Posted under Education Politics & Federal Government & Parents & School Choice
Yesterday I wrote about President Obama’s plan to address schoolchildren across America next Tuesday. I got so much response, I thought a quick follow-up was in order.
Some of the concerns undoubtedly are overblown, though the hubris embodied in the original lesson plans presented to the public was genuinely disturbing. Even if the substance of the message is essentially good (e.g., stay in school, personal responsibility, etc.), some parents may feel that is usurping their role. But the Obama speech in that sense is no isolated incident. One has to ask the parents who feel this way why they continue to send their child to the public school system.
Anyway, the White House since has backtracked from the political gaffe and revised the lesson plans, but much of the damage already has been done.
But still plenty of good can come from this whole scenario, if parents pay heed to the principal lesson explained by Adam Schaeffer at the Cato Institute:
But this problem didn’t begin with Obama and won’t end with him. Politics in the schools is what we get when the government runs our schools.
Don’t want your kids indoctrinated by government bureaucrats, special interests, or the President?
Private school choice is the only remedy, and education tax credits are the increasingly popular and successful way to deliver it.
Well said. Are you tired of coercive politics in the schools? Whether you’re coming from the Left or Right or anywhere in between, private school choice is the answer.
Ed is Watching » Obama Speaks to Schoolchildren … Where’s the Real Local Control? on 03 Sep 2009 at 3:34 pm #
[...] Update 3, 9/3: Westword blogger Michael Roberts noticed me!! I’m glad he likes my sense of humor. I have a 5-year-old kid crush on him now …. Hope he also reads my latest on this topic. [...]
S.W. Anderson on 05 Sep 2009 at 11:52 pm #
“Politics in the schools is what we get when the government runs our schools.”
Nonsense. The government doesn’t run our schools in that sense. My demagoguery meter hit the peg when I read that.
If a teacher or school official misuses their position pushing some political philosophy, party or person, that teacher or school official should be given proper hell, maybe get a second chance, but be permanently out the door if there’s ever a repeat.
“Indoctrinated” is a great word for demagogic purposes, isn’t it? All loaded with associations of commie re-edcucation camps, Nazi recruiters in old movies and such.
What our president wants to do is encourage kids to take school seriously, do their best, stay in school and so on. If young people look up to him, admire him, good for them and good for him. He is the president. He is an extremely well-educated, articulate and accomplished man. He’s also a thoroughly decent individual.
Disagree with Obama’s politics all you want, but how about showing some deference and respect for him as our nation’s leader and a good man.