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Plenty wrong with president’s school speech
Published October 5, 2009
People keep missing the mark on the objections to President Barack Obama’s school speech.
The first thing to keep in mind is it was not the actual speech — since it had not yet been published — that people were objecting to.
Next, objections were in response to the issuing and contents of a lesson plan by the U.S. Department of Education. It never has been the role of the federal government to direct lessons. Education is directed at the local, not federal, level. This is why we elect local school boards. At minimum, this is the federal government, directed by the president’s office, overstepping its bounds. Taken in conjecture with other events since this administration took office, it has the appearance of a power grab.
Next, consider one of the questions posed in the lesson plan: “What can you do to help President Obama?” Compare that against the great question President Kennedy posed, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country?”
When George Washington ended his second term as president he refused to hold that office again. He answered his critics with great wisdom, “no kings here.” Put another way, the office of the presidency is greater than any man. This question in this lesson plan implies school children should help Obama with his agenda. In a nation ruled by laws and not men, this is a dangerous step that places a man above the country (compare questions, Kennedy’s to Obama’s).
Taken alone, these things might seem harmless, even well-intentioned. Perhaps it was ignorance, laziness, complacency or some other factor that produced the “lesson plan.” It can be, and has been spun that way by those who believe we need more government. But many see a pattern emerging that ignores and tears at the very fabric that knits our nation together. The ideals of personal responsibility, limited government and promotion of liberty are threatened. This is what the tea parties and town halls have been about.
Much has been made about the protesters. And yes, there are probably a few distasteful signs, and even some ugly words. But, by in large, I read into these things the same spirit that was seen in Boston harbor when frustrated colonists dumped tea into the harbor rather than pay a tea tax to a government they had no representation in.
People are paying attention now. They realize something is wrong with the way government has been doing business. They are starting to see the difference between those who believe government is the answer and those who believe government is the problem. This question, “What can you do for Obama?” rings that bell loudly.
Many believe it was a trial balloon testing how a speech that encouraged children to pressure their parents into agreeing with the president’s agenda would float.
Thank you to those who objected quickly and burst that balloon.
Rocky Chambers is a Pasadena resident.
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