The message of hate spewed by the Right Wing regardless of 'rank' in its militia, is grossly Un-American.
The Obamas are parents of young children growing up in a world that is highly competitive and unforgiving. They know the pressures children face and are sympathetic to the reality such competition can have on someone that is a bit different, unimpressive or feels defeated before getting started.
Michelle and Barak are remarkable people in their 'own stories' of success and accomplishment. They weren't born to wealth or priviledge, didn't have movie star charisma and suffered loss of close family members long before anyone should. I don't know any other persons more qualified to speak to the school children of America than the President.
I recall the warm, open and endearing reception Michelle received while visiting in Great Britain. What more can be asked of a First Lady, but, the gracious compassion of caring.
It is reassuring to know our nation's children are not overlooked regardless of the obvious devotion by this administration to solve the problems of educating, which are compounded by a struggling economy adding complications at home. The timing to The President's speech is perfect, when everyone is back in school at the beginning of achievement and not the end of year test results.
Barak has dedicated himself to this end. He graduated from a prestigious law university to act in service to his community and ultimately to his nation. He is selfless in his achievements and that is a rare quality to find in anyone, yet alone the President of the USA. I applaud 'his moment' and hope he engages this opportunity at the beginning of every school year.
Obama's trip to the blackboard jungle (click title to entry - thank you)
By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
So what did America learn about itself -- and President Barack Obama --during the silly run-up to his speech Tuesday to the nation's schoolchildren?
-- First, that a lot of Americans on the far right go plainly bonkers when they think a president they didn't vote for is going to be allowed to speak to their kids.
That shows just how unruly and how uncivil these critics are. And, dare we say, how disrespectful they are to the office of the President of the United States.
-- Second, that judging the speech before it was given was a huge mistake, especially by the GOP wingnuts who simply want to tear Obama down.
My favorite quote so far: "It's a good speech. It encourages kids to stay in school and the importance of education, and I think that's what a president should do."
That's from a should-be-sheepish Jim Greer, the Florida GOP chairman who last week accused Obama of wanting to "indoctrinate America's children to his socialist agenda."
-- And third, that the Obama administration is tone-deaf when contemplating how the president's actions will be seen by its still-powerful opponents, led by the shock troops in radio and TV such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.
Make no mistake: The speech Obama is giving today should be seen by students. It is inspiring.
Given the low expectations of so many kids today by so many teachers and administrators, Obama's speech might just help inspire someone like, well, like a younger version of the president to do something special with his or her life.
That would be a clear victory for Obama.
The Obamas are parents of young children growing up in a world that is highly competitive and unforgiving. They know the pressures children face and are sympathetic to the reality such competition can have on someone that is a bit different, unimpressive or feels defeated before getting started.
Michelle and Barak are remarkable people in their 'own stories' of success and accomplishment. They weren't born to wealth or priviledge, didn't have movie star charisma and suffered loss of close family members long before anyone should. I don't know any other persons more qualified to speak to the school children of America than the President.
I recall the warm, open and endearing reception Michelle received while visiting in Great Britain. What more can be asked of a First Lady, but, the gracious compassion of caring.
It is reassuring to know our nation's children are not overlooked regardless of the obvious devotion by this administration to solve the problems of educating, which are compounded by a struggling economy adding complications at home. The timing to The President's speech is perfect, when everyone is back in school at the beginning of achievement and not the end of year test results.
Barak has dedicated himself to this end. He graduated from a prestigious law university to act in service to his community and ultimately to his nation. He is selfless in his achievements and that is a rare quality to find in anyone, yet alone the President of the USA. I applaud 'his moment' and hope he engages this opportunity at the beginning of every school year.
Obama's trip to the blackboard jungle (click title to entry - thank you)
By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
So what did America learn about itself -- and President Barack Obama --during the silly run-up to his speech Tuesday to the nation's schoolchildren?
-- First, that a lot of Americans on the far right go plainly bonkers when they think a president they didn't vote for is going to be allowed to speak to their kids.
That shows just how unruly and how uncivil these critics are. And, dare we say, how disrespectful they are to the office of the President of the United States.
-- Second, that judging the speech before it was given was a huge mistake, especially by the GOP wingnuts who simply want to tear Obama down.
My favorite quote so far: "It's a good speech. It encourages kids to stay in school and the importance of education, and I think that's what a president should do."
That's from a should-be-sheepish Jim Greer, the Florida GOP chairman who last week accused Obama of wanting to "indoctrinate America's children to his socialist agenda."
-- And third, that the Obama administration is tone-deaf when contemplating how the president's actions will be seen by its still-powerful opponents, led by the shock troops in radio and TV such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.
Make no mistake: The speech Obama is giving today should be seen by students. It is inspiring.
Given the low expectations of so many kids today by so many teachers and administrators, Obama's speech might just help inspire someone like, well, like a younger version of the president to do something special with his or her life.
That would be a clear victory for Obama.
