Obama's speech to the students.........

[CampbellzSoup]

I live in Texas around tons of annoying conservative a**holes, so my whole school district skipped on showing it. It pissed me off beyond belief.

Doesn't texas FORCE christanity into their public school ciriculum, and they're complaigning about a socialist agenda??

[Siren]

I think ALL presidents run the risk of being assassinated. Otherwise, they wouldn't be walking around with a million gorillas behind them or giving speeches behind bullet proof glass shields.

The reason everyone believes that Obama will be a prime target is because not only is he black he is a catalyst for change. And one of the things people fear the most is sudden change in the way we live lives.

But even if there's an attempt I think everything will be fine. Remember that times are different and its likely Obama will be far more protected than Kennedy did back in the day.

So very true. Well said Pap!

[Lazario]

I really don't think there's a chance in hell that Obama will be assassinated. I don't. And if there was, it would take a much bigger controversy than "socialism" and "indoctrinating kids" to go over that line.

I live in Texas around tons of annoying conservative a**holes, so my whole school district skipped on showing it. It pissed me off beyond belief.

I know. Isn't it funny how whiny, desperate, and sissy the Republicans are getting just because they're not "in charge" anymore? I don't think you'll find 1/100th as many Democratic areas skipped or banned any Bush speeches.

I just don't understand why a back to school speech from Obama caused so much controversy. Its just a speech. Seriously many presidents have addressed the nation and everyone watched. Now Obama does a simple school speech and people begin to fear its all part of a socialist propaganda?

In fear of derailing the thread into a political discussion whatever happened to freedom of speech and the freedom of accepting it or not? If students wanted to watch the speech they should have left them. If they didn't care for it then its OK for them to ignore.

Why do we have to force the students to do what they want?

It's ridiculous to say the least.

Well, what this is now is a Freedom of Control issue. What people have the freedom to control what media we are and aren't allowed to view. It's not really about Freedom. It's about Power. Groups of people want to prove they have the power to keep other people from seeing this speech. And any others they know about in time to keep people from viewing them. It's to make the righties feel better about losing the national election. Because they are still sore about it.

When Bush made a speech to the students....you didn't see the Liberals get up in arms about it. Maybe because they know what the REAL problems in the world are. Not this BS.

And no, I am not liberal. I'm an independent. I voted for Obama, but that doesn't mean I agree with all he stands for.

Exactly.

And like Goliath said, he's not a liberal. I think what he really wants is to be associated with good changes to America's economy and classy social issues. For the purpose of being regarded as a great figure in history, and nothing more. I don't trust him, I don't like him as a person (he's a politician through and through - therefore by nature, a seriously flawed human being), but he hasn't really hurt the nation yet. And no speech is going to start any new negative trends from his side.

[jpanimation]

What's the big deal, let him say something inspirational to the kids, just as long as their is no liberal propaganda in it.

This two party system sucks. Screw the Republicans and Democrats, and especially screw the liberals. All they do is whine, point fingers, stop each other from accomplishing things and then line their own pockets. Its a bunch of corrupt politicians profiting from this recession, voting for their pay increases and increasing our taxes as unemployment continues to climb. They make an average of $170,000/yr while bragging the average American gets $60,000/yr, they get amazing benefits and will get that amount the rest of their lives no matter how much they screw up our county or are even fired for doing a bad job. They don't even do their job and read the bills they pass, which is what we pay that ridiculous salary to do, and they just vote on bills based on payoffs. They're just a bunch of greedy corrupt jerks that don't care if they screw up this country because most politicians are rich to begin with. As far as the last election, we had two liberal candidates from to corrupt parties, did we really have a choice? I just really hate people who belong to these parties and make their party winning into a game and then say stuff like"Oh, you guys are just being sore losers" and crap like that. Its not a game.

I hate our government. I believe in the system and capitalism but I think its been corrupted to the bone and needs to be cleaned up. Every politician needs to be examined and all records exposed, half of them will probably be in jail.

Sorry about that rant, never get a conservative Libertarian started on politics, especially with this administration

[ajmrowland]

If we all remember the initial purpose of the two-party system, then we'd all agree that the way things are going, we won't be the United States anymore.

[Lazario]

never get a conservative Libertarian started on politics, especially with this administration

I don't believe anyone did.

This is not a critical thread about the Obama Administration. And before it becomes that - I seriously suggest we wait until they force us into war and terrorizing countries first. Before they're responsible for an actual Death Toll.

[jpanimation]

I don't believe anyone did.

If that doesn't sound like "Get out, your not wanted here!" than I don't know what does. My mistake, just sounded like a political discussion to me.

[Siren]

especially screw the liberals. All they do is whine, point fingers, stop each other from accomplishing things and then line their own pockets.

Actually, this is a discussion about the Republicans are whining and poiting fingers.

The fact is BOTH PARTIES DO IT. You really think any party is here for the common man's greater good??? Then you are LIVING in a Disney movie.

[jpanimation]

especially screw the liberals. All they do is whine, point fingers, stop each other from accomplishing things and then line their own pockets.

Actually, this is a discussion about the Republicans are whining and poiting fingers.

The fact is BOTH PARTIES DO IT. You really think any party is here for the common man's greater good??? Then you are LIVING in a Disney movie.

Umm, the second sentence in that quote is referring to Republicans and Democrats whining and pointing fingers. Sorry if it looked like I was solely referring to liberals (although I can't stand them). I hope I'm not rubbing anyone the wrong way on these forums, I'm new here and I don't want to get off to a bad start. I apologize if I have.

[ajmrowland]

These days, it's mostly the republicans, but both parties are at fault for doing things that are less than professional.

[zackisthewalrus]

I live in Texas around tons of annoying conservative a**holes, so my whole school district skipped on showing it. It pissed me off beyond belief.

Doesn't texas FORCE christanity into their public school ciriculum, and they're complaigning about a socialist agenda??

They don't FORCE it into the schools, but there's a moment of silence everyday so that if anyone wants to, they can pray, but no one does. Haha

[Goliath]

I'm no Bush-supporter, but I understand why he did that- he didn't want to alarm the children and make them frightened and sad and whatever. I think he was alright in doing that. I mean, there were other people to help out for those 7 minutes.

You can't get up in a calm matter and just walk away?

I swear, I've heard this excuse a thousand times and it never fails to anger me. I think Clinton was a lousy president, but if he had been in that position, he would be on it immediately. Actually, had he been president, he would have [done something with all the warning signs and reports he was receiving, instead of going on vacation for a month!

My mom and I were discussing that the other day....the possibility of there being a JFK assanitation attempt on the President....I wouldn't be surprised if something like that did come up....or an attempt and hopefully it would not succeed......

The ironic part about it is, that I think that if/when it happens, it will actually be a "lone gunman". I never believed JFK (or RFK) were the victims of a crazy person who acted on his own. I mean, the 'official version' of the Warren Commission is just not fysically possible. And we know that the bullet that killed RFK didn't come from Sirhan's gun. I think one has to be a loon to not believe in conspiracy behind those political murders. And I think they got "offed" because they interfered with business interests/military interests.

Obama, on the other hand, is actually doing the bidding of the business interests. He's raising the military budget; he's expanding the war in Afghanistan; he's letting the health care reform being influenced by the insurance companies. There is no need for the 'powers that be' to get rid of Obama. So when/if he gets "offed" I think it will be indeed a racist-motivated lone gunman who has listened too much to Michael Savage or Glenn Beck. Note that they are making absurd accusations against Obama. These are not rational. Meanwhile, even Bill O'Reilly and Joe Scarborough are criticizing the "birth certificate" and "death camps"-nonsense! Sure, they still much rather see a Republican in office, but the fact that they, and the vast majority of the conservatives, are not joining the Savages and Becks of the world, just show that Obama is really playing their game. They just have to keep up the illusion that there is a difference.

I think ALL presidents run the risk of being assassinated. Otherwise, they wouldn't be walking around with a million gorillas behind them or giving speeches behind bullet proof glass shields.

But it's remarkable that only the progressive ones get "offed". (I also include MLK although he wasn't a politician.) I think if there ever was any reason, in the mind of the public, to assassinate a president, it would be George W. Bush, yet nothing ever happened. Even if there's an attack on a Republican, they "magically" survive. The only thing I'm having trouble with, is the attempt on Reagan's life. I still don't know who would ever attempt such a thing. The left just doesn't do such things. But why would the right/corporate America/business interests organize an attempt on Reagan? He did their bidding perfectly...

But even if there's an attempt I think everything will be fine. Remember that times are different and its likely Obama will be far more protected than Kennedy did back in the day.

Well, I doubt that. Remember that an Iraqi journalist could throw both of his shoes at the president of the USA *before* the Secrit Service finally entered the room? What if he had hand grenades instead of shoes? What if it had been Obama?

This two party system sucks. Screw the Republicans and Democrats,

You're right up until this point....

and especially screw the liberals. All they do is whine, point fingers, stop each other from accomplishing things and then line their own pockets.

But this is epic fail. Had liberals actually been in a position of power for the last 40 years (which they have *not*), the country and the world would look a lot better today. The point is that Democrats nowadays are, for the most part, not liberals. There are some, but not many. And those who are, are marginalized by the media.

Oh, and on the topic of 'epic fail': libertarianism is the biggest FAIL of 'em all.

[Just Myself]

I am NO Bush supporter, but I gotta agree. What was he gonna do, put on a cape and fly off and stop the other planes?

Ask many Americans, and they'll say that's what Obama would've done.*

I don't understand what all the fuss was about myself. It was a speech about the importance of knowledge and education, delivered by The President of The United States of America, not a rally against free thinking delivered by Adolf Hitler. Any parents who believe President Obama was trying to "brainwash" their youth are foolish, and showing off their die-hard ultra Conservative <strike>stubborness</strike> views. You know what I think? It should have been mandatory. Any student who was yanked out of class by a parent should receive an incomplete grade on the assignment. Of course, living in the most Conservative minded county in Central Florida, I'm sure our schools were empty during the video presentation.

Cheers,
JM

*This was just gentle political ribbing, not against The President, but against some of the most obsessed Obama supporters. As Bill Maher said, "He's a good leader and a President I support. However, he's not some infallible chocolate Jesus."

[blackcauldron85]

I don't understand what all the fuss was about myself. It was a speech about the importance of knowledge and education, delivered by The President of The United States of America, not a rally against free thinking delivered by Adolf Hitler. Any parents who believe President Obama was trying to "brainwash" their youth are foolish, and showing off their die-hard ultra Conservative <strike>stubborness</strike> views. You know what I think? It should have been mandatory. Any student who was yanked out of class by a parent should receive an incomplete grade on the assignment. Of course, living in the most Conservative minded county in Central Florida, I'm sure our schools were empty during the video presentation.

Very well said! I like the idea of giving incompletes. I think that it's one thing to pull your kid out, and it's another thing to not even show the speech to begin with. Shame on school districts if they didn't show it, but, of course, shame on parents whose political agendas kept their kids from hearing a well-intentioned speech.

[Lazario]

I don't believe anyone did.

If that doesn't sound like "Get out, your not wanted here!" than I don't know what does. My mistake, just sounded like a political discussion to me.

Say whatever you want- I encourage views that don't gel with mine (I'll shoot them down with playful glee, then pat myself on the back afterward- but I still encourage all views). But, don't tell people the reason you're doing it is because of us. As I said before, this is not a critical thread about the Obama Administration (they'd actually have to do something first). It's about: A) the speech, and B) the reaction to the speech.

Just giving you a helpful hand, really.

[Goliath]

*This was just gentle political ribbing, not against The President, but against some of the most obsessed Obama supporters. As Bill Maher said, "He's a good leader and a President I support. However, he's not some infallible chocolate Jesus."

I agree with that sentiment. I'm not a big 'fan' of Obama, although I much prefer him over a possible president Palin. But ultimately, I'm disappointed that he still continues Bush-policies, like indefinte detention for terror suspects (who did not have had a trial) and extraordinary rendition (although that really started under Clinton, the best Republican president since TR).

I'm also a fan of Bill Maher by the way.