quaker Oats recipe, except add more raisins and toss in some chocolate chips for good measure...promise you won't regret it.

590 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:21pm

re: #579 doppelganglander

You prefer oatmeal cookies? I distinctly remember my disappointment in kindergarten when we got them. Dry, chewy, and not fun. I'm sure someone out there makes good oatmeal cookies, but I am too discouraged to find out.

Love 'em (the soft, chewey kind)! Best with raisins.

591 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:39pm

re: #572 Leonidas Hoplite

Keep the Faith!

I start every season with faith. Then September rolls arounds and I have to put my faith in the Bears. Talk about sad!

592 Spider Mensch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:39pm

well lets hope he doesn't "eerrr..ummm" and "uhhh" his way thru the little speech to the kids..they'll be asking "teacher? why does the president sound like mommy after her box of wine? " *

/ralph wiggum quote*

593 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:43pm

re: #586 kcladderman

Thats no lie, who would have thought they could get worse.

I can't wait until we get PROFESSIONAL sports teams back in KC

You should thank your lucky stars you don't have the Lions.

594 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:48pm

re: #566 Charles

"The importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country."

Marxism! Alinsky!

Sounds more like gloating over the way the left has completely taken over education.
///

595 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:50pm

re: #543 zombie

We're all arguing about the qualities of something that hasn't happened yet.

We might as well be arguing about how Team A really choked in the 7th inning against Team B in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series.

We have no idea what he's going to say, and there is no point speculating, defending it nor attacking it.

Let's just wait and see and comment on it after it's already happened and we know what we're talking about.

And you think that's going to make a difference? For those who hate Obama, nothing he can say or do will ever change their opinion.

And just what is he going to talk to the kids about? An armed nuclear Iran, the Israeli/Arab conflict? Or maybe he'll tell them that he's a sekrit Muslim commie trying to indoctrinate their innocent minds. Good grief.

He's going to encourage them to stay in school, get an education, help their families and their communities. And as we all know feeding the poor, volunteering at soup kitchens and reading to the elderly is a communist socialist plot!

596 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:45:54pm

re: #579 doppelganglander

You prefer oatmeal cookies? I distinctly remember my disappointment in kindergarten when we got them. Dry, chewy, and not fun. I'm sure someone out there makes good oatmeal cookies, but I am too discouraged to find out.

The secret to good oatmeal cookies is the glaze.

597 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:01pm

re: #584 Killgore Trout

I'd be afraid to see the results.

How many nuts do we have, and what part of the bag do they occupy?

/s

598 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:05pm

I recommend watching this video where Obama reveals his diabolical plan. It's incredibly scary.

Youtube Video
599 doppelganglander  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:13pm

Okay, gang, I have to log out, probably until next Tuesday. If anyone wants to put on a funny outfit and come to downtown Atlanta this weekend, you are most welcome. Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

600 Loren42  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:27pm

This seems unprecedented, but no one knows what is going to be said. Encouraging kids to work hard and be their best is a good message.

However, if kids are being asked to answer questions like how they can help the president, it becomes something else that I don't like the flavor of.

I take note that the question was about the president and not the country, which fits nicely with the narcissistic personality Obama flaunts. Worse is the atmosphere this suggests and I think we are very justified in being concerned.

Parents should be given advanced notice of what will unfold, including a copy of the President's words and the written/verbal activities that go along with it.

601 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:42pm

re: #591 Dahveed

I start every season with faith. Then September rolls arounds and I have to put my faith in the Bears. Talk about sad!

See my #593. At least the Bears had a winning record last season.

602 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:44pm

re: #566 Charles

Actually, we do have a good idea what he's going to say, because he outlined it pretty clearly right here.


[Video]

"The importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country."

Marxism! Alinsky!

That's still pretty vague. The worrisome part is "how we want to improve our education system", which could be an open door to introduce politics into the speech. But I refuse to get worked up about it either way until I actually hear it.

603 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:46:50pm

re: #576 Killgore Trout

This Obama speech is peanuts. Freepers know how to freak out properly...
Coverage under Obamacare will require an implantable microchip.


OMG!

They are fucking talking about a national registry to track and compare the use and usability of things like pacemakers. No chip implants.

20 ‘‘National Medical Device Registry
21 ‘‘(g)(1) The Secretary shall establish a national med22
ical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the
23 ‘registry’) to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and
24 outcomes data on each device that—
25 ‘‘(A) is or has been used in or on a patient; and
1 ‘‘(B) is—
2 ‘‘(i) a class III device; or
3 ‘‘(ii) a class II device that is implantable,
4 life-supporting, or life-sustaining.
5 ‘‘(2) In developing the registry, the Secretary shall,
6 in consultation with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs,
7 the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
8 Services, the head of the Office of the...

Idiots. I know this fucking bill and I wish people would stop lying about things.

604 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:47:06pm

re: #586 kcladderman

Thats no lie, who would have thought they could get worse.

I can't wait until we get PROFESSIONAL sports teams back in KC

Not me. My brother in law is a Jets fan from New York. Told me right away Edwards would suck, but when he left after 2-14 I though at least they would be able to compete. Now that the 60 million dollar quarterback is down and we back to last year's stand in, well, just crap.

605 John Neverbend  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:47:34pm

re: #551 kcladderman

Well I know one thing about the 2017 world series. There is no way in hell the Royals are going to be in it.

I looked into my crystal ball, and the AL team will be the NY Yankees under their new manager, Theo Epstein (aged 23). His team will be made up of former Red Sox players.

606 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:47:53pm

re: #593 Honorary Yooper

You should thank your lucky stars you don't have the Lions.

Daunte Culpepper- lolol!

607 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:48:27pm

re: #240 JammieWearingFool

You're free to subject your kids to this indoctrination. We sane people prefer otherwise.

Wisely, my school district is smart enough to skip this exercise in Obama's self-indulgent mental masturbation.

Which leads me to my next point--people are acting as though this is being required of each school. It's not. You don't like them making it part of the school day, tell your school district, that you fund with your tax money.

608 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:48:33pm

While I'm still here today, I just wanted to let everyone know that my Mom was released from the hospital today. She's feeling a lot better after this time at the hospital, & while sad at missing out on nearly a year of her life due to severe depression/anxiety & hospital stays, she's happy to be home with her pets & is ready to start engaging the world again. Thanks to all for keeping her (and me) in your thoughts & prayers all of this time.

609 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:48:43pm

re: #586 kcladderman

When I said not me, I was referring to who would have thought they could get worse.

610 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:00pm

re: #603 Walter L. Newton

They are fucking talking about a national registry to track and compare the use and usability of things like pacemakers. No chip implants.

20 ‘‘National Medical Device Registry
21 ‘‘(g)(1) The Secretary shall establish a national med22
ical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the
23 ‘registry’) to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and
24 outcomes data on each device that—
25 ‘‘(A) is or has been used in or on a patient; and
1 ‘‘(B) is—
2 ‘‘(i) a class III device; or
3 ‘‘(ii) a class II device that is implantable,
4 life-supporting, or life-sustaining.
5 ‘‘(2) In developing the registry, the Secretary shall,
6 in consultation with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs,
7 the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
8 Services, the head of the Office of the...

Idiots. I know this fucking bill and I wish people would stop lying about things.

I didn't even read that part, but I assumed that's what they meant about 'implantable'. These morons aren't helping anyone. Of course, it's impossible to stop them, but the GOP could at least counter this B.S. with a consistent, legitimate message.

611 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:14pm

re: #603 Walter L. Newton

I think a chip implant would really kill the bill for sure...//

612 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:19pm

re: #604 kansas

Not me. My brother in law is a Jets fan from New York. Told me right away Edwards would suck, but when he left after 2-14 I though at least they would be able to compete. Now that the 60 million dollar quarterback is down and we back to last year's stand in, well, just crap.

The "Chefs" will be battling my Broncos for last place this year.

613 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:22pm

Here's hoping that Obama is beginning something that future Presidents will do.

A frickin' pep talk at the beginning of the school year by the frickin' President?

People have a problem with that?

614 kcladderman  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:26pm

re: #582 right_wing2

Depressing, isn't it? I miss the days of Brett, Quizenberry, Saberhagen, McRae, Patek, Willie Wilson...

The good ole days

615 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:49:32pm

re: #557 Sharmuta

I agree with you Hoops! Sports leagues do have their players go to schools to talk about things like this- staying in school, working hard at the books as much as at sports, and the hard work they went through to get where they are. No one seems to think the NFL (or other leagues) are doing this to promote ticket sales...

Gawd you hit the nail on the head...What fucking American would freak out over the President of the United States giving children a pep talk on the first day of school...What are people afraid of? That million of kids will strive to be all they can be? Inspired? I'll worry about their voting patterns in about 15-20 years..
Frigging plain ass stupid...I don't like Obama's policies Would never vote for the man..But by God he seems to be a hell of a dad and roll model and has 2 beautiful daughters they have raised...I would trust my children with him any day and twice on Sunday to give a talk...

616 bill shears  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:50:11pm

Gosh, has LGF gone NeoLib? The last few months I see more "innoculation" against righty-wackoism accusations on the site than just about anything else. There's nothing wacko about people being upset on this one. The president Big Brothering himself directly into classrooms is cause for concern...in the least. Shading it like a birther "freak-out" is not nearly accurate.

[Link: www.facebook.com...]

617 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:50:20pm

re: #611 Charpete67

I think a chip implant would really kill the bill for sure...//

Who is Chip Implant?

618 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:50:27pm

re: #610 Dreader1962

I didn't even read that part, but I assumed that's what they meant about 'implantable'. These morons aren't helping anyone. Of course, it's impossible to stop them, but the GOP could at least counter this B.S. with a consistent, legitimate message.

If 3200 wasn't so incomprehensible, then this shit wouldn't get far. Seriously, Walter Newton should not have had to study this for weeks.

619 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:50:32pm

re: #602 zombie

That's still pretty vague. The worrisome part is "how we want to improve our education system", which could be an open door to introduce politics into the speech. But I refuse to get worked up about it either way until I actually hear it.

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.

620 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:51:07pm

re: #611 Charpete67

I think a chip implant would really kill the bill for sure...//

Kill the Bill part I or part II?

621 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:51:16pm

Here they come.

622 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:51:17pm

re: #611 Charpete67

I think a chip implant would really kill the bill for sure...//

Chocolate chips? I'd be all for that.

623 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:51:38pm

re: #613 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Here's hoping that Obama is beginning something that future Presidents will do.

A frickin' pep talk at the beginning of the school year by the frickin' President?

People have a problem with that?

FBV - I don't have a problem with that.

My problem is with the published lesson plan, which raises some questions in my mind.

And anybody who thinks I'm "paranoid" or an "idiot" for being familiar with and questioning a lesson plan my kid is subject to, isn't thinking straight themselves.

624 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:51:54pm

re: #601 Honorary Yooper

Sheesh! The Lions! When was the last time they were any good?

625 wrenchwench  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:04pm

re: #542 obscured by clouds

Oh, really. So you're saying that Alinsky's influence (and tactics) are like a switch that turns itself off once an Alinskyite runs for office? Does the same go for Jeremiah Wright? Rezco? Phleger? Serious question.

Yeah, that's kinda what I'm saying, but only about Obama. The main tactic of Alinskyites is to harass elected officials. Once one becomes an elected official, the tactics must change.

None of those others ever were Alinskyites.

626 Korla Pundit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:06pm

re: #595 marjoriemoon

> Or maybe he'll tell them that he's a sekrit Muslim commie trying to indoctrinate their innocent minds.

No, he is going to use this as a venue for releasing his college transcripts to demonstrate that good grades can get you places.

627 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:13pm

re: #622 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Chocolate chips? I'd be all for that.

Killer Chocolate Chips, I want some

628 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:16pm

Addressing students to work hard and stay in school is one thing - I have no problem with that, but having students write letters about how they can help the President? WTF? It's not my children's job to help the President. Help the country - absolutely, but help him personally - no way. And he'll be telling them why it's important for them to listen to their elected leaders? I bet you his reason for listening to politicians is totally different than my reason for listening to them. Personally, I would love to watch this with my kids, but apparently my kid's school says that's not possible. I wonder why? This is in no way similar to addressing students about saying no to drugs or reading books to elementary school kids. I find it creepy. I would much rather my kids spend the day learning something academic.

629 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:17pm

re: #598 Charles

Oh Lord save us! He wants to increase funding for stay in school programs!

Pass me my smelling salts!

630 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:20pm

re: #616 bill shears

Gosh, has LGF gone NeoLib? The last few months I see more "innoculation" against righty-wackoism accusations on the site than just about anything else. There's nothing wacko about people being upset on this one. The president Big Brothering himself directly into classrooms is cause for concern...in the least. Shading it like a birther "freak-out" is not nearly accurate.

[Link: www.facebook.com...]

Let me set you clear on something. This blog belongs to Charles. If you don't like what is posted here, GIT. Leave. Start you own blog.

631 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:21pm

re: #616 bill shears

Nothing wacko? If George Bush did this, the Right would be praising him!

632 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:22pm

re: #616 bill shears

WTF is the facebook link about?

633 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:24pm

re: #619 marjoriemoon

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.

Troofers? Fire doesn't melt steel. Controlled demolition. The left bitched about everything Bush did. Everything.

634 Leonidas Hoplite  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:28pm

re: #619 marjoriemoon

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.

Things is pretty crazy, I agree. Definately isn't helpful.

635 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:35pm

re: #614 kcladderman

BEYOND depressing! We lost the AA affiliate a couple years ago to Little Rock. The semi-pro team is fun, but it's just not the same.

636 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:52:48pm

re: #593 Honorary Yooper

You should thank your lucky stars you don't have the Lions.

You know times are tough when you look back with fondness on the Wayne Fontes era.

637 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:53:08pm

re: #616 bill shears

Gosh, has LGF gone NeoLib? The last few months I see more "innoculation" against righty-wackoism accusations on the site than just about anything else. There's nothing wacko about people being upset on this one. The president Big Brothering himself directly into classrooms is cause for concern...in the least. Shading it like a birther "freak-out" is not nearly accurate.

[Link: www.facebook.com...]

OK, you are the "freak-out" type of person that's giving someone like me, with what I think is a rational concern, a bad name.
Go away.

638 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:53:33pm

re: #616 bill shears

Bill Shears
Karma: 2
Registered since: Feb 14, 2008 at 8:04 pm
No. of comments posted: 31
No. of links posted: 1

You aren't a sleeper sock puppet perchance, are you?

639 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:53:36pm

re: #621 Charles

Here they come.

In a bus, or a clown car?

640 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:53:46pm

re: #628 Ziggy

Addressing students to work hard and stay in school is one thing - I have no problem with that, but having students write letters about how they can help the President? WTF? It's not my children's job to help the President. Help the country - absolutely, but help him personally - no way. And he'll be telling them why it's important for them to listen to their elected leaders? I bet you his reason for listening to politicians is totally different than my reason for listening to them. Personally, I would love to watch this with my kids, but apparently my kid's school says that's not possible. I wonder why? This is in no way similar to addressing students about saying no to drugs or reading books to elementary school kids. I find it creepy. I would much rather my kids spend the day learning something academic.

You're not helping these little one become loyal comrades, bad you.

641 Bloodnok  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:06pm

re: #616 bill shears

What will you do if we ding down your post?

Will you stand up and walk out on us?

642 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:17pm

re: #639 sattv4u2


I vote for the clown car

643 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:19pm

re: #616 bill shears

Bill Shears? What would YOU do if I sang out of tune?

644 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:19pm

re: #619 marjoriemoon

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.

Really? You think that's crazy? Have you been paying attention? Given expanded roles of the federal government in health care & finances, spending larger than ever, regulation of energy use, etc. it sounds crazy? Wrong, perhaps, hopefully, but seeing it as the first stages of socialism is hardly ridiculous.

645 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:22pm

re: #627 Desert Dog

Killer Chocolate Chips, I want some

right now his policy advisers are cursing themselves..."damn the internet...they found the part about the tracking devices in the bill..."

646 KenJen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:29pm

re: #632 unrealizedviewpoint

WTF is the facebook link about?

What? You don't want to add him as a friend?/

647 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:54:59pm

re: #646 KenJen

What? You don't want to add him as a friend?/

I need all the help I can get in Mafia Wars.

648 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:04pm
649 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:14pm

re: #641 Bloodnok

What will you do if we ding down your post?

Will you stand up and walk out on us?

He's a closet Lennonist.

650 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:27pm

re: #616 bill shears

Gosh, has LGF gone NeoLib? The last few months I see more "innoculation" against righty-wackoism accusations on the site than just about anything else. There's nothing wacko about people being upset on this one. The president Big Brothering himself directly into classrooms is cause for concern...in the least. Shading it like a birther "freak-out" is not nearly accurate.

[Link: www.facebook.com...]

Hey, that's really classy! Diss LGF, rant crazily, and pimp your Facebook page all in one post!

651 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:36pm

re: #633 kansas

Troofers? Fire doesn't melt steel. Controlled demolition. The left bitched about everything Bush did. Everything.

No they didn't. The extreme left did. The Democratic party did not blame 9/11 on Bush.

These rightwingers are not part of the extreme. The ones questioning why a president should have the audacity to talk to children about education and community service. They are the "moderates", mainstream Republicans.

652 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:46pm

re: #649 Kosh's Shadow

He's a closet Lennonist.

Or, perhaps a McCartneyists?

653 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:47pm

re: #616 bill shears

Bullshit! Respectfully.

654 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:52pm

Obama has 2 young daughters. I think he will have a good idea of age appropriate messages.

655 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:55:53pm

re: #624 Dahveed

Sheesh! The Lions! When was the last time they were any good?

This side of the last time the Cubs were any good. ;-)

/Hey, a 100+ years since winning a World Series is a tough record to beat.

656 Dreader1962  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:09pm

re: #641 Bloodnok

What will you do if we ding down your post?

Will you stand up and walk out on us?

You actually had me singing that part!

Yeah, I'll get by with a little help from my lizards!

657 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:19pm

re: #650 Charles

Hey, that's really classy! Diss LGF, rant crazily, and pimp your Facebook page all in one post!

He's "special"

He can multi task!

658 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:38pm

re: #647 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

I need all the help I can get in Mafia Wars.


My name is blue. Shoot me an email with your name and I will add you to my mafia and you can do the same.

659 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:39pm

re: #615 HoosierHoops

Gawd you hit the nail on the head...What fucking American would freak out over the President of the United States giving children a pep talk on the first day of school...What are people afraid of? That million of kids will strive to be all they can be? Inspired? I'll worry about their voting patterns in about 15-20 years..
Frigging plain ass stupid...I don't like Obama's policies Would never vote for the man..But by God he seems to be a hell of a dad and roll model and has 2 beautiful daughters they have raised...I would trust my children with him any day and twice on Sunday to give a talk...

I don't have anything to add to this really except I believe a role model like the President can make a positive difference for a lot of kids who might not have that in their life...

660 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:46pm

re: #652 Desert Dog

Or, perhaps a McCartneyists?

Well, I'm a Marxist, of the Groucho type.

661 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:48pm

re: #557 Sharmuta

I agree with you Hoops! Sports leagues do have their players go to schools to talk about things like this- staying in school, working hard at the books as much as at sports, and the hard work they went through to get where they are. No one seems to think the NFL (or other leagues) are doing this to promote ticket sales...

A fantastic book about the other side of this is:
[Link: www.amazon.com...]

The basic premise is that NCAA1 sports programs generally run in the red, but are seen as advertising for the big state schools, to the detriment of the school's educational programs.

This is a true statement. I have personally seen this in action at the university I am currently at.

The book continues to argue that there is a sort of non-aggression treaty made with the students that if they pay tuition and bring money in, they will be granted dumbed down courses, have their grades inflated and be presented with a degree that they can then use for job placement.

This too is correct.

Consider any school that has an honors program. The very existence of such a thing says that these kids are getting the real courses. What does the other 90% take?

The university argues that it does not have the staff or the resources to give that sort of education to all of the kids.

Could this be because an NCAA1 coach makes a multi million salary, while a history professor is lucky to get 60k a year? Could it be that a stadium will always get built before a new science building does?

This again goes back to the way that the average American views education. They see it as something you have to do to get a job, not something that is of a particular value in of itself. It is much less entertaining than college sports.

The elite universities do not have this problem. They make their money off of overhead (50% usually) of research grants and endowments. Would you believe that all of the Ivys, MIT, Stanford and Johns Hopkins have football and basket ball teams?

Would you believe that no-one there really cares because they are too busy making something of themselves.

Now, it is true that the state schools take everyone and need to cater to a different base. It is also true that the smartest kids there can and do get solid educations if they seek them out. It is true that a PLace like UC berkeley, or Urbana Champaign, or Madison, or UMD has, for example, mathematics and physics depts that rival or beat many of the the Ivys.

All of that is true.

It is also true that the smartest kid at the state school is just as smart as the smartest kid at Cal Tech. However, the dumbest kids at Cal Tech, still would be in the top 5% at a state school.

The other 95% at the state school rather than being encouraged to work harder are rather encouraged to watch the game and pay tuition.

662 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:56:48pm

re: #646 KenJen

What? You don't want to add him as a friend?/

I know.
Let's let him be FB friends with Cato the Elder.

Can't wait to see those fireworks!

663 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:08pm

re: #644 nikis-knight

Really? You think that's crazy? Have you been paying attention? Given expanded roles of the federal government in health care & finances, spending larger than ever, regulation of energy use, etc. it sounds crazy? Wrong, perhaps, hopefully, but seeing it as the first stages of socialism is hardly ridiculous.

Oh please. First stages of socialism my patoot. Did Clinton take your guns? Did Clinton destroy the constitution and this republic? No, but the same delusional paranoia existed then too.

Too bad that so many in this country have so little faith in those founding documents.

664 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:25pm

re: #643 kansas

Should have made a middle initial of "E."

665 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:34pm

re: #650 Charles

Hey, that's really classy! Diss LGF, rant crazily, and pimp your Facebook page all in one post!

I think ole Bill wants to get his flounce on as quickly as possible.

666 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:50pm

re: #655 Honorary Yooper

This side of the last time the Cubs were any good. ;-)

/Hey, a 100+ years since winning a World Series is a tough record to beat.

Well, I sure as hell opened myself up for that one!

LOL!

667 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:50pm

He's gonna address the little children on Spet. 8th and then COngress the next day. I coinkydink? I don't think so...

President Obama to address CongressPresident Obama to address Congress Sept. 9th

President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress on health care reform in prime time on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a senior official tells POLITICO.

668 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:57:57pm
669 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:58:16pm

re: #665 Honorary Yooper

I think ole Bill wants to get his flounce on as quickly as possible.

Bill is the reason liberals think all conservatives are crazy.

670 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:58:50pm

re: #652 Desert Dog

Or, perhaps a McCartneyists?

Give that man a gold Starr!

671 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:58:55pm

re: #624 Dahveed

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THE CUBS WON IT ALL?

672 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:58:56pm

re: #638 Honorary Yooper

You aren't a sleeper sock puppet perchance, are you?

Don't be surprised.. People on the stalker blog brag all the time about their secret socks they create here..
Just to cause problems...Slap themselves on the back about how clever they are...Consider it halftime entertainment...Cause it is pretty funny

673 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:11pm

re: #669 reine.de.tout

Bill is the reason liberals think all conservatives are crazy.

No, I AM.

674 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:11pm

re: #667 Walter L. Newton

He's gonna address the little children on Spet. 8th and then COngress the next day. I coinkydink? I don't think so...

President Obama to address CongressPresident Obama to address Congress Sept. 9th

President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress on health care reform in prime time on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a senior official tells POLITICO.

There'll be more of a mature audience on the 8th!

675 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:12pm

re: #616 bill shears

One of the first rules of commenting on a blog is never to do it right after you've sucked down a big ole blunt.

676 ArchangelMichael  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:12pm

re: #621 Charles

"Three marks at 210!"

677 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:36pm

re: #651 marjoriemoon

No they didn't. The extreme left did. The Democratic party did not blame 9/11 on Bush.

These rightwingers are not part of the extreme. The ones questioning why a president should have the audacity to talk to children about education and community service. They are the "moderates", mainstream Republicans.

We disagree then. I don't trust him. He has earned my distrust. I will wait till after wards to see what he actually says and wait for the you tube videos of the teacher's cramming their politics down the grade schoolers kids.

678 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 1:59:38pm

re: #661 LudwigVanQuixote

I keep saying that anti-intellectualism has left wing and right wing varieties. Dumbing down the curriculum is one of the tactics of the leftist variety.

679 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:03pm

re: #651 marjoriemoon

No they didn't. The extreme left did. The Democratic party did not blame 9/11 on Bush.

These rightwingers are not part of the extreme. The ones questioning why a president should have the audacity to talk to children about education and community service. They are the "moderates", mainstream Republicans.

Michael Moore was sitting next to Jimmy Carter in the seat of honor at John Kerry's convention though. Their leadership (Daschle?) went to the premiere. They attend the "YearlyKos". Plenty of congressional speeches on how we were terrorizing children (Kerry) in the night in Iraq or just like Pol Pot in Gitmo(Durbin). There was just as much winking at crazies by some influencial elected Dems then as now.

680 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:08pm

re: #667 Walter L. Newton

He's gonna address the little children on Spet. 8th and then COngress the next day. I coinkydink? I don't think so...

President Obama to address CongressPresident Obama to address Congress Sept. 9th

President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress on health care reform in prime time on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a senior official tells POLITICO.

No ego there...nope.

681 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:21pm

There's a first time for everything and President Obama will be the first to utilize the internet to speak to children around the country on September 8, 2009. There is no way to allay the so called concerns regarding this event so there's not much more than one can do but watch this thing play out. In the future, there is no doubt in my mind that if the Republican party ever returns to the White House that they will do the same.

682 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:23pm

re: #672 HoosierHoops

Don't be surprised.. People on the stalker blog brag all the time about their secret socks they create here..
Just to cause problems...Slap themselves on the back about how clever they are...Consider it halftime entertainment...Cause it is pretty funny

More like pathetic, but I know you agree.

683 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:23pm

re: #673 Walter L. Newton

No, I AM.

But Walter, the think is, you really are crazy.
/
:-)

684 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:25pm

re: #619 marjoriemoon

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.

Did I say he was going to have a communist agenda in his school speech? No I did not. I merely said that one of his supposed talking points -- the manner in which we can improve our schools -- is potentially a hot-potato political issue. I see no "crazy" in my comment.

I certainly hope the speech is entirely nonpoliticial, and presume that it will be: As I said above, it's directed at young kids, so there'd be no point in discussing politics anyway. But, there is a slim possibility that he will say something with a partisan slant. Unlikely, but possible. But like I said, I haven't heard the speech yet, so it's not worth commenting on.

If forced to predict, I'd say there's a 90% chance that the speech will be entirely simplistic and nonpolitical; and a 10% chance he'll sneak in some reference to a policy recommendation he prefers.

A wild and crazy forecast.

685 Bloodnok  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:32pm

re: #669 reine.de.tout

Bill is the reason liberals think all conservatives are crazy.

Hi Reine! I think you accidentally dinged his post up. Just wanted you to know in case you wanted to fix it.

:)

686 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:00:42pm

re: #387 HelloDare

CNN poll: Majority now oppose ObamaCare

CNN = True.

687 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:01:14pm

re: #675 Cato the Elder

One of the first rules of commenting on a blog is never to do it right after you've sucked down a big ole blunt.

Cato - he linked his FB page.
Be friends with him - please please please please.

688 yochanan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:01:19pm

re: #666 Dahveed

well cubs fans learn some important life lessons,
lower exptactions
very long term goals
and how to choke in the post season.

689 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:01:50pm

re: #671 yochanan

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THE CUBS WON IT ALL?

Yep! I swung that door way open and invited everyone in.

690 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:01:54pm
691 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:01:55pm

re: #667 Walter L. Newton

He'll have to talk s-l-o-w-e-r to Congress.

692 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:02:12pm

re: #687 reine.de.tout

Cato - he linked his FB page.
Be friends with him - please please please please.

Well, I do need someone to take the place of Haakondahl...but I'm not sure this guy's up to the job.

693 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:02:21pm

re: #667 Walter L. Newton

He's gonna address the little children on Spet. 8th and then COngress the next day. I coinkydink? I don't think so...

President Obama to address CongressPresident Obama to address Congress Sept. 9th

President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress on health care reform in prime time on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a senior official tells POLITICO.

Fox is premiering the new season of "So You Think You can Dance" and the series premier of "Glee" that night.

I wonder if they'll Heisman the president again...

694 Dahveed  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:02:27pm

re: #688 yochanan

well cubs fans learn some important life lessons,
lower exptactions
very long term goals
and how to choke in the post season.

That assumes even getting to the playoffs.

695 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:18pm

re: #693 KingKenrod

Fox is premiering the new season of "So You Think You can Dance" and the series premier of "Glee" that night.

I wonder if they'll Heisman the president again...

Fox = LIES :)

696 Lincolntf  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:20pm

I saw the topic briefly turn to cookies a while back. Just popped in a batch of Pillsbury "Ready to Bake!" Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. They look like little pale meatballs, but I'm hopeful.
13-15 minutes from now I'll render judgment.

697 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:33pm

re: #619 marjoriemoon

This just goes to show you what people think of this President. That he has a communist, socialist agenda. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it comes up every time a Democrat gets elected.

The crazy is on the Right is far more crazy that it was on the Left for Bush as far as I can see.


As far as I can see?
Image: sa1041.jpg

698 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:33pm

re: #675 Cato the Elder

One of the first rules of commenting on a blog is never to do it right after you've sucked down a big ole blunt.

Oh shit.

699 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:38pm

do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

Well, yeah, if I were Obama and held his beliefs, that's exactly what I'd try to do. Why the heck do you think the Supreme Court banned Bible reading in public schools? It's exactly because kids are so impressionable, especially when addressed by authority figures.

Plus, did you read the specific questions and exercises the White House is asking teachers to give their students before, during, and after Obama's speech??? They're creepy. Some lowlights:

Before the Speech:

Why does President Obama want to speak with us today? How will he inspire us? How will he challenge us? What might he say?

What other historic moments do you remember when the President spoke to the nation? What was the impact?

After the Speech:

What resonated with you from President Obama’s speech? What lines/phrases do you remember?

What are the three most important words in the speech? Rank them.

What is President Obama inspiring you to do? What is he challenging you to do?

What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?

How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?

Source: [Link: www.ed.gov...]


So I don't care what anyone else thinks. To me, Obama's planned national address to schoolchildren is unprecedented, a creepy intrusion into young childrens' lives, and a blind grab for the older kids' votes. Or is it just coincidence that about 75% of the high schoolers he's addressing next week will be eligible to vote in 2012?

700 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:56pm

Time to call it a day.

701 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:03:58pm

re: #598 Charles

I recommend watching this video where Obama reveals his diabolical plan. It's incredibly scary.


[Video]

That was cute of the boy to ask if the President can make school lunches taste better.

702 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:04:01pm

re: #675 Cato the Elder

One of the first rules of commenting on a blog is never to do it right after you've sucked down a big ole blunt.

... making notes ...

703 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:04:04pm

re: #663 marjoriemoon

Oh please. First stages of socialism my patoot. Did Clinton take your guns? Did Clinton destroy the constitution and this republic? No, but the same delusional paranoia existed then too.

Too bad that so many in this country have so little faith in those founding documents.

I have zero faith, in fact, of documents to restrain people. The ideas in them were wonderful, in fact what I want to conserve, but people who disagree with them, who don't mind gaining influense with Peter by spending Paul's money or increasing the reach of the federal government down to what lightbulbs you can buy, are not restrained by documents, but by voters. Hopefully voters will always be enough in America, but if you look at history around the world, some fairly nice constitutions have amounted for all of zero when it came down to it. America is special, but not so much as to be impervious to apathy, ignorance, and envy.

704 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:04:30pm
705 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:04:46pm

What Obama WON'T say in this address to the tykes


By the way, while you should get a good education, please be advised that I am spending pretty much everything you're going to earn. Have a nice day.

706 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:04:50pm

re: #690 buzzsawmonkey

re: #663 marjoriemoon

You should allow yourself to consider the proposition that the reason we are not now living in a socialist paradise is the very fact that when moves have been made in that direction the people have screamed bloody murder.

No, this is not the Soviet Union, or Chavez's Venezuela, or Castro's Cuba. Hitting those who would make it so on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper--figuratively speaking, of course--is the reason why.

That's right. But you think that screaming all came from the Right? Just because a person is a Democrat, doesn't make them a communist. I thought you knew that.

707 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:05:08pm

re: #685 Bloodnok

Hi Reine! I think you accidentally dinged his post up. Just wanted you to know in case you wanted to fix it.

:)

CRAP!
THANKS.
got so excited I hit the wrong button.

708 flyovercountry  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:05:27pm

You’d think they would learn not to keep crying wolf.

Unfortunately, crying wolf has become an accepted political strategy in recent years. I don't know when it happened, but for some inexplicable reason, I thought my side would refrain, when not in control. Now, instead of using the plethora of available philosophical and useful differences, shrill fearmongering seems to be ruling the day. We need a new political party for sane people.

709 ArchangelMichael  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:05:50pm

re: #675 Cato the Elder

One of the first rules of commenting on a blog is never to do it right after you've sucked down a big ole blunt.

Variation of the Iron Fist Rule®?

710 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:06:18pm
711 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:07:07pm

re: #705 Mikey_Dallas

What Obama WON'T say in this address to the tykes

By the way, while you should get a good education, please be advised that I am spending pretty much everything you're going to earn. Have a nice day.

"By the way, you already owe the Chinese $250,000. We'll bill you. Have a nice day."

712 Seax  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:07:27pm

He is one of those smooth talking politicians - of course he is isn't going to say something totally outrageous to the school kids.
But then again if he does - you'll all know exactly where he and you stand.

713 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:07:44pm

re: #701 Sharmuta

The end of the video was really cute too.

714 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:08:33pm

re: #713 Killgore Trout

The end of the video was really cute too.

I'm trying to work my way through it while keeping up on the thread- not easy, but that little guy is cute.

715 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:08:42pm

re: #703 nikis-knight

I have zero faith, in fact, of documents to restrain people. The ideas in them were wonderful, in fact what I want to conserve, but people who disagree with them, who don't mind gaining influense with Peter by spending Paul's money or increasing the reach of the federal government down to what lightbulbs you can buy, are not restrained by documents, but by voters. Hopefully voters will always be enough in America, but if you look at history around the world, some fairly nice constitutions have amounted for all of zero when it came down to it. America is special, but not so much as to be impervious to apathy, ignorance, and envy.

None of those countries, Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, et al have a Constitution or Bill of Rights like ours. It's why we've lasted as long as we have. I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.

716 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:08:58pm

re: #678 Sharmuta

I keep saying that anti-intellectualism has left wing and right wing varieties. Dumbing down the curriculum is one of the tactics of the leftist variety.

Both do it. The left wing manifestation is in the humanities curiculae. The right wing manifestation is in the legacies who get gentleman's C's .

Both converge in the sciences when everyone complains about taking real math and science classes for their requirements. Both converge when spending millions on the football team is more important than repairing a lecture hall or hiring a few more profs. Both converge when it is more important to have cable in the dorms than it is to have a new wing to the library.

Both converge when they say "I spent x thousand dollars on junior, who followed my educational example - I bought him better grades than that!" and demand a degree - even if it is devalued.

This is a problem that covers all fronts left and right.

717 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:09:13pm

Personally I have only one issue with this whole topic. The school did not notify me that my kid will be missing a portion of her math segment to listen to something that she could care less about. I would feel the same way if Bush pulled this same crap. I remember when I was in 5th grade and the great Jimmy Carter came to my school. I got to eat lunch with him. Guess what? I was not awe inspired. I was more interested in recess than the president.

Come on. Is Obama "America's Parent" now? "Now come on kids, eat your veggies, listen to the people in charge, and stay in school". Wow that newsworthy! I thought I payed this idiot to actually do something useful, not do my job.

Does he really think appealing to little kids is meaningful? On the other hand why the heck does the "right" think that what he has to say will stay in their minds past 2:45PM?

Where is the sanity?

718 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:09:13pm

re: #709 ArchangelMichael

Variation of the Iron Fist Rule®?

If you think you're too stoned to post,
Ohhh wow! Can I have a Twinkie?

719 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:09:37pm

We've probably seen enough dredgings from the Free Republic fever swamp today but I cannot resist posting this one:

Folks, this is way beyond a man inserting himself for hero worship. This is no less than the planned, refined indoctrination of America's children, to enlist them in the 'change' Obama has brought to Amerika with his radical czarist regime. National Socialism is raising it's very bloody, deadly head in America.

"Czarist?" "National Socialism?" FR has not only gone off the rails, it has gone right over the cliff into the river and the wreckage is floating out to sea.

720 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:09:45pm
721 SixDegrees  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:09:59pm

re: #715 marjoriemoon

a government that's been standing for over 250 230 years.

722 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:10:16pm

re: #690 buzzsawmonkey

You should allow yourself to consider the proposition that the reason we are not now living in a socialist paradise is the very fact that when moves have been made in that direction the people have screamed bloody murder.

Wait, wait... I thought the Berlin Wall came down because "the world came together" and it just kind of, you know, happened... like the Coke "Teach the World to Sing" commercial... that's what the President said, anyway!

723 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:10:21pm

re: #715 marjoriemoon

None of those countries, Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, et al have a Constitution or Bill of Rights like ours. It's why we've lasted as long as we have. I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.

He is not dismantling the government. He is growing it to epic proportions. But, I am guessing that is ok with you.

724 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:10:25pm

I think Obama Fatigue Syndrome is setting in.

725 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:10:50pm

re: #712 Seax

prescient

{sigh}

726 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:10:54pm

re: #661 LudwigVanQuixote

A fantastic book about the other side of this is:
[Link: www.amazon.com...]

The basic premise is that NCAA1 sports programs generally run in the red, but are seen as advertising for the big state schools, to the detriment of the school's educational programs.

This is a true statement. I have personally seen this in action at the university I am currently at.

The book continues to argue that there is a sort of non-aggression treaty made with the students that if they pay tuition and bring money in, they will be granted dumbed down courses, have their grades inflated and be presented with a degree that they can then use for job placement.

This too is correct.

Consider any school that has an honors program. The very existence of such a thing says that these kids are getting the real courses. What does the other 90% take?

The university argues that it does not have the staff or the resources to give that sort of education to all of the kids.

Could this be because an NCAA1 coach makes a multi million salary, while a history professor is lucky to get 60k a year? Could it be that a stadium will always get built before a new science building does?

This again goes back to the way that the average American views education. They see it as something you have to do to get a job, not something that is of a particular value in of itself. It is much less entertaining than college sports.

The elite universities do not have this problem. They make their money off of overhead (50% usually) of research grants and endowments. Would you believe that all of the Ivys, MIT, Stanford and Johns Hopkins have football and basket ball teams?

Would you believe that no-one there really cares because they are too busy making something of themselves.

Now, it is true that the state schools take everyone and need to cater to a different base. It is also true that the smartest kids there can and do get solid educations if they seek them out. It is true that a PLace like UC berkeley, or Urbana Champaign, or Madison, or UMD has, for example, mathematics and physics depts that rival or beat many of the the Ivys.

All of that is true.

It is also true that the smartest kid at the state school is just as smart as the smartest kid at Cal Tech. However, the dumbest kids at Cal Tech, still would be in the top 5% at a state school.

The other 95% at the state school rather than being encouraged to work harder are rather encouraged to watch the game and pay tuition.

*Shakes Head*
Oh Lawdy Lud..You read a book about College Sports.. Really..You out of your league on this..And because I really like and respect you...and know you are a man of passion I'm going to refrain from trashing your view and show some grace *wink*
Did you know that when Stanford wins the NCAA National Basketball Championship ( never happen)that I have promised every Soul I know that I run the streets naked with Tree branches duct taped to me like the Mascot?
Lud you know alot..You don't know shit about sports... I don't think Amazon is going to help either..
/teasing you bro

727 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:07pm

re: #719 Shiplord Kirel

We've probably seen enough dredgings from the Free Republic fever swamp today but I cannot resist posting this one:

"Czarist?" "National Socialism?" FR has not only gone off the rails, it has gone right over the cliff into the river and the wreckage is floating out to sea.

Beware of the the Communist Czarist Nazis!

728 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:13pm

re: #699 JPL17

Dude, he will no doubt be inspiring to study hard and work hard. I understand that the far right fears a real education like a vampire fears the cross, but this is not creepy.

729 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:21pm

re: #724 kansas

I think Obama Fatigue Syndrome is setting in.

I had it November 2008!

730 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:23pm

re: #710 buzzsawmonkey

I never said it did. On the other hand, merely calling one's self a Democrat doesn't make you either a Democrat or a democrat. You know that, right?

I don't know what that means.

I'm a d/Democrat. That means I support social programs. I support welfare, particularly the welfare reform enacted by Clinton that actually fixed the welfare system. I support taxes. I think the gov should pay for public schools, road, public works, parks and libraries. To some people here, that makes me an evil communist which is ridiculous.

I'm more to the Right in regard to foreign policy.

731 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:25pm

re: #722 Occasional Reader

Wait, wait... I thought the Berlin Wall came down because "the world came together" and it just kind of, you know, happened... like the Coke "Teach the World to Sing" commercial... that's what the President said, anyway!

The Berlin Wall came down several years after they dropped the bomb on Pearl Harbor. Happy Ramadan.

732 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:35pm
733 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:40pm

re: #715 marjoriemoon

I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.

You GO, Girl!

734 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:11:52pm

re: #718 Kosh's Shadow

If you think you're too stoned to post,
Ohhh wow! Can I have a Twinkie?

If your hands are, like, too HUGE to type a post, you probably shouldn't be.

735 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:12:06pm

re: #728 LudwigVanQuixote

Dude, he will no doubt be inspiring to study hard and work hard. I understand that the far right fears a real education like a vampire fears the cross, but this is not creepy.

The far right fears a real education? Fuck me.

736 right_wing2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:12:20pm

re: #729 sattv4u2

I had it November 2008!

I had it June 2008...

737 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:12:37pm
738 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:12:46pm

We can hear his speech.

We can't inside of every classroom, or watch every teacher.

The argument doesn't seem to be about his speech.

739 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:03pm

re: #736 right_wing2

I had it June 2008...

I was more weary of Hillary then!

740 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:09pm

re: #735 kansas

The far right fears a real education? Fuck me.

FIRST!

741 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:34pm

re: #736 right_wing2

re: #739 sattv4u2

I was more weary of Hillary then!

Whatever became of her, btw?

742 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:38pm

re: #720 buzzsawmonkey

The Soviet Union had a constitution that was just dandy--on paper. It would not surprise me to learn that the Soviet client state of Cuba has one also.

Cuban Constitution
Venezuelan Constitution

743 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:44pm

re: #715 marjoriemoon

None of those countries, Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, et al have a Constitution or Bill of Rights like ours. It's why we've lasted as long as we have. I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.

Well, you know, Obama's incompetent. He never did anything in the Senate, and before that he was just a community organizer. He's a fraud and should never have been elected.

Oh, wait.

He's a diabolical Alinskyite Manchuro-sleeper foisted on us by George Soros and he's comin' for your fweeedoms and your guns and your underage girlfriend. And he's incompetent. And he lusts after the hearts and minds of your pre-schoolers.

He's incompetent, but cunning. If anyone can destroy America, he can.

And the only one standing between us and doom is Glenn Beck, and his sobriety is looking shaky.

Laugh, but be afraid.

The power of zero.

744 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:55pm

re: #720 buzzsawmonkey

The Soviet Union had a constitution that was just dandy--on paper. It would not surprise me to learn that the Soviet client state of Cuba has one also.

I don't know what they say. Something about the government gets everything and you get one pair of shoes a year, one bucket of rice a week and it's all free! I have lots of Cuban friends. I know what that's all about and it ain't the U.S.

In fact, the Cubans have nearly everything we have because it's all black market. That's why if the Gov wants to arrest you, they have every "reason" for doing so.

745 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:57pm

re: #735 kansas

The far right fears a real education? Fuck me.

in bed

746 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:13:59pm

re: #716 LudwigVanQuixote

Both do it. The left wing manifestation is in the humanities curiculae. The right wing manifestation is in the legacies who get gentleman's C's .

Both converge in the sciences when everyone complains about taking real math and science classes for their requirements. Both converge when spending millions on the football team is more important than repairing a lecture hall or hiring a few more profs. Both converge when it is more important to have cable in the dorms than it is to have a new wing to the library.

Both converge when they say "I spent x thousand dollars on junior, who followed my educational example - I bought him better grades than that!" and demand a degree - even if it is devalued.

This is a problem that covers all fronts left and right.

I think you were correct earlier when you said we say we value education, but we really don't.

747 Sheila Broflovski  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:00pm

re: #566 Charles

Actually, we do have a pretty good idea what he's going to say, because he outlined it pretty clearly right here.


[Video]"The importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country."

Marxism! Alinsky!


ZOMG! What what if, what if he tells the little kiddies to finish their veggies and their tomato soup and eat up their whole grilled cheese sandwich, including the crusts. Cause the crusts are the best part.

The horror, the horror.

748 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:02pm

re: #740 Ben Hur

FIRST!

If you are a dude absolutely not.

749 tveitskog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:05pm

Is this web site for real?


[Link: www.theobamaforum.com...]

750 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:13pm

re: #728 LudwigVanQuixote

Dude, he will no doubt be inspiring to study hard and work hard. I understand that the far right fears a real education like a vampire fears the cross, but this is not creepy.

Uh, Yeah, Dude, cause that's what the NEA / DOE has been giving us for the past 40 years. A "real education". That's why half of young people can't even freakin read. But, on the other hand, they feel good about themselves not being able to read.

Worth every penny of my taxes.

751 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:26pm

re: #715 marjoriemoon

None of those countries, Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, et al have a Constitution or Bill of Rights like ours. It's why we've lasted as long as we have. I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.

"Dismantle"? No. "Hasten us on a slide toward the warm bath of the European-style 'social state'"? Yes.

752 Bill Shears  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:27pm

Unnecessary innoculation. Too obvious lately.

753 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:44pm

re: #730 marjoriemoon

I don't know what that means.

I'm a d/Democrat. That means I support social programs. I support welfare, particularly the welfare reform enacted by Clinton that actually fixed the welfare system. I support taxes. I think the gov should pay for public schools, road, public works, parks and libraries. To some people here, that makes me an evil communist which is ridiculous.

I'm more to the Right in regard to foreign policy.

No, you're a czarist national socialist and probably a friend of the Fremen of Dune and a Marxian troglodyte monarchist to boot (see #719).

754 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:47pm

re: #706 marjoriemoon

That's right. But you think that screaming all came from the Right? Just because a person is a Democrat, doesn't make them a communist. I thought you knew that.

Where is it said otherwise? Of course, that doesn't mean that not any Democrat tends that way.

re: #715 marjoriemoon

None of those countries, Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, et al have a Constitution or Bill of Rights like ours. It's why we've lasted as long as we have. I find it insane that anyone thinks a president, any president, is going to march into office and in 6 months dismantle a government that's been standing for over 250 years.


I don't think anyone has expressed such a belief, certainly not here. Can you quote it?

And again, the Constitution is only as useful as it is known, understood, and agreed with by a majority of those in power and their constituents.

755 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:14:56pm

re: #727 zombie

Beware of the the Communist Czarist Nazi AMWAY Distributors!

even scarier

756 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:00pm

re: #733 Sharmuta

You GO, Girl!

Like Bartels and James, "Thank you for your support." lol

757 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:05pm

re: #728 LudwigVanQuixote

Dude, he will no doubt be inspiring to study hard and work hard. I understand that the far right fears a real education like a vampire fears the cross, but this is not creepy.


is that sniping all conservatives?...

758 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:16pm

re: #749 tveitskog

Is this web site for real?

[Link: www.theobamaforum.com...]

Define real.

759 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:21pm
760 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:23pm

re: #748 kansas

If you are a dude absolutely not.

You're a DUDE?

My bad.

LAST!

NTTAWWT.

761 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:15:36pm

re: #743 Cato the Elder

I used to chuckle at the lefts dichotomy of Bush

he's a silver spooned frat boy drunken dolt

he's an evel genius that stole 2 elections and tricked an entire nation into war

762 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:16:19pm

re: #744 marjoriemoon

"In fact, the Cubans have nearly everything we have because it's all black market. "

Wow.

Um... no, they really don't.

763 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:16:47pm

re: #752 Bill Shears

Unnecessary innoculation. Too obvious lately.

It's flu season Billy Boy..Get over it...

764 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:16:48pm

re: #731 kansas

The Berlin Wall came down several years after they dropped the bomb on Pearl Harbor. Happy Ramadan.

Someone dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor?

765 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:05pm

re: #752 Bill Shears

Unnecessary innoculation. Too obvious lately.

Medically, I'm not sure what's wrong with you, but I'll bet it's hard to spell!

766 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:07pm

re: #751 Occasional Reader

"Dismantle"? No. "Hasten us on a slide toward the warm bath of the European-style 'social state'"? Yes.

Oh, the horror. We might have real trains, and a population that reads. Never! Over my dead body!

767 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:09pm

re: #598 Charles

I recommend watching this video where Obama reveals his diabolical plan. It's incredibly scary.


[Video]

Cute kid, good interview. Nothing in there anybody could argue with, as far as I could see.

Would prefer if he kept his remarks on topics such as good study habits, how to make your school better, the "staying focused" and doing your best themes, than what I consider to be the more political issues like teachers and school funding. But overall, OK.

I will still keep my eye on the lesson plan themes to see how they play out, though.

Understand that it is a normal practice for me to keep an eye on my kid's lesson plans and projects and what outcomes are expected, and it's normal for me to question things I don't understand or am not sure I agree with.

768 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:12pm
769 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:24pm

re: #753 Shiplord Kirel

No, you're a czarist national socialist and probably a friend of the Fremen of Dune and a Marxian troglodyte monarchist to boot (see #719).

Holy crap!! Off the rails indeed!

770 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:31pm

re: #764 Gus 802

Someone dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor?

The Germans did.
/Senator Blutarsky

771 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:34pm

re: #719 Shiplord Kirel

Interesting glimpse into the mentality behind this from the letter at the top of the thread...

I must insist that any teacher at the school refrain from suggesting that my child owes any sort of "help" to the President.


I really think this is the core issue here. They want Obama to fail with every fiber of their being. Nothing else matters.

772 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:37pm

re: #730 marjoriemoon

I don't know what that means.

I'm a d/Democrat. That means I support social programs. I support welfare, particularly the welfare reform enacted by Clinton that actually fixed the welfare system. I support taxes. I think the gov should pay for public schools, road, public works, parks and libraries. To some people here, that makes me an evil communist which is ridiculous.

I'm more to the Right in regard to foreign policy.

Once again, provide the quote.

773 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:41pm

re: #759 taxfreekiller

"The Goverment Pays for nothing", Goverment spends other peoples money.

Tax, Tax, Tax,
Dole, Dole, Dole,
Tax, Tax, Tax,
Dole, Dole, Dole,

You missed me didn'tcha?

774 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:17:49pm

re: #762 Occasional Reader

HAving just returned from Cuba, the poster is correct. Cuba has most of the luxuries that we have. Its just that 99% can't afford them.

775 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:18:14pm
776 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:18:31pm

re: #750 Mikey_Dallas

Uh, Yeah, Dude, cause that's what the NEA / DOE has been giving us for the past 40 years. A "real education". That's why half of young people can't even freakin read. But, on the other hand, they feel good about themselves not being able to read.

Worth every penny of my taxes.

Actually- Ludwig and I were discussing anti-intellectualism- it comes from both sides of the aisle. So I don't think you're going to get a defense on the current state of our education system from Ludwig, but that doesn't mean we quit funding schools.

777 brandon13  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:18:36pm

re: #738 Ben Hur

We can hear his speech.

We can't inside of every classroom, or watch every teacher.

The argument doesn't seem to be about his speech.

That can go both ways though, and even outside of the speech if a teacher is determined to advocate a certain political philosophy, he/she is going to do it.

If this speech turns out to be completely innocuous like I suspect it will be, I just fail to see any reason to be upset with the president.

778 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:18:53pm

re: #759 taxfreekiller

"The Goverment Pays for nothing", Goverment spends other peoples money.

Tax, Tax, Tax,
Dole, Dole, Dole,
Tax, Tax, Tax,
Dole, Dole, Dole,

Do collect any government benefits?

779 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:04pm

re: #775 taxfreekiller

Hey I have a 1950's truck that I am restoring.

780 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:08pm
That means I support social programs. I support welfare, particularly the welfare reform enacted by Clinton that actually fixed the welfare system

Clinton?

Or Congress?

781 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:28pm

re: #752 Bill Shears

Unnecessary innoculation. Too obvious lately.

Would you please do me a big favor and bite me?

782 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:28pm

re: #749 tveitskog

I looked into that a while ago. It was set up by some libertarian rgoup. IIRC affiliated with the Constitution Party.

783 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:31pm

re: #776 Sharmuta

Actually- Ludwig and I were discussing anti-intellectualism- it comes from both sides of the aisle. So I don't think you're going to get a defense on the current state of our education system from Ludwig, but that doesn't mean we quit funding schools.

Yeah, but it doesn't mean we keep pouring more money down that rathole without real reform. The problem with public education is anything but not enough money.

784 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:51pm

re: #780 Ben Hur

Clinton?

Or Congress?

Congress.

785 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:19:54pm

re: #766 Cato the Elder

Oh, the horror. We might have real trains, and a population that reads. Never! Over my dead body!

So, if we get real trains and read, it's cool with you? Can we still be all overweight and ignorant of the world around us?

786 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:20:07pm

re: #777 brandon13

That can go both ways though, and even outside of the speech if a teacher is determined to advocate a certain political philosophy, he/she is going to do it.

If this speech turns out to be completely innocuous like I suspect it will be, I just fail to see any reason to be upset with the president.

It will be innocuous.

787 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:20:11pm

re: #781 Charles

Would you please do me a big favor and bite me?

In be.../never mind.

788 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:20:26pm

re: #768 buzzsawmonkey

Then I will explain it to you. Mike Bloomberg, a centrist Democrat, ran on the Republican party line to get the office of Mayor of New York City, because it was an easy way to get on the ballot. Bernie Sanders--an avowed Socialist--ran as a Democrat at least once or twice in his life, though I'm not sure what he's calling himself at the moment.

Just because someone--let's call him "Obama"--runs for office as a Democrat does not necessarily mean he is not something else ideologically. Nor does it mean that, just because he runs as a Democrat, he supports democratic principles.

That could be true, however, I do not believe it's true of Obama and certainly he isn't going to indoctrinate the youth by reading from Mao Tse Tung Little Red Book.

There are Democrats that are much farther Left them he. Dennis Kucinich is one. That kookoo from Hawaii, Abercrombie? I think is another. A few others.

789 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:20:28pm

re: #766 Cato the Elder

Oh, the horror. We might have real trains, and a population that reads. Never! Over my dead body!

Ah, yes, Europeans are so much smarter than we are, I forgot.

That's why they have this strong historical attachment to totalitarian political systems; because they're so damn smart.

And with hard work and a little luck, we can become just as smart as they are.

790 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:01pm

re: #775 taxfreekiller

Cubans have death threats.
Cubans have 1950 cars and trucks.
Cubans live in a police state.
Cubans spy on one another daily.

I missed you.

791 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:03pm

re: #726 HoosierHoops
But Stanford's band is excellent.

792 wrenchwench  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:14pm

re: #781 Charles

Would you please do me a big favor and bite me?

793 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:20pm

Bill Shears is now wandering in the wilderness, searching in vain for Sgt. Pepper.

And he's a Nirther, of course.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

794 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:32pm

re: #789 Occasional Reader

Ah, yes, Europeans are so much smarter than we are, I forgot.

That's why they have this strong historical attachment to totalitarian political systems; because they're so damn smart.

And with hard work and a little luck, we can become just as smart as they are.

They have hot chicks, that counts for something, yes?

795 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:37pm

re: #785 Desert Dog

So, if we get real trains and read, it's cool with you? Can we still be all overweight and ignorant of the world around us?

Yes, of course. I'm for improving the American mind, not destroying its character.

"Sweden - is that near Canada?"

796 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:21:54pm

re: #777 brandon13

That can go both ways though, and even outside of the speech if a teacher is determined to advocate a certain political philosophy, he/she is going to do it.

If this speech turns out to be completely innocuous like I suspect it will be, I just fail to see any reason to be upset with the president.

Did you watch the interview with the kid the President gave? He wants them to start using non-violence in conflict resolutions. The horror!

797 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:00pm
There are Democrats that are much farther Left them he. Dennis Kucinich is one. That kookoo from Hawaii, Abercrombie? I think is another. A few others.

Study: Obama most liberal senator last year

798 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:32pm

re: #795 Cato the Elder

Yes, of course. I'm for improving the American mind, not destroying its character.

"Sweden - is that near Canada?"

No, silly, it's near Paris or one of those other countries

799 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:43pm

re: #780 Ben Hur

Clinton?

Or Congress?

That's right. Anything that Clinton did during his administration was because he had a Republican Congress. However, he twice vetoed his congress because they didn't get it right. He wouldn't pass welfare reform until he had it like he wanted it.

800 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:50pm

re: #781 Charles

Would you please do me a big favor and bite me?

So I open his facebook page (hey , what the hell!0 and under his photo it states

NOT THE BILL SHEARS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?

Is there someway to answer, No, not the Bill Shears I'm HOPING for! ?

//

801 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:53pm

re: #726 HoosierHoops

*Shakes Head*
Oh Lawdy Lud..You read a book about College Sports.. Really..You out of your league on this..And because I really like and respect you...and know you are a man of passion I'm going to refrain from trashing your view and show some grace *wink*
Did you know that when Stanford wins the NCAA National Basketball Championship ( never happen)that I have promised every Soul I know that I run the streets naked with Tree branches duct taped to me like the Mascot?
Lud you know alot..You don't know shit about sports... I don't think Amazon is going to help either..
/teasing you bro

That is because the kids at Stanford are busy getting real degrees in real majors and they have to work too hard...

I mean what does it do to your football recruiting if you also demand that potential players got over 1500 on the SAT :)

I remember back in college (one of those fancy elite schools which proudly had an 0 for 9 football team) there was this movie that came out called Boyz in the Hood.

In that movie there was a really sweet kid who dies tragically. I don't mean to joke about the movie or belittle the larger themes of the movie.

What stuck out in my mind though was that the kid would get a football scholarship if only he got a 600 on the SAT.

The lady sitting next to me almost got us all killed when in actual confusion, she asked out loud, "on which part?"

802 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:22:55pm

re: #797 Ben Hur

Study: Obama most liberal senator last year

Just shows how he talked the talk and lied about it.

803 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:18pm

re: #794 Desert Dog

They have hot chicks, that counts for something, yes?

Sure, the chicks look pretty fetching in those jackboots!

804 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:24pm

re: #798 Desert Dog

Is that Paris Texas? or France?

805 Shiplord Kirel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:29pm

re: #752 Bill Shears

Unnecessary innoculation. Too obvious lately.

Sheesh! Now why would the obbamunists go to all the trouble of innoculation when they can just put their mind-control drugs and slow whites-only poison into the special kool-aid children will be given by ACORN volunteers before the Zero's big speech?

806 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:35pm

re: #757 Charpete67

is that sniping all conservatives?...

Not unles they are far right whackos. I rather like actual conservatives.

807 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:36pm

re: #799 marjoriemoon

That's right. Anything that Clinton did during his administration was because he had a Republican Congress. However, he twice vetoed his congress because they didn't get it right. He wouldn't pass welfare reform until he had it like he wanted it.

Pretty much yeah. First two years were a friggin disaster.

808 baier  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:41pm

I wouldn't send my kid to school. Not because I'd be worried about what Obama will say or do, but this typifies the touchy feely bullshit they are pawning off as education these days. And I'd have prior notice of a day this useless empty chatter was being pushed.
I'd take her to the museum so she could actually learn something useful. Nothing is as motivating as accomplishment.

809 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:42pm

"Billy Shears" was the name Ringo wanted to give his hair salons.

810 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:23:43pm

I do not fear our president speaking to my yungins'. I agree with him on almost nothing. I have far more influence over my kids that ANY president will ever have. So Obama, go ahead and give your speech and make it a good one. I see nothing but a benefit coming out of it. Call it a 'teaching moment' if you will...

811 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:01pm

re: #793 Charles

Bill Shears is now wandering in the wilderness, searching in vain for Sgt. Pepper.

And he's a Nirther, of course.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

He'll get by with a little help from his friends
At lgf2

812 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:09pm

re: #753 Shiplord Kirel

No, you're a czarist national socialist and probably a friend of the Fremen of Dune and a Marxian troglodyte monarchist to boot (see #719).

We Fremen have a saying: God created Arrakis to train the Faithful. One cannot go against the word of God.

813 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:09pm

re: #661 LudwigVanQuixote


The elite universities do not have this problem. They make their money off of overhead (50% usually) of research grants and endowments. Would you believe that all of the Ivys, MIT, Stanford and Johns Hopkins have football and basket ball teams?

Would you believe that no-one there really cares because they are too busy making something of themselves.

I can't speak to all of those, but at Stanford they care very much about their football and basketball teams. Especially the week they play Cal (Berkeley).

814 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:10pm

Bill Clinton gave a joint address on Health Care Reform too.
September 22, 1993

Sounding eerily similar to Obama's pitch:

We want to create what has been missing in this system for too long and what every successful nation who has dealt with this problem has already had to do: to have a combination of private market forces and a sound public policy that will support that competition, but limit the rate at which prices can exceed the rate of inflation and population growth, if the competition doesn't work, especially in the early going.

The second thing I want to say is that unless everybody is covered—and this is a very important thing—unless everybody is covered, we will never be able to fully put the brakes on health care inflation. Why is that? Because when people don't have any health insurance, they still get health care, but they get it when it's too late, when it's too expensive, often from the most expensive place of all, the emergency room. Usually by the time they show up, their illnesses are more severe, and their mortality rates are much higher in our hospitals than those who have insurance. So they cost us more. And what else happens? Since they get the care but they don't pay, who does pay? All the rest of us. We pay in higher hospital bills and higher insurance premiums. This cost shifting is a major problem.

The third thing we can do to save money is simply by simplifying the system, what we've already discussed. Freeing the health care providers from these costly and unnecessary paperwork and administrative decisions will save tens of billions of dollars. We spend twice as much as any other major country does on paperwork. We spend at least a dime on the dollar more than any other major country. That is a stunning statistic. It is something that every Republican and every Democrat ought to be able to say, we agree that we're going to squeeze this out.

I wonder what health care would look like now if Clinton had been successful?

815 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:13pm

re: #764 Gus 802

Someone dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor?

Yes, the Germans.

816 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:13pm

re: #803 Occasional Reader

Sure, the chicks look pretty fetching in those jackboots!

and hairy legs...

817 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:23pm

re: #795 Cato the Elder

Yes, of course. I'm for improving the American mind, not destroying its character.

"Sweden - is that near Canada?"

I have a globe on my desk. It's about 11 inches away!

(Canada and Sweden ,, not the globe and my desk!)

818 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:27pm

re: #804 haavamaal

Is that Paris Texas? or France?

There's a Paris in France? Really?

819 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:24:58pm

re: #794 Desert Dog

They have hot chicks, that counts for something, yes?

A lot of them have fur under their arms and on their legs.
/I've seen them

820 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:03pm

re: #802 kansas

Just shows how he talked the talk and lied about it.

You sure you're not a chick?

821 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:10pm
822 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:17pm

re: #801 LudwigVanQuixote

What stuck out in my mind though was that the kid would get a football scholarship if only he got a 600 on the SAT.

I remember that, and had the same gobsmacked moment as you and your friend.

(I also recall Larry Fishburn's deeply schtoopid "THEY have gun stores and liquor stores in the ghetto because THEY are trying to kill us" speech in the movie.)

823 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:18pm

Now that I have finished with the chore that needed doing, and thought about it in that time, if this really is about setting goals and doing well in school, I'm good with it.

At the risk of being called a racist, there is a certain segment of our population that is more likely to listen to Obama. This certain segment scores lower academically than other segments, and could use a little encouragement. Maybe he can help. If even one child decides to graduate and go to college because of this talk, that's a good thing.

As for those against Obama--your children are with you every day. If you can't have more impact during the hours and hours and hours you ought to be with them, you're doing something wrong.

824 SixDegrees  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:19pm

re: #616 bill shears

Shading it [the President's classroom address] like a birther "freak-out" is not nearly accurate.

Well, you got that right.

It's much, much more accurately compared to the final thrashings of a severely rabid dog, convulsing and spraying spittle in all directions.

825 Lincolntf  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:31pm

re: #818 Desert Dog

Occasionally, there's a German one, too.

826 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:36pm

I think clam chowder would be better without all the potato's.

827 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:40pm

An effective way to slow or stunt the development of critical thinking skills in a child is to prevent exposure to more than one point of view.

828 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:46pm

re: #818 Desert Dog

There's a Paris in France? Really?

Well is someplace off the east coast I think, but the one in Texas is tornado prone and a pretty damn boring place.

829 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:48pm

re: #808 baier

I wouldn't send my kid to school. Not because I'd be worried about what Obama will say or do, but this typifies the touchy feely bullshit they are pawning off as education these days. And I'd have prior notice of a day this useless empty chatter was being pushed.
I'd take her to the museum so she could actually learn something useful. Nothing is as motivating as accomplishment.

Palming. Not "pawning".

Obviously you were pwned in your education. Can you get a refund?

830 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:25:57pm

re: #820 Ben Hur

You sure you're not a chick?

Hate to burst your bubble there.

831 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:11pm

re: #827 Danny

An effective way to slow or stunt the development of critical thinking skills in a child is to prevent exposure to more than one point of view.

Very true.

832 Eclectic Infidel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:23pm

re: #208 tgibson1962

I don't need the President to lecture my children on working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility. That's my job. Plus, since I've actually done those things, I think I'm better qualified than he is to hold forth on those subjects. As an example, I've never once told my kids "It's Bush's fault."

I'm sure Obama has done those things too, being a parent and all.

It's not a socialist agenda - but merely an inspiration speech, nothing more.

As an example, I've never once told my kids "It's Bush's fault."

What does this have to do with anything? Did you read the same post that I did?

833 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:27pm

re: #821 buzzsawmonkey

Oh come on. Obama said he is a post-partisan centrist. Don't you believe him?

834 baier  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:36pm

re: #829 Cato the Elder

Thanks for the correction.

835 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:44pm

re: #811 Kosh's Shadow

He'll get by with a little help from his friends
At lgf2

Ain't that a fact.

He must have sang out of tune lol

Gotta jet. See ya'll later.

836 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:26:54pm

re: #833 nikis-knight

Oh come on. Obama said he is a post-partisan centrist. Don't you believe him?

Post racial too. How's that working out?

837 Ringo the Gringo  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:27:10pm

I have no problem with The President of The United States giving a talk to our nation's school children, provided the talk is not political.

I'll wait until I hear President Obama's speech before I form an opinion about it.

838 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:27:31pm

re: #823 EmmmieG

...stop talking sense and just let me hate the guy in peace...

839 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:27:36pm

re: #830 kansas

Hate to burst your bubble there.

Cool.

We could still go camping.

LOL!

840 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:27:58pm

re: #833 nikis-knight

Oh come on. Obama said he is a post-partisan centrist. Don't you believe him?

He's about as much of a post-partisan centrist as he is a Czarist Socialist Nazi

841 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:28:24pm

re: #829 Cato the Elder

Palming. Not "pawning".

Obviously you were pwned in your education. Can you get a refund?

pawning may bot be the saying, but it makes just as much sense since I imagine plenty of barely honest salemanship goes on at pawn shops.

842 avanti  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:28:35pm

re: #603 Walter L. Newton

Walter, you and me often disagree politically, but I certainly respect you for doing your homework on the issues. I'm very impressed by your careful reading of the health care bill for example. The fact that you are intellectually honest as well as informed is pretty cool. I just wish there were more on both sides that formed opinions based on good reading of the facts.

843 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:29:15pm

re: #699 JPL17

Before the Speech:

Why does President Obama want to speak with us today? How will he inspire us? How will he challenge us? What might he say?

What other historic moments do you remember when the President spoke to the nation? What was the impact?

After the Speech:

What resonated with you from President Obama’s speech? What lines/phrases do you remember?

What are the three most important words in the speech? Rank them.

What is President Obama inspiring you to do? What is he challenging you to do?

What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?

How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?

Source: [Link: [Link: www.ed.gov...]...]

It's about Obama.

It's ObamaTime, all the time.

There are points Obama will make: One, he is The Won; two, stay in school and get an education.

Is it creepy? Yeah, kinda but Obama is at least a narcissist.

844 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:29:20pm

re: #820 Ben Hur
LOL. Funny when that happens! I thought JacksonTN was a guy for a while.

845 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:29:30pm

re: #842 avanti

Walter, you and me often disagree politically, but I certainly respect you for doing your homework on the issues. I'm very impressed by your careful reading of the health care bill for example. The fact that you are intellectually honest as well as informed is pretty cool. I just wish there were more on both sides that formed opinions based on good reading of the facts.

You not going to win any friends here with that type of vitriol, buddy!

846 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:29:44pm

re: #837 Ringo the Gringo

I have no problem with The President of The United States giving a talk to our nation's school children, provided the talk is not political.

I'll wait until I hear President Obama's speech before I form an opinion about it.

Here is his green czar? If this is what he appoints, unless someone that has a brain writes his speech and he reads it from a teleprompter...oh wait.

Youtube Video
847 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:29:49pm

re: #801 LudwigVanQuixote

That is because the kids at Stanford are busy getting real degrees in real majors and they have to work too hard...

I mean what does it do to your football recruiting if you also demand that potential players got over 1500 on the SAT :)

I remember back in college (one of those fancy elite schools which proudly had an 0 for 9 football team) there was this movie that came out called Boyz in the Hood.

In that movie there was a really sweet kid who dies tragically. I don't mean to joke about the movie or belittle the larger themes of the movie.

What stuck out in my mind though was that the kid would get a football scholarship if only he got a 600 on the SAT.

The lady sitting next to me almost got us all killed when in actual confusion, she asked out loud, "on which part?"

I'm giving you crap..Stanford is one of the greatest colleges in the world...
You have to be a great athlete and a world class genius to go there...Like Tiger...But College sports is a very complex field..
Hope today finds you well

848 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:30:21pm

re: #743 Cato the Elder

Well, you know, Obama's incompetent. He never did anything in the Senate, and before that he was just a community organizer. He's a fraud and should never have been elected.

Oh, wait.

He's a diabolical Alinskyite Manchuro-sleeper foisted on us by George Soros and he's comin' for your fweeedoms and your guns and your underage girlfriend. And he's incompetent. And he lusts after the hearts and minds of your pre-schoolers.

He's incompetent, but cunning. If anyone can destroy America, he can.

And the only one standing between us and doom is Glenn Beck, and his sobriety is looking shaky.

Laugh, but be afraid.

The power of zero.

Isn't the point that even to this day noone really knows just what the heck he is, other than he is a master waffler?

849 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:30:29pm

re: #842 avanti
That is so sweet.

850 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:30:32pm

re: #688 yochanan

well cubs fans learn some important life lessons,
lower exptactions
very long term goals
and how to choke in the post season.

Cubs fans learn relentless optimism in the face of all evidence. And after they lose decisively, they still stand up cheerfully and assert "next year. For sure next year." Lather rinse repeat.

I find them inspirational.

851 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:30:42pm

re: #814 KingKenrod

I wonder what health care would look like now if Clinton had been successful?

Interesting question. I don't know. I suspect the comprimise measures they enacted instead of their original plan gave us the horrible system of HMO that we have now.

852 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:31:27pm

I found yet another sign that the health care thing is starting to take its toll on Obama's reputation. Today, popular Obama fansite CNN.com is running one of their signature pro-Obama push polls, and they're having to use more and more twisted, awkward language to keep the pro-Obama message going. Here's today's poll:

Can President Obama recapture the momentum for health care reform by outlining his own details for a bill? [yes/no]
853 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:31:44pm

re: #813 sagehen

I can't speak to all of those, but at Stanford they care very much about their football and basketball teams. Especially the week they play Cal (Berkeley).

That's fair. And at my school they had some school spirit too. However, we really honestly didn't burn the campus, or shut down the campus for a BIG GAME.

I think everyone knows what I am talking about.

When I was in college, my high school GF went to Penn State.

We were still dating at the time and I got on a bus to go see her. I did not know it was homecoming weekend.

Sitting next to me was an older (50's-60's) avuncular sort of fellow from central Pa. He had his caterpillar hat on and bib overalls. He asked me if I was excited for the game.

I said that I hadn't seen my girl friend in three months and that I was going to see her.

He said "Well you are going to the game right son?"

I said, "I suppose, if she wants to go. I'm really going to see her."

The man, in a sort of fatherly fashion put his arm around me and said - very seriously - "Son let me give you some wisdom. Pussy comes and goes, but football is forever."

Strange, between those two things, though I never would be so rude as to call one of them that, my priorities have not yet changed.

854 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:31:47pm

re: #837 Ringo the Gringo

I have no problem with The President of The United States giving a talk to our nation's school children, provided the talk is not political.

I'll wait until I hear President Obama's speech before I form an opinion about it.

The problem is we can't see the damn video until after the "speech". I SERIOUSLY doubt there is anything "sinister", but I prefer to have a balanced approach since he is talking about how "the government" will help schools. We all know the government has the reverse Midas touch. I am sure my daughter and I will have an interesting discussion that day.

855 shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:31:59pm
working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility

These are good messages from anybody, including the president.
They are however somewhat in contrast with his big government, welfare state political philosophy.

talk is cheap

856 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:32:13pm
857 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:32:13pm

re: #819 Truck Monkey

A lot of them have fur under their arms and on their legs.
/I've seen them

Exaggeration.

There is not exactly a shortage of beatiful (and well-groomed) women in the streets of, say, Paris.

858 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:32:27pm

re: #847 HoosierHoops

Hoops! lol Besides Tiger, I don't know if I could name another Stanford athlete. I do know there is an NFL linebacker who went to Harvard.

859 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:32:36pm

re: #851 Killgore Trout

Interesting question. I don't know. I suspect the comprimise measures they enacted instead of their original plan gave us the horrible system of HMO that we have now.

HMO's were a product of the 70's.

860 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:03pm

re: #640 Walter L. Newton
Sorry, I never learned to play nicely with others.

861 Town Of Rock Ridge  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:05pm

Sorry, I'm no birther/nirther or candlestick girther. Dems/Repubs...not much diff these days...but I've read the lesson plan and am hoping my kids can opt out of the speech and activity; but they're still going. Yeah, Bush gave his speech but it didn't have a lesson plan. Creepy to me, maybe not to thee.

Certainly should be my right, right? Right.

862 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:06pm

re: #851 Killgore Trout

Interesting question. I don't know. I suspect the comprimise measures they enacted instead of their original plan gave us the horrible system of HMO that we have now.

I think HMOs were private industry inventions.

863 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:15pm

re: #598 Charles

I recommend watching this video where Obama reveals his diabolical plan. It's incredibly scary.


[Video]

I especially like the part where he suggests that we should find the best schools and find what they're doing well so it can be applied to others. Makes sense, unless you shut off vouchers for Washington D.C. schools... a program that was producing some of the best results in D.C. public schools.

All hat, no cattle.

864 freetoken  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:21pm

re: #380 zombie

Link dump:

• Leftist Japanese new Prime Minister's wife: I traveled to Venus on a UFO; I eat the sun.

Where did the "leftist" label get applied to the new DPJ PM-in-waiting?

865 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:29pm

Can President Obama recapture the momentum for health care reform by outlining his own details for a bill?
A. Yes
B. No
C. If he has no details of his own what the fuck have we been talking about?
D. I have a headache.

866 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:33:48pm

re: #860 Ziggy
Only child?

867 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:10pm

re: #847 HoosierHoops

I'm giving you crap..Stanford is one of the greatest colleges in the world...
You have to be a great athlete and a world class genius to go there...Like Tiger...But College sports is a very complex field..
Hope today finds you well

It's all good buddy, and you are right there is a lot more to it than just a quick discussion.

I hope today finds you well as well.

868 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:11pm
869 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:14pm

re: #857 Occasional Reader

Exaggeration.

There is not exactly a shortage of beatiful (and well-groomed) women in the streets of, say, Paris.

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

870 Digital Display  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:23pm

re: #850 sagehen

Cubs fans learn relentless optimism in the face of all evidence. And after they lose decisively, they still stand up cheerfully and assert "next year. For sure next year." Lather rinse repeat.

I find them inspirational.

The only reason that works is because most Cub fans are really drunk...
What happens when they finally win a World Series and nobody remembers?
Then what?
*wink*

871 Ben Hur  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:31pm

re: #864 freetoken

Where did the "leftist" label get applied to the new DPJ PM-in-waiting?

He's a DJ?

/

872 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:48pm

re: #857 Occasional Reader

Exaggeration.

There is not exactly a shortage of beatiful (and well-groomed) women in the streets of, say, Paris.

France, Germany or Texas? Where is the fur and where is it not?

873 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:34:49pm

re: #859 unrealizedviewpoint

HMO's were a product of the 70's.


Ah. thanks.

874 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:35:09pm

re: #851 Killgore Trout

Interesting question. I don't know. I suspect the comprimise measures they enacted instead of their original plan gave us the horrible system of HMO that we have now.

President Richard M. Nixon (R) was behind the initial drive towards HMO:

President Nixon appeased the left and proposed the HMO Act, which Congress passed in 1973. The law created new, supposedly cheaper health coverage with millions of dollars to HMOs, which, until then, constituted a small portion of the market. Kaiser Permanente was the only major HMO in the country by 1969 and most of its members were compelled to join through unions.

[Link: www.capmag.com...]

Just using that link to point out that segment and not endorsing the rest of that article nor the organization associated with it.

875 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:35:20pm

re: #861 Town Of Rock Ridge

Yeah, Bush gave his speech but it didn't have a lesson plan..

Maybe a plan would have been a good idea?? Not talking just speeches.
/love GWBBTW

876 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:35:31pm

re: #851 Killgore Trout

Interesting question. I don't know. I suspect the comprimise measures they enacted instead of their original plan gave us the horrible system of HMO that we have now.

Horrible? I find it's actually pretty good, and it's not an HMO, but a PPO. HMOs are so 1980s. What'll really help health care access is not a single player plan, or trying to force everyone to have health insurance. Competition does wonders for lowering prices. More competition for insurance is most urgently needed. As it is, we have more competition coming in the way of quick care clinics in places such as Walgreens and CVS. These can help keep people out of the emergency rooms where the same proceedure (say diagnosis of step throat) can cost many times more.

877 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:36:04pm

re: #859 unrealizedviewpoint

HMO's were a product of the 70's.

Well, they were around before then, but "came out" much more after the Stonewall riot.

/

878 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:36:04pm

re: #874 Gus 802

President Richard M. Nixon (R) was behind the initial drive towards HMO.

AND!!! He went to China! It proves he's a commie hack!

879 haavamaal  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:36:17pm

Cya, gone to get the kid. Missed getting kicked around here while I was gone. Please don't dis the cuban's great 1950's cars and trucks. They are worth a fortune in parts for collectors like myself.

880 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:36:33pm
881 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:36:48pm

re: #864 freetoken

"When the sun is up, I always eat it... I tear it off and eat it like this," she said, gesturing as if clawing at the sky, tearing pieces off the sun and putting them in her mouth. "That gives me great power," she said.


Well, at least she's not Republican.

882 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:37:08pm

re: #858 Sharmuta

Hoops! lol Besides Tiger, I don't know if I could name another Stanford athlete.

John Elway
Jim Plunkett
Michele Wie

There are lots of others.

883 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:37:10pm

re: #869 Desert Dog

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

Amen.

884 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:37:32pm

re: #878 Sharmuta

AND!!! He went to China! It proves he's a commie hack!

And he was on Laugh In! The outrage!

/Sock it to me?

/

885 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:37:59pm

re: #882 Last Mohican

John Elway
Jim Plunkett
Michele Wie

There are lots of others.

I... learned something today!

886 shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:00pm

re: #880 LGoPs

tis better to stay and discuss and to learn and grow than to leave and stay static, my friend

887 SpaceJesus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:03pm

lol 96% of foxnews readers think the president is trying to brainwash the nation's school kids with this little broadcast about responsibility.


god i hate republicans so fucking much.

888 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:07pm

re: #880 LGoPs

Sorry. You do not get to leave your dramatic farewell message.

889 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:38pm

re: #880 LGoPs

Please tell me that you are not leaving. I have always enjoyed your wit and wisdom. You would be sorely missed.

890 shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:41pm

I knew not to quote that

891 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:44pm

re: #887 SpaceJesus

lol 96% of foxnews readers think the president is trying to brainwash the nation's school kids with this little broadcast about responsibility.

god i hate republicans so fucking much.

Thptthpthtpt!

892 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:44pm

re: #880 LGoPs

Sorry to see you go, LGoPs. I hope you reconsider.

893 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:44pm

re: #869 Desert Dog

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

Amen.

How 'bout them hot chicks in burqas in Saudi? Hhhmmaaa, hhhmmmaaa

894 kansas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:49pm

Now there are no HMO's just contracts that doctors sign to force them get paid bupkus for their services. Choice, sign it and get some business, or don't and go out of business. Get together with a group of docs to propose a fee schedule, go to federal prison for violation of anti trust laws and fee fixing.

895 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:38:49pm

re: #872 haavamaal

France, Germany or Texas? Where is the fur and where is it not?

IIRC, one shaves their armpits, one is a maybe, and one doesn't seem to believe in showering.

896 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:39:34pm

The road of moderation and rationality frightens some.

897 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:39:58pm

re: #888 Charles

Sorry. You do not get to leave your dramatic farewell message.

Huh?

What was the problem? He was polite and respectful.

898 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:40:00pm

OT: When's the last time we've had a flounce-off around here?

Damn, couldn't even finish my post.

899 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:40:41pm

re: #887 SpaceJesus

god i hate republicans so fucking much.

You know what would totally make our day? If you would come on here and tell us how much you hate Republicans. That would be super awesome.

900 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:40:41pm

re: #893 Mikey_Dallas

re: #869 Desert Dog

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

Amen.

How 'bout them hot chicks in burqas in Saudi? Hhhmmaaa, hhhmmmaaa

Actually Arab women are very beautiful. Think Mediterranean - Greek, Italian, Turkish, Spanish...dark skin, dark eyes.

901 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:40:47pm

re: #873 Killgore Trout

Ah. thanks.

Nixon and Ehrilichman Tape - 1971:

John D. Ehrlichman: “On the … on the health business …”

President Nixon: “Yeah.”

Ehrlichman: “… we have now narrowed down the vice president’s problems on this thing to one issue and that is whether we should include these health maintenance organizations like Edgar Kaiser’s Permanente thing. The vice president just cannot see it. We tried 15 ways from Friday to explain it to him and then help him to understand it. He finally says, ‘Well, I don’t think they’ll work, but if the President thinks it’s a good idea, I’ll support him a hundred percent.’”

President Nixon: “Well, what’s … what’s the judgment?”

Ehrlichman: “Well, everybody else’s judgment very strongly is that we go with it.”

President Nixon: “All right.”

Ehrlichman: “And, uh, uh, he’s the one holdout that we have in the whole office.”

President Nixon: “Say that I … I … I’d tell him I have doubts about it, but I think that it’s, uh, now let me ask you, now you give me your judgment. You know I’m not to keen on any of these damn medical programs.”

Ehrlichman: “This, uh, let me, let me tell you how I am …”

President Nixon: [Unclear.]

Ehrlichman: “This … this is a …”

President Nixon: “I don’t [unclear] …”

Ehrlichman: “… private enterprise one.”

President Nixon: “Well, that appeals to me.”

Ehrlichman: “Edgar Kaiser is running his Permanente deal for profit. And the reason that he can … the reason he can do it … I had Edgar Kaiser come in … talk to me about this and I went into it in some depth. All the incentives are toward less medical care, because …”

President Nixon: [Unclear.]

Ehrlichman: “… the less care they give them, the more money they make.”

President Nixon: “Fine.” [Unclear.]

Ehrlichman: [Unclear] “… and the incentives run the right way.”

President Nixon: “Not bad.”

902 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:41:05pm

re: #880 LGoPs

Politics is a pendulum. If one is unhappy with the direction, sit it out on the sidelines and wait till it comes in your favor. I'm very disappointed.

903 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:41:05pm

re: #897 Occasional Reader

Huh?

What was the problem? He was polite and respectful.

I'm not going to allow those kinds of comments to remain on my blog.

904 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:41:13pm

re: #892 Occasional Reader

Sorry to see you go, LGoPs. I hope you reconsider.

WTF? I saw his comment had been deleted and given an upding by Cato.

905 SixDegrees  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:41:29pm

I'm bemused by the fact that for the last several years, the major rightwing shit-stirring sites that devote themselves to incitement have screamed, wailed and gnashed their teeth every single time a child showed up at a protest or rally run by Democrats holding a sign or wearing a pro-Dem/anti-GOP button of any sort. The fits of apoplexy over this "abuse" of children were legion.

So now, they're politicizing their own children by yanking them out of school - an act which will make them pariahs among their peer, as anyone with young children can tell you.

Congratulations on being hypocritical assholes, in addition to simply being idiots with a sub-4 hat size.

This is the stupidest fucking non-issue I've yet run across - and that's including the nirthers, the troofers, Karl Rove's Hurricane Machine, death panels and that woman who think the rainbow in her sprinkler is caused by chemicals the government is putting in the water supply.

I think what's really at work here is the fear among people holding this view that their children are already a hell of a lot smarter than their knuckle-dragging parents, and they might have trouble sounding out some of the two-syllable words the kids repeat from the President's speech.

I know there aren't many here at all who fall into this category, but to the few who do, and to others elsewhere who think this has even a glint of merit - y'all need to grow the fuck up.

906 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:41:55pm

re: #900 Desert Dog

Actually Arab women are very beautiful.

Indeed, some are. Which the burqa all the more of a crime...

907 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:42:19pm

re: #896 Sharmuta

The road of moderation and rationality frightens some.

Concensus...the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies in search of something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects; What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner 'I stand for consensus'? --- Margaret Thatcher

908 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:42:42pm

re: #761 sattv4u2

I used to chuckle at the lefts dichotomy of Bush

he's a silver spooned frat boy drunken dolt

he's an evel genius that stole 2 elections and tricked an entire nation into war


The left doesn't really believe both of those.

They believe that Karl Rove and/or Dick Cheney are the evil geniuses, with Bush as either sad puppet or willing front.

909 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:00pm

re: #900 Desert Dog

Actually Arab women are very beautiful. Think Mediterranean - Greek, Italian, Turkish, Spanish...dark skin, dark eyes.

When did they get annexed by Saudi Arabia?

910 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:05pm

re: #903 Charles

I'm not going to allow those kinds of comments to remain on my blog.

What do mean by "those kind of comments"? What is the rule here?

911 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:16pm

re: #841 nikis-knight

pawning may bot be the saying, but it makes just as much sense since I imagine plenty of barely honest salemanship goes on at pawn shops.

Except that in a pawn shop, the customers do the pawning. The owners just sell the pawns the customers can't or won't redeem. And it's notoriously hard to palm anything off on a pawn shop owner.

912 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:17pm

re: #896 Sharmuta

The road of moderation and rationality frightens some.


mm, I doubt it. I think people judge where the center is differently.
Everyone is a centrist in their own mind, at least in as much as they are the norm they measure the deviation from.

And while some do deify feelings over rationality, most people are plenty rational, the catch is that it is used to justify predisposed postions rather than reach new ones.

913 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:25pm

re: #907 Mikey_Dallas

Concensus...the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies in search of something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects; What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner 'I stand for consensus'? --- Margaret Thatcher

Actually- I believe I'm standing for my principles by ignoring kooks and their "consensus".

914 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:27pm

re: #904 Honorary Yooper

Cato usually updings his critics.

915 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:44pm

I missed LGoP's leaving? What happened?

916 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:46pm

re: #897 Occasional Reader

What the hell did he say?

(Just the gist please.)

917 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:43:49pm

re: #907 Mikey_Dallas

Concensus...the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies in search of something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects; What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner 'I stand for consensus'? --- Margaret Thatcher

And this is the battle raging within the Republican party presently.

918 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:02pm
919 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:13pm

re: #916 Honorary Yooper

He said the road LGF is on was not for him.

920 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:20pm

re: #910 Occasional Reader

What do mean by "those kind of comments"? What is the rule here?

I think I already stated the rule.

921 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:20pm

re: #904 Honorary Yooper

WTF? I saw his comment had been deleted and given an upding by Cato.

I updinged him for being polite about leaving.

922 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:20pm

re: #909 Mikey_Dallas

When did they get annexed by Saudi Arabia?

Huh?

923 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:31pm

What sticks out is the simple fact that for some people, if you mention the word "Obama" the automatic next thought is "Ok let's find something here to criticize, nit pick, discredit or defeat him".

The subject doesn't seem to matter, the intent doesn't seem to matter and any action taken doesn't seem to matter, it's just fodder for the tomato throwers. It would not be shocking to see blog photos of Obama and Fidel Castro side by side as proof our President is a communist, because they tie their shoes the same way.

Also, before the cries of "It was way worse for Bush!" deafen me, I have seen the same behavior from self confessed leftists. It's just an observation but when that pattern of behavior is noticed it makes it hard to take comments from said source seriously.

924 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:36pm

re: #893 Mikey_Dallas

re: #869 Desert Dog

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

Amen.

How 'bout them hot chicks in burqas in Saudi? Hhhmmaaa, hhhmmmaaa

I think they're pretty hot under all that clothing. As in temperature.

925 reloadingisnotahobby  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:44pm

I'll leave ya'll with this!

Youtube Video

When the shit comes down so hard and fast ya feel ya need a hat!!
Rough day today...!
Without going into any details ...I need your thoughts and prayers..
926 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:45pm
927 Sheila Broflovski  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:51pm

re: #919 Danny

He said the road LGF is on was not for him.

I'm sure he's on the road to the stalker site.

928 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:53pm

re: #918 taxfreekiller

Over Squeezed Space Juice

Please get real rude and say something disgusting.

Inky, dinky, pinky, jazz, ma, he's making eyes at me.

929 shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:44:55pm

Non flouncing flounces are a rare thing.
Yet the end result is the same as the regular flounce off

930 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:45:05pm

re: #916 Honorary Yooper

What the hell did he say?

(Just the gist please.)

That he was no longer going to be posting here, didn't agree with the direction of the blog, many thanks to all, especially to [list of posters].

931 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:45:34pm

re: #914 Danny

Cato usually updings his critics.

Note to all,

The "green/right" button is for updinging.
The "red/left" button is for downdinging.
There is no parking in a "red" zone.

932 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:45:45pm

re: #920 Charles

I think I already stated the rule.


Then I guess I missed it. Could you state it again, please.

933 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:45:47pm

re: #892 Occasional Reader

Sorry to see you go, LGoPs. I hope you reconsider.

Me to. But this has been building. I regret to predict there will be more. :(

934 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:03pm

re: #927 Alouette

I'm sure he's on the road to the stalker site.

That's not known.

935 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:06pm

Well with a national debt over $11,600,000,000,000, interest payments to our friend Communist China averaging over $17,800,000,000 per month, inflation about to really pick up steam, health care about to be nationalized, energy prices about to dramatically increase, and government increasingly controlling more of our lives, we certainly need to fixate over speeches to school children and birth certificates.

936 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:12pm

re: #894 kansas

Now there are no HMO's just contracts that doctors sign to force them get paid bupkus for their services. Choice, sign it and get some business, or don't and go out of business. Get together with a group of docs to propose a fee schedule, go to federal prison for violation of anti trust laws and fee fixing.

In Mass, you join a hospital group that sets the reimbursement, and it is legal.
If you are with Mass General/Partners, you get $$$, otherwise, you get little.

937 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:35pm

re: #932 Occasional Reader

Then I guess I missed it. Could you state it again, please.

I'm not going to allow dramatic farewell comments to remain on my blog.

938 snowcrash  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:46pm

re: #919 Danny
Thanks.

939 Killgore Trout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:48pm

re: #932 Occasional Reader

C'mon, dude. Don't do this. Flounces get deleted. It's always been that way.

940 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:46:50pm

re: #931 Honorary Yooper

Note to all,

The "green/right" button is for updinging.
The "red/left" button is for downdinging.
There is no parking in a "red" zone.

My fav movie of all time.

941 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:05pm

re: #924 Kosh's Shadow

I think they're pretty hot under all that clothing. As in temperature.

In the desert, you are hotter if you are not covered up. The sun will bake the skin right off of you if it's not covered. I would say that the covering up of Arab women is because their culture thinks men cannot control themselves if they see a pretty woman, which, of course, proves my point that Arab women are hot (as in hot looking). Not all of them, of course, but you'd be surprised just how many lookers are over there.

942 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:10pm

re: #927 Alouette

He didn't strike me as that kind, but who knows, you could be right.

943 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:12pm

re: #935 Rancher

Well with a national debt over $11,600,000,000,000, interest payments to our friend Communist China averaging over $17,800,000,000 per month, inflation about to really pick up steam, health care about to be nationalized, energy prices about to dramatically increase, and government increasingly controlling more of our lives, we certainly need to fixate over speeches to school children and birth certificates.

You have to have priorities, you know.

944 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:21pm

re: #927 Alouette

I'm sure he's on the road to the stalker site.

And I think you're being very unfair making that prejudgment.

945 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:25pm

re: #930 Occasional Reader

That he was no longer going to be posting here, didn't agree with the direction of the blog, many thanks to all, especially to [list of posters].

Well, I'm sorry LGoPs felt that way, but Charles did state that messages like that, no matter how polite, would be deleted.

I sincerely hope he reconsiders.

946 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:36pm

re: #788 marjoriemoon

That could be true, however, I do not believe it's true of Obama and certainly he isn't going to indoctrinate the youth by reading from Mao Tse Tung Little Red Book.

There are Democrats that are much farther Left them he. Dennis Kucinich is one. That kookoo from Hawaii, Abercrombie? I think is another. A few others.


Russ Feingold. Barbara Boxer. Sheldon Whitehouse. Bernie Sanders. Any Kennedy. Jesse Jackson Jr. John Conyers. Maxine Waters. Gerald Nadler.

I could go on.

947 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:40pm

re: #939 Killgore Trout

C'mon, dude. Don't do this. Flounces get deleted. It's always been that way.

I understand that. I am just sorry to see him go.

948 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:47:54pm

re: #942 Danny

He didn't strike me as that kind, but who knows, you could be right.

Others have turned up over there that shocked me- very disappointed in some people. VERY.

949 Mikey_Dallas  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:48:00pm

re: #941 Desert Dog

In the desert, you are hotter if you are not covered up. The sun will bake the skin right off of you if it's not covered. I would say that the covering up of Arab women is because their culture thinks men cannot control themselves if they see a pretty woman, which, of course, proves my point that Arab women are hot (as in hot looking). Not all of them, of course, but you'd be surprised just how many lookers are over there.

My point was whether they are hot looking or not, you can't tell that if they are wearing a burqa.

950 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:48:31pm

re: #937 Charles

I'm not going to allow dramatic farewell comments to remain on my blog.

What I don't get is the "dramatic" part. I didn't see any drama.

Is any form of saying "I won't be posting here any more" allowed as a comment that will stand?

951 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:04pm

re: #923 Locker

What sticks out is the simple fact that for some people, if you mention the word "Obama" the automatic next thought is "Ok let's find something here to criticize, nit pick, discredit or defeat him".

The subject doesn't seem to matter, the intent doesn't seem to matter and any action taken doesn't seem to matter, it's just fodder for the tomato throwers. It would not be shocking to see blog photos of Obama and Fidel Castro side by side as proof our President is a communist, because they tie their shoes the same way.

Also, before the cries of "It was way worse for Bush!" deafen me, I have seen the same behavior from self confessed leftists. It's just an observation but when that pattern of behavior is noticed it makes it hard to take comments from said source seriously.

No, what sticks out is "Obama" hmmm... the most leftist, soft-socialist president we have ever had, and he's got a "new" something going on here.

So, let's look at it. Hmmm... speaking to school kids, all school kids across the nation, all at the same time. Look at the "lesson plan" that has been issued. This could be abused, let's wait, watch and see and be ready to speak out if needed.

And I don't care about Bush, or Clinton, or Bush or Roosevelt. They don't matter. They are not going to talk to every school kid in the nation.

Obama is, and I want to know what's happening.

952 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:06pm

re: #950 Occasional Reader

What I don't get is the "dramatic" part. I didn't see any drama.

Is any form of saying "I won't be posting here any more" allowed as a comment that will stand?

No.

953 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:07pm
954 UFO TOFU  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:18pm

re: #945 Honorary Yooper

I sincerely hope he reconsiders.


Does he get to if his football says "blocked"?

955 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:20pm

re: #939 Killgore Trout

Too bad the comments cannot be transported to the Museum of Flounce.

956 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:30pm

re: #935 Rancher

Well with a national debt over $11,600,000,000,000, interest payments to our friend Communist China averaging over $17,800,000,000 per month, inflation about to really pick up steam, health care about to be nationalized, energy prices about to dramatically increase, and government increasingly controlling more of our lives, we certainly need to fixate over speeches to school children and birth certificates.

Print more money!

Here ya go, Wang. $11,600,000,000,000 - freshly printed this morning. Don't spend it all in one place now, ya hear?

957 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:34pm

re: #945 Honorary Yooper

I sincerely hope he reconsiders.

Why? Why does this blog need to retain people that hold Charles in contempt for following his own direction on his own blog?

958 shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:49:35pm

re: #935 Rancher

Well with a national debt over $11,600,000,000,000, interest payments to our friend Communist China averaging over $17,800,000,000 per month, inflation about to really pick up steam, health care about to be nationalized, energy prices about to dramatically increase, and government increasingly controlling more of our lives, we certainly need to fixate over speeches to school children and birth certificates.


fucking A brother.
For Pete's sakes, why cant the republicans pull their heads out of their asses long enough to see that the democrats are teeing one up for them. all they need to do is spike the ball.

damn it's frustrating to watch the republican partly acting like that Lindsey Jacobellis with the big lead, hot dogging it and wiping out to lose the Gold Megal.

959 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:50:52pm

re: #957 Sharmuta

Why? Why does this blog need to retain people that hold Charles in contempt for following his own direction on his own blog?

What "contempt", ferpetesake?!

960 Eclectic Infidel  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:51:32pm

re: #900 Desert Dog

Actually Arab women are very beautiful. Think Mediterranean - Greek, Italian, Turkish, Spanish...dark skin, dark eyes.

Indeed. Dare I say breathtakingly beautiful.

961 Ziggy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:51:46pm

re: #866 snowcrashNo, middle. But I always felt alone...sob sob

962 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:52:13pm

re: #957 Sharmuta

Why? Why does this blog need to retain people that hold Charles in contempt for following his own direction on his own blog?

It did not sounds like contempt to me. He just said he doesn't like the direction so he is going. It was polite.

963 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:52:35pm

re: #960 eclectic infidel

Like Anna Magnani.

964 Erik The Red  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:52:51pm

Taking my youngest out for her birthday dinner of ribs. Stay calm OR and take a break. :)

965 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:52:54pm

re: #957 Sharmuta

Why? Why does this blog need to retain people that hold Charles in contempt for following his own direction on his own blog?

Your reading a lot into that. I doubt he holds Charles in contempt. He simply doesn't want to play anymore.

966 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:52:57pm

re: #957 Sharmuta

I could be wrong, but it seemed like he left more because of his differences with the lizard community overall than specifically with Charles himself.

967 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:53:02pm

re: #963 Ojoe

Like Anna Magnani.

Hubba Hubba.

968 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:53:24pm

re: #954 UFO TOFU

Does he get to if his football says "blocked"?

Some in the past have been let back in after emailing Charles and being contrite and polite about it. It is possible that LGoPs could do so. We'll see.

969 Ojoe  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:53:37pm

re: #967 Truck Monkey

Oohhh, she smoldered!

970 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:54:14pm

re: #924 Kosh's Shadow

I think they're pretty hot under all that clothing. As in temperature.

Only tangentially related, but sort of interesting...

Many people wonder why certain desert-dwelling peoples habitually wear long black robes in the blazing hot sun, rather than long white robes, which would seemingly be much cooler.

Scientists have researched this. The black robes do indeed absorb much more radiant heat from the sun. However, by absorbing the heat, they prevent more radiant energy from reaching the skin. Also, the hot black fabric heats up a layer of air next to it, which tends to flow up out of the open top of the robe (if it has one), and draws a cooling breeze up from the open bottom of the robe. The result of all this is that the skin temperature is about the same, whether one wears a white robe or a black robe.

I don't quite understand all the details of this, but that's what they say. One day I'll try it myself. It's around number 1,272 on my list of things to do.

971 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:54:18pm

I have no beef with LGoPs.

May I respectfully suggest that debating the policy of no good bye addresses is not a hill worth dying on.

972 SurferDoc  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:54:41pm

re: #829 Cato the Elder

Palming. Not "pawning".

Obviously you were pwned in your education. Can you get a refund?

Pawn off is also legitimate usage. As in "pawn off his Zircon as a real diamond."

973 Dancing along the light of day  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:55:00pm

re: #454 Walter L. Newton

Hi Walter, Please forward my best wishes!
Thanks for staying in touch & letting us know!

974 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:55:21pm

that timeout did little good.
/miss ya LGoPs

975 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:55:42pm
976 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:55:59pm

re: #971 LudwigVanQuixote

I have no beef with LGoPs.

May I respectfully suggest that debating the policy of no good bye addresses is not a hill worth dying on.

Most agreed. Charles said that no matter how nice, no matter how polite, no matter how good they are, good bye addresses like that will be deleted, period.

977 SixDegrees  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:56:02pm

re: #958 shug

fucking A brother.
For Pete's sakes, why cant the republicans pull their heads out of their asses long enough to see that the democrats are teeing one up for them. all they need to do is spike the ball.

damn it's frustrating to watch the republican partly acting like that Lindsey Jacobellis with the big lead, hot dogging it and wiping out to lose the Gold Megal.

Totally agree. To any rational GOP politician, the increases in deficit projections by 25% made by the White House last week are like manna falling straight from heaven. This is an issue that resonates with voters, all the more so when those same voters are increasingly unemployed and seeing their life savings halved or worse; it isn't at all unreasonable to expect that your government will demonstrate the same degree of fiscal restraint that it's citizens do, especially when when that restraint is often forced and severe.

Instead, they're babbling about crap that makes them look like idiots. When they're not taking helicopter rides to church on the taxpayer's dime.

978 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:56:25pm

re: #893 Mikey_Dallas

re: #869 Desert Dog

I've been all over the world...there seems to be "hot chicks" everywhere...Thank you, God.

Amen.

How 'bout them hot chicks in burqas in Saudi? Hhhmmaaa, hhhmmmaaa

Ok so this is a true story which affected my opinion of Saudi women's "hotness"...

I was serving in Iraq/Kuwait/Saudi during Desert Storm. We've done what we came to do and now it's time to go home. All our equipment is convoyed back down to Dahran to get ready for shipment via ship back to Houston (Ft Sill being the final destination).

Anyone who's been in the military and dealt with any kind of load master knows that they won't let JACK on their airplane, truck or ship unless it is completely clean, no leaks and all the loads are tied down and braced. This requirement had us take over a local car wash and spend several days pressure washing all of our vehicles.

One night at about 2:30 AM a few of us were taking a smoke break during the activity, a mixed crowd of male and female soldiers. One of our females, to put it delicately, resembled a cross between Ellen and Bill Maher with regard to looks.

As we are hanging out a late model Mercedes pulls up with curtains in the window and a gold hood ornament. This Saudi guy gets out and is in full garb and apparently very wealthy. He comes walking right up to us, ignoring the females and says in a very loud (and accented) voice, "How much for this woman?".

Of course we look where he's pointing and he has his sights set on Billen MaherGeneres and won't take no for an answer. He offered us his car, 50 camels and lastly ... cash. After that incident I had a hard time imaging that Saudi women were anything I'd be interested in if Billen warrants a price of 50 forking camels.

979 KingKenrod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:56:56pm

re: #970 Last Mohican

Only tangentially related, but sort of interesting...

Many people wonder why certain desert-dwelling peoples habitually wear long black robes in the blazing hot sun, rather than long white robes, which would seemingly be much cooler.

Scientists have researched this. The black robes do indeed absorb much more radiant heat from the sun. However, by absorbing the heat, they prevent more radiant energy from reaching the skin. Also, the hot black fabric heats up a layer of air next to it, which tends to flow up out of the open top of the robe (if it has one), and draws a cooling breeze up from the open bottom of the robe. The result of all this is that the skin temperature is about the same, whether one wears a white robe or a black robe.

I don't quite understand all the details of this, but that's what they say. One day I'll try it myself. It's around number 1,272 on my list of things to do.

I don't know if I buy that explanation. But wearing a black robe would help keep ambient glare down and improve visibility while reducing eye strain. Think about how eye black under the eyes reduces glare.

980 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:57:31pm

re: #966 Danny

I could be wrong, but it seemed like he left more because of his differences with the lizard community overall than specifically with Charles himself.

He said words of thanks to people in the community- not to Charles, though.

981 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:57:57pm

re: #978 Locker

Good thing you didn't have any goats with you.

982 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:58:01pm

re: #973 Floral Giraffe

Hi Walter, Please forward my best wishes!
Thanks for staying in touch & letting us know!

Done.

983 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:58:22pm

re: #952 Charles

No.

Can't get much clearer than that. Seems we sometimes forget that this is Charle's blog.

984 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:59:02pm

re: #980 Sharmuta

True. Like I said, I could be wrong.

985 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:59:22pm

re: #983 Rancher

Can't get much clearer than that. Seems we sometimes forget that this is Charle's blog.

until it's nationalized.
/

986 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:59:29pm

We should not speak ill of the dead.
I think that was the theme of last week.

The guy made his choice. did it on principle. While doing so violated the rules which he knew existed. punishment was given. comment deleted.

end of.

987 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:59:36pm

re: #957 Sharmuta

Why? Why does this blog need to retain people that hold Charles in contempt for following his own direction on his own blog?

There is no need to be vindictive unless he shows up AtS or at the Duece and starts trashing LGF. Otherwise, it is wisest to let it drop.

988 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 2:59:56pm

re: #981 Kosh's Shadow

Good thing you didn't have any goats with you.

Laugh true. We did have a 2nd Lt get Court Martialed for blowing up a camel with a LAW... and he had to pay for the camel.

989 Flyers1974  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:00:33pm

re: #912 nikis-knight

mm, I doubt it. I think people judge where the center is differently.
Everyone is a centrist in their own mind, at least in as much as they are the norm they measure the deviation from.

And while some do deify feelings over rationality, most people are plenty rational, the catch is that it is used to justify predisposed postions rather than reach new ones.

What is viewed by most people as the "center" or positions which are "centrist" changes as well. Just one example, I'd guess that a majority of LGF'ers believe that homosexuals should NOT be discriminated against (as a matter of principle, if not legally speaking) and a decent number have no problem with civil unions, etc... . These would be pretty radical positions not to long ago, say 1970, too radical for either party.

990 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:00:33pm

re: #987 Honorary Yooper

That's not me being vindictive. That's me wondering why you'd want people who hold Charles in contempt to stick around.

991 SurferDoc  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:00:35pm

When good people leave, wise people pause and reflect.

992 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:01:27pm

re: #990 Sharmuta

That's not me being vindictive. That's me wondering why you'd want people who hold Charles in contempt to stick around.

Maybe Yooper's one of THEM.

/

993 Occasional Reader  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:01:41pm

Later.

994 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:03pm

re: #993 Occasional Reader

Yeah- after your 992, I'd leave too.

995 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:10pm

re: #990 Sharmuta

That's not me being vindictive. That's me wondering why you'd want people who hold Charles in contempt to stick around.

Did you miss all the comments above that state they don't believe for a moment he carries any contempt for Charles?

996 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:17pm

re: #988 Locker

Laugh true. We did have a 2nd Lt get Court Martialed for blowing up a camel with a LAW... and he had to pay for the camel.

I'm curious.

Was he Courts Martialed for wasting the LAW, endangering others or for the pr ramifications of killing the camel?

997 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:20pm

re: #993 Occasional Reader

Later.

How are we to take this?
/

998 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:30pm

re: #995 unrealizedviewpoint

Did you miss all the comments above that state they don't believe for a moment he carries any contempt for Charles?

That is the opinion of others.

999 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:02:57pm

re: #990 Sharmuta

That's not me being vindictive. That's me wondering why you'd want people who hold Charles in contempt to stick around.

I never said I'd want them to stick around. I said that people can change their minds and realise they made a mistake. That has happened before with differing results. But, it is up to Charles and LGoPs, and no one else, not you, not me, no one else.

1000 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:03:04pm

re: #998 Sharmuta

That is the opinion of others.

By a considerable margin.

1001 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:03:30pm

re: #978 Locker

It was the white skin, no doubt.

Here's an oldie but a goodie from Michael J Totten

The Babes of Lebanon

1002 zelnaga  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:04:27pm

re: #118 KingKenrod

I'd rather they write letters about what they can do to help the country.

re: #135 Ben Hur

• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.

The president.

re: #34 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

It's things like this, from the Department of Education's website, that concern me:

Not "What can you do to help the country" but the President. I can't stand this cult of personality that has developed around Obama. It's unbecoming of a republic. And it is especially unbecoming to encourage schoolchildren to participate in it. If that makes me a right-wing nut bag, then I'll see you at the Planter's factory.

To quote Hanlon's razor, "never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity". I'm more inclined to believe that the person who wrote that PDF simply wasn't thinking than I am to believe that it was all part of some over arching conspiracy to subvert democracy. I mean, seriously, that Mr. 57 States and his cohorts can make mistakes should not at all be surprising. Indeed, it was fear of the mistakes that he might make that caused a lot of people to vote for McCain last year.

1003 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:05:09pm

Like the Great Moderates in American history I will make my decision whether or not that comment had contempt after I see if that opinion gets the most support

1004 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:05:48pm

re: #1003 Shug

Like the Great Moderates in American history I will make my decision whether or not that comment had contempt after I see if that opinion gets the most support

Of course, you reserve the right to change your mind later, too.

1005 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:05:55pm

re: #996 LudwigVanQuixote

I'm curious.

Was he Courts Martialed for wasting the LAW, endangering others or for the pr ramifications of killing the camel?

I didn't read the charges but you are not allowed to discharge any weapon except under the standard ROE rules of engagement. Additionally the Saudi rancher who owned the camel was PISSED. I wasn't joking about him having to pay either and it was some ridiculous number like 35k. Must have been a show camel.

1006 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:04pm

re: #1001 Desert Dog

It was the white skin, no doubt.

Here's an oldie but a goodie from Michael J Totten

The Babes of Lebanon

Two photos down, the one on the left. Dibs.

I'll go count out the camels.

1007 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:08pm

re: #1004 Desert Dog

Of course, you reserve the right to change your mind later, too.


of course

1008 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:11pm

re: #1003 Shug

Like the Great Moderates in American history I will make my decision whether or not that comment had contempt after I see if that opinion gets the most support

Excellent!

1009 yenta-fada  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:46pm

Obama's speech plus parameters sounds like a focus group. ("What do you remember from the speech?") Obama is selling Obama to little kids.

1010 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:46pm

re: #991 SurferDoc

When good people leave, wise people pause and reflect.

OK. I've paused, and reflected, and decided that I absolutely stand by every single word I wrote in this post.

1011 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:50pm

re: #1000 unrealizedviewpoint

What I find contemptuous is people being offended by Charles following his own set of principles. They'd rather Charles cater to them instead. We speak here of following principles, but some would hypocritically have our host ditch his to please them. See it as you'd like to however- you won't change my mind.

1012 Locker  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:06:51pm

re: #1001 Desert Dog

It was the white skin, no doubt.

Here's an oldie but a goodie from Michael J Totten

The Babes of Lebanon

DD if you were here I'd buy you a cold one. Talk about some hotties... good looking out!

1013 Danny  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:07:02pm

re: #1006 Cato the Elder

Two photos down, the one on the left. Dibs.

I'll go count out the camels.

Brown shirt with watch on hairy arm? All yours.

1014 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:07:09pm

re: #1006 Cato the Elder

Two photos down, the one on the left. Dibs.

I'll go count out the camels.

I swear I saw her first!

1015 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:07:12pm

re: #1006 Cato the Elder

Blue shirt...ya...that'll be a herd of camels, my friend.

1016 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:07:26pm

re: #1001 Desert Dog

It was the white skin, no doubt.

Here's an oldie but a goodie from Michael J Totten

The Babes of Lebanon

...that's why there's so many muslims...

1017 avanti  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:07:27pm

re: #911 Cato the Elder

Except that in a pawn shop, the customers do the pawning. The owners just sell the pawns the customers can't or won't redeem. And it's notoriously hard to palm anything off on a pawn shop owner.

Speaking of pawn shops, I was helping my friend pack some UPS at her pawn shop earlier today. A married couple in to buy back dads fishing rods and power tools that their crack head son had stolen and sold.
My friend told them they could not refuse to buy from him by law if he showed ID and suggested they report the theft to the cops since it would only get worse if they did not get his attention. The parents refused to do that, so my friend agreed to step in the back and call them if he came in again so they could see what he had stolen this week and try and stop him.
It was so sad to watch dad load up his fishing stuff that he had to buy back.

1018 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:08:08pm

re: #1011 Sharmuta

What I find contemptuous is people being offended by Charles following his own set of principles. They'd rather Charles cater to them instead. We speak here of following principles, but some would hypocritically have our host ditch his to please them. See it as you'd like to however- you won't change my mind.

I was just happy to get post #1000. So many zeros. :)

1019 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:08:27pm

the last time I paused and reflected, I forgot why I'd paused in the first place

1020 Izzyboy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:08:29pm

re: #1003 Shug

Youtube Video
1021 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:08:53pm

re: #1018 unrealizedviewpoint

I liked your other avatar better- the one with the multi-colored circles.

1022 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:08:55pm

re: #1001 Desert Dog

OK, all fair enough, but national pride demands that I point out why we are the chosen people. :)

Youtube Video
1023 _RememberTonyC  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:09:13pm

re: #1019 Shug

the last time I paused and reflected, I forgot why I'd paused in the first place

senior moment ... join the club ... what's your name again?

1024 UFO TOFU  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:09:34pm

re: #1018 unrealizedviewpoint

I was just happy to get post #1000. So many zeros. :)

There used to be a prize for that.

1025 freetoken  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:09:35pm

re: #905 SixDegrees

Agree.

It's as if they are unsure of themselves. As if... when the child comes home from hearing the President they don't believe they can say to their own child "I don't agree with the President because of X, Y, and Z."

And if the child asks "Are you saying the President was wrong?"... it's as if the parents are not able to say "In America as a citizen you have the right to not agree with your elected leaders."

The right-o-sphere is just showing their fear of their inability to articulate any meaningful beliefs to their fellow citizens in their community, using words and arguments rather than childish stunts.

1026 Truck Monkey  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:10:07pm

re: #1019 Shug

the last time I paused and reflected, I forgot why I'd paused in the first place

I don't reflect much. In fact, at night I'm damn near invisible. Must have something to do with my melanin.

1027 unrealizedviewpoint  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:10:27pm

re: #1021 Sharmuta

I liked your other avatar better- the one with the multi-colored circles.

I've been considering reverting back. But I like change so much.

1028 Sharmuta  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:10:54pm

re: #1027 unrealizedviewpoint

Was it change you could believe in?

1029 Charpete67  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:01pm

re: #1022 LudwigVanQuixote

wow...hot chicks with guns...so Palin...:)

1030 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:06pm

re: #1005 Locker

Must have been a show camel.

Ha. I'm sure in that situation they all are.
Is that pawning or palming? =P

1031 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:13pm

re: #1017 avanti

Speaking of pawn shops, I was helping my friend pack some UPS at her pawn shop earlier today. A married couple in to buy back dads fishing rods and power tools that their crack head son had stolen and sold.
My friend told them they could not refuse to buy from him by law if he showed ID and suggested they report the theft to the cops since it would only get worse if they did not get his attention. The parents refused to do that, so my friend agreed to step in the back and call them if he came in again so they could see what he had stolen this week and try and stop him.
It was so sad to watch dad load up his fishing stuff that he had to buy back.

Sheesh.

If they had called the cops and could prove that the goods were stolen, would they have been able to recover the items without paying the pawn shop owner? What is the law there?

1032 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:23pm

re: #858 Sharmuta

Hoops! lol Besides Tiger, I don't know if I could name another Stanford athlete. I do know there is an NFL linebacker who went to Harvard.

Milton McColl was a Stanford football player, then spent 8 years as a '49er while going to Stanford Med School in the off-season. His internship was in LA, so he had himself traded to the Raiders. He was a surgeon for awhile, now he does venture capital for medical technology companies. He has three Superbowl rings.

(and his father Bill McColl, orthopedist, played for the Bears to put himself through Chicago Med).

1033 Desert Dog  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:28pm

re: #1022 LudwigVanQuixote

OK, all fair enough, but national pride demands that I point out why we are the chosen people. :)


[Video]

I would gladly surrender to them

1034 UFO TOFU  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:41pm

re: #1027 unrealizedviewpoint

Let's hope you change it back...

1035 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:11:45pm

Well, there was that well organized, long term effort during the '80s that convinced America's children to turn their parents over to The State for certain violations...

I guess we'll just have to see what Obama says in his speech. Maybe he'll brain wash all the kids into buy GM cars or something. Clunkers for Cash?
/

1036 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:12:41pm

re: #1016 Charpete67

...that's why there's so many muslims...

There were plenty of Christians in Lebanon. It wasn't the pretty girls that scared them away. Ask Brigette Gabriel.

1037 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:13:17pm

Did this insightful and constructive little piece of political analysis come up at some point during the Van Jones Wars?

Youtube Video

Question from left-wing woman in audience: How were the Republicans able to push things through when they had less than 60 senators, but somehow we can't?

Van Jones: Well, the answer to that is, they're assholes.

[uproarious applause from audience]

By the way, I apologize for the fact that the youtube account that posted this is called "DefendGlenn." I actually searched for an alternative version with a less disturbing name, but they all had even sillier baggage attached, like "Communist fascist Van Jones insults our Constitution," or whatever.

Sigh.

1038 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:13:36pm

re: #1029 Charpete67

wow...hot chicks with guns...so Palin...:)

Ohh, I am from a culture that is all for very strong women who know how to do things like field strip an M-16 blindfolded and hit x's ate 100 meters.

The difference is that they then go on (and want all girls to go on) to become doctors, attorneys engineers and scientists etc...

I'm all for that too.

1039 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:14:35pm

re: #1033 Desert Dog

I would gladly surrender to them

Many have!

1040 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:15:34pm

re: #1032 sagehen

Milton McColl was a Stanford football player, then spent 8 years as a '49er while going to Stanford Med School in the off-season. His internship was in LA, so he had himself traded to the Raiders. He was a surgeon for awhile, now he does venture capital for medical technology companies. He has three Superbowl rings.

(and his father Bill McColl, orthopedist, played for the Bears to put himself through Chicago Med).

Seriously? Nobody could do a surgical residency while playing NFL football. Maybe they let him take six months off per year and do the residency in twice the time or something. It's hard to see how one's surgical skills could stay sharp that way.

1041 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:16:06pm

re: #1038 LudwigVanQuixote

Ohh, I am from a culture that is all for very strong women who know how to do things like field strip an M-16 blindfolded and hit x's ate 100 meters.

The difference is that they then go on (and want all girls to go on) to become doctors, attorneys engineers and scientists etc...

I'm all for that too.

As if we didn't have enough attorneys.

Most girls are too smart for that scam.

1042 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:16:41pm

re: #996 LudwigVanQuixote

I'm curious.

Was he Courts Martialed for wasting the LAW, endangering others or for the pr ramifications of killing the camel?

Violating fire discipline? I don't think you can discharge a weapon anytime you feel like it. Those of us in law enforcement have to account for every bullet.

1043 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:16:42pm

re: #1041 Cato the Elder

As if we didn't have enough attorneys.

Most girls are too smart for that scam.

Lol...

1044 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:16:59pm

re: #1038 LudwigVanQuixote

I don't quite get your point. Who is against female attorneys? Erm, in particular, that is.

1045 code red 21  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:17:37pm

re: #868 taxfreekiller

Facts:
William Ayers
Rev. Wright
Cap and Trade
Government run health care.
32 Czars not approved by Congress.
A.C.O.R.N. Atty.
Does what Nancy Pelosi says.
Liberal state Senator.
Liberal U.S. Senator.


These are some of the many reasons I don't trust what BO does including a national talk to the schoolchildren day. You know people by who they associate with, who influences them, and not always what they say.

1046 Dianna  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:17:45pm

Good night! Take care, lizards.

1047 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:18:04pm

re: #1042 Rancher

Violating fire discipline? I don't think you can discharge a weapon anytime you feel like it. Those of us in law enforcement have to account for every bullet.

I do get that, I should have rephrased. Did he get more in trouble for the obvious reasons or was this a case where he got in more trouble because there was an angry farmer involved?

1048 CyanSnowHawk  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:18:40pm

re: #955 Ojoe

Too bad the comments cannot be transported to the Museum of Flounce.

That has a sort of appeal to it, but really, would it be visited that often?

1049 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:19:05pm
1050 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:19:22pm

re: #901 Gus 802

Edgar Kaiser also attempted to break the AMA's grip/monopoly in medical education to reduce costs throughout all aspects of health services and failed.

A pity.

1051 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:20:25pm

re: #1044 nikis-knight

I don't quite get your point. Who is against female attorneys? Erm, in particular, that is.

I mean that Palin is hardly a role model for professional women who seek advanced degrees or high standards of education, and that her views on issues relating to feminist ideas would be pretty soundly rejected by most Israeli women who serve in the IDF.

1052 avanti  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:20:58pm

re: #1031 Cato the Elder

Sheesh.

If they had called the cops and could prove that the goods were stolen, would they have been able to recover the items without paying the pawn shop owner? What is the law there?

Yes, they could if they had been reported stolen to the cops, The police get a list of all items purchased and compare them to a stolen list. If a item shows up on the hot list, the pawn shop has to turn them over to the rightful owner after trial. Stealing from your parents can be legally tricky though, in the end, most parents won't press charges and see their kid go to jail.

1053 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:21:09pm

re: #1049 jumpininhere

I suspect you'll be jumpinrightoutofhere in a few minutes.

1054 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:21:12pm

Here come the real assholes now.

1055 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:21:29pm

re: #1053 Walter L. Newton

I suspect you'll be jumpinrightoutofhere in a few minutes.

I was right, like always.

1056 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:21:37pm

re: #1051 LudwigVanQuixote

Israel is rather more liberal than America, but do you have any particulars?

1057 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:22:34pm

re: #1053 Walter L. Newton

I suspect you'll be jumpinrightoutofhere in a few minutes.

Did you notice my clever use of his screen name combined with my usual snark? Classic.

1058 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:23:00pm

re: #1047 LudwigVanQuixote

I do get that, I should have rephrased. Did he get more in trouble for the obvious reasons or was this a case where he got in more trouble because there was an angry farmer involved?


Probably more for pissing off the locals would be my guess.

1059 Last Mohican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:23:20pm

re: #1057 Walter L. Newton

Did you notice my clever use of his screen name combined with my usual snark? Classic.

I see what you did there.

1060 aLohaTim  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:23:24pm

If it was just a speech, I wouldn't care either. It's the additional material with a list of questions for the teachers to generate a class discussion.
Do the Teachers need guidance from the federal government?
This on top of a post be Breitbart about an NEA conference call with selected artists to get behind ObamaCare by artistic expression. Those are the sorts of things that bother me.

1061 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:23:58pm

re: #1052 avanti

Yes, they could if they had been reported stolen to the cops, The police get a list of all items purchased and compare them to a stolen list. If a item shows up on the hot list, the pawn shop has to turn them over to the rightful owner after trial. Stealing from your parents can be legally tricky though, in the end, most parents won't press charges and see their kid go to jail.

Being a pawnbroker is a tough job. It's one of the few things in my state that will get you a carry permit.

1062 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:25:13pm

re: #1056 nikis-knight

Israel is rather more liberal than America, but do you have any particulars?

Well I thought I was pretty particular. Israelis - particularly secular Israelis are very pro education and pro strong woman. They see Palin as a kind of semi-literate Stepford wife... Most of them (secular) are also very pro-choice.

Just to be specific, I am talking about women who serve in the IDF. There are plenty of religious girls who don't serve in the military. They may see things differently.

1063 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:25:35pm

re: #1058 Rancher

Probably more for pissing off the locals would be my guess.

Mine too. That's why I was asking.

1064 _RememberTonyC  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:25:51pm

re: #1057 Walter L. Newton

Did you notice my clever use of his screen name combined with my usual snark? Classic.

don't dislocate your shoulder patting yourself on the back :)

1065 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:26:24pm

re: #1055 Walter L. Newton

I was right, like always.

Gone before I saw it, must have been an easy call.

1066 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:27:40pm

re: #1056 nikis-knight

Israel is rather more liberal than America, but do you have any particulars?

Also you have to be careful about saying that Israel is more liberal than America. It depends on what issue you are talking about. With the exception of a totally draft dodging lefty weenie - who is widely despised, (or one who took a religious exemption, who is also widely despised for it) even their moonbats have been on patrol.

1067 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:28:11pm

re: #1062 LudwigVanQuixote
Actually I meant about Palin's views. Is it just the pro-life position?

1068 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:29:13pm

re: #1040 Last Mohican

Seriously? Nobody could do a surgical residency while playing NFL football. Maybe they let him take six months off per year and do the residency in twice the time or something. It's hard to see how one's surgical skills could stay sharp that way.

Internship, not residency. He worked very short hours at the hospital during the season, and took two years to do what for most people is a one-year program. He left football when it was time for residency.

1069 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:29:17pm

re: #1017 avanti

Speaking of pawn shops, I was helping my friend pack some UPS at her pawn shop earlier today. A married couple in to buy back dads fishing rods and power tools that their crack head son had stolen and sold.
My friend told them they could not refuse to buy from him by law if he showed ID and suggested they report the theft to the cops since it would only get worse if they did not get his attention. The parents refused to do that, so my friend agreed to step in the back and call them if he came in again so they could see what he had stolen this week and try and stop him.
It was so sad to watch dad load up his fishing stuff that he had to buy back.

What a sad story!
I had to deal with a stupid drug-addicted idiot asshole brother, who was stealing about $500 A DAY from my parents and had been doing it for a couple of months when I finally caught him and insisted that my mom toss him out of the house. Everything from stealing the household cash, the grocery money, charges on the gasoline credit card where he sold gas for crack, forging checks . . .
This theft going on after my mom had given him a gift of $60,000 to go back to school, while also providing him with a place to live, a car, gasoline money, etc. - the entire $60,000 spent on drugs within 12 months.

It's a sick sick business.

1070 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:29:23pm

re: #1066 LudwigVanQuixote

I said liberal, not suicidal. Though I think I've heard of Israeli judges who verge on the latter.

1071 avanti  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:31:00pm

re: #1061 Cato the Elder

Being a pawnbroker is a tough job. It's one of the few things in my state that will get you a carry permit.

My friend does not wear a handgun in the Annppolis store, but does at some other locations. She sees the dark side of drug use daily. She once tossed out a crack head mother out of the store for trying to sell her kids game cartridges with her sad kid in tow.

1072 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:31:04pm
1073 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:32:24pm

re: #1067 nikis-knight

Actually I meant about Palin's views. Is it just the pro-life position?

Well there's that. Then there is her position on drill baby drill, most secular Israelis are pretty green.

But the real issue is that Palin comes off as very uneducated and not too bright. She simply does not garner respect in that culture. They value education a great deal more.

1074 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:32:38pm

Yoiks

1075 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:32:57pm

re: #1062 LudwigVanQuixote

Israelis - particularly secular Israelis are very pro education and pro strong woman. They see Palin as a kind of semi-literate Stepford wife...


Why?

Palin attended Hawaii Pacific College in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1982 for a semester, where she majored in Business Administration, and transferred in 1983 to North Idaho College for the 1983-1984 school year. After winning a scholarship, she transferred to Matanuska-Susitna College in Alaska for one term before transferring back to the University of Idaho the following year where she finished out her college education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987, where she also minored in political science.


WikiAnswers.com

1076 Summer Seale  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:34:18pm

I would love Obama to stand there and force the issue of Science with kids. I would love him to tell them that Evolution is a fact. I would love him to speak words of reason and enlightenment and tell the kids that if they have understanding of science and the scientific method, that the answers they seek will eventually be theirs without listening to the dictates of others. He should hold up an iPhone and say: "You see this? Science made this. You want better iPhones one day? Study Science."

I know the "Moral" Conservatives would flip the fuck out. I know they'd blow their tops. But I also kinda want that to happen in an evil and malicious way. And the reason I want it to happen is because I want the entire country to see just how radically insane they truly are.

1077 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:37:11pm

You said that the culture you came from and Palin differed in that "that they then go on (and want all girls to go on) to become doctors, attorneys engineers and scientists etc...

I'm all for that too."
This implies that Palin is not a doctor, attorney, etc., which is true, but she was a governor (til she quit) and implies that, in your view, she doesn't want all girls to be a doctor, attorney, engineer/scientist, or etc.

I was just asking for your justification for making this judgement her thoughts. "Drill, baby, drill" doesn't make a lick of sense in context.

1078 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:38:35pm

re: #1073 LudwigVanQuixote

Well there's that. Then there is her position on drill baby drill, most secular Israelis are pretty green.

But the real issue is that Palin comes off as very uneducated and not too bright. She simply does not garner respect in that culture. They value education a great deal more.

And on health care.

Most Israelis would be gobsmacked at the idea of making patients responsible for their medical bills; they just can't fathom the notion that every citizen's health isn't the entire country's collective responsibility.

1079 Born Again Republican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:43:22pm

Is it mandatory for all public schools to watch Obama's speech?

1080 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:43:29pm

re: #1075 Rancher

WikiAnswers.com

I think Tina Fey represented the average secular Jewish woman's response to Palin to a tee.

Just having a degree in anything does not make you bright. I am not writing to pillory Palin. I'll leave that to Cato this thread. But I suppose I could dig up a couple of dozen major Palin gaffes that really make her look like a dimmer bulb than Dan Quayle. However, that's not really the point.

You see when Palin goes off mocking "fruit fly research in Paris France" all of those Israeli girls who studied science, see her as an ignorant hick. When she goes off on creationism, she gets seen as a particularly stupid hick and a religious nut to boot. When she goes off on abortion, she is seen as anti-feminist.

But I think the biggest issue for Jewish women - particularly the ones in Israel that I know, is that Palin loves the guns and loves to present herself as some sort of gun toting frontier woman.

Jews hate guns for the most part - particularly Jewish women. They see carrying guns as a really grim thing that they have to do to protect people that they love. They think that toting them because it is cool to do so is barbaric. They also get a sort of - "Oh yeah Sarah, you're sooo tough with that gun, come play in my neighborhood attitude."

1081 Cato the Elder  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:46:34pm

re: #1072 buzzsawmonkey

Interesting--to me, at any rate--that pawnshops fifty or more years ago took clothing and furniture as well as things like jewelry and musical instruments.

Whether they no longer do so because of health and fumigation regulations, or (in the case of clothing) because clothing has become so relatively cheap that pawning "your good suit" has no meaning any more, or a combination of these factors, I do not know.

James Joyce's family would have starved if their profligate father John hadn't been able to pawn just about anything at a moment's notice. When he was flush, you could see a procession of Joyce children carrying home the redeemed family portraits from yet another stay in the pawnshop.

1082 nikis-knight  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:51:28pm

re: #1080 LudwigVanQuixote
None of which really backs up your original assertion, though, that she wants zero women to be professionals.
Unless you meant that she wants at least one woman not to be, which seems an odd view to attribute to her. Your use of the word all was vague.

1083 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 3:56:01pm

re: #1082 nikis-knight

None of which really backs up your original assertion, though, that she wants zero women to be professionals.
Unless you meant that she wants at least one woman not to be, which seems an odd view to attribute to her. Your use of the word all was vague.

That really depends on how much you see secular education as linked to feminism. Most secular women do, Jewish or not.

1084 Rancher  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:00:09pm

re: #1080 LudwigVanQuixote

They see carrying guns as a really grim thing that they have to do to protect people that they love.

I can see how they might get the impression that we in rural America are playing cowboy with our guns. However America is a pretty violent culture, gangs have proliferated throughout the country, not to mention your regular run of the mill drug addicts and criminals. When you live four hours or so from any sort of law enforcement like I did when I lived out on the ranch then guns weren't just for fun. I also had family to protect. Not the same as living in Israel by any means, although as Mexico descends further and further into a narcostate it may get closer, it's also not the same as living in a gated community inn San Francisco.

1085 solicitr  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:01:02pm

re: #796 Sharmuta

re: #1076 Summer

WTF does that have to do with anything. Total non-sequitur. The only guess I can come up with is that you're some sort of ignorant Lefty who truly believes conservatives are Creationists, or something.

BTW, the iPhone was designed by engineers a much superior lot to lah-di-dah scientists. Just sayin'.

1086 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:02:00pm

re: #1084 Rancher

I can see how they might get the impression that we in rural America are playing cowboy with our guns. However America is a pretty violent culture, gangs have proliferated throughout the country, not to mention your regular run of the mill drug addicts and criminals. When you live four hours or so from any sort of law enforcement like I did when I lived out on the ranch then guns weren't just for fun. I also had family to protect. Not the same as living in Israel by any means, although as Mexico descends further and further into a narcostate it may get closer, it's also not the same as living in a gated community inn San Francisco.

And an Israeli would completely understand that. Using a gun because you have to is something totally different than thinking that using them is cool.

1087 solicitr  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:03:34pm

re: #1078 sagehen

And on health care.

Most Israelis would be gobsmacked at the idea of making patients responsible for their medical bills; they just can't fathom the notion that every citizen's health isn't the entire country's collective responsibility.


Just like most Americans would be gobsmacked that you assert some claim to force me to pay your doctor bills. "entire country's collective responsibility"- nice euphemism for Robin Hood economics.

1088 sattv4u2  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:12:13pm

"godsmacked"?

1089 Dancing along the light of day  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:16:12pm

re: #1054 Charles

Here come the real assholes now.

YIKES!
I guess you and Stinky will be on this thread a lot tonight.

1090 sagehen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:19:34pm

re: #1087 solicitr

Just like most Americans would be gobsmacked that you assert some claim to force me to pay your doctor bills. "entire country's collective responsibility"- nice euphemism for Robin Hood economics.

I'm not asserting any claim to make you pay my anything; I can pay my own doctor bills, thanks.

Maybe part of why Israel sees things as a collective responsibility is that so many of the most expensive health care problems result from attacks on the entire country collectively. If a bus is blown up by a terrorist and 30 of the survivors need a trauma unit, or extensive skin grafts, or physical therapy, should that be their own personal problem and too bad if it costs them their life savings, or their house?

Even when Israel was a brand new country, so many people's medical problems were a result of lingering effects from their time in the camps. "Every man for himself" just wasn't going to go over well.

1091 hopperandadropper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:21:37pm

I'm no Obama fan, but if this speech is actually as advertised I don't have a problem with it. If this convinces any number of black students that excelling in school is not "acting white", then it will be well worthwhile.

1092 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:25:31pm

re: #7 mbruce

Why subject my kid to more lies?

What the fuck are you talking about?
I get it, you hate Obama and NOTHING he does will be of any worth.
As a result, you have nothing to say, nothing to add to any discussion, nothing of worth.
Sad man.

1093 hopperandadropper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:26:16pm

re: #1073 LudwigVanQuixote

I'm just curious: what empowers you to channel the views of "most Israelis"?

1094 Aye Pod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:27:08pm

Bye LGoPS. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out etc.

Youtube Video
1095 Aye Pod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:30:12pm

re: #1093 hopperandadropper

I'm just curious: what empowers you to channel the views of "most Israelis"?

He said "most secular Israelis".

1096 Gretchen  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:32:50pm

I am alarmed by this address primarily because of the lesson plans that go along with the speech. I cannot begin to imagine lesson plans for a Bush speech that included "why should we listen to the President and members of congress" or encouraged students to read up on GWB. This is not the purview of a President.

I also think this would be less creepy if he or The First Lady made a public service announcement. Gathering all the school children together for an address at the same time is very bizarre, and fitting for dictators and kings. His endeavors with Annenberg spent tons of money for liberal organizing with no educational impact. This is not a good precedent to set, I don't want Republican presidents doing this either.

My kid's school principal isn't having it shown. If parents want to take kids out to watch that will be an excused absence.

1097 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:34:07pm

Here's what I found so far regarding the Bush speech to students:

Article: A Visit of Presidential Proportions' Bush to Address Nation's Students From Deal Junior High in NW

The Washington Post; October 1, 1991 ; Lynda Richardson; 689 words ...Alice Deal Junior High School got the once- and twice-over from a White House security...nation's students on live television from an American history classroom at Deal Junior High, in the Tenleytown neighborhood of upper Northwest Washington...

Also mentioned in the Bush Library:

Back to School Address - Alice Deal Jr. High 10/1/91 [OA 8329] [1]

ED345696 - Oversight Hearing on the Use of Department of Education Funds. Hearing before the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, First Session. (October 17, 1991)

A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource. The oversight hearing documented in this report was convened to examine the expenditure of $26,750 to produce and televise an appearance by the President of the United States, George Bush, at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, District of Columbia, on October 1, 1991. In his opening address, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor William D. Ford argued that the use of Department of Education funds resulted in the potential politicizing of the Department of Education and endangered the working relationship between previous presidential administrations and the Department of Education and the Committee. In addition to the opening statements, the report contains prepared statements, letters, and supplemental materials that were entered into the record by Lamar Alexander, U.S. Secretary of Education; John A. Boehner, Representative from the State of Ohio; and William D. Ford, Representative from the State of Michigan. Also included in the report is the transcript of a detailed question and answer session between Secretary of Education Alexander and several of the Committee members. (DB)

1098 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:35:48pm

George Bush
Remarks to Students and Faculty at Alice Deal Junior High School
October 1, 1991

Thank you, Ms. Mostoller, and thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.

You know, long before I became President I was a parent. I remember the times that my kids came up with a really tough question or a difficult decision. I tried my best never to shut them down with a quick "no." I would simply say those three magic words that made that problem disappear: "Ask your Mother." [Laughter]

Let me tell you why I've made the trip up from the White House to Alice Deal Junior High. I'm not here to teach a lesson. You already have a very good teacher. I'm not here to tell you what to do or what to think. Maybe you're accustomed to adults talking about you and at you; well, today, I'm here to talk to you and challenge you. Education matters, and what you do today, and what you don't do can change your future.

[continues]

1099 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:36:35pm

re: #1098 Gus 802


Note: The President spoke at 12:15 p.m. in a classroom at the school. His remarks were broadcast live by the Cable News Network, the Public Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and the NBC radio network. In his remarks, he referred to Cynthia Mostoller, an eighth grade humanities teacher; Rachel Rusch, a student; Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness; principal Reginald R. Moss; and custodian George Francis. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.
1100 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:38:40pm

Check

1101 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:39:26pm

re: #1098 Gus 802

You know, long before I became President I was a parent. I remember the times that my kids came up with a really tough question or a difficult decision. I tried my best never to shut them down with a quick "no." I would simply say those three magic words that made that problem disappear: "Ask your Mother."

And people wonder why the GOP is seen as anti-intellectual...

I just watched the interview that Obama gave to the child reporter. I am now convinced that anyone who honestly thinks that there is anything wrong with Obama talking to the kids or scared of what his message might be - is a complete idiot.

1102 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:42:21pm

re: #1101 LudwigVanQuixote

And people wonder why the GOP is seen as anti-intellectual...

I just watched the interview that Obama gave to the child reporter. I am now convinced that anyone who honestly thinks that there is anything wrong with Obama talking to the kids or scared of what his message might be - is a complete idiot.

He goes on to say more and he does apply a lot of "folksy wisdom." However, I think we found the precedent here. I was incorrect in stating that Obama would have been the first to have a nationally televised speech to American students across the country. It was in fact President George H. W. Bush (R) who was the first as noted.

Thanks to Jake Tapper for the lead.

Again the link is:

[Link: www.presidency.ucsb.edu...]

1103 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:44:02pm

More supporting documentation regarding President Bush's address here:

[Link: www.eric.ed.gov...]

1104 quickjustice  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:47:16pm

I don't think there's anything "secret" about it, Charles. These are the same themes the President emphasized in his inaugural speech. And if the right is "hyperventilating" about it, then they're wasting their energy.

What struck me about the inaugural speech was the generational shift it imported. Previous presidents have waxed eloquent about "defending democracy", "passing the torch of freedom to a new generation", or defense of liberty as a civic value. These are what conservatives would call the values of American exceptionalism.

Obama has shifted his emphasis to more basic, universal themes. "Hard work" is a universal virtue, as are "setting goals" and "taking responsibility". There's nothing inherently wrong with that message, but it's not uniquely American. The perceived abandonment of American uniqueness, Reagan's theme of America as "a bright city set on a hill" that is notably missing from Obama's rhetoric is what has the President's more energetic critics in a tizzy.

Obama's enemies (and I view myself as an adversary on most issues so far, but not an enemy) will interpret this change in the worst possible light. His allies will pooh-pooh it. As in all such debates, time will tell.

1105 OldLineTexan  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:48:43pm

re: #3 Sharmuta

Reminds me of that horrible White House campaign about "Just Say No". ///

A lot of people freaked out about that, too.

1106 hopperandadropper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:49:00pm

re: #1095 Jimmah

OK, "most secular Israelis". The question still stands.

1107 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:52:21pm

re: #1106 hopperandadropper

OK, "most secular Israelis". The question still stands.

Well because I have spent a lot of time there, read a lot of the Israeli papers regularly, and have friends and family over there as well as many Israeli colleagues. Also being Jewish I know a little about the culture to begin with - but other than that feel free to ignore me.

I assure you they typical secular Israeli, who has education and being educated as a core value, loves Palin...

1108 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:52:54pm

re: #1107 LudwigVanQuixote

Well because I have spent a lot of time there, read a lot of the Israeli papers regularly, and have friends and family over there as well as many Israeli colleagues. Also being Jewish I know a little about the culture to begin with - but other than that feel free to ignore me.

I assure you they typical secular Israeli, who has education and being educated as a core value, loves Palin...

The last bit was sarcasm...

1109 Town Of Rock Ridge  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:53:37pm

re: #1096 Gretchen

I am alarmed by this address primarily because of the lesson plans that go along with the speech.

My point exactly. Its not the smiley/blinky speech given by a prez so much as the "lesson plans" including some of the details.

I just simply asked my child's principal via email if they could opt out. Looks like it could be a go.

Guess that makes me KERRRAZY!

1110 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:54:07pm

re: #1109 Town Of Rock Ridge

My point exactly. Its not the smiley/blinky speech given by a prez so much as the "lesson plans" including some of the details.

I just simply asked my child's principal via email if they could opt out. Looks like it could be a go.

Guess that makes me KERRRAZY!

As a matter of fact it does.

1111 horse  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 4:55:01pm

It is simply a desire to keep the busybody intruders out our of our personal lives. Don't want autocrats, don't want theocrats, don't want democrats, don't want republicats intruding into our lives. If we want their leftist or rightist morality plays, we will choose to attend them. If you try to force it on us, we will walk away from you. QED.

1112 Town Of Rock Ridge  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:00:13pm

re: #1110 LudwigVanQuixote

As a matter of fact it does.

No, Peyote, an idiot. Remember. C'mon get it right.

1113 hopperandadropper  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:07:26pm

re: #1107 LudwigVanQuixote

And no doubt most secular Israelis are deeply impressed with left-wing Democrats, say... Barack Obama?

1114 horse  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:09:28pm

re: #1113 hopperandadropper

And no doubt most secular Israelis are deeply impressed with left-wing Democrats, say... Barack Obama?

Indeed, at least 2 percent love the guy.

1115 Sloppy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:21:38pm

Has anyone stopped to think about how The Children themselves will respond to this? I suspect many or most of them will greet it with mixed emotions: Boredom over having yet another grown-up preach to them about responsibility and goals, and relief at being spared a few minutes of classroom routine.

1116 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:22:12pm

Lamar Alexander (page 24)
Comments on Bush's Speech to School Children
October 17,1991

Section 422 of the General Education Provisions Act, 20 USC 1231a, directs the Secretary [of Education] to "inform the public on federally supported education programs," and confers broad authority on the Secretary as to the means employed.

[I] would think the American people would expect us to agree quickly that the President's speech to school children was exactly the right thing for him to be doing and exactly the right thing for the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for. Common sense clearly tells us that and so do the statutes and programmatic authorities Congress has written. (Page 27)

USC, Title 20, Chapter 31, Subchapter III, Part 1, 1231a

The Secretary shall—

(1) prepare and disseminate to State and local educational agencies and institutions information concerning applicable programs, and cooperate with other Federal officials who administer programs affecting education in disseminating information concerning such programs;
(2) inform the public regarding federally supported education programs; and
(3) collect data and information on applicable programs for the purpose of obtaining objective measurements of the effectiveness of such programs in achieving the intended purposes of such programs.

1117 Flyers1974  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:29:04pm

re: #1115 Sloppy

Has anyone stopped to think about how The Children themselves will respond to this? I suspect many or most of them will greet it with mixed emotions: Boredom over having yet another grown-up preach to them about responsibility and goals, and relief at being spared a few minutes of classroom routine.

I think there is much truth in your suspicion.

1118 badger1970  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:35:11pm

Let's put it this way. This wasn't going to be a big deal until the far right started to go buckeyes over this. An assembly with the school's principal and a prominent member of the community would have more effect than bo spouting off empty platitudes from the distant planet of DC. BO has bored the parents and now he can bore the kids to death.

The only people that going to like this are the teachers who can put off their teaching to the TAKS syllabus. Much ado about nothing.

1119 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:41:24pm

re: #679 nikis-knight

Michael Moore was sitting next to Jimmy Carter in the seat of honor at John Kerry's convention though. Their leadership (Daschle?) went to the premiere. They attend the "YearlyKos". Plenty of congressional speeches on how we were terrorizing children (Kerry) in the night in Iraq or just like Pol Pot in Gitmo(Durbin). There was just as much winking at crazies by some influencial elected Dems then as now.

Sorry it took me long to get back here. I hope you do respond. I wanted to address this point. (Either my life or this board moves too fast... but anyway).

I could equally point to Mike Steele apologizing to Limbaugh as the moderates cow-towing to the extremes in the party. It happens and I wasn't happy to see Michael Moore in such a position. Jimmy Carter, while he's considered with a certain amount of respect (not by me in any way) is not really a party leader other than by virtue of his age. The only thing he goes on about are the Israelis and the Arabs and for that he should shut up anyway.

Kos isn't really far left. They are liberals, of course. Part of their format, however, is to be inclusive of every one, including the extremes. Good idea? I don't know. I don't read there much. But the majority don't hold extreme liberal views. Or maybe you think all liberal views are extreme, then I probably can't help ya.

Code Pink is far left. Sheehan is far left. McKinney far left. Moore... he's just a toad, a very deceptive, awful toad. And while I think liberals find Moore interesting and entertaining (I don't), they have little to no respect for C.P., Sheehan or McKinney.

I can guarantee you that Kerry and Daschle do not think Bush had anything to do with 9/11.

1120 Killian Bundy  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:42:16pm

WH withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama

The Obama administration late Wednesday withdrew a recommendation that school children who watch a video featuring President Obama next week write about how they might "help the president" as part of a classroom assignment.

The decision came after conservative critics attacked the plan by federal education officials that teachers supplement the speech with a special curriculum that was designed in concert with the White House.

Among the activities the government was suggesting for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade students: that they "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president." By Wednesday evening, the sentence asking children to think about how they can "help the president" had been removed from the document.

Another task, recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech, was to engage in a discussion about what "the President wants us to do."

The novel curriculum plan brought sharp criticism from conservatives, including some who complained that classrooms were being used to spread political propaganda. In response to the criticism, the White House last night confirmed they were revising the lesson plan that was distributed last week by the U.S. Department of Education.

"We're clarifying that language," said Tommy Vietor, a White House spokesman.

/everyone happy now?

1121 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:43:58pm

re: #84 Occasional Reader

So... not a distortion, not a lie. Straight from the horse's mouth.

OK. This is so stupid it's almost beyond belief.
There are hundreds of posts on this thread saying a variation of "Helping the president" is a cult thing and "worrisome!!" (concern troll is very concerned).

The frothing and whining and whatever from so many here is out of control.
"What you can do to help the president" is somehow an effort to indoctrinate our youth?
Fucking UNBELIEVABLE.
Really.
It's a incomplete sentence at the most, which should have been: What you can do to help the president's goals locally in relation to his speech about working hard in school.
And don't carp about imprecise language, because everyone is jumping on it as if it is some code or something.
It's pathetic.
And by the way, the DoEd just changed the wording to help out the hyperventilating ninnies that were worried.
The Department of Education has now changed their supplementary materials on President Obama's upcoming address to schoolchildren on the importance of education -- eliminating a phrase that some conservatives, such as the Florida GOP, happened to have been bashing as evidence of socialist indoctrination in our schools.

In a set of bullet points listed under a heading, "Extension of the Speech," one of the points used to say: "Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."

However, that bullet point now reads as follows: "Write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short‐term and long‐term education goals. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."
Even after the clarification, how many are going to say "AH HA!!, All that means is that his minions at the DoEd are doing his bidding!
He jut let his guard down, he really means it!, the first DoE press release was a Freudian thing... it's still some insidious plot."

Honestly, people are looking for ANY reason to oppose Obama, to the point of being totally ludicrous.
Mindless hatred, and for what?

1122 mich-again  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:45:22pm

Obama needs to worry about the 535 children in the House and Senate. As for reaching out to the kids in the schools, I think he should keep away. Who the heck does he think he is that he can barge in classrooms around the country and preach to the kids. Get out. I don't need your help raising my kids prez. Go take care of your own.

1123 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:49:37pm

re: #1113 hopperandadropper

And no doubt most secular Israelis are deeply impressed with left-wing Democrats, say... Barack Obama?

No actually, most Israelis I know are scared green that Obama is fixing to betray Israel.

1124 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:52:14pm
1125 The Left  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:52:31pm

I bet Charles didn't realise just how appropriate his post title was at first-- not just for the Freepers, but for here. I can't believe the number of people here willing to go along with the freakout, downdinging Killgore for being a voice of reason, and desperately hunting for some way, some how, to find something sinister about Obama's speech or the lesson plans-- some slightly less wingnutty version of the fullon bugeyed Freeper Freakout.

No-one would be objecting if McCain had won and was doing this. There is nothing wrong with the POTUS doing this. And people wouldn't have had a problem with a Republican POTUS doing it.

The people who are going to object to this comment are going to offer one or another form of the "It's different because it's OBAMA! and he--" defence. He's a socialist, he's indoctrinating a personality cult, blah blah. This is nothing more or less than ODS, if a slightly dressed up form.

BTW, on the nuttiest, most way out fringes of the right, during the campaign, people were claiming that Obama used seekrit hypnotic techniques in his speeches. There are tons of crank videos on youtube, and some genius produced a 67 page, 192 footnote pdf file titled “An Examination of Obama’s Use of Hidden Hypnosis Techniques in His Speeches. I'm certain that contingent is howling now too.

Here is the video that will preface Obama's speech. Don't tell the freepers!

[Link: www.metacafe.com...]

1126 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:54:20pm

re: #699 JPL17

do you really think Obama is going to hypnotically insert socialist ideas into the minds of your children, diabolically disguised as an inspirational message?

Well, yeah, if I were Obama and held his beliefs, that's exactly what I'd try to do. Why the heck do you think the Supreme Court banned Bible reading in public schools? It's exactly because kids are so impressionable, especially when addressed by authority figures.

Plus, did you read the specific questions and exercises the White House is asking teachers to give their students before, during, and after Obama's speech??? They're creepy. Some lowlights:


So I don't care what anyone else thinks. To me, Obama's planned national address to schoolchildren is unprecedented, a creepy intrusion into young childrens' lives, and a blind grab for the older kids' votes. Or is it just coincidence that about 75% of the high schoolers he's addressing next week will be eligible to vote in 2012?

You are spouting absolute nonsense.
It's neither unprecedented, nor a creepy intrusion into anything.
What I find creepy is that so many think that this is some stealth brainwashing kind of thing.
It'd be funny if it were not so sad.

1127 Coracle  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 5:57:15pm

re: #1126 doubter4444

Other Side Can Do No Right. Classic case.

1128 Aye Pod  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:04:16pm

re: #1125 iceweasel

Here is the video that will preface Obama's speech. Don't tell the freepers!

[Link: www.metacafe.com...]

I wasn't affected by that at all. Incidentally - have you see this great music video? :-)

Youtube Video
1129 zombie  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:22:20pm

re: #864 freetoken

Where did the "leftist" label get applied to the new DPJ PM-in-waiting?

I saw him referred to as such is various news articles. I personally know nothing about his policies. But various news sources said "Left-leaning candidate ousts Japan's long-reigning conservative party." Beyond that, I know nothing.

1130 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:33:57pm

Re-posted from the following thread: I didn't see that this whole thread was here.

1131 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:34:23pm

Re-posted from the following thread: I didn't see that this whole thread was here.

The content was never the issue.

I heard about this issue first right here on KLGF, and said so when we (lizards, that is) spoke about it yesterday or so. I am dismayed by the continuing misunderstanding or even misrepresentation of the issue by our media. I'm in Japan, so all I get is CNNj, but when the American feed is on it's bad--the issue is most certainly not the content. The issue is how much government you want in schools.

America is a system designed to limit the power of government, and that is why it works. You don't have to be stark, raving mad to appreciate the balance worked out by the framers of the Constitution, and the reasons for those considerations.

Anybody who think that government is too small, or has not enough power, would rightly be dismayed by safeguards against the natural creep toward ever more power and ever larger government. These are natural bureaucratic processes which do their damage without a single wrong-doer in any office. You don't have to see bogeymen behind every potted plant in order to feel that limits on the power and size of government are good, and in fact the best guarantors of our long-term freedom and security.

So I'm disappointed to see this issue framed as something about content, and therefore given to the kooks. I am sure that there are kooks who insist that "zerobama" will be loading his speech with secret keywords or some such thing. This does not concern me much--if he were to do such a thing, it would be all over the papers, at least some, and fur would fly. But in order to get there, the leader of the executive branch must first give his address, and that is the real problem. By focusing on the content, we forfeit the opportunity to debate the propriety of the government going over the heads of parents directly to the children.

So never mind the sycophantic NEA paperwork--they're already indoctrinating the kids anyway. Fight that as you always have. The real problem here is the government's access to children.
If the President is going to say something benign and agreeable to parents, then he is duplicating the role of the parent, cheapening the parent. If he is going to say something benign but disagreeable to parents, then he is setting himself up against parents, in the eyes of the children.

Finally, comparisons between the role of a teacher and the role of the President are not helpful or well-informed. Many Presidents have made comments toward children in other speeches, hosted children's groups at the White House, answered the odd question for a children's journalism class, and so forth. This is hardly the same thing as the President coming through the all-too-willing school system to speak directly to children while the parents are at work.

I do *not* feel that there is any imminent tyranny at work here. I also do not feel that we must wait for that to be the case before enforcing standards designed to prevent tyranny. Keep the federal government, Republican or Democrat, away from our kids.

1132 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:34:44pm

Whew. Rough day.

1133 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:36:45pm

re: #887 SpaceJesus

lol 96% of foxnews readers think the president is trying to brainwash the nation's school kids with this little broadcast about responsibility.

god i hate republicans so fucking much.

You know what you *could* do is leave a polite but dramatic farewell message. That would help us out a lot. Thank you.

1134 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:39:28pm
1135 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:40:39pm

re: #864 freetoken

Where did the "leftist" label get applied to the new DPJ PM-in-waiting?

I don't know much about him in particular, but the DPJ is the "Socialist-Democrat" style party (as distinct from the actual Socialist Party of Japan), well to the left of the LDP, the "Democrat Republican" style of party.

1136 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:40:41pm

re: #1131 haakondahl

Re-posted from the following thread: I didn't see that this whole thread was here.

The content was never the issue.

I heard about this issue first right here on KLGF, and said so when we (lizards, that is) spoke about it yesterday or so. I am dismayed by the continuing misunderstanding or even misrepresentation of the issue by our media. I'm in Japan, so all I get is CNNj, but when the American feed is on it's bad--the issue is most certainly not the content. The issue is how much government you want in schools.

Oh Lord.

America is a system designed to limit the power of government, and that is why it works. You don't have to be stark, raving mad to appreciate the balance worked out by the framers of the Constitution, and the reasons for those considerations.

Anybody who think that government is too small, or has not enough power, would rightly be dismayed by safeguards against the natural creep toward ever more power and ever larger government. These are natural bureaucratic processes which do their damage without a single wrong-doer in any office. You don't have to see bogeymen behind every potted plant in order to feel that limits on the power and size of government are good, and in fact the best guarantors of our long-term freedom and security.

So I'm disappointed to see this issue framed as something about content, and therefore given to the kooks. I am sure that there are kooks who insist that "zerobama" will be loading his speech with secret keywords or some such thing. This does not concern me much--if he were to do such a thing, it would be all over the papers, at least some, and fur would fly. But in order to get there, the leader of the executive branch must first give his address, and that is the real problem. By focusing on the content, we forfeit the opportunity to debate the propriety of the government going over the heads of parents directly to the children.

So never mind the sycophantic NEA paperwork--they're already indoctrinating the kids anyway. Fight that as you always have. The real problem here is the government's access to children.
If the President is going to say something benign and agreeable to parents, then he is duplicating the role of the parent, cheapening the parent. If he is going to say something benign but disagreeable to parents, then he is setting himself up against parents, in the eyes of the children.

Finally, comparisons between the role of a teacher and the role of the President are not helpful or well-informed. Many Presidents have made comments toward children in other speeches, hosted children's groups at the White House, answered the odd question for a children's journalism class, and so forth. This is hardly the same thing as the President coming through the all-too-willing school system to speak directly to children while the parents are at work.

I do *not* feel that there is any imminent tyranny at work here. I also do not feel that we must wait for that to be the case before enforcing standards designed to prevent tyranny. Keep the federal government, Republican or Democrat, away from our kids.

1137 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:41:52pm

re: #1134 BOBD1950

You forgot the best quote..

"Give me four years to teach the children and
the seed I have sown will never be uprooted."

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin


[Video]

I was never in to idol worship...but I may go back to (a) school on the 8th to experience what innocence thats missing... in my life.

I believe Lenin's quote is pre-dated by a Jesuit maxim:
Give me a child until he is six years old, and he will be mine for life.

1138 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:42:13pm
1139 haakondahl  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:42:59pm

re: #1136 doubter4444

Looks like you're having rough day, too.

1140 J.D.  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:51:43pm

I can only say that in public school, there is already quite enough too much indoctrination of liberal values in nearly every classroom I experienced when my son was there.

Maybe you have to experience it as it is now to understand.

1141 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 6:57:49pm
1142 The Left  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:06:22pm

re: #1141 AbuNaudrey

I am confused. Is the website where I sign my children up for Young Pioneers or Opera Nazionale Balilla?

Standing firm against Obama’s Cult of Personality is not Obama Derangement Syndrome.

I think you have all lost it.

It is hardly a 'cult of personality' to have the POTUS address students and tell them to work hard and stay in school. Did you object when Bush addressed schoolkids? I suspect not.
It's you and people like you who are hunting for every possible (silly) reason to freakout over Obama that have lost it.
It's not as if there is any shortage of legitimate criticisms to make of Obama, after all. Manufactured outrage like this detracts from those.

1143 jaunte  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:08:21pm

re: #1138 Emphasis

re: #1141 AbuNaudrey

If you believe that Obama is going to brainwash your children, and you believe them so vulnerable to a stranger's suggestions that it's a problem, then you have worse issues than what some other commenters at LGF think.

1144 The Left  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:08:33pm

re: #1138 Emphasis


So what is the reason for addressing a captive audience of kids? His cult of personality? Narcissism? Hidden agenda? I don’t know but looking at the nut cases that surround and theoretically advice him, I would not dismiss ANYTHING without further evaluation. I am sorry for those that see the cheese and do not see the trap.
I have lived the culture of envy; those that espouse it are very dangerous individuals.

You're living in the culture of paranoia, and people who espouse it are very dangerous individuals.

1145 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:13:00pm

re: #1138 Emphasis

I'm against vouchers. Education shouldn't be a lottery. If a child passes the curriculum he/she should have an opportunity for advanced education. Money is pulled into the voucher system that could be better directed into the public schools. If you actually listened to what Obama says about education, you would know that.

My guess is that no one has actually watched the video on this post. It's phenomenal. The young boy is so adorable and very brave. It's a conversation politician, right or left, might have with a young person.

1146 Born Again Republican  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:13:49pm

Remember when this came out? Childred sing Obama The idea that teachers will use this idea to push their politics is not that far fetched.

1147 Hanoch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:18:41pm

Maybe Obama will address why he and his party force kids to attend public schools that he wouldn't dare send his own kids to. I won't hold my breath.

1148 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:19:54pm
1149 yesandno  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:30:06pm

Methinks that there could be more to this then meets the eye. However, I am willing to wait to see what he actually says before going too far down the plank.

On the other hand, if all he wants to do is welcome the kiddies back to another wonderful school year, what could be the harm with that?

With Afghanistan in deep trouble, the economy down the toilet, and our children's futures diminished by the debt they now owe, I find that he has time to "welcome" kids back to school...but then, he obviously is doing nothing else, so I guess he does have the time.

My question is will he sound more like he is talking to children when he addresses the classroom, or when he addresses a joint session of Congress the following night?

1150 [deleted]  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:31:34pm
1151 Hanoch  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:34:13pm

re: #1145 marjoriemoon

The fact is when public schools have no real competition, quality goes down and costs go up. Vouchers would force the public schools to up their game and become more efficient while giving parents and their children an opportunity for a real education. The teachers union knows this and that is why it opposes vouchers so vehemently. The democrats, who care more about re-election than providing their constituents with a quality education, dutifully toe the line. The people I know who work in the public schools all confess privately how fiscally inefficient the public schools are, which is no surprise given that they are government run. Privately operated charter schools have been able to run rings around the public schools with regard to raising test scores in less affluent areas at less cost. As far as I am concerned, it is unconscionable that Obama allows kids to languish in horrible public schools while sending his own kids to private schools.

1152 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:49:47pm

re: #1151 Hanoch

The fact is when public schools have no real competition, quality goes down and costs go up. Vouchers would force the public schools to up their game and become more efficient while giving parents and their children an opportunity for a real education. The teachers union knows this and that is why it opposes vouchers so vehemently. The democrats, who care more about re-election than providing their constituents with a quality education, dutifully toe the line. The people I know who work in the public schools all confess privately how fiscally inefficient the public schools are, which is no surprise given that they are government run. Privately operated charter schools have been able to run rings around the public schools with regard to raising test scores in less affluent areas at less cost. As far as I am concerned, it is unconscionable that Obama allows kids to languish in horrible public schools while sending his own kids to private schools.

But of course, since you're a creationist, you would be in favor of home schooling.

1153 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 7:50:53pm

As usual, the nutjobs turn out when everyone has moved on to newer threads.

1154 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:01:20pm

re: #1125 iceweasel

Amen.
I am surprised at the number of people who are parroting this nonsense.
It's a bit of a eyeopener for me, I know there is a lot of distrust and disdain for Obama from many here, and out right hatred from some.
But believing that there is some hidden agenda in his welcome back to school message is pretty silly, and needs to be remembered when different more complex topics come up.
If some one thinks the worse of him doing this, then what can be said to them on a subject as thorny and divisive as Health Care?
Their arguments will be from a place that brooks no dissent from the line of "Obama is out to ruin the country and a lier, Marxist, or whatever", so no line of reasoning can be made to even get them to consider a position where Obama is right, or at lease not fully wrong, and no line of argument from then can be trusted not to be twisted to maximize their pov.
Weird, and sad.
As examples:re: #7 mbruce

re: #167 Rexatosis

As someone who has a graduate degree in Ed., has taught H.S., and teaches College, anyone who thinks Pres. Obama's speech to the students will not be used by pro-Obama teachers to promote the President's agenda is naive. The whole "letter" to help the President will be used as part of that. Down-ding if you want but I'm in the ed. business.

And this post got 18 up-dings, for Haven's sake.
re: #271 Desert Dog

And there are plenty more.

1155 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:01:34pm

re: #1153 Charles

As usual, the nutjobs turn out when everyone has moved on to newer threads.

The Freaks Come Out at Night:

Youtube Video
1156 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:02:21pm

re: #1154 doubter4444

Well said!

1157 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:02:58pm

re: #1153 Charles

As usual, the nutjobs turn out when everyone has moved on to newer threads.

Yikes! I seem to get in late to threads...

1158 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:04:29pm

re: #1156 Bagua

Well said!

Thanks!

1159 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:05:13pm

re: #1157 doubter4444

Yikes! I seem to get in late to threads...

If the shoe fits :)

/wait a minute, I just arrived too.

1160 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:06:05pm

re: #1151 Hanoch

. . . . Privately operated charter schools have been able to run rings around the public schools with regard to raising test scores in less affluent areas at less cost. As far as I am concerned, it is unconscionable that Obama allows kids to languish in horrible public schools while sending his own kids to private schools.

er, not always. charter schools in my area have pretty much failed, big-time, and many closed.

1161 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:08:23pm

re: #1151 Hanoch

[...]As far as I am concerned, it is unconscionable that Obama allows kids to languish in horrible public schools while sending his own kids to private schools.

So the President is suddenly responsible for the state of public schools? Has Obama been pulling the strings all these years?

1162 What, me worry?  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:09:42pm

re: #1151 Hanoch

For many generations in this country, everyone got an excellent public education without vouchers and little competition outside parochial schools, and where colleges weren't beyond economic means, including community colleges. We have to find our way back there and that isn't going to be by private schools or vouchers.

Many school districts in this country are too poor to afford amenities that other wealthier, public schools enjoy, computers and special programs. Helping children raised in poor communities to have equal access to excellent, free education helps everyone, mainly by decreasing crime.

Obama has been working to make community colleges more accessible by providing some funding in exchange for community service. I think it's a great idea.

1163 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:09:47pm

re: #1151 Hanoch

The fact is when public schools have no real competition, quality goes down and costs go up. Vouchers would force the public schools to up their game and become more efficient while giving parents and their children an opportunity for a real education. The teachers union knows this and that is why it opposes vouchers so vehemently. The democrats, who care more about re-election than providing their constituents with a quality education, dutifully toe the line. The people I know who work in the public schools all confess privately how fiscally inefficient the public schools are, which is no surprise given that they are government run. Privately operated charter schools have been able to run rings around the public schools with regard to raising test scores in less affluent areas at less cost. As far as I am concerned, it is unconscionable that Obama allows kids to languish in horrible public schools while sending his own kids to private schools.


The schools got worse since Obama Was inaugurated?

Sorry, but President Bush and every other president did the same thing.

So singling out obama is pure ODS.

1164 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:10:43pm

re: #1163 Shug

The schools got worse since Obama Was inaugurated?

Sorry, but President Bush and every other president did the same thing.

So singling out obama is pure ODS.

That's correct.

1165 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:13:34pm

re: #1161 Bagua

So the President is suddenly responsible for the state of public schools? Has Obama been pulling the strings all these years?

exactly, great point.
Schools are a state/county responsibility.

1166 srmoss  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:20:59pm

BHO's message to students: Despite all evidence to the contrary, the govt. has your best interests at heart.

1167 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:22:50pm

re: #1166 srmoss

BHO's message to students: Despite all evidence to the contrary, the govt. has your best interests at heart.

I'm not surprised at all to see a creationist falling for this nonsense.

1168 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:26:39pm

re: #1166 srmoss

BHO's message to students: Despite all evidence to the contrary, the govt. has your best interests at heart.

The President has a background as an educator, one expects and welcomes his efforts to improve public education, it was part of his platform.

1169 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:27:31pm

re: #1125 iceweasel

I bet Charles didn't realise just how appropriate his post title was at first-- not just for the Freepers, but for here. I can't believe the number of people here willing to go along with the freakout, downdinging Killgore for being a voice of reason, and desperately hunting for some way, some how, to find something sinister about Obama's speech or the lesson plans-- some slightly less wingnutty version of the fullon bugeyed Freeper Freakout.

No-one would be objecting if McCain had won and was doing this. There is nothing wrong with the POTUS doing this. And people wouldn't have had a problem with a Republican POTUS doing it.

Ice- I had some concerns about the lesson plan activites, and questioned the purpose of a particular activity. This is a routine thing for me, for any activity my daughter is subject to. And I would have done it even if McCain or any other Republican were president - I pay attention to what is going on with my daughter's education. I never thought there was anything "sinister" about the speech itself, and in fact, it may be a good thing if Obama can reach certain students with a message of "study hard". However, I think it it is perfectly appropriate for some of us to question the purpose of a particular activity (and which has been modified, btw, and is a better activity because of the modification).

Just asking that you don't lump everybody into that "people" group you mentioned up above.



There are people who can have reasonable concerns without the concerns being ODS.

1170 Charles Johnson  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:27:51pm

We've now had two of LGF's remaining creationists weigh in on this issue -- and imagine my surprise that they're both on the side of the hyperventilating kooks.

1171 reine.de.tout  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:30:16pm

re: #1166 srmoss

BHO's message to students: Despite all evidence to the contrary, the govt. has your best interests at heart.

Have you seen a draft of his speech?
How would you know that's what the message will be?
There isn't any way you can know that. Suggest you wait and see. If you don't like the speech, have a discussion with your kids. It's what I'll do.

1172 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:32:07pm

I don't think Obama is going to brainwash our children. I think that seeing a black man who is also POTUS telling them to stay in school and do well is NOT a bad thing. And yes, I do think his race will make as much as an impact as his words in this instance.

I do have some reservations about the POTUS speaking directly to the children. I would be nice if the promoters made sure that everyone knew that Parents are welcome to attend as well. I don't know this is true, I can only assume they are not barred from the schools. Perhaps the opportunity for parents to watch it on the web and talk about it with their children afterwards would be a good thing.

An opportunity to reinforce the parts of the message parents like and to explain what they may not like. As Obama said in his interview with that DARLING little boy (OMG was he cute in that suit!), parents are the most important part of a child's education.

1173 Shug  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:35:33pm

It's only fitting that kooks come to a thread about kooks.

Like Moths to a flame...

1174 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:36:54pm

re: #1173 Shug

Yes welcome, what took you so long?

:)

1175 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:41:53pm

re: #900 Desert Dog

Actually Arab women are very beautiful. Think Mediterranean - Greek, Italian, Turkish, Spanish...dark skin, dark eyes.

Arab girls are gorgeous.

Arab, Jewish, non-frum girls are gorgeous and wear bikinis.

If I got a chance to swap bodies with any given celebrity, it would be Emaniuelle Chriqui.

1176 im_gumby_damnit  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:44:31pm

It's going to be pretty interesting to see if the Big O slips in something about his socialized medicine program. Personally, I don't think he can resist. We'll see.

1177 Almost Killed by Space Hookers  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:45:15pm

OK... ummm... I have something terrible to admit...

I helped write the speech.

The one that our great president will give to our nations' children.

I worked with the psycholinguistics department at Los Alamos for five months on this baby.

The speech is 14 minutes and 53 seconds long. The undertones and subsonic enhancements from the broadcast coupled with the light patterns in the presidential seal are a masterwork of all the research that went into MK Ulttra.

In just 113 seconds, it reduced a test subject, a former marine and life long member of the GOP and the NRA into a vegan!

After just 145 seconds he discovered his feminine side and now wishes to be called Amanda!

This is my masterwork!!!

When it was shown to a platoon of army rangers, they became the following:

Youtube Video

You think I'm joking? Those were RANGERS!!!

After five full minutes, this is what it did to Navy SEALS!

Youtube Video

Your children have no chance!!!

BWAHAAA HAAA HAAA

1178 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:48:21pm

re: #1177 LudwigVanQuixote

Ha, I just knew it!

You'll never get away with this dastardly plot.

1179 srmoss  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:49:07pm

re: #1168 Bagua

Your argument lacks any teeth if you consider the results of his work in the Chicago school system.

1180 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:49:29pm

re: #1139 haakondahl

Looks like you're having rough day, too.

I am!
Damn Kids!

1181 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:49:42pm

re: #978 Locker

Ok so this is a true story which affected my opinion of Saudi women's "hotness"...

I was serving in Iraq/Kuwait/Saudi during Desert Storm. We've done what we came to do and now it's time to go home. All our equipment is convoyed back down to Dahran to get ready for shipment via ship back to Houston (Ft Sill being the final destination).

Anyone who's been in the military and dealt with any kind of load master knows that they won't let JACK on their airplane, truck or ship unless it is completely clean, no leaks and all the loads are tied down and braced. This requirement had us take over a local car wash and spend several days pressure washing all of our vehicles.

One night at about 2:30 AM a few of us were taking a smoke break during the activity, a mixed crowd of male and female soldiers. One of our females, to put it delicately, resembled a cross between Ellen and Bill Maher with regard to looks.

As we are hanging out a late model Mercedes pulls up with curtains in the window and a gold hood ornament. This Saudi guy gets out and is in full garb and apparently very wealthy. He comes walking right up to us, ignoring the females and says in a very loud (and accented) voice, "How much for this woman?".

Of course we look where he's pointing and he has his sights set on Billen MaherGeneres and won't take no for an answer. He offered us his car, 50 camels and lastly ... cash. After that incident I had a hard time imaging that Saudi women were anything I'd be interested in if Billen warrants a price of 50 forking camels.

Sure he wasn't just forking with you?
Being rude because he's gotten a rise out of Westerners like that before?
Or, hell, maybe he's always lusted for Bill Maher, and figured this was his big chance.

1182 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:51:53pm

re: #1005 Locker

I didn't read the charges but you are not allowed to discharge any weapon except under the standard ROE rules of engagement. Additionally the Saudi rancher who owned the camel was PISSED. I wasn't joking about him having to pay either and it was some ridiculous number like 35k. Must have been a show camel.

Camels are expensive.

1183 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:52:38pm

re: #1179 srmoss

Your argument lacks any teeth if you consider the results of his work in the Chicago school system.

That's ok, I can gum my way through fatuous assertions.

1184 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:53:50pm
If you own a camel, your problems are as big as a camel

Old Arabic saying.

1185 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:54:03pm

re: #1183 Bagua

That's ok, I can gum my way through fatuous assertions.

LOL at srmoss.

1186 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:57:12pm

re: #1060 aLohaTim

If it was just a speech, I wouldn't care either. It's the additional material with a list of questions for the teachers to generate a class discussion.
Do the Teachers need guidance from the federal government?
This on top of a post be Breitbart about an NEA conference call with selected artists to get behind ObamaCare by artistic expression. Those are the sorts of things that bother me.

The lesson suggestions are standard issue, and will be ignored by at least 80% of the teachers whose students actually see this thing. I don't know what total percentage of teachers that will be, nationally.

1187 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:58:12pm

re: #1169 reine.de.tout

An up ding for that.
I know you have concerns but a little research asuages it, I think. (I hope)
This is nothing but an attempt to damage the president in the most purile way. It's wrong.

1188 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 8:59:35pm

re: #1079 Born Again Republican

Is it mandatory for all public schools to watch Obama's speech?

Can't be. Federal govt. doesn't have that kind of control over state or local school authorities.

1189 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:01:16pm

re: #1084 Rancher

I can see how they might get the impression that we in rural America are playing cowboy with our guns. However America is a pretty violent culture, gangs have proliferated throughout the country, not to mention your regular run of the mill drug addicts and criminals. When you live four hours or so from any sort of law enforcement like I did when I lived out on the ranch then guns weren't just for fun. I also had family to protect. Not the same as living in Israel by any means, although as Mexico descends further and further into a narcostate it may get closer, it's also not the same as living in a gated community inn San Francisco.

We have gated communities in San Francisco? Who knew?

1190 jaunte  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:02:53pm

re: #1189 SanFranciscoZionist

The whole bay area is Golden Gated.

1191 srmoss  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:05:06pm

re: #1185 Dark_Falcon

If it keeps your pipe dream alive, then gum away.

1192 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:11:25pm

re: #1146 Born Again Republican

Remember when this came out? Childred sing Obama The idea that teachers will use this idea to push their politics is not that far fetched.

And that's the core of it, isn't it? Pure contempt for anyone teaching in the public school system.

1193 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:14:23pm

re: #1160 reine.de.tout

er, not always. charter schools in my area have pretty much failed, big-time, and many closed.

Here too. Some are good, some are pathetic, but they all have the ability to select students in a way the public schools don't. People forget that.

1194 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:16:26pm

re: #1187 doubter4444

An up ding for that.
I know you have concerns but a little research asuages it, I think. (I hope)
This is nothing but an attempt to damage the president in the most purile way. It's wrong.

Sorry for the typos!
His post instead of Sepll check...

1195 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:16:57pm

re: #1192 SanFranciscoZionist

And that's the core of it, isn't it? Pure contempt for anyone teaching in the public school system.

Good observation.

1196 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:21:19pm

re: #1191 srmoss

If it keeps your pipe dream alive, then gum away.

I smoke neither pipes nor anything else, sir. I just find creationism silly, and I have it on good authority that you advocate it.

1197 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:47:59pm

re: #1126 doubter4444

You are spouting absolute nonsense.
It's neither unprecedented, nor a creepy intrusion into anything.
What I find creepy is that so many think that this is some stealth brainwashing kind of thing.
It'd be funny if it were not so sad.

OK, if I'm "spouting absolute nonsense," then clearly you must DISAGREE with the propositions I made, to the effect that children are impressionable, and that the Supreme Court banned prayer and Bible reading in public schools in part because children are impressionable.

So please enlighten us -- Do you disagree with those propositions?

Further, since you claim there's a precedent for a U.S. President taking up an hour of school time across the entire country to "inspire" and "challenge" schoolchildren with questions about their "goals," and asking them to rank the President's 3 most important statements in his speech, then OBVIOUSLY you can identify that precedent.

Therefore please do so.

1198 srmoss  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:49:27pm

re: #1196 Dark_Falcon

Wow, any observation or opinion is automatically null because a person believes in creation? Besides being off-topic, it's a terribly bigoted point of view.

1199 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:50:39pm

re: #1197 JPL17

oooh, italics and ALLCAPS, cues the reader that the poster is making a Killer point. I'm impressed.

1200 jordash1212  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:52:20pm

re: #176 Ben Hur

Give one example.

Lebanon. After Obama's speech in Cairo the Lebanese people re-elected a pro-American government and locked out Hizbollah.

1201 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:54:07pm

re: #1198 srmoss

Wow, any observation or opinion is automatically null because a person believes in creation? Besides being off-topic, it's a terribly bigoted point of view.

Bigoted? I didn't realise creationists are an ethnic or racial group.

1202 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:55:56pm

re: #1197 JPL17

It's a 20 minute address and covered by US statutes. Therefore it is also perfectly legal. When the day is done which included this 20 minute address most of them will have watched somewhere in the neighborhood of over 3 hours of regular television programming that day. For the older students it will include hours on the internet, text messaging and other associated activities.

1203 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:56:00pm

re: #1199 Bagua

oooh, italics and ALLCAPS, cues the reader that the poster is making a Killer point. I'm impressed.

Are you an idiot? If not, reply with substance, not snark.

1204 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 9:58:43pm

re: #1203 JPL17

Are you an idiot? If not, reply with substance, not snark.

Bagua is not an idiot, but you just might be.

1205 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:03:49pm

re: #1202 Gus 802

It's a 20 minute address and covered by US statutes. Therefore it is also perfectly legal. When the day is done which included this 20 minute address most of them will have watched somewhere in the neighborhood of over 3 hours of regular television programming that day. For the older students it will include hours on the internet, text messaging and other associated activities.

That's it? It's not illegal, therefore it's OK? Good grief, that's lame. If Obama's motives are so innocent, then please explain the extensive questions and exercises for students that the White House is asking teachers to give their students before, during and after Obama's speech. Can you?

1206 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:09:04pm

re: #1204 Dark_Falcon

Bagua is not an idiot, but you just might be.

If Bague isn't an idiot, then I'm sure he can answer my challenge without your help, thanks.

1207 Gus  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:09:55pm

re: #1205 JPL17

That's it? It's not illegal, therefore it's OK? Good grief, that's lame. If Obama's motives are so innocent, then please explain the extensive questions and exercises for students that the White House is asking teachers to give their students before, during and after Obama's speech. Can you?

He's the president genius. Get that through your thick little skull. We might not like what he does from time to time but he remains the POTUS. If that includes questions that's perfectly acceptable. There is nothing to coerce these students into answering in a positive light regarding this address. They are free to criticize his speech if they feel compelled to do so. This country is run by the executive branch, congress, and the supreme court -- through elections or appointments. It is not run by Fox News, Tea Parties, and enraged crowds.

1208 JPL17  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:20:02pm

re: #1207 Gus 802

You insult me, and characterize me, without answering my questions. So long.

1209 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:22:38pm

re: #1208 JPL17

You insult me, and characterize me, without answering my questions. So long.

Don't let the door hit you in mid-flounce.

1210 swamprat  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 10:44:47pm

Attempting to post.
It is great that Obama chooses to address the children of America.
Asking questions to ensure that the children will listen and have listened is not brainwashing...it is necessary.
If Obama tried to hip-mo-tize defenseless children on national TV, congress would go republican, faster than greased lightning. If influencing children is the earmark of the truly evil, then put me down with the pastors, and teachers, and scoutleaders, and librarians, and sundayschool teachers, and Dr. Seuss, and all the other villains who practice this ugly art.
My President wants to take the time to address Americas' youth. God bless him for that.
I can list his flaws and shortcomings another day.
He IS the president; maybe we can show a little respect.

1211 Bagua  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 11:06:39pm

re: #1203 JPL17

Are you an idiot? If not, reply with substance, not snark.

Fatuous comments deserve an answer in kind. You may go now.

1212 doubter4444  Wed, Sep 2, 2009 11:30:20pm

re: #1210 swamprat

Attempting to post.
It is great that Obama chooses to address the children of America.
Asking questions to ensure that the children will listen and have listened is not brainwashing...it is necessary.
If Obama tried to hip-mo-tize defenseless children on national TV, congress would go republican, faster than greased lightning. If influencing children is the earmark of the truly evil, then put me down with the pastors, and teachers, and scoutleaders, and librarians, and sundayschool teachers, and Dr. Seuss, and all the other villains who practice this ugly art.
My President wants to take the time to address Americas' youth. God bless him for that.
I can list his flaws and shortcomings another day.
He IS the president; maybe we can show a little respect.

Well said.
Thank you for distilling what I feel.

1213 dsun  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:59:20am

Charles, i think you are missing the points here as do some others who goes nuts over that speech, it's not really about the speech but what's around.

Time are tough for Obama, his healthcare reform is seriously in jeopardy, why do you think he is turning to children at that precise time ? it's the left favorite medium when things are getting tough, they turn to children to reassert themselves.

i think M.M summed it up best, the context is everything here.

1214 aRedPhishHead  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 4:46:52am

Maybe Obama can talk to the kids about fiscal responsibility and not smoking.

;-)

1215 AtadOFF  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 4:58:10am

re: #84 Occasional Reader

To quote Charles "Don't you realize that people don't want to hear that?"

1216 JohnH  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 5:13:20am

So if we have separation of church and state and god is banned from the schools, why doesn't this apply to Obama?

1217 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 5:28:17am

From the length of this thread, I'd say the moderator has greatly mismeasured the gravity of the issue and concerns. I have written to my son's school and if there is no opt out option, he's staying at home on 09/08.

Again, if that makes me a right-wingnut, then so be it.

1218 Ian MacGregor  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 6:57:38am

Perhaps people are looking not only at his words, but his actions. Such as the overly-favorable treatment of unions in the GM/Chrysler deals. Part of the problem the automobile companies had/have was trying to meet the obligations of their union contracts. Interestingly Japan has very strong unions. It is not unions per se which are a problem, but unions which make unreasonable demands. The UAW should not have been placed ahead of debt holders. This was a radical change to bankruptcy procedures to award political backers.

The investigations of the previous administration which appear to be in their nascent stage. It seems clear that Bush wanted to know how intensive interrogations cold be without it being torture. Now the president through Holder is looking into it. You cannot stop with the interrogators themselves, if they were carry on approved policy, which is now deemed onerous and illegal, then surely the policy makers have the ultimate responsibility.

Now there are those who believe everything the president does is evil, as there were those who though the same Bush and Dick, Prince of Darkness, Cheney. They believe that the president orchestrates the questionable acrtivities by SEIU members or Acorn, the protests at John Yu's residents etc. Just as many on the left feel that some how the town hall protesters are receiving marching orders from talk radio or Republican operatives.

Then there is how the stimulus money has been spent often rewarding political friends. Its always been true that "If you drink the King's wine, you need to sing the King's song." The president tried to deny stimulus money to California as it was cutting subsidies to SEIU members in an effort to get its financial house in order.

I'd mention socialized medicine as another radical part of the President's agenda, but I am for it so it cannot be radical.

Both sides need to step back. No one is trying to destroy the country. There is a fundamental disagreement over how to improve the lives of those in it.

As far as the talk to school children: I see nothing wrong with it.

Now about the hatred of Christianity. No one can know what is in another's heart. It's also very common to assign beliefs of those who are active participants on a Blog to the blog owner. Has there ever been a posting about the good works done by Christians over the world? Posts involving religion have tended to be about those who claim to be followers of Christ while committing atrocities. This is definitely not a pro-Christian blog. This is a blog which deals with hypocrisy. As such it will not have many pro-Christian stories, but will bring to light Christians behaving badly.

Perhaps many believe the evidence of evolution is anti-Christian. It is not, it is pro-science. However, I would advise some caution here. Trying to figure exactly how things evolved is dicey. Gould warned against "Just so" stories. For quite a while the dinosaurs who were claimed to be the ancestors of birds came from fossils which were younger than Archeopteryx. This is not to say that birds did not evolve from reptiles, but that they split from another another group. Then there was a claim, if I read it write, that somehow Humans were more closely related to Lemurs than the anthropomorphic apes. Certainly our DNA argues otherwise.

1219 Eclectic Infidel  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 7:05:26am

Being at anti-Israel rallies (counter-demonstrating), I have experienced a wide array of moonbats, and far, far-left leftists (Marxists, really) who would have made the true blue peace activists of the 60's and 70's feel out of place. Indeed, many a conservative have said that the SF Bay Area's political leanings are upside down, and they'd be right. And I say this as someone who is not conservative either.

In my not so humble opinion, moonbats take second place to the conservative crowd that is promulgating this bat guano nuttiness.

A simple speech to kids about, "working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility," has somehow transformed a mob of barking at the moon knuckle-scrapers into an ugly, hate-filled barrage of rage against the President. They are seeing demons where there are none to be seen. They are inventing a boogie man without rhyme or reason.

1220 srmoss  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 7:50:29am

re: #1171 reine.de.tout

re: #1196 Dark_Falcon

I smoke neither pipes nor anything else, sir. I just find creationism silly, and I have it on good authority that you advocate it.

Good authority? Angels or a cranky cyclist?

1221 smorpheus  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 8:48:47am

re: #1217 bemused

Yes, yes it does make you a wingnut; my lefty mom never pulled me away from the TV when Reagan was on. Having a President on TV is an important of growing up in the USA. This is hysteria.

1222 LibraryGryffon  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 9:06:48am

OK, I haven't read all the comments, but while I don't have a problem with the idea of the president giving an address to school children, I did have problems with bits of the lesson plans (the bits they've since changed). Not initially knowing the exact content of the speech, and seeing plans which seemed rather Obama-centric raised flags for a lot of people. One of the initial activities was to write a letter to themselves about "what they can do to help the president". Help the president do what? And if it's just stay in school and study hard, I don't want them doing it for Obama (or any other elected official, from any party, ever), but for themselves. (If Bush had done the same thing, with the same lesson plan, even with the text of the speech in front of them at the time, everyone to the left of McCain would have been screeching loud enough to be heard a few galaxies over.) I am quite happy to have the President tell my child how important school is. I am NOT happy to have my child promise to help Obama personally.

If they had been more specific on the speech content with no lesson plans attached, or with those plans being the current ones, very little of this hyperventilating would have occurred. And no, even with the original plans, I was sending my children to school that day.

1223 arromdee  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 9:09:10am

The devil is in the details.

If it's just about working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility, fine. But a lot of people just don't trust that that's all it's going to be.

1224 westbankmama  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 9:40:42am

The lesson plans that are suggested with his speech are troubling. "Why is it important to listen to the President?" etc.

I always thought that the President (and other political leaders) were supposed to listen to the people. They serve us, not the other way around.

Every time I read about what is happening in America lately I get creeped out!

1225 nikis-knight  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 9:42:06am

re: #1119 marjoriemoon

Those were just the examples I could think of in 30 seconds. I should have added Howard Dean, who is literally the party leader, saying that Republicans want children to go to bed hungry, or that one interesting theory is that Bush knew about 9/11 and let it happen.

1226 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 9:55:10am

re: #1217 bemused

From the length of this thread, I'd say the moderator has greatly mismeasured the gravity of the issue and concerns. I have written to my son's school and if there is no opt out option, he's staying at home on 09/08.

Again, if that makes me a right-wingnut, then so be it.

It does.

1227 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:16:52am

re: #1226 doubter4444

It does.

If the shoe fits...

1228 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:18:26am

re: #1221 smorpheus

I take that as a badge of honor. My son's reaction BTW to news of this 'speech' was; 'Didn't the Japanese do the same thing in WWII?'

The president, like any person in this country has the right to publicly put forth agenda/ideology. The problem you fail to see is here there will be a captive audience. You could have walked away from/tuned out a reagan broadcast, these school children may not have that bacis option so central to our freedoms.

1229 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:24:19am

re: #1228 bemused

Nonsense, children at school are always a "captive audience," in fact, they are generally punished for not paying attention and such. It has always been so and has nothing to do with "our freedoms."

1230 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:25:24am

re: #1222 LibraryGryffon

OK, I haven't read all the comments, but while I don't have a problem with the idea of the president giving an address to school children, I did have problems with bits of the lesson plans (the bits they've since changed). Not initially knowing the exact content of the speech, and seeing plans which seemed rather Obama-centric raised flags for a lot of people. One of the initial activities was to write a letter to themselves about "what they can do to help the president". Help the president do what? And if it's just stay in school and study hard, I don't want them doing it for Obama (or any other elected official, from any party, ever), but for themselves. (If Bush had done the same thing, with the same lesson plan, even with the text of the speech in front of them at the time, everyone to the left of McCain would have been screeching loud enough to be heard a few galaxies over.) I am quite happy to have the President tell my child how important school is. I am NOT happy to have my child promise to help Obama personally.

If they had been more specific on the speech content with no lesson plans attached, or with those plans being the current ones, very little of this hyperventilating would have occurred. And no, even with the original plans, I was sending my children to school that day.

Respectfully, I think you are wrong.
Lots and lots of people are making that argument "it's the lesson plan" or "help the president" as an excuse frankly for taking a (metaphorical) shot at the president.
Yes, the DoEd changed the poorly worded section to clarify it, but really, why should that be necessary?
To answer my own question, it's because so many are so willing to think the worse about him.
Some people really do think he is out to destroy the country.
And many sane (I think anyway) seem to have bought part way into it.
Which brings us to this post (and I'm only using this one as reflective of hundreds here saying the same thing, so no personal offense).
Some vague distrust that these "lessons" and the "helping the president" have an ulterior motive, something other than exactly what they are:
A simple little message to the kids, something that virtually EVERY other president has done in the past (albeit with new technology, so it's more immediate).

This mindset is so depressing because then ANYTHING he does will then be criticized the moment he does it, without reflection, thought or rationality.
It started before the election: Argula, and Dijon mustard and a home garden all scorned and ridiculed reflexively by a section of the right as some indication that he is different and wrong and not one of us, therefore against us and as a logical extension from there, some sort of enemy.

It's boggling, really and disturbing.
That's what we have descended into.

1231 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:26:36am

re: #1227 Bagua

If the shoe fits...

Wait a minute, you said that about me too!
;)

1232 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:28:45am

re: #1228 bemused

I take that as a badge of honor. My son's reaction BTW to news of this 'speech' was; 'Didn't the Japanese do the same thing in WWII?'

The president, like any person in this country has the right to publicly put forth agenda/ideology. The problem you fail to see is here there will be a captive audience. You could have walked away from/tuned out a reagan broadcast, these school children may not have that bacis option so central to our freedoms.

oh for Gods sake.
you son should log off FR, move out of the basement and get a life.

1233 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:28:53am

re: #1229 Bagua

Sorry, but the freedom not to be forced to listen to any point of view unrebutted, has absolutely zero relevance to any supposed 'freedom' not to pay attention in class. Perhaps that is something you may have missed in your education?

1234 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:30:20am

re: #1231 doubter4444

Wait a minute, you said that about me too!
;)

Equal rights, doncha know!

:)

1235 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:33:26am

re: #1233 bemused

Sorry, but the freedom not to be forced to listen to any point of view unrebutted, has absolutely zero relevance to any supposed 'freedom' not to pay attention in class. Perhaps that is something you may have missed in your education?

Oh stop with the eloquent words, schools have never been democracies where the children could choose what they listened to, nor is there any obligation for opposing viewpoints.

1236 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:34:21am

re: #1232 doubter4444


I have a very serious problem when someone attacks my child's intelligence and integrity especially as a means to take issue with my opinions. If someone wants to declare I have cloven hooves, a tail and carry a pitchfork, so what? That comes with the territory. But attacking my child, that is base and cowardly

1237 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:38:48am

re: #1236 bemused

You really have a taste for the dramatic in your comments. It you who provided your son's comment in support of your position, thus it fair play to mention him. Any sensible person would know that a comparison between the Imperial Japanese and our current Presiding giving a simple school address is absurd and indicates a lack of education.

1238 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:39:40am

President

1239 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:40:16am

re: #1236 bemused

I have a very serious problem when someone attacks my child's intelligence and integrity especially as a means to take issue with my opinions. If someone wants to declare I have cloven hooves, a tail and carry a pitchfork, so what? That comes with the territory. But attacking my child, that is base and cowardly

Base and cowardly, no, but uncalled for,
True.
Apologies.

1240 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:48:37am

re: #1237 Bagua

You really have a taste for the dramatic in your comments. It you who provided your son's comment in support of your position, thus it fair play to mention him. Any sensible person would know that a comparison between the Imperial Japanese and our current Presiding giving a simple school address is absurd and indicates a lack of education.

Thanks, and agreed, and I figured that a son capable of saying 'Didn't the Japanese do the same thing in WWII?", was not in K-12, so fair game.
However, it seems that perhaps he is younger, and seemingly, "precocious"!
Anyway it was a cheap shot, (but fun).
If he is in HS (or younger), it's a pretty weird take on the issue, I got to say, as thats a pretty far right position to take as a kid.
The poster could be a might afraid of counter-brain washing going on perhaps.
Still, it was over the line and I won't do it again.

1241 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:55:12am

re: #1240 doubter4444

I get a laugh out of people who say "my son said..." or "my wife said..." and then get all huffy when someone replies. In this case it's clear that "the nut doesn't fall far from the tree."

1242 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 11:21:34am

re: #1241 Bagua

I get a laugh out of people who say "my son said..." or "my wife said..." and then get all huffy when someone replies. In this case it's clear that "the nut doesn't fall far from the tree."

LOL!
True that!

1243 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 12:14:35pm

re: #1239 doubter4444

Thank you. I should have also added 'sulfurous odor' to the cloves hooves etc., description :-)

1244 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 12:15:51pm

re: #1237 Bagua


Have sight , yet cannot see.

1245 [deleted]  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 12:47:45pm
1246 Charles Johnson  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:03:03pm

re: #1245 guillermox

Bye now!

1247 drcordell  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:12:29pm

Just in case anyone hasn't managed to discover this on their own... President George Herbert Walker Bush "indoctrinated" the youth of America with his own speech to schools in 1989. The topic was drug abuse.

1248 LibraryGryffon  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:13:54pm

re: #1230 doubter4444

Perhaps we're "willing to think the worst of him" because of what we've already seen from this adminstration?

I would have been just as annoyed if any other president of any party had been asking my children to help him. Asking what you can do for a specific president isn't quite the same as Kennedy's "Ask what you can do for your country". The lesson plan as it was originally sent out seemed to feed into the whole cult of Obama that we've been seeing since the beginning of the campaign, where the messenger is more important than the message.

You can also look at as, if it's OK for a Democrat President to do it, is it all right for a Republican one? I know the answer from those on the left, and it's not "yes". As far as I'm concerned, if it's not OK for one party, it's not OK for the other.

1249 Bagua  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:15:18pm

re: #1244 bemused

Have sight , yet cannot see.

Now where did I hear that before.

"Those with eyes will not see. Those with ears will not hear." -Glenn Beck

1250 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:33:51pm

Totally off-topic, but I've got a rather intersting artifact when I write on this site. For reasons beyond me, the text does not display in real time, but only after the cursor has stopped moving, which may take anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds depending on how much I've written. Is it just me and this PC?

1251 shimoda  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:35:59pm

As a European it is quite fascinating to see how Obama can make people freak out completely. Nothing he says or does is in any way controversial for someone like me who is used to politicians in Europe.
He IS a better orator though than any European politician that I know of.

1252 bemused  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 1:39:01pm

re: #1251 shimodaI will give him that, that he is far better an orator than Bush was/is.

1253 doubter4444  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 2:05:09pm

re: #1248 LibraryGryffon

Perhaps we're "willing to think the worst of him" because of what we've already seen from this administration?

I would have been just as annoyed if any other president of any party had been asking my children to help him. Asking what you can do for a specific president isn't quite the same as Kennedy's "Ask what you can do for your country". The lesson plan as it was originally sent out seemed to feed into the whole cult of Obama that we've been seeing since the beginning of the campaign, where the messenger is more important than the message.

You can also look at as, if it's OK for a Democrat President to do it, is it all right for a Republican one? I know the answer from those on the left, and it's not "yes". As far as I'm concerned, if it's not OK for one party, it's not OK for the other.

Two things:
1) The"helping the president" line has been changed and was at best in-artful language. I mentioned in the post you refer to, and earlier also.
It's a misrepresenting to say it's about helping a specific president.
My opinion is, as I said above, that to willfully misunderstand the line is a result of wanting something to be wrong with whatever he does.
And by buying into that means that you think he has an agenda to do something nefarious.
Otherwise you would not care.
2) As to: "willing to think the worst of him" because of what we've already seen from this administration?
I really think that's a dodge, UNLESS you buy the brain washing theory. That he wants to address kids and wish them well is universal pablum. Why "wonder" that there is anything fishy with it because you don't like the health care debate? or the bailout? I just do not see how the two are linked except by the bad faith argument: He's sneaky and evil, and argued in bad faith, therefore everything he does should be considered suspect.
Again, that's fine, but then those who believe that need to be see through that prism, and everything they say needs to be looked at with the fact that nothing he can do will be worth while, or positive, or for the good of the country, because in the least of things, he is still wrong.
I do not believe that.
I think it is wrong to believe that, as it does not add to the discourse, rather it detracts from it, given that any arguments will stem from the position that he is wrong.
I will also add that as much as many don't trust what he says and think he is a liar and so forth, that is not true.
He has done pretty everything he said he would while campaigning.
The one reversal is the CIA investigation in which he did say he would table, and I'm kind of surprised he is going forward with it.

I know i said 2 things, but...
As far as "if a republican president did it the left would be screaming, that's been shown in the thread to not to be the case.
We may disagree on the point, but I like the idea of the president talking directly to children, I think its a great expression of American democracy in that it shows that anyone can become the leader of the free world and it shows that they are not royalty and and are, ultimately one of the people.
What on earth is wrong with that, from either side?
Distrust and disdain for the office of the president is not a "freedom" thing it's an irrational, unproductive point of view that does a disservice to the Union.
People should be proud of the president, no matter who he (or she!) is, they deserve our respect.

1254 countryjoe63  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 4:00:16pm

Here is the reason for the backlash against Obama speaking to school children: To a lot of parents, he may have earned that privledge by becoming President of the United States. However, since he's been in office, he's trashed this country up and down in speaches overseas and has said several times, he wants to remake America. He's lost this privledge. It's these comments that give parents reservations about having their children being addressed by this guy. I think their reservations are justified.

1255 SalsaNChips  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 4:57:03pm

Check out the video shown to elementary school kids and decide for yourself if it is leftist propaganda or not:

[Link: www.ksl.com...]

Particularly at 3:55 – “I pledge, to be a servant to our president…”.

Ummm, ‘scuse me?

I pledge, to tell Obama to take his indoctrination crap and shove it.

1256 Banner  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:34:17pm

Considering Obama's track record, the kind of person he is, the kinds of things he professes, and the kind of people he associates with, you think there is no reason for people to be worried or upset? These kids are a captive audience, if they cut school they're breaking the law (truency, remember?). And the teachers union is one of Obama's biggest supporters, so if he starts getting into area's he shouldn't, do you really think they'll pull the plug? No, they'll just back him all the way.

It's creepy, it's improper. And politically it's been handled really stupidly. With all of the attention, I am sure the original planned speech has by now been modified, but it is still just a bad idea. This guy's record with education is pretty dismal after all.

1257 Charles Johnson  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:55:58pm

re: #1255 SalsaNChips

Check out the video shown to elementary school kids and decide for yourself if it is leftist propaganda or not:

[Link: www.ksl.com...]

Particularly at 3:55 – “I pledge, to be a servant to our president…”.

Ummm, ‘scuse me?

I pledge, to tell Obama to take his indoctrination crap and shove it.

What are you talking about? Barack Obama had NOTHING to do with that video. It was produced by Ashton Freaking Kutcher.

1258 Charles Johnson  Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:58:21pm

re: #1256 Banner

Considering Obama's track record, the kind of person he is, the kinds of things he professes, and the kind of people he associates with, you think there is no reason for people to be worried or upset?

That's right. I think there is absolutely no reason to be upset that he's going to tell kids to work hard and stay in school.

If he uses this opportunity to sneak in some commie indoctrination, then you can start yelling. Yelling now just makes you look like a blind ideologue, who hates everything about Barack Obama and refuses to be rational.


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