The President's Speech

On Tuesday President Obama will address the nation's K - 12 school children. You can read the text of the speech here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

I think what the President is trying to say is good. Teachers and parents have been saying it for thousands of years and not much has changed in our behavior, but maybe the President can make a dent in our progress toward civilization.

Back in the Renaissance Battista Guarino said that "no master can endow a careless and indifferent mind with a passion for learning." The President makes the same basic assertion, saying that "we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed."

Whether you agree with the President or not, will allow your children to watch his speech or not, one question stands out in my mind and that is, has the value of education sunken so low in America as to necessitate that the President of the United States address it with the nation's children?

Whether you consider the speech just smoke and mirrors political tactics or truly agree with everything the President will say, please just consider the historicity of the speech from more than Republican or Democrat positions - this is the first time a President will ask children to do what is right. President Kennedy asked children to be physically fit over 46 years ago and today we have the worst childhood obesity on record. Perhaps that is because a nation's values can't be handed down by a President - they have to be instrinsic in the people. But, it never hurts to try.
---------Melony