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Obama Among The Schoolchildren. And Bush.
From Obama's prepared remarks today, to be delivered from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia:
It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other. So today, I want to ask you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
Whole talk here. Should Obama invoke images of armed insurrection in a school setting? Isn't that supposed to be reserved for town hall meetings and right-wing jerkoffs? In any case, Obama's JKFesque invocation of national service bugs the hell out of me. I strongly suspect that none of the great movers and shakers at, say Facebook or the Twitter, or Apple or Microsoft, or whatever, ever seriously thought about what the president of the future was going to say about them.
Via Drudge comes this Byron York piece in the Washington Examiner about the response to President George H.W. Bush talking to schoolkids in 1991. After noting the House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.), among others, denounced the speech, York reports:
Democrats did not stop with words. Rep. William Ford, then chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate the cost and legality of Bush's appearance. On October 17, 1991, Ford summoned then-Education Secretary Lamar Alexander and other top Bush administration officials to testify at a hearing devoted to the speech. "The hearing this morning is to really examine the expenditure of $26,750 of the Department of Education funds to produce and televise an appearance by President Bush at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, DC," Ford began. "As the chairman of the committee charged with the authorization and implementation of education programs, I am very much interested in the justification, rationale for giving the White House scarce education funds to produce a media event."
The GAO, alas, found that the expenditures were at least technically legal (however stupid and wasteful), thus paving the way for today's talk by Obama. The teachers union The National Edcuation Association also editorialized against the speech:
That didn't stop Democratic allies from taking their own shots at Bush. The National Education Association denounced the speech, saying it "cannot endorse a president who spends $26,000 of taxpayers' money on a staged media event at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, D.C.—while cutting school lunch funds for our neediest youngsters."
How times change! Just today, the head of the other big teachers union, the American Federation of Teachers, praised Obama's speech this morning on Morning Joe. Go figure. Whole York piece here.
I realize that I've got, er, an ideology and all, but is it just me and my fellow libertarians that find this sort of vacuous public circus a totally, er, vacuous and circus-y like spectacle? Whether it's the Dems or the Reps, I don't need or want politicians to be my kids' role models (goodnight wherever you are, Teddy Kennedy) any more than I want professional athletes to be. Thankfully, very few children grow up to be politicians or particularly influenced by them. Which is a good thing.
Reason's Jesse Walker on the speech we'll all forget around noon today.
edna|9.8.09 @ 9:27AM|#
vacuous and circus-y? yes. but isn't it better than when they spend time and effort doing something substantive? the harm here is minimal, the harm in *real* work is incalculable.
Xeones|9.8.09 @ 9:32AM|#
Obama's speech is a fart in a windstorm. Platituding at a bunch of schoolkids is a much less harmful way for him to spend his time than pushing his various legislative goals. In fact, Barry, why don't you take the rest of September off after this?
Spartacus|9.8.09 @ 9:33AM|#
Thankfully, very few children grow up to be politicians or
particularly influenced by them. Which is a good thing.
Unfortunately, the ones that do inflict damage far beyond what
their small numbers would indicate. All the more reason for keeping
politicians (and wannabe politicians) in quarantine. Maybe we
should start a registry or something.
oh no not this again |9.8.09 @ 9:42AM|#
If the best you can is say the democrats did it too, it's going to be a long 4 or 8 years. Word to the seemingly wise, how about ignoring fake shit like this, and refrain from giving it anymore credibility than the little it deserves.
!|9.8.09 @ 9:45AM|#
I am just amazed that he is not giving that talk from the
Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, Va.
Had no idea Arlington had a public madrassa!
|9.8.09 @ 9:45AM|#
After reading the contents of the speech, it's not
controversial, it's not progressive, it's...
...come on, Mike, there's gotta be a word for it here
somewhere...
...insipid. That's it, insipid. Or patronizing,
that's another good one for it.
Apparently we (well, not we, but a majority around us) elected a
Motivational-Speaker-in-Chief.
Rich|9.8.09 @ 9:50AM|#
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says, "If one kid
in one school hears one message and goes from being a D student to
a C student, then the speech is worth it."
This clearly illustrates the administration's stewardship of the
taxpayer's money.
|9.8.09 @ 9:50AM|#
"I strongly suspect that none of the great movers and
shakers at, say Facebook or the Twitter, or Apple or Microsoft, or
whatever, ever seriously thought about what the president of the
future was going to say about them."
I strongly suspect you missed the point. Completely. Why would you
object to Obama pointing out successful businessmen as people to
emulate?
|9.8.09 @ 9:52AM|#
This is curmudgeonly nonsense, Nick. Your first complaint is
that Obama uses the word "revolution" - in the same metaphorical
sense that it's had for more years than any of us have been alive?
I don't recall anyone being up in arms over the Beatles song.
Then you complain that the Democrats investigated a previous
incidence, discovered that it was legal, and let the matter drop.
Not much of a gotcha.
And finally, a lament that Democrats previously complained that
Bush gave a similar talk... but don't seem to emphasize the fact
that the objection stemmed from objections to his educational
policies, which were cutting school funds. It was political
point-scoring, of course, and you may have liked Bush's decision,
but it's absurd to suggest that this is somehow similar.
I think Obama's address is a waste of time, but it's certainly one
of the least offensive things politically that a politician can
do.
Joe M|9.8.09 @ 9:52AM|#
...don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with
that Xbox.
Dude, Microsoft got free advertising. Or is product placement how
the federal government is balancing the budget?
|9.8.09 @ 9:58AM|#
Where's his monocle?
The typical libertarian has perfect eyesight. How dare you suggest
that he needs government-run healthcare!
|9.8.09 @ 10:00AM|#
"Stop being an Obama 'being' and start being an Obama
'doing.'"
"I'm an Obama 'going!'"
Xeones|9.8.09 @ 10:03AM|#
The monocle is for style, not a vision aid. I wouldn't be caught dead in a Starbucks restroom without mine.
|9.8.09 @ 10:04AM|#
The typical libertarian has perfect eyesight.
Great, no wonder I don't fit in And here I thought the rest of you
were a bunch of coke-bottle glasses wearing NERDS.
KipEsquire|9.8.09 @ 10:07AM|#
"Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded
Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate
with each other."
Brin was educated in Moscow and Page in a Montessori school.
Just saying...
|9.8.09 @ 10:10AM|#
I think this "issue," and the attention it's getting, may successfully put me into a boredom-induced coma.
|9.8.09 @ 10:11AM|#
He doesn't say anything about charter schools being something the younger kids should try to get into so they can achieve some of those lofty goals? Shocking.
|9.8.09 @ 10:12AM|#
I realize that I've got, er, an ideology and all, but is it
just me and my fellow libertarians that find this sort of vacuous
public circus a totally, er, vacuous and circus-y like
spectacle?
I hope not, but it's not like it's anymore vacuous or circus-y than
most of the other crap 24-hour news channels mistake for actual
important political news.
|9.8.09 @ 10:12AM|#
I never wear my monocle in public. Some ruffian might steal it and sharp rap with my cane might not subdue him like last time.
Xeones|9.8.09 @ 10:19AM|#
Some ruffian might steal it and sharp rap with my cane might
not subdue him like last time.
That's when you shoot him with your legal, openly-carried
firearm.
The raspy voice Rangel|9.8.09 @ 10:21AM|#
If you get in trouble, that doesn't mean you're a
troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave.
Thanks, Boss, I needed that.
|9.8.09 @ 10:23AM|#
We didn't elect Obama or Bush the First as national school
principal. I'd like my presidents to think more and campaign
less.
I know, I know -
Ain't.
Gonna.
Happen.
Homer|9.8.09 @ 10:23AM|#
Our National Dad is the coolest.
I'd like to take the starch out of his collar.
Nerd! Nerd! Nerd!
!|9.8.09 @ 10:24AM|#
That's when you shoot him with your legal, openly-carried
firearm.
I never roll down Rodeo without mine.
|9.8.09 @ 10:27AM|#
In the prepared remarks, Obama tells young people that all the
work of parents, educators and others won't matter "unless you show
up for those schools, pay attention to those teachers."
Some days I feel like all the grown-ups forgot what it was like to
be kids. He's basically going to tell these kids that if they don't
read every last boring page of Jane Eyre, they'll have the blood of
the victims of the next 9/11 on their hands.
Craig L.|9.8.09 @ 10:27AM|#
The monocle is for style, not a vision aid. I wouldn't be
caught dead in a Starbucks restroom without mine.
I wouldn't be caught in a Starbucks restroom without a penis in my
hand. What? That is what the place is for right? To take a wiz,
right? Stop struggling. I'll let go when I'm damn good and
ready.
|9.8.09 @ 10:52AM|#
The typical libertarian has perfect eyesight.
Perfect eyesight that was bought and paid for out of my own pocket,
thank you very much.
|9.8.09 @ 10:55AM|#
If President Obama's message is "indoctrination" then so is "one nation under god" in the pledge.
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 10:59AM|#
The Dems also accused Bush 41 of using kids a "props." Some things never change.
T|9.8.09 @ 11:00AM|#
Perfect eyesight that was bought and paid for out of my own
pocket, thank you very much.
I paid for about 2/3 and left my former employer holding the bag on
the rest of the FSA funds when I quit in June. I love that
loophole.
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 11:01AM|#
If President Obama's message is "indoctrination" then so is "one nation under god" in the pledge.
We know you've pledged allegiance to Obama, Lamar. When our kids
are asked to, don't expect us to be quiet about it.
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 11:06AM|#
I don't recall anyone being up in arms over the Beatles song.
"And if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't gonna
make it with anyone anyhow... er, unless you're Van Jones."
Then you complain that the Democrats investigated a previous incidence, discovered that it was legal, and let the matter drop. Not much of a gotcha.
Why did it need to be investigated at all?
|9.8.09 @ 11:21AM|#
"We know you've pledged allegiance to Obama, Lamar. When our
kids are asked to, don't expect us to be quiet about
it."
Jim Treacher: nobody expects you to be quiet about anything. I
mean, seriously, a grown man who calls the First Lady a "monsieur"
rather than a "mademoiselle" will most likely chime in on just
about any asinine thing. The First Lady is physically fit? That
makes her unfit!!
|9.8.09 @ 11:23AM|#
Yes, Obama's talk is wrong, stupid, and wasteful -- on a
rational basis. But his goal is to establish COLLECTIVISM in the
minds of everyone -- child, parent, teacher. What can you do for
your country, how can you serve, focus on your moral duty to
society.
He characterizes the great achievements of independent
entrepreneurs as motivated by service to the community. Recognizing
their greatness, while denying their selfish, independent
motivations.
|9.8.09 @ 11:36AM|#
Rev. Book: When I talk about belief, why do you always assume
that I'm talking about god?
When a politician talks about contributing to society, why do you
always assume he's talking about government-centered
collectivism?
Surely you believe that capitalism serves society better than any
other system. But in order for the system to work, people have to
offer things of value. Those are their contributions to the
system.
Warty|9.8.09 @ 11:37AM|#
If President Obama's message is "indoctrination" then so is
"one nation under god" in the pledge.
It sure is.
"God? He is ze biggest bitch of zem all."
|9.8.09 @ 11:46AM|#
But his goal is to establish COLLECTIVISM in the minds of
everyone -- child, parent, teacher. What can you do for your
country, how can you serve, focus on your moral duty to
society.
This
isn't you, isn't it?
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 11:48AM|#
Jim Treacher: nobody expects you to be quiet about anything. I mean, seriously, a grown man who calls the First Lady a "monsieur" rather than a "mademoiselle" will most likely chime in on just about any asinine thing.
Thanks for reading! But why do you want to change the subject?
IceTrey|9.8.09 @ 11:53AM|#
I love how he mentions twice that he was raised by a poor single mother. BULLSHIIIIIIIT!!! His step father Soetoro worked for MOBIL OIL and when he moved back to Hawaii he lived with his grandparents who had very respectable jobs. What a slimy liar this guy is.
JB|9.8.09 @ 11:56AM|#
People are tired of listening to the communist liar Obama and really don't want him anywhere near their children.
Walt|9.8.09 @ 12:04PM|#
People around here would be happy if Obama asks the teachers to stay in school.
@|9.8.09 @ 12:08PM|#
They're cheering him like he's The Beatles.
The girls in the audience are getting sticky as we speak.
|9.8.09 @ 12:09PM|#
"Thanks for reading! But why do you want to change the
subject?"
LOL! I pointed out that conservatives aren't against
"indoctrination", they are just against "indoctrination" from
somebody of the other party, even if the "indoctrination" is merely
to stay in school and study hard. Then you "changed the subject"
from my point about the hypocrisy of the parties to my personal
"pledging allegiance to Obama" (which is incorrect and irrelevant).
Since you went in that direction, I took that as a concession that
you had no valid response to my point. And I still haven't seen
it.
Rich|9.8.09 @ 12:27PM|#
poor single mother
I'm trying to understand Obamaese. I think he is using
Poor, adj. Wretchedly lacking; meager. Not up to expectations.
!|9.8.09 @ 12:35PM|#
poor single mother
Rich, I think he was using that term instead of "professional
liberal arts student cranking out babies."
|9.8.09 @ 12:35PM|#
mr. o sez You'll need the insights and critical thinking
skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and
homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more
fair and more free.
eh? wait a minute. i thought that's what we have government for! i
thought lofty ideals and the force of government were all that we
need to effect change?!!
oh yeah, and hope too...
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 12:40PM|#
LOL! I pointed out that conservatives aren't against "indoctrination", they are just against "indoctrination" from somebody of the other party, even if the "indoctrination" is merely to stay in school and study hard.
And to write down ways they can help Obama.
Then you "changed the subject" from my point about the hypocrisy of the parties to my personal "pledging allegiance to Obama" (which is incorrect and irrelevant).
Incorrect or irrelevant? Which is it?
Since you went in that direction, I took that as a concession that you had no valid response to my point. And I still haven't seen it.
Write a letter to yourself about what you can do to help the
president.
|9.8.09 @ 1:10PM|#
"And to write down ways they can help Obama."
Still not a response to why pledging allegiance to god is any less
of an indoctrination than "stay in school" from the
President.
"Incorrect or irrelevant? Which is it?"
Both. I have no particular love for Obama, and even if I did, it
doesn't change the lame hypocrisy you are advocating.
"Write a letter to yourself about what you can do to help the
president."
Still not a response to why pledging allegiance to god is any less
of an indoctrination than "stay in school" from the
President.
Here's my advice, Jim: stick to yelling at the kids to get off your
lawn.
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 1:13PM|#
Still not a response to why pledging allegiance to god is any less of an indoctrination than "stay in school" from the President.
If you think Obama is God, I'm not sure there's much to be done
about it.
I have no particular love for Obama
Mm-hm.
Here's my advice, Jim: stick to yelling at the kids to get off your lawn.
We understand, dear.
Paul|9.8.09 @ 1:31PM|#
Should Obama invoke images of armed insurrection in a school
setting?
I wonder if Obama would find it ironic that an armed insurrection
could never start in a place like Chicago?
alan|9.8.09 @ 1:46PM|#
If President Obama's message is "indoctrination" then so is
"one nation under god" in the pledge.
Shit meet Sherlock. You really thought that needed to be said on a
Libertarian site? Why don't you go over to Mises.org and tell them
about fractional reserve banking while you are at it.
|9.8.09 @ 1:52PM|#
"Why don't you go over to Mises.org and tell them about
fractional reserve banking while you are at it."
haha
alan|9.8.09 @ 1:52PM|#
BTW, the entire pledge is an objectionable loyalty oath, with all but the God phrase, created by the Socialist Francis Bellamy for the expressed purpose of indoctrination. I normally would not feel the need to express that but you don't seem to be getting why Treacher is taking an amused tone towards your remark.
alan|9.8.09 @ 1:54PM|#
thanx Ransom. It has been one of those days. A horde of Obamaphile Huns invading at the city gates.
|9.8.09 @ 2:13PM|#
If President Obama's message is "indoctrination" then so is
"one nation under god" in the pledge.
Shit meet Sherlock. You really thought that needed to be said on a
Libertarian site?
Yes? I mean, after all, I did go through the effort of
typing it and all that. And, really, are you going to sit there and
pretend that there isn't a large overlap in web surfing habits
between libertarians and social conservatives? Have you been here
more than a couple of months?
And why, instead of recognizing that fact are you and others
attacking me for pointing out that hypocrisy? Do you think
Mises.org would never ever point out hypocrisy? Really, if it has
been one of those days, then you should probably count to 10 before
you hit "Submit Comment".
|9.8.09 @ 2:15PM|#
"BTW, the entire pledge is an objectionable loyalty
oath,"
[mocking alan's voice]: You really thought that needed to be said
on a Libertarian site?
alan|9.8.09 @ 2:37PM|#
ransom147 | September 8, 2009, 2:12pm | #
there's one under every rock alan. even when the rock is just their
head.
At least I got under that moron's skin. I feel even better about
hitting 'Submit Comment' after that reply.
Have you been here more than a couple of months?
I have been here for a few years, and in that time, I have never
seen a Conservative as obtuse as the all to typical liberal who
comes around here. The Conservatives know that we are Godless
heathens, and it doesn't need to be explained to them.
alan|9.8.09 @ 2:40PM|#
That is the double 'o' 'too' form that is needed there isn't it? Lamar, be a sport about my bashing and insert that 'o' for me. No evoking of Joez Law necessary.
alan|9.8.09 @ 2:43PM|#
Lamar | September 8, 2009, 2:15pm | #
"BTW, the entire pledge is an objectionable loyalty oath,"
[mocking alan's voice]: You really thought that needed to be said
on a Libertarian site?
Lamar, you idiot, I thought you would bring that up so I covered it
-- read down further where I state, I normally would not feel
the need to express that but you don't seem to be getting why
Treacher is taking an amused tone towards your remark. You
idiot, that was the purpose of the second phrase so you could not
slip in an 'ah ha!' moment. My ass is covered and golden on that
one.
Mike Laursen|9.8.09 @ 3:35PM|#
Huh.
Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin both attended private
Montessori elementaries, although they did later attend public high
schools. Sergey's father supplemented his elementary education with
home lessons in mathematics.
facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, went to Phillips Exeter Academy
after a brief stint in public high school. One of the other
facebook founders, Chris Hughes, also attended Phillips.
Couldn't find any info on any of the other founders' early
education.
|9.8.09 @ 3:45PM|#
"Lamar, you idiot,"
I would say that I've had a good time debating you, but I'm not
sure you've made any debatable points. If you are a godless
heathen, then you could have said, "I'm against both The Pledge and
Obama's pep talk". In that case, the comment really wasn't directed
towards you, though you've been most courteous in responding
anyway. One more thing: at 2:13pm I showed you why your snark is
worthless and downright stupid.
|9.8.09 @ 3:46PM|#
"Lamar, you idiot, I thought you would bring that up so I
covered it"
Yu comunikate reel guud. So klleer in yur wurdz.
|9.8.09 @ 4:28PM|#
"What sort of blood-pressure medication are you on,
Lamar?"
Thanks for the courtesy of caring, Jim. We know you've pledged
allegiance to Obama!
|9.8.09 @ 4:34PM|#
Jim Treacher, is it accurate to say your point of view is that both the Pledge and Obama's speech have no place in school? If so, why not just say so?
alan|9.8.09 @ 4:37PM|#
Lamar, sweet cheeks, I'm not debating you as your rhetorical skills are so lacking you miss even the most basic set up, no, I am making fun of your dumb ass. But you do get that, hence the weak attempt at condescension.
|9.8.09 @ 4:50PM|#
"Lamar, sweet cheeks, I'm not debating you as your
rhetorical skills are so lacking you miss even the most basic set
up."
Alan, I appreciate your candor in admitting that you are an
asshole. But I have to wonder, why bother? And I mean "why bother
setting me up for a lame gotcha"?
alan|9.8.09 @ 4:56PM|#
Alan, I appreciate your candor in admitting that you are an
asshole. But I have to wonder, why bother? And I mean "why bother
setting me up for a lame gotcha"?
Lamar,
you are reading it entirely in the wrong spirit. Much like Obama's
speech to the chil'ens, mine was a teachable moment. Why? Because I
care.
Jim Treacher|9.8.09 @ 9:34PM|#
Thanks for the courtesy of caring, Jim.
You're welcome.
Jim Treacher, is it accurate to say your point of view is that both the Pledge and Obama's speech have no place in school?
No, I have no particular problem with either one. I didn't like the
lesson plan they cooked up for the kids after his speech,
though.
Lesson learned.
Don't make promises you can't keep.
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