Bravo to these schools. The President (just like Reagan and the senior President Bush before him) wants to motivate students to do well in school; to have higher educational goals and aspirations. Bravo to these schools. As Superintendant Markincus said here, "No way he was going to allow censorship." If some parents are that insecure about having their kids listen to a relatively short onetime speech, then maybe then they could homeschool their children that day, or write a note to the Principal to have their kids in another room during the speech where they could work on their homework or some other educational endeavor. Most kids, including high school students, would have no trouble listening to the President's speech. It is some parents that are making something out of this that just isn't there. That is not really teaching their kids anything worthy. I thought there was freedom of speech in this country anyway.

What is wrong with this country? I did not vote for him and I do not agree with all he does, but I sure in heck will not stop my children from watching the speech. It is funny how society will praise someone when their doing well and gang up on that same person when their not doing so well.

I am certain children in all 57 states will benefit from His inspirational words.

^^^ The funniest comment I've read in a while. Thanks for that.

The parents don't buy into it, might as well see if the kids will believe him.

Good grief people. Give the man the respect deserved by the President of USA. Don't send the message to our children that he's going to hypnotize them and steal their souls simply by listening to him encourage our children to stay in school.

everywhereman: RIGHT ON!! But he cannot win for losing with some, and never was going to. It is visceral with them. It is sad....but there are tons of people in this country who do not feel that way.....maybe just not as vocal.

mmacpuguy: Good to read an intelligent comment. Well said.

If he were white and had an (R) on his forehead.........would these people feel the same way?

Wow. This is close to unbelievable.

It shouldn't matter what your political stance is; when the president wants to address public school students for less than a half-hour to encourage them to learn, you go with it. I didn't like Bush, but if he would have done this very thing I would have been for it as well - I mean, how could I not?

I know that if I were still teaching 3rd grade, the students would have LOVED to think that they were being addressed by the president - it's very exciting for a child.

Obama isn't going to try to brainwash children about health care or anything like that.

People shouldn't be so foolish.

The parents who think that this address to children is "brainwashing" are being "brainwasher" themselves by the leaders of the Republican Party, Limbaugh and Beck. But this does make me wonder what level of education do these parents have? Odds are not much if they can be taken by wing-nuts.

Reason: Your username suits you! It is beyond stupid. These people that are getting hysterical over the President speaking about education and its importance , are losing credibility (if they ever had any) more and more. And I predict, they will not win anything in the end with this.

Also, it has been noted that other Presidents spoke to the nation and the nation's school children about education (senior Bush and Reagan, for two) and no reaction such as this.

mainejeff: Well, they would deny it up and down, so why bother with that. They know what is really in their minds. Let's not even "go there." It just does not add up though, does it? Oh well.... the President, this week, will speak to the nation's school children and people will wonder what all this hysteria and outrage was all about. I predict it will be a good speech, most kids will like it. The whole thing will seem somewhat anticlimatic.

People really need to focus on the important stuff in this country. The President speaking to educational aspirations is only a positive.

Obama is polluting kids minds with socialist ideas. Call it what you want.

In North Korea school children are taught about the “Dear Leader.” They sing songs of praise. Songs sort of like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2naSzb1psU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecypresstimes.com%2Farticle%2FColumnists%2FA_Time_For_Choosing%2FBARACK_OBAMA_WANTS_YOUR_CHILDREN_AND_IS_COMING_FOR_THEM_ON&feature=player_embedded

Another example offers a better look at what all of this is about. Take special note who they are giving the credit for their future to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRSSlN-2gPc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecypresstimes.com%2Farticle%2FColumnists%2FA_Time_For_Choosing%2FBARACK_OBAMA_WANTS_YOUR_CHILDREN_AND_IS_COMING_FOR_THEM_ON&feature=player_embedded

I grew up during the cold war. I grew up understanding communism and it’s close cousin, socialism, were evil. I understood that communism enslaved whole populations and left them with no freedoms or liberties. Just tyranny.

My children are staying home Sept 8th....private school is looking better and better everyday!

Poor Jennifer......drinking the RED kool-aid.

By the way Jenny.......the President of North Korea is not addressing our students.......the President of the United States is.

mainejeff: It is unreal. Absolutely unreal. But those who want to keep their kids home.....let them. They can feed their kids propaganda about our President , I suppose. Also, bringing up the President of North Korea because the President of the U.S. is speaking of doing well in school and how important that is......well, unreal! And no.....if it was Bush talking about education and how important it was to stay in school, study hard,etc., there sure would not be this reaction. We know that.

I think it would be appropriate to notify the parents that the broadcast might be shown and let them decide whether they want their children to watch it. Parents should be given the opportunity to make that decision.

Were parents offered that same opportunity during past Presidential speeches in schools or to our nation during school hours? Just wonderin'.........

I think it's a pretty poor decision for any parent to forbid a young child to listen to and respect the President. Those parents need to ask themselves exactly what message is it that they are trying to convey. It will seriously weaken our nation if the next generation is instilled with contempt for their Commander in Chief.

Well said anne_of_mdi.We should always convey to our children to respect the PRESIDENT of the UNITED States.My god people get a life.If the biggest thing you have to worry about is what the president is going to say about education.You should really count your blessings.I personally think his first essay question would be great.Children should be thinking about what they would do to make this a better country.

I agree Truth. The level of fear and disdain for this current administration is sick. Men like Beck and Limbaugh, are just some of many tools of mass distraction. Our president of the united states of america wishes to address our students, and these freaks pounce on yet another chance to divide our country. So much hate and discontent directed at our own elected leaders. Truly two of the most unpatriotic men in the nation. To give them the airwaves to spew there messages of shear misinformation on a daily bases. They ( the right wing nut jobs trying to keep this money machine running ) are losing this battle and doing everything in there power to persuade the american people. Who do you think these media messiahs are working for? It sure as hell isnt you or me. The public media is only as liberal as the private conservative corporate companies that own them. I really worry for the vast majority or americans that eat this sh*t up with there morning coffee. Its time for america to step up, and call the media out. This right wing propaganda machine is bordering on the level of domestic terrorism. For me, knowing that every right minded person in this country that actually cares for the well being of this nation as a whole. We see right through this Bs.

I personally see nothing wrong with the President addressing student's at noontime. Except, that how many children go home to lunch and have other objective things to do?

Remember, though, words come back to bite the sender: Obama said in a speech given as a candidate: "What Washington needs is adult supervision." It still does!

anne_of_mdi it is seriously going to weaken our nation if the next generation is instilled with the socialist propaganda that Obama believes in. He hires 'advisers' who have a past history of socialism and communism. I am NOT going to let my children, even for a minute much less 18, think that is the right way to go for this country. We as a country have fought for our freedom and the freedom of others. We have fought against the very thing that is happening in Washington. Say what you want, do what you want, but this is not a change I am willing to accept.

"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it." -- Barack Obama

Jenny.......stop lying. You are about as anti-American as you can get.

Keeping your children from hearing the President speak to them is wrong. This is the first step to communism or socialism if I ever seen. If your that concerned watch it yourself and talk to your children about it. Some of you need to move to a communist country if you want to censor your children. They do it for you.

I think it is great that our president addresses school kids about school and education and just that. Reason you are seeing the outcry is that this president is fast losing the trust of the American people by his apparant lack of leadership, the types of CZARS he is aligned with and his socialist left policies. My opinion is that many parents don't want his ideals forced upon their kids. I know..I know...that ISN'T what he is going to do but evidently it is because of this administrations policies people feel that way and don't trust him.

A view from a durned furriner in Australia.

I watched with dismay at the irrational partisanship shown by many Democrats towards the President of the USA, George Bush. "Bush Derangement Syndrome" they called it. However, I consider myself Right-wing, so figured I was probably just being a bit partisan myself about this lack of respect for the office. No Right-Winger would ever do such a thing.

But I was wrong. Partisanship has now reached levels approaching insanity, and it's not confined to the Democrats. I'm seeing even worse behaviour from some Republicans.

I know I'm being a Butinsky.It's your country, not mine. But the President of the USA is the President of the whole USA, not just half.

Macauley's "Horatius at the Gate" comes to mind.

Then none was for a party;

Then all were for the state;

Then the great man helped the poor,

And the poor man loved the great:

Then lands were fairly portioned;

Then spoils were fairly sold:

The Romans were like brothers

In the brave days of old.

Now Roman is to Roman

More hateful than a foe,

And the Tribunes beard the high,

And the Fathers grind the low.

As we wax hot in faction,

In battle we wax cold:

Wherefore men fight not as they fought

In the brave days of old.

Except that the one thing that hasn't failed is the valour and professionalism of the US Armed forces, regardless of their political beliefs. They must wonder sometimes just exactly who they're fighting for: because no matter who's President, a large proportion of the US population demonises him in a way that goes beyond politics and descends into frothing lunacy.

Is there no sane party in the US?

MaineJeff have you not been paying attention to the polls? The kool aid table has been knocked over.

"Adams, who is a pastor at the Calvary Temple Assembly, a Pentecostal church in East Millinocket, said Obama’s presidency has thus far failed to fulfill its promise of uniting the country and has instead worsened an already broad partisan divide." I can see how he can make this statement. Undoubtedly, some people will always be partisan to anyone who does not think as they do. Considering the right wing zealots who have continuosly bombarded President Obama over everything from the beer he chooses to his attempt to provide every American with affordable health care, I would say he has done well.

We’ve got Limbaugh’s ‘ditto’ people, Hannity’s “you’re a great American/ you’re a great American” people, the fundamentalist church school in Ellsworth that literally wraps itself in a flag, and a variety of other idiots who cannot think for themselves worrying (because they’ve been told to by some radio misanthropes) that elementary school children will be forever morally marred if the president of the United States tells them to do well in school and graduate.

forHIMtoday - at least your comments are consistently absurd. Geroge HW Bush did this in the 80s, or did you not notice this? on 9/11 George Bush was reading to school children and again talking about the value of education. But I bet that was okay, right? Because that was the GOP. I love your double standards.

Put some faith in our children. How do we help them learn to discern truth from propaganda? I have found that children can teach us a thing or two about what is right and wrong in this world. I have faith that listening to (any) president can inspire them or ,at the very least, give them food for thought to discuss many issues, in this case, the importance of education. The discussion to follow President Obama's speech should be student-led. Tjhe freedom of speech we so much admire needs to be at the fore-front here. I am pleased that our prresident has chosen to speak to our young citizens about the power of education, hard work and discipline. I hope this theme continues throughout his presidency. Let's support those children ( and their families and enlightened educators) who realize that exposure to positive role-models, and,yes, even controversy, IS very democratic!

Problem seems to be that nobody knows if all he is going to do is address school kids about school and education. Based on what he is all about and currently doing, I would probably have to pass.

It's not about the school kids or education , it's about Obama and his incessant need to be in the spotlight, in front of cameras and on TV. The guy never has anything positve or encouraging to say, it's always what is wrong with America. If I had kids in school, they'd be absent that day.

“There is no way I’m going to impose censorship in my schools.”

It's a close call but I prefer censorship to government propaganda!

TheTruth - You obviously do not listen to Limbaugh or Beck or you would realise that they are NOT the leaders of the Republican Party. Both have been very critical of the Republican Party. and Jenny is far from being anti-American. You keep drinking the Kool Aid and blindly folloiwing your Marxist president. "We the People" will eventually prevail.

Oh great - Obama has been compared to Abe Lincoln , F.D.R. , M.L. King , and J.F.K. I guess all we have to do now is put a sweater on this Bozo and " poof " - he turns into Mr. Rogers

The broadcast is at 12 noon, Eastern Time. Lunchtime. It's good timing in the sense that it comes at an already hectic time of day, but it's a lousy time because children will not want to sacrifice their "down time", their social hour, to listen to yet another adult telling them how important education is. I think if anything outrageously political is said that Obama will feel the wrath of the masses. Let him speak.

The far right has gone off the deep end. This is the President of the United States, giving an address to school children. Throw in mom and some apple pie and you've got the whole patriotic trifecta. That some Republicans are objecting to this shows how nutty they have become. I say pass health care reform without them. You can't compromise with unreasonable people.

Some people forget where Bush was when the trade centers where hit. In a school in fla. pushing no child left behind! we have to step up our schools to the highest standards to compete in the future

mainejeff. Obama IS white. He's as "white" as he is "black". Skin color has NO place in this discussion. You're a bigot.

Chersully, you seem to know so much about the speech...do you have inside information to what's in it? Please share with the rest of us. With everyone that Obama is associated with,...and yet, another "radical" has stepped down, I have a tendency of trust here. And what if it was a Republician speaking to the children....I'm sure you , Anne and others wouldn't be writing such strong support here. Anne of mdi....I feel that Obama has seriously weaken our nation by not supporting the CIA and makinsense....You said something so seriously wrong....."My God" and that's another reason people are upset about the president. Anti what ever your name is.....Beck and Limbaugh has freedom of speech....but I guess that's another thing you would like to loose. And that's what parents are doing....using their freedom to choose if their kids will hear the speech or not.

Unless children in schools are radically different from when I was in school, the President will have their attention for about 1 minute. Most of this arguing about him speaking is from dogmatic political wonks (I'm one of them). If the President says anything outrageously political it will be MORE fodder for all of us adults to argue about! Let him speak in the schools if it fits into the schedules of classrooms. Let the classroom teachers decide if the address works for them logistically. Parents are always free to request that their children be excused from listening. Most won't.

Creation of this controversy over Obama's address is a great way to motivate students to watch the speech.

Obama's 12 noon speech is right at the same time Rush's radio program begins.....I'll be looking forward to listening to it with Rush and listening to his "Obama double speak" interpretations.....I'd let my kids listen to Obama's speech with Rush.

Parents should have the right to decide whether their underage children should listen to the President's speech. Some of you that feel everyone should watch it and making fun of those that don't want their children to see it seem to want censorship with their view only. Glad that it will be aired and let the parents make the decision.

Jake Mulligan - if Beck and Limaugh are not the leaders of the Republican Party, tell me who is. I have yet to see a leader step up and put a stop to the lunatic right-ring fringe. If the party had a leader(s), people like Jennifer and Ladyslipper would pay attention to valid issues instead of showing the world their lack of education and maturity.

Obama's original plan was to assign students to write essays about what they could do to help their president. This is where things started to fall apart and make this presidential address to students different from those of past presidents. The administration has recognized that this idea is inappropriate (after millions of people had to tell them.) The current plan involves asking the students to write an essay about how they can achieve their short term and long term educational goals, which is very different from the original plan. I only hope that our President is honest with the kids and tells them upfront that he will not be reading any of their assignments.

TheTruth - What is "lunatic right-ring fringe"?

Ignorant racists are opposed to the POTUS' speech. There is no more concise way to spell it out.

"Mommy, why didn't you want me to listen to the POTUS tell me to stay in school? Was it so I could drop out and have babies at 14 like you?"

olsonea. You're a bigot.

Ladyslipper - you are truly sick if you allow your children to listen to that oxycontin pill poppin Limbaugh, instead of the elected President of the USA.

"TheTruth - What is "lunatic right-ring fringe"? " hahahahah... we all have to be careful about what we type!

"Barack Obama"...it's Swahili for "Jimmy Carter".

Dr. Lee of Brewer - wait for the fallout from your decision to block the speech from Brewer schools. I will do everything possible to make this your career ending decision.

all of you are arguing but it all depends on what he says, if he is all for self education and studing hard great go for it, but if that is the case then why are parents at least in my area being told they are not aloud to attend and watch it, if someone is going to come in and talk to our children shouldnt we have the right to know what is going to be said. Now the white house did say they would release a copy of the speeach today so parents could read it, as long as he stays on point and does not bring polticus into it i am all for it.

for thoose of you swaying there was not an uproar like this when regan and bush sr did it how very limted memroys you have pro abortion groups and anti war groups both were protesting the indoctoration of our children in many locations, plus there was not the internet access there is today so many people did not know about it untill the day before it happened. the reason people are afraid is becasue the presdent has yet to talk about something with out bringing up how important change is and how much we need change and that is not the right message for school children.

so i call on the right and the left to stop chossing sides and at least wait untill the speech is released to make a decsion, i also call on all parents to call the schools and request at least the right to listen to the speech with the children, and if you get that abilty then please so respect for the office while in front of the children. Remember fear is the mind killer and when you focus on your fears you tend to stop thinking, so before you speak, type or yell count to 10 and make sure you can stand behind what you say.

downeastdave, that was my thought too. Why a parent would equate Rush with cogent thinking is beyond me. He doesn't even pretend to be rational, I listened to an interview where Rush admitted to being more of an entertainer than commentator. He also avoids speeches where he can be questioned and has studiously avoided ever giving speeches to The American Legion or the VFW because of his draft-dodger status. Funny how the most war-like people like Rush, Cheney and Bush are always the first to pay lip service to veterans but have no clue what war service really means.

Once again the extreme fringes of the political spectrum are making it impossible for the President of the USA to do his job. Whether it befrom the left or right, those that are way out there out the fringes of the arena refuse to compromise or cooperate. Instead they act like spoiled children and start throwing tantrums when they refuse to get their way. They need to be moved aside and let the logical majority... the independents and the centrists of both parties work on fixing the isues that are critical to the continued well-being of the USA.

jennifer, jakemulligan, captainandy, coolfusion: get real. I too grew up in the Cold War but it apparently didn't scar me as much as you. Maybe your kids (and others) will have an opportunity to get a good education with rational approaches to controversies (or non-controversies) in spite of your less than rational behavior.

"Once again the extreme fringes of the political spectrum are making it impossible for the President of the USA to do his job." ~ downeastdave

That's the funniest thing I've read all morning!

This speech will be cleaned up from it's original form. From what I understand, Obama was going to ask the school kids to write letters on ways that they could help him. Help him? Now it will be a motivational speech to students to stay in school and better themselves. As long as it is not a political speech, I have no problem with it. I did read a speech he gave to students durring the campaign that I thought was completely inappropriate. One such as that is unwelcome.

dragon5220 it is my DUTY as a parent to censor what my children hear/watch. I do NOT want my children to watch a man who has aligned with KNOWN socialist and communists! The last I knew this was is still a free country, not for long if Obama has his was, but I am going to opt my children OUT of hearing Obamas propaganda! My choice as a parent!

hankwilliams you want socialized healthcare YOU pay for it. With all the taxes I currently pay and Cap and Trade around the corner I can't afford to pay for any more 'programs' and still heat my home!

It makes me laugh to see everyone of the liberals crying how wrong it is to not allow the president to push his agenda on these kids...it was ok to crap on Bush but now those of us who are conservative aren't supposed to speak out against what we feel is wrong? Why is that? I used to call myself a democrat, I voted for Bill Clinton, never voted for a Bush! But this new breed of democrats....the closet socialists, I'll pass thanks anyway. My kids will NOT be listening to Rush either!

commonsense, you are right (9:36) and that is what I base my choice on at this point....as well as Obamas choice of czars/advisers...

ACountian, re your 9:19 post....Why do you suppose Obama refused to debate Rush , when Rush invited him to do so?.....And what "clue " does our present administration have about war service and its meaning??

Yes I had a typo. One typo. Good Lord.

The Truth... you have to admit that it conjures up some pretty good imagery ..... a ring with lunatic fringe adorning it !

Health care INSURANCE reform!!!! People still losing their jobs, the economy still is lousy, yet this is the most important issue since sliced bread. Bill Clinton said the same thing in early 90's that the world was going to end, as much as I liked Bill...he was wrong. Fix what needs fixing and leave obama,pelosi, reid, barney and dodd out of the health care part of it. I don't want mccain, blount, mitch and the rest involved either. And if any of you public option /single payer lovers can explain how this will be paid and how much it is going to cost each of us, then SPEAK UP! Not one of you can say what it will be because this president and his minions can't even decide amongst themselves what is being proposed. This is the leader you elected and are willing to entrust a massive govt program to? GOOD LUCK! This has fast become an embarrasment. Fixes have been proposed to address what the biggest complaints are but people want it for nothing. No one wants to pay, they want everyone else to pay for them. And since medicare is going broke, please tell me HOW we will still be able to pay for medicare by adding millions more to the program? Unless, you agree with the barney frank principal, medicare isn't going bankrupt, it just needs more money!

OMG, he's the President of the United States, people! I can not believe all the no votes in the poll. They let President Bush in classrooms and he could barely read and write. Children should be watching the president when he speaks to them.

Jennifer, I too grew up during the cold war but I got educated after that. The anti-socialist propaganda was a bit extreme. Those who were amassing great wealth, ($millions$ back then - $billions$ today) had most of the political power and they feared socialism because its premise is a fairer distribution of wealth. Now if you have 5 billion, I would be concerned if I were you because you stole it basically. One billion is one million a thousand times. Those people broke that bank. Get a life. The president is a marvel of a man who we elected to bring about change. That change certainly will not be old style socialism.

I wonder how much of the hysterical fear of President Obama is rooted in his race . . .

I agree that the superintendent shouldn't impose a blackout on the speech, however, the problem is having the Secretary of Education create a teacher's guide to accompany the speech and attempt to circumvent superintendents, school boards and parents. We need to abolish the Department of Education and return control to local government. I agree that the President should give the students a pep talk every year, but how about at 7PM on all news networks without political spin afterward. Let parents decide how to discuss the material with their children.

Why is it the people who are screaming "SOCIALIST" "COMMUNIST",

Most of it, I fear, OldJim but it's subliminal.

66% in this poll say they don't believe children should listen to the President of the United States address them about something they aren't sure of, ready to disbelieve and distrust our elected President, but are ready to be 'ASTROTURFERS' led around by their collective hates. Hopefully, many of that 66% are just bitter old farts whom the world has passed by and whom will pass on themselves shortly and aren't still raising children.

I'm ashamed to be a Mainer and an American where people are bigoted enough to hold this sort of hate in them but too gutless to come out and say - "I just can't believe they let a black man into that office." This isn't about socialism because the administration isn't talking about socialism. But this might be about civics and an education, where students learn to listen to both sides before making up their minds, unlike these 66%.

Bush I, Bush II, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, wait, I can't think of a President who hasn't addressed school children directly. So what is the point of this? It's just more Republican hate and they're really good at slinging the mud. Sure, many politicians have flaws, but Democrat flaws aren't as bitterly directed as this current batch of Republican hate mongers. And this 66% buy into all the fear that the 'Hate Pushers' on FOX pump out.

Let the children go to school and make up their own minds. They aren't as gullible as their parents and isn't that what you 66% really fear, that your kids will see and hear a compassionate, educated, compelling individual and come home and ask you questions why were you worried, what do you really fear?

LET THE CHILDREN MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS and stop your disrespect, change the channel and become part of the solution and not continue being tools/fools of hate.

Because GrampieBob, as evidenced by the poll and some comments here, parents are not qualified to discuss intelligent discourse with children.

OldJim that gets old in a hurry. Most conservatives I know whould have voted for J.C. Watts or Michael Steele last time if they had been the Republican candidate. Hell, I would have voted for Martin Luther KIng if he would have lived and run against Nixon in 1968! It has nothing to do with race. Barack Obama is trying to re-write the American Constitution and adopt a European style socialist one to replace it. Hillary Clinton would have been trying to do the same thing and defenders of Liberty would have been as opposed to her as they are to his agenda.

OldJim.... what is Obama's "race"? Isn't he simply a member of the human race?

OldJim...it's only an issue for people that bring it up....like you. When I look at President Obama, I see the President of the United States, the Leader of the Free World who happens to be black.

You mean defenders of the Bernie Madoffs, GrampieBob? I've seen no European style socialism plan. If you mean socialized medicine, yes....., that needs to happen. If you're on Medicare or Mainecare, you already have it. Also all schools need to be equal in the quality of education they provide so that poor towns don't end up with less qualified teachers and lower quality schools. All children, regardless of their families income should have equal access to quality education.

Why is it the people who are screaming "SOCIALIST" "COMMUNIST", are the ones who seem to know so little about it. The images of communist brings up dictators, bread lines and the like, the brainwashing has worked, now people are terrified at the thought of doing anything that seems even remotely socialist.

So we can spend trillions on Iraq, all while our brave soldiers live in conditions worse than American prisoners, but as soon as we want to invest some money in our own people, the right wing nuts start screaming "SOCIALISM"!!!!! Did you ever notice that those in the media that are so against this, are very rich and have really no worries about going bankrupt over illness?

WilliamDS the poll question is stupid! It isn't a question of should there be a ban or not - of course there shouldn't be a ban. The superintendent should have asked for input from the school board and made recommendations to the principals and teachers based on that discussion. Simple yes or no poll questions are stupid, that's why I make comments instead of answering them.

WilliamDS: You make a good point. A lot of it is subliminal......thus, the denial. But I also would say that there are Republicans who would vote for a Black man or woman if the candidate was Republican or in line with their policies. It of course varies. You can't paint everyone with the same brush, according to political party,etc., or at least, it isn't fair or accurate to do so.

Hey, I am a Democrat but I do like Republicans such as Colin Powell (Black) and William Cohen (Caucasian). There are two men I admire and it does not matter to me which political party they are affiliated with. Granted, they are not of the right wing part of their party, but still......I go by the person mostly, not the Party.

Yellow dog Dem here. I'd stick needles in my eyes before voting Republican.

The wacked out fundamentalist far right becomes more radical the more it becomes a minority in this country. Give it another 5 or 10 years and these peoples' kids will be lobbing grenades and blowing themselves up on buses just like the Muslim fundamentalists.

WilliamDS 'fair distribution of the wealth'? Everyone has the same chance to make something of their lives and because they chose to go on welfare and not work or they chose drug abuse instead of college is NOT my concern! I'm far from rich but take pride in what I EARN!

B_Godot the administration isn't talking about socialism? Since when? THAT is all Pelosi, Reid and Obama are about!

GrampieBob your post @ 11:20 hit the nail on the head....

Obama declined/ignored Limbaugh's challenge to a debate because he is the President of the United States and Rush is a blowhard with a radio show who has never been elected to anything. The two men do not have equal standing in the world, despite Limbaugh'e delusions of grandeur.

Re 7:14 AM Yeah, but you have said you don't have kids....so maybe you do not have to worry about it so much. Keep listening to Rush. He will tell you what to do and think.

SoFedUp: I do not know about anne of mdi but I am fine with Russ and his ilk being on the radio. Would not want to censor him at all. I would not waste my time but he is there for all his hordes of listeners......and that is fine with me. Doesn't change a thing.

MikeinNC : They buy into it so readily.....based on fears and insecurities. It is not a good way to look at the world all the time, and luckily, everyone does not.

No Jennifer, you hear 'health care' and translate that into Socialism. To dumb to come out of the rain comes to mind. WE all need health care, and the health care system as it stands is in shambles, except for Medicare and you would cut off your nose to spite your face.

Let's see, all of a sudden, the Republikans are for health care reform, just taken more slowly, like, like, well like never because that's how much effort they put into it. All their effort is to support the status quo and thus completely self serving and no hint of selflessness.

William and Mike,

Read FDR's State of the Union address from 1944. What President Obama and George Soros and the "Hard" left want is government control of just about everything. You have a right to free healthcare; you have a right to a roof over your head; you have a right to a good job and 3 square meals a day! That's a long way from "life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness". If you take away a person's right to fail; you also take away their right to succeed.

Liberals like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are very concerned over this. Most Republicans are "regular" folks. Read Forbes Top 400 Wealthiest Americans list. The Country Clubs have just as many liberal Democrats as they do Republicans. Remember, Nancy Pelosi is the richest person on Capitol Hill.

Wow, Joshua... I certainly hope you are wrong but I see where you are coming from. I guess it's fear that causes that irrational thinking and the respond to it.

On 9/7/09 at 8:26 AM, Ladyslipper wrote: "I'd let my kids listen to Obama's speech with Rush."

My bet is you'd allow your kids to do anything with Rush.

hankwilliams...why did the President accept the invitation from the Phildelphia radio station?

Bravo, to these schools THEY ARE BEING TAKEN IN BY THE COMMIE'S STOP THE STUPID BEHAVIOR BY A COMMIE PRESIDENT, THE STUPID COMMIE

THAT WE HAVE GOT FOR PRESIDENT, HIS AND HIS COMMIE CZAR'S

JD: Why don't you answer that one...re 11:49 AM I guess there must be some "bad spin" on it? Why don't you enlighten those who do not see it the way you are seeing it?

markko: Re 11:48 AM He/she has stated, more than once, that he/she never had children (if you can believe what that individual writes here.)

THE ONLY IDIOT IS PEOPLE LIKE elijoseph WHO STEPS RIGHT INTO THIS COMMIE PRESIDENT THAT SHOULD BE IN WASHINGTON WORKING ON THE HEALTH PLAN NOT GOING AROUND TO SCHOOL'S ACTIONG LIKE A FOOL, THIS COMMIE PRESIDENT.

On 9/7/09 at 11:49 AM, JD2008 wrote: "hankwilliams...why did the President accept the invitation from the Phildelphia radio station?"

While we wait for hank's reply, I would say that Obama did not appear on Rush's entertainment program because it would have sounded much like the comment at 11:56 AM by one of your comrades drc480.

Disinformation is a powerful tool used by actual fascists.

JD2008

Obama went on the Michael Smerconish show because he knows he throws "softballs".

chersully2000, I don't care if ladyslipper *eats" his children, imaginary or otherwise.

The trouble with most of the Left is that they are afraid to bite back.

I'm not.

The Red Scare is stong today.

markko: What an intelligent remark from the poster at 12:01 PM......NOT!!. Sad, very sad......

Yes, I think Obama would like to reach a more broad based group when he speaks than Rush's audience! (what a joke that would be.) By speaking to the nation (and in this case, the nation's school children and maybe their teachers and parents too (hopefully) he is reaching Democrats,Independents, Republicans,etc, etc. There is no comparison to a discerning mind!

you Liberal jerk

Someone pointed this out a few days ago, but I love it that in the twisted minds of some of the reactionaries on here the Czars were Communists.

Good TYPING, drc!

Did your assistant help? Maybe she didn't help this time, as you make less and less sense with each post.

But KEEP TRYING, kid! Practice makes perfect!

Incidentally, if I took a "short walk," wouldn't I still be on the pier after I stopped?

Ahh... Never mind. Type whatever you want. It doesn't matter what you write, it's that you KEEP PRACTICING KIDDO!!!!

Insightful comments, there, drc480. Really raises the quality of discussion.

Keep biting back, markko. You can't have a reasonable debate with unreasonable people.

Socialism, capitalism, .....etc are just economic systems that define the distribution of wealth. We have a constitution that guides us in the US. The president is a constitutional scholar. Everyone needs to relax.

markko: ladyslipper claims he/she never had children. But in the past, will say something, and then say something else.....that does not add up. I would venture that individual never had children though.

lol Right at 12:16 hank. The Czars represented the aristocracy that was defeated by the Bolsheviks.

The Superintendent of Brewer schools says they will not show it....kids can watch it online with their parents at home later. That said, he states that the President's speech is not "dogmatic",etc. He says they talk about the importance of education every day at his school. (What does that really say about the President also chiming in on the importance of education!!) I think he just caved to parent's demands. Brewer is a Republican -leaning town, overall.

Proud of places like Casco Bay and many many other school systems in Maine (incl Lincoln,etc.) that will air the speech. Any parent who opposes it, let their kids stay home and home school them that day, or send a note and have them sit in another room and work on homework or some other educational project.

I find it odd that there are so many NO votes for "should the president be allowed" poll, but so many more comments stating he should be allowed.

Was the poll rigged to get more controversy? Or was the poll inundated by multiple account users? Or... is it so that the ones who feel he shouldn't be allowed to speak to our kids can't really explain WHY they don't want it?

markko...that is a non-answer and you know it...in your opinion why did the President accept the invitation to appear on the Philidelphia radio show? Simple question.

Oh, by the way I have no "comrades" as I can think for myself and actually form my own opinions of event, people and things. I do not have to have people tell me what to think, act and do. I can handle that all on my own. Have for better than 4 decades!

Marcinkus--imposing a ban was a "mistake"? How did you come ot make such a mindless mistake?

TO 12:38 PM, BangorDS:

What is your question?

TO 12:31 PM, JD2008:

I have no idea which Philadelphia radio show you are talking about, however I DO know what the Limbaugh show is all about. He wants the president to "fail."

Where is the confusion about why a (any) politician would avoid going to get ambushed by a drug-addled thug with minimal education, who has deranged and broken logic?

hank, u like my typing also, you also like the Czar's that your Commie President has as advisers, hank what happen to your Czar Van Jones?

And to marko I told u to take a hike, or take a long walk on a short pier, Maine loves Obama and his Czar's you both are the one's that have to learn how to type, you will not get nowhere with me my bold friends, like I said before TAKE A HIKE, IF YOU DO NOT NO WHAT THAT MEAN'S ASK

EXCELLENT TYPING drc!

Big improvement.

Homework: Check apostrophe usage. Ask doctor about levelling out the medications this week.

We will never move forward with our heads in the sand. This man, OUR president, like it or not, wants to encourage school children to work hard, graduate, go to college, be progressive...What is wrong with that? Are we so worked up over stupid crap that we hear second, third, fourth hand that we will not allow the leader of our country to tell our children that they too can make a difference in not only their lives, but the lives of our fellow countrymen, and a difference in our country as a whole. We all need to take 3 steps back and really look at what is wrong with ourselves even though it is easier to put the blame on someone else. Especially a half black POTUS. What has happened to the office of President and us as Americans is Mass Media. Yes, now my voice can be heard in this little corner of the world wide web, but undoubtedly, some one is going to read what I wrote and either bash me for living in California or take 3 words out of context and call me a name, but seriously people...get a life! I just don't know how the highest post in our country could become the biggest target for bull @#$! I wasn't a fan of Bush but I respected the office he held. We as a country need to get our heads out of the sand and realize that we are all working towards the same goal; a good life, liberty and some happiness along the way.

WestcoastMainer, I'm sorry but your post is way too wordy to convince them.

Perhaps if the president offered a free whoopie pie for each kid "allowed" to listen to the speech? That might convince them. That way they wouldn't have to feed the kid for the rest of the day.

Im getting a bit tired of all the hystieria about Czars.

I did a quick wikipedia search and it says

W. Bush had 35 Czars jobs with 45 appointees

Obama has 32 Czar jobs with 34 appointees.

So are you guys living under a rock, or just 8 years to late to the Czar bash party?

Jennifer it was not communism, or socialism, that enslaved people... it was the men who ruled using those things as a guise for tyranny and greed

Some of you people are so typical of Democrats- anyone who disagrees with your point of view is a "crazy right-winger" or is beng brainwashed by talk radio. You are pathetic. I hold 2 college degrees and I don' t need Rush Limbaugh or anyone else to tell me what to think! I respect the office of the President. Period. I would not be in favor of this address if it was George W. Bush or any other Republican in the White House. Period. I intensely dislike Barak Obama and it has NOTHING to do with his race! You people who call those of us who don't like him racists have such a herd mentality that you are incapable of understanding that it is his ideology, not his skin, that we find objectionable. Grow up- name calling should stop after the 8th grade.

Here's the text of the speech......no, not from Fox News, but directly from the White House:

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

Boy......that's some INDOCTRINATION! How dare he speak to our children about the value of inspiration, dedication, and hard work!

Let's hope the teleprompter doesn't fail.

I just read the speech, mainejeff... (thanks)

The biggest problem I have with it (besides the "God bless" at the end... I thought there was a separation of church and state?) is that it is probably is too complex for kids under the age of eight or nine. Otherwise, it's a nice little "go get em, kids" speech that may or may not inspire a fledgling presidential candidate or astronaut from challenging backgrounds, then at least give the kids an 18 minute reprieve from the first day of school.

What's the big deal, guys?

On 9/7/09 at 1:54 PM, Jennifer wrote: "Let's hope the teleprompter doesn't fail."

While hoping that Obama does, Jennifer?

It's going to take him 18 minutes to read that? Wonder what they cut!

markko I hope that the socialist policies fail....I have never said I hope Obama fails.

Jennifer, at least Obama doesn't sound like a IDIOT giving speeches. GW used a telepprompter and he still couldn't give a decent speech.

Do you even no what the word means Jennifer?

@ mainejeff, thanks for that link - knew it should be up there somewhere by now.

For those that think others that oppose them don't treat them fairly, it's the dichotomy of views that makes it difficult to give the opposition credit for clear thinking. I can't speak for everyone, but I can for myself, so if you listen to more news than the 'fair and balanced' source, I'd like to hear some original points and not the talking points I constantly hear parroted around.

This country's only hope is in it's children and making sure that they have ownership in this great experiment. This speech is about responsibility and not indoctrination into some 'ism. Why as American's can't we see which direction this country should move in? We start out as children believing, what goes wrong along the way?

"for improving the nation", is wonderful..... asking children for an uninformed opinion is not correct. they do not have the intellect at those ages to make accurate decisions.... that is why they need parental approval (not washingtons) to do most things.........as it should be!!! i would say someone within that administration is sabotaging Obama's true thoughts!!! **== Personally i would fire the person who wrote up that question and got it through the educational system!!!

do not mess with my children's minds..... that IS war ! ! !

Hey... Wait a minute. I seem to remember a few days after 9-11 that my kid and all of his classmates were asked to write a letter to President Bush, telling their feelings and thoughts about the event.

Some drew pictures of the buildings, some of heroic fireman, some poems and some lists of questions. I thought it was a fine thing for them to do. I think my 4th grade son asked Bush if he "freaked out" when he saw the towers fall, if I remember correctly.

mariahstorm, if you don't think that kids have the capacity to think and feel and contribute then I feel sorry for your kids. As for whether Obama was really looking for new ideas from kids in the public school system, I think you're stretching it a bit.

I hate OBAMA THE COMMIE, AND DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING OBAMA IS A CARD CARRING COMMIE

drc.......Are you a card carrying a-hole?

drc480...maybe it is time to step away from the computer keyboard and take a break for awhile...as I have said many times I am not a President Obama fan, but I do not for a second believe he is a card carrying commie is a bit much.

markko: "Out of the mouths of babes",etc. My 6 yr old granddaughter amazes me with her insight and perceptions often. After reading some of the posts on the BDN comment pages, I sure would not discount the intelligence and wisdom of children!

B_Godot: Part of what goes wrong along the way, is adults sometimes trying to impose their jaded, cynical, non-compassionat(sometimes) views on young minds!

non-compassionate, rather. (3:15 PM)

MurphyL: Yes, and President Obama writes most of his speeches (as he wrote his books). He stays up late going over and over what he writes. Admirable.

markko: If the President did not say "God Bless America" at the end, he would be criticized. If he does say it, he will be criticized. Get the picture!

This all has nothng to do about what is in Obama's speechand has everything to do with the color of his skin. Unfortunately racism is running rampant in the State of Maine.

nurse54: Yes, name-calling ,etc....as at 12:16 PM for example. Yeah, got it.

WestcoastMainer: Great comments. at 1:01 PM. Yes, that is what most thinking people want. This hysteria stuff is just very emphasized ......media,etc (all the media!) and overlooks the many many people in this country that are not suspicious of someone who values an educated country. People can make up their own minds........and no matter what the President says or does not say in this speech, there are some that have absolutely closed their minds and will not even give it a chance. But as we know, there are many who view this rationally and know it is not what some are trying to make it out to be.

MikeinNC Um Mike. Have you noticed also that those for this are also the rich? They also will excuse themselves from having to partake in the health care policies they foist on the rest of us. So stop the crap about rich repub. You might want to listen to those right wing talk show hosts. You might learn something. The Congress. Our president. Big business, Warren Buffet, tend to be rich liberals. I'm not rich, give me something simple stupid and I will support it. Start with catastrophic health coverage provided by the govt. That seems to be the real issue most families face.

@commonsense, so you think everyone that's for the President addressing school children are rich? Money has nothing to do with it and I'm a lot closer to poor than rich, if that means anything. And then 'they,' which I assume are those same rich people, want to foist health care policies on us? But then you seem to favor a govt. run catastrophic health coverage. I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, but I do believe if you were given something stupid you would support it. ;-)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090907/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_school_speech

Re 3:34 PM I doubt he ( Mike) wants to listen to "those right wing talk show hosts."!!

Also, most that are for the healthcare reform are not rich......that's a new one.....and takes the cake!1

Parents in Jim Jones The People's Temple probably thought it was a good idea to listen to him, too. Then they drank the Kool Aid.

Indocrinating children was wrong for Hitler & guess what? It's still wrong!

This is the most insane argument I have ever heard. Whether you voted for Obama or not (which I did), but sometimes regret, he is the President of the United States. People who put their heads in the sand and don't want their children to hear the address are.....well adrift from what America stands for. We elect our President, period, he serves at our will, and can be removed after 4 years if we don't like the job he is doing. The Presidency is a temp job, it can last no longer than 8 years. This is the first President who has ever come under scrutiny for the subject of an an address to the American people. Our children are Americans. Parents, how many of you who oppose this televised address have invoked your parental rights to deny your children access to something on cable TV? I would dare say not too many. It sounds like the old proverbial saying. If I don't like the rules of the game, I will take my ball and go home. Since none of us know exactly what he is going to say, how can we dare to censor his address. FDR's fireside chats gave the American people hope in some of the darkest times of our nation. What could Obama possibly say that would wreck the lives of these children. Its just more of the same old same old since Republicans lost major elections. I want to take my ball and go home. SUCK IT UP,and quit being sore losers!

".....well adrift from what America stands for"

America was not founded to be a socialist country either but that's exactly where your messiah is taking it.

How's your Kool Aid?

Sledman...have you bothered to read the prepared remarks the President will make tomorrow? There is nothing wrong with what he is going to say. You make me ashamed to be a republican! Comparing the President to Jim Jones and Hitler. This is what gives the left the ammunition they need.

Messiah? Kool -aid? Only in your mind poster at 5:02 PM. Only in your mind. Many just shake our heads when we hear such irrationality. Drink your kool aid....you are the one talking about it all the time.

dwwagg: Good remarks. And good point about TV viewing....yeah, I can just imagine what some of those kids probably see (all kinds of stupid reality shows, etc. and that is the least of it) , yet their parents are objecting to this?! Unreal..

This reminds me of when the looney left tries to ban Jr. ROTC at high schools, except now its the religious right trying to ban a presidential address. Same extreme politics.

"Adams, who is a pastor at the Calvary Temple Assembly, a Pentecostal church in East Millinocket, said Obama’s presidency has thus far failed to fulfill its promise of uniting the country and has instead worsened an already broad partisan divide."

Pastor Adams' statements were the funniest things I've read in quite some time, Thank you Pastor Adams!

Gee, do you think that perhaps President Obama hasn't been able to achieve his promise of uniting the country because the right-wing fringe elements are being encouraged to lie about everything the president has attempted to do? That they've called him everything from Hitler and the anti-Christ to a fascist/Marxist/communist? That he wants to invoke "death panels", when there's no such thing, and that he's just dying to indoctrinate our children with propaganda for his own purposes? Did you happen to think that when President Reagan addressed student classrooms on the importance of tax cuts? No, I'm sure you didn't because that was a different time, wasn't it? That was a time when there was "loyal opposition", as opposed to today, when all we have is insane opposition. When people could actually debate a subject without invoking the vilest, most contemptible rhetoric that we've ever seen in this country. Have we forgotten that when Christ walked the earth he asked that we "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?

Pastor Adams, THINK about what you're saying and tell us all honestly that you are a righteous man. When you reference that "broad partisan divide", I advise you to look to yourself. It is you, and others like you, who claim to be Christians, that have managed to break one of God's own Commandments with your rhetoric: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor". Oh, and as to "Board Policy"? "Board Policy" should not invoke religion - OR POLITICS - as a basis for their decisions either!

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

Time to post this one more time, but as I've heard said before 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't hold their head under until the bubbles stop.'

@Mainecommenter, nice try to redirect and equate apples and oranges. Neither are a bit like the other except that both might be found in lunch bags.

... and @mspeel - spot on!

Read Obama's speech. Then ran it through a word counter. 56 I's in it, guess it is a speech all about him. And as for the radical stuff, yeah after this controversy Im sure he was going to call for Obamacare rallies by the young or whatever silly socialist plans he has. Obviously he would change the speech to make it some boring pablum call to "work hard..blah blah blah".

Compare his remarks to Ronald Reagan, who actually spoke to students about the greatness of America and how they will be future voters and decision makers in a representative republic. Obama, and his call to "wash your hands alot kids" should really inspire.

mspeel: Great post! And I just read the text of the President's speech to school children tomorrow. Oh my gosh! It is nothing to get upset about....nothing. These people have made a big thing out of something that does not exist. What a joke. I should think these folks would look like they have egg on their faces tomorrow!

mspeel: Again....great comments.

Unbelievable 6:20 PM

Just saw a poll where 81.9% were in favor of their children hearing the speech tomorrow. So, let's remember folks......there may be a lot (as on here and someone like 6:20) who are opposed.....but they do not make up all this country. Lots of people will think it is a good thing as well.

I just saw a poll that said that 89.342% think that Elvis didnt die in 1977 but pumps gas in Newburgh.

Please chersully2000... as someone once said "there are lies, damned lies and then statistics".

I bet chersully2000 would have been all over having her brood watch a speech by the "EvilBushHitler". But Obama...lol.

@bmaturin - missing the point again, we believe that our children should hear what any President has to say. We trust they will make up their own minds, unlike those who will need it to be retold to them by a 'fair and balanced' entertainment, er, I mean news program. I personally like to keep my friends close and my enemies closer, so I listen to the 'loyal opposition' as well, but first hand, not regurgitated with bias.

bmaturin: You are pathetic. LOL LOL

Right on B_Godot. And yes, maybe bmaturin is a liar but I am not. Once again, on one poll (one news site....and no, not FOX) with thousands of respondents, 81.9% voted Yes to the speech....and in response to also, "He makes a lot of good points about responsibility and hard work."

One poll....and the point was.....not all polls would be in line with the BDN one.

Oh, I can sure see why JD2008 wrote what he did at 5:06 PM No doubt.....

mspeel have you read the health care bill? How dare you say there is nothing in there regarding 'death panels'? Because someone told you so? I have gotten half way through it at this point and let me tell you it doesn't come right out and say death panels but there is a lot of talk about the cost of life in ratio to years of life expectancy. I don't understand how the liberals really think that America can afford this health plan! If you can't afford insurance now how the hell are you going to afford to live when they are taxing the crap out of you to pay for EVERYONES healthcare? On top of that add Cap and trade...we're going to get screwed royally with the taxes it will require us to pay for all this! And where are those 'carbon credits' going? We will have NO manufacturing here in the USA it will all be done in China where there are no carbon credits!

Sledman....adrift from America, communism? Where have you been since the fall of the Soviet Union and the Berlin wall. Communism doesn't work. Even the communists know it. Give up that old tired scare em to death boogeyman stuff! The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Too much fear mongering. The American people turned their back on being afraid all the time. Prudence is good, promoting useless fear and is counterproductive. Feez, just when I turn a bit conservative, some lame right wing nut case makes me realize I am a liberal, and proud of it.

What is the big deal? If you are worried your kid will hear something bad from the President, keep them home. After all parents keep kids home for far more lame excuses than a Presidential speech.

Obama is parasite looking to suck the life out of our children and convert them into liberal blood suckers. And his voice irritates my ears and causes diarrhea of the mouth.

We already have swine flu to contend with.

Death panels: I have a dear friend who was just denied a lung transplant because of his age and he is not that old. His death panel was the Organ Transplant system. Death panels have always existed. Most of the time, the death panel is the thickness of an ill persons wallet, or the authorization team of their health insurance company. It has always been that way, and always will be. Nothing new.

Calm down Jennifer. It isn't good for your anyone's blood pressure to get that angry. You have a right to your views and feelings of course....not saying you don't. The whole thing about "death panels" (or anything close) has been discounted by many , including many Republican leaders. If you are going to be upset and angry, at least by based on facts, not just fear. There is enough to take care of in this country (things that have been building for many yrs.), to get angry over something , "death panels" that was just thrown out there by a Republican (Palin), who backpedaled on what she said later. She sure succeeded in getting people riled up though. Well, be angry if you want......I don't mean to tell you how to feel.....so don't get angry at me too. I think you will find that what you fear is not going to happen. A lot of us are worried about healthcare and how so many cannot afford it.....so they go without going to the doctor....and how the costs of it are rising and rising......benefitting the insurance companies. Meanwhile, people have lost their jobs and therefore their health coverage. Healthcare reform has not happened yet.....it is being deliberated on. We should all try and live as healthy lives as possible....make good choices.....that right there, helps to lower healthcare costs (but not enough...)

Reading the angry and attacking comments that fly from people on both sides of the political isle seem to be never ending and IMHO only feed the media empire czars that are neither fair nor balanced but the most one sided news reporting outlets I have ever seen....and I would put Fox, MSNBC, CNN and any other media outlets that capture the most viewers or readers in the same category....the "left" media only talks positively about "their" agenda and the "right" media outlets only talk positively about "their" agenda and quite obvious when the public speaks where they get their particular information....the media CEO's are laughing all the way to the bank....I have not watched any "national" news outlet for about 6 weeks and for the first time since last year's campaign can read a political article on most subjects without having any immediate decision or determined thoughts without maybe re-reading or comparing information from various sources....the American people are spending too much time allowing these media outlets from BOTH sides brainwash them and making America take sides on every issue....Crazy and the best thing people can do for their children is start thinking for themselves and start teaching their children tolerance, acceptance, right, wrong, black, white, truth and lies and stop letting Fox, NBC, CNN, CBS, ABC and the like form your personal, moral & ethical foundation which is being taught to the next generation....

Blah...Blah...Blah...

Blah...Blah...Blah...

Don't you all realize that none of you are right, but all of you are right at the same time?

Same conversation two years ago or four years ago, just the roles were reversed. How sad.

downeastdave 9/7/09 9:05 you are truly sick if you allow your children to listen to that pot smokin, coke sniffin, commie lovin, constitution hatin, Oboma, instead of Rush Limbaugh. (Glen Beck is even better.)

Now that it is posted, Quit whinin and go read it-not worth gettin in a snit: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/07/raw-data-obama-speech-american-school-children/

"Commonsense" I was talking about the right wing talk show hosts being rich and not needing to worry about going bankrupt. A very very small portion that are for healthcare reform are rich, I am betting no more than 1%. I hope that reading and comprehension isn't being taught in most schools tomorrow, because those children being kept home may be on the same level as you, and misunderstand most of what they read.

There you go assuming. I do tune into right wing talk shows on occasion, if for nothing more than sheer entertainment. Have fun with Fox News, if "some say" or "some people say" are credible news sources to you then there will be no use trying to reason with you.

Fox News=Libtard bogeyman.

MSNBC=Gospel Libtard truth

chersully2000 you and I have seen eye to eye on somethings and not on others, I do respect your opinion BUT how many people who can't afford health care have a car payment or 2? How many have cable tv and internet? I have chosen to not have a car payment, I saved and paid cash for a second hand vehicle. I saved and put a down payment on my home so i had a reasonable house payment. i don't over spend, I don't use credit cards and only have electric, mortgage, oil, and yes I do have cable, internet and a cell phone BUT I live within my means. I pay for health insurance for myself and 3 children. And because I live frugally not over spending as a single mom I don't understand why I should have to help pay for people who do not manage their money well! It isn't my fault that they over extended themselves on a large mortgage (for that large home they couldn't afford) or with a status symbol car! I work for what I have and others should to. I'm not sorry if I offended anyone with this post! LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS people!

My child is not school age, but if she was would be staying home this date. I wouldn't let a quazite fascist speak to my kid. The President shall serve my child not my child "serve the president" sounds a little sovietish dont ya think?

Mspeel, hopefully Mr. Adams only enters politics away from the pulpit or his church might very well lose its tax exempt status. He probably watches Fox Channel to get his info. Chersully, too bad we're anonymous. I agree with you so much, I'd treat you to lunch!

See, they cant stop bashing Fox News, talk radio, or any internet opinion that runs counter to their accepted truth. It must be tough wondering how the media world changed from the 1970's. According to the libtards we should all just eat the dog food their kind shovel us and like it.

upeaster: I hear ya!!

Jennifer: I understand. And like you, I do not use credit cards (by choice), no cable (I am not a huge TV watcher, but do sometimes miss some of the Red Sox games....but I manage to see most of them somehow, or always the World Series ) I was a single mother for several years as well, so can relate. My kids are in their 20's now and now have a 6 yr old granddaughter. But I take care of myself (and that cuts down on healthcare) and seem young for my age, as a result (or so I am told). I think a lot of it has to do with my outlook. You sure did not offend me with your post, and do not see how you could have offended anyone. My car was second hand also , paid outright. So, I know what you mean. My grandmother basically raised me, and she was quite frugal in many ways, so I had a good role model that way. I live within my means too; I often have found the best clothes, for myself, at vintage/thrift shops in recent yrs. as have many other people trying to stretch their dollars!

I am an American.

I was born and raised in this great country.

I am an American

I have the freedom to speak against or to praise the leaders of our great country.

I am an American

I have the freedom to listen to whom I wish and turn off those I wish not to hear.

I am an American.

I have the freedom of choice to vote for the person I want to without fear of persecution

I am an American

I have the freedom of choice to respect the President of the United States as much as those who choose to disrespect the office.

I am an American

I have the freedom of choice because our forefathers gave their lives to make this land the land of the free.

I am an American

I choose to support our leaders whether or not they are Black or White, Republican or Democrat, gay or straight, it really does not matter to me.

I am an American and I am proud to be American

The bickering needs to stop, the hard work needs to begin.

Parents who objected to this in the first place are why we have so many kids who grow up in this whitewashed state to be such useless adults. We were all allowed to watch JFK get shot in the head and the Space Shuttle blow up right in front of us, but our kids aren't allowed to watch our President specifically address them on the importance of education..........................WTF is wrong with this picture anyway? Good thing my children aren't in that school system because I would be leading the pack on ousting him, whether he changed his mind or not, and it would also bring out the idiots who tried to talk him out of airing it in the first place. Heaven forbid the man tried to get students to actually use their brains.

The adults are AFRAID that the children will comprehend what the President is saying and figure them all, maybe demand better education. Politics should be taught in school's, that way the nation know's WTH is going on in this country!

Those parents who vowed not to allow their children watch the speech and to instill their children with contempt for the office of President of the United States apparently are raising a bunch of little Timmy McVeighs. That's worthy of a good parenting award (not), or better yet, a Darwin Award. Even the stupid Congressman Jim Greer (R) who started this whole mess recanted on CNN this morning, saying "Children should respect the President."

The problem is not with the speech that Oboma is going to give today or even with the idea of a president giving a speech to our children.

The problem is with the speech he was going to give before this blew up in his face and with the "lesson plan" that was distributed and the suggested letter about how to "help the president". These things crossed the line to indoctrination.

anne 9:03 I have respect for the OFFICE of the presidency. I was willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt when he was elected as I believe any patriotic American should do. Because of his policies and actions I now have zero respect for Obama. He has proven himself to be a socialist, a Marxist, a practitioner of Chicago style thug pay to play politics, arrogant, and possibly fascist. And those are the good things I can say about him.

and I suppose if the Prez wanted to talk about physical fitness, that would also be promoting the "Liberal" agenda?? Jeez pick your battles and try to be reasonable, he's encouraging kids to stay in school not procreate....lol

You said a mouth full opinionated!! All the controversy surrounding this will make the students WANT to listen to the Presidents address, when more than likely, most would have been inattentive after the first five minutes.

I too remember watching the the space shuttle Challenger take off and explode right before our eyes in our 7th grade class room. I also rememeber watching the assasination of JFK (although it wasnt live) and doing essays on both events. I remember Reagan addressing us in school and going in depth about TAXES, FFS.

It baffles me that some parents have their panties in a twist over the POTUS addressing our children about the importance of living up to our potential, staying in school, and seizing each and every oportunity we have as Americans. Encouraging our kids to stay in school and to contribute to their communities actually sounds like good solid conservative values to me.

I was brought up in a strict miliatary home and have always been taught to respect the Commander In Cheif, but at the same time my parents raised us to think for ourselves and always trust our instincts. It IS possible to "question" authority while "respecting" it.

I may not agree with many of Obama's ideals, but I respect him as my president and most importantly, I trust that I've done my job as a parent and raised my children to think for themselves.

The few hysterical parents choosing to keep their children home can do so...its their choice, but it's sad that people are injecting this kind of hate into their children and I'm surprised at the collective ignorance for the baseless claims that the POTUS has ulteriour motives behind this speech, as other presidents have done the same thing without this kind of uproar. No matter how you look at it, such a deep level of baseless mistrust hints at hatred and shows us that we still have a long way to go as a country.

I, as a mom, have no problem with the President giving a speech to the schools. I do respect the office of the President and as such would like the respect returned. My DAUGHTER chose not to listen. I sent a note in with her and she will be in the library while the speech is going on. This is what America is about. Freedom of speech and the right to choose. I would have had a problem if the school was saying that it was mandatory for all students to attend. That would be stepping over the line. But as it is, students can listen or not. I do know my daughter isn't turning into a little Timothy McVeigh as anne of mdi wrote. My child made her decision completely on her own.

bwahahahaha

On 9/6/09 at 10:21 PM, chersully2000 wrote:

"Also, it has been noted that other Presidents spoke to the nation and the nation's school children about education (senior Bush and Reagan, for two) and no reaction such as this. "

Oh, really! How about this:

From the Washington Examiner

When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings

By: Byron York

Chief Political Correspondent

09/08/09 7:11 AM EDT

The controversy over President Obama's speech to the nation's schoolchildren will likely be over shortly after Obama speaks today at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. But when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue.

10:15 am, that's really not the same things as parents telling they're kids to stay home and not to listen.

PaleShadows: You put it so very well at 10:00 AM Thanks. Yes, it is beyond baffling to many ofus....and like what you wrote about showing respect for the President of the United States and how it is very possible "to "question" authority while "respecting" it. Good to point that out.

opinionated: Hear ya!!

Hey, at least it got some of those dimwits to turn off the "electronic babysitter" for half an hour!

I was adamantly opposed to Obama's orginal speech and lesson plans he had designed for teachers as a follow up. I'm sure many of you would have been too if you had seen it. His original speech wasn't just a "do the best you can" inspirational sppech. It was, 'how can you serve the president' "what does the Pres. want me to do to help him" speech and lesson plans. Now, I know some folks will support anything he does and says to their dying breath, but there are many of us who are able to see past the mask and understand what is happening to our country. Do you think 31 czars are enough? And, how about that Van Jones? There were some of us who were concerned about Obama's "friends"...but we were told his assocations don't matter. Well, they do matter, and they are beginning to matter more than ever NOW! BTW, I'm okay with his speech now that he has taken out the indoctrination session and revised the lesson plans......

wonderingaboutthings: Just read your post.....excellent! (and like your username!!)

11:05 am, please post the link to the "original speech" so we can judge for ourselves.

@ seeker 9:54 am, and I'm sure you have a copy of the speech 'he was going to give' before all you good people scared him back into line. So STFD & STFU.

@ pippa41 10:04 am, so your daughter didn't get time to study over the weekend and needs noontime for a study hall? Yes, she's well on her way and you should be very proud of her and her open mind.

@ RickDee 10:15 am, In his 10-01-91 speech G. W. Bush said, "Let me know how you're doing. Write me a letter. I'm serious about this one. Write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals." And if you read the speech, it sounds very much like the one Obama will give minutes from now. Other than your siting, I haven't found the dissension that you point to about that speech. Copy of that speech here http://volokh.com/posts/1252117357.shtml (just the first search.

Sometimes you gotta feel like Sisyphus explaining and re-explaining and getting nowhere.

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

Obama told one of his czar's to change his inspirational words ( the commie has 31 czar's) one of them should know how to write a speech.

I would like to know why there are so many in Maine that are on the left side?? And why do most of the people on this site think that they are so

intelligent? Most of them are Liberals and most Liberal are very intelligent. Obama should be in Washington working on his so called Health Plan

( Government controled) Well I guess his czar's will take care of his Health Plan. God Bless America

B_Godot...the link to his new and improved speech IS much like Bush's (which drew much controversy from the left). However, his original was VERY different. It was that speech which created such a fire storm. Why do you supposed he would have agreed to change it if he didn't have those "pledge to the president" type messages in it? BTW, the original speech does not seem to be available anymore...at least I can't find it.

B_Godot: They are snatching at straws. They've got nothing else so they keep emphasing about the President "changing" his speech. There wasn't a whole lot to change; just some wording. And that was because the far right made such a big thing about it. There was no big "indoctrination" message.....only in some of these peope's minds who want to always "try" and find "something". They are so transparent.

Thanks for posting the link to that other speech. Geez......Yes, Sisyphus....hear ya.......

Would someone tell me why does Obama need so many czar's at the taxpayer's expence? And there are a lot of commie's in that bunch.

31 czar's we taxpayers are paying for, if you pay tax

11:23 am, the original speech isn't available because it was never published.

right on Jennifer, tell it like it is, join with me as we try to change it,,,,Obama

Obama's speech with or without Obama, the kids well get it from their teachers anyway. Politics are have already been injected into the schools. I know of an incident in Bangor where a 5th grade class was read a book which was a satire of Good Night Moon where former President Bush was poked fun at. The book contained images of cocaine, headless toy army men, a toy plane crashing through some blocks symbolizing the Twin Towers, New Orleans flood and plenty more slams against President Bush. The book was ridiculous and I cannot believe the parents of these children didn't make some heads roll.... Talk about unpatriotic, teaching a child that is 10 yrs old to disrespect the President no matter which President is unpatriotic. So I cannot see where the Obama speech would be different from any other day at middle school.

Jennifer, you are the only one on this site that has a clue on what is going on with this so called President. The rest read the BDN

Good for former First Lady, Laura Bush. It was just announced that she is very much in favor of President Obama's speech to school children. Not surprised. She is a former teacher and librarian and has always stressed reading and education. Maybe that is one reason her daughters are so smart and well adjusted. Good for her. But I always thought she was real smart anyway.

Really I did not know how many people hate Fox News, with Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, etc. I think most of them watch CBS AND NBC with the jerks that they have on the news. I guess they do not want to know what is going on with Obama and his jerky commies

Great speech! I wish I had heard that when I was in middle school.

Hey DRC, your hero Georgie W led the largest expansion of american government that we are paying for, not to mention wasting a nice surplus and sending us headlong into the red. So pipe down about your precious taxes.

What is the big deal about thsi anyway??? The president should ingore our youth?

I'm sure this 18 minute speech was a lot less than the last guy spent picking his nose.

The wingnuts are opposed to education in any form. The mouth-breathing Beck fans look upon seventh grade and remember it as the worst three years of their life.

George H.W. Bush delivered an education speech in October of 1991 to students at a junior high school in Washington, Democratic critics investigated the event. This was a speech to ONE junior high school! How soon we forget? Liberals/Democrats/Socialists seem to have selective memory!

Really jennifer...maybe you should go back to the cold war and rethink your understanding...Communism and Socialism are nothing alike. Communism does not have a government. In a communist society (which on a large scale has never existed) the people make all the decisions about what is best for the people but not through some contrived form of government. Socialism (and this can vary greatly depending on the level of socialism) obviously has everything from a little government intervention (such as in most supposed capitalist nations - you pay taxes don't you?) to rather extreme forms which I assume are the ones you mistake for Communism.

Please...keep your kids at home...they're too far gone and I don't need their poison in my school. As a matter of fact, keep them home tomorrow and forever if public schools aren't good enough for you.

All you nutjob psycho wingnuts (most of you claiming to be fake Christians) will never get it...The President wanted to tell kids to stay in school and get an education and you moronic losers couldn't hack it...shut up!!!!

Obama is an extremely dangerous psychopath ,,,,,,,,,, get your children out of public school's

Gee..I think I may have to consider,maybe wondering if, like, I should or could maybe if I don't offend anyone (or thing) and think again about trying to like maybe be a screaming liberal and all the world will think I'm enlightened and all I'll have to do is polish my halo while the whole stinkin' world goes to hell because of coal and nuclear power which I will dislike (libs. don't hate). Then maybe I'll become a school teacher and join a union and not give a flying consternation about the mistruths(?) and watch the calender click down to my retirement and free health care that some big ,evil ,rich company is paying for by charging me way too much for a crap toaster made anywhere but in the USA. Life is good.

The reason you can't find an 'original' speech for yesterday is because there wasn't one. What there was was a 'lesson plan' for schools to get ready for the speech. The words in the 'lesson plan' were changed, so that they sounded less G. H. W. Bush's speech on 10-1-91 where he asked students to "Let me know how you're doing. Write me a letter. I'm serious about this one. Write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals."

@Jennifer, Just like Obama's speech yesterday, that 10-1-91 speech, although directed to one school, was televised to the nation. I heard that speech yesterday and it was derisive, saying that you could go to college or 'just run the streets.' Nice touch for a President trying to inspire kids to reach new heights.

Point is folks, this was a Tempest in a Teapot. The Media is killing us in what would appear is in hopes that we might take up arms against each other. Between Twitter, email, FaceBook, MySpace and then through in a bunch of entertainers parading as pundits of news, it takes a lot to know what the truth really is. Once again, we have been 'wagged by the dog' (great movie, see it some time when American Idol or Big Brother re-runs bore you to tears.) A non-issue was elevated to the point of hysteria where we fight amongst ourselves.

To those who kept your kids out of school, shame on you. Don't you feel silly now that you were so easily duped into fearing the President of the United States. As someone said this isn't North Korea, for God's sake and no politician would spend that kind of political capital trying to fool children. If my superintendent or principal or teacher caved into this foolishness, say in particular, the head of Bangor Schools that was on last night's news, I would be in their offices today demanding their resignation. THEY ARE NOT EDUCATORS.

I listened to both Reagan's '88 and G.H.W.'s '91 speech and they couldn't hold a candle to Obama's real-life comparisons. But go ahead and believe that your negative efforts changed Obama's speech. Bangor where?

It's a great time to be alive! To those who have ears 'and' hear, keep the faith and be strong, to those that are just to angry and need someone else to blame for their pitiful existences, you're bringing the rest of us down.

I listened to children who called into Cspan after the speech and I realized that the kids get it. When you hit them with a real idea, the 'ring' back like a bell and are ready to do something, They still have juice in their synapses. On the other hand, no matter what you hit some adults with, you only hear back a dull thud.

What I worry about is the people that this president appoints. His 31 czar's are all liberal's and dragging her heels behind him is Hillery the woman who told the American people that Obama did not have enough experence to be President, now she is the biggest czar he has. I think something is going on between them, I love my country and I always did, not just now but always, remember Obama wife, this is the first time to be proud to be an American

SHE AND Opppie

To: "TheTruth" - I think you should change your name because you really don't know the truth. I am an Independant, and oh yes, I'm quite educated. I am not a wing-nut and don't appreciate being called so. I listen to Limbaugh occasionally and I like Glenn Beck. I listen to and read both sides. I've also read quite a bit of the bill and bills probably more than some of our own Congressman. The President changed his address to our children. It wasn't the one he originally had. And, you know, this works both ways. When a (R) President did this same thing, there was outrage as well. So, actually, it's tit for tat. So, you don't have to be so rude to the parents that think differently than you. It dosen't sound to me like you have an open mind here as you are putting down parents and accusing them of being brainwased for their beliefs and calling them wing-nuts. You must be a perfect person, not a wing-nut, and you aren't brainwashed on the other side are you! An eye opener for me was: Our Government, couldn't even run their own banks. Remember Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac???? Those banks tanked and guess what? We, the taxpayers are now paying dearly for our Govenment not having oversight to make sure these banks didn't fail!! Our Government gave loans to people who they "knew" couldn't keep up with the payments - go figure.

I don't go to the store with 50.00 in my pocket and buy 300.00 worth of stuff and then look to someone to help me pay for it. Social Security is broke, Medicare will be cut, Medicaid is a mess and full of fraud. The Post Office isn't doing well either. AND, these are all GOVERNMENT programs folks. Open your eyes and start checking these things out!!!!! And, while you're at it, check the programs that they want to cut from the budget as was on TV this afternoon - most of them shouldn't have been in the budget in the first place! So, before you put me down, please check this out for yourselves.