Political propaganda or a valuable learning opportunity?

I will be the first to admit that I am a little out of the loop when it comes to politics.  I realize that many will point their fingers and cry, “Shame!  Don’t you realize what our ancestors went through??  Do you take our democratic society for granted??  Don’t you realize you are not doing your part as an American???”  Yes, yes, and yes- but I promise I have every intention to do better!  I just don’t have the time…ya know?  And frankly…politics are kinda boring.  And frustrating.  There I said it.  Go ahead and throw rotten vegetables or stones or what have you.

But really, I do want to be up to speed on the important things going on in my country and in the world.  And I’m not completely oblivious, I just don’t know the nitty-gritty details.  I do love my country though, and I believe in the ideals it was founded upon. 

That being said, I have to be honest that I don’t quite understand what all the fuss is about regarding President Obama speaking to school children through a nationwide broadcast.  People!  Just relax for a minute!  Let’s think about this here.  Some argue that Obama is trying to “spread his socialist agenda” among the children of the nation, that this address is something you would see from a dictator in another country.  That he’s undermining the parents by speaking to the children directly instead of the family as a whole during primetime. 

Seriously? 

I’m confused.  I thought we wanted our lawmakers to be concerned about our childrens’ education and welfare.  I thought we wanted them be more involved. 

In one broadcast, one optional broadcast I might add, you really think he’s going to brainwash the children of the country?  BULL CRAP.  People, how often do your kids from home from school with a complete and total understanding of all that was taught that day?  Do you really think that your child will come home spewing democrat or “socialist” doctrine to all in sight?  No.  They are going to say, “Mommy, guess what?  I got to watch TV in school today!  The President was on TV and my teacher said we could watch.”   Older kids will likely blow it off as “boring”. 

As far as when the broadcast is happening, how many families do you think would actually sit down together to watch the broadcast?  Families don’t even sit down to dinner together anymore, much less a broadcast by a political figure. 

While I don’t know exactly what will be said by the President, I’m fairly certain he will not be discussing heavy political agendas.  From what I understand he wants to talk to kids about making the most of their education.  About setting goals and working hard.  Stuff that kids can understand.  STUFF THAT KIDS SHOULD HEAR.  I don’t care if it is said by a Democrat, a Repulican, a Communist, or even a prostitute.  If someone is willing to take the time to teach my children that the opportunity to learn is precious and valuable, I want them to hear it. 

If parents take their kids out of school to avoid this speech they are depriving their children and themselves of a valuable opportunity.  Maybe you don’t agree with everything Obama has to say.  Why not ask your child after school what they thought about the speech and the government in general and engage them in an age-appropriate political conversation?  Talk to them about your ideals and your feelings and how to make a difference in the world.  Kids have a right to form their own opinions too, and you can help them learn how to develop an educated opinion and take action appropriately.

We don’t want to teach our children that the way America works is by boycotting and badmouthing others.  Turning away simply because we are of another party or other religion or other race or whatever it might be.  We should be working together!  Appreciating what others have to offer and contributing where we can, being open-minded and thoughtful.  Please don’t teach your children ignorance.  Kids (and adults apparently) need to learn how to think for themselves, and taking away that opportunity is teaching them to be blind to the world around them.

It makes me sad to think that parents across the nation will allow their children to watch a scantily clad teenage girl bump and grind on a pole during an awards show for kids; or thugs point guns at each other to solve their problems on crime shows; or trashy, idiotic people scream obscenities at each other in reality shows.  But have them watch a well-dressed, educated, elected official talk about obtaining an education so you can contribute to the American society?  What disgusting and vile political propaganda!!

I am not a diehard Obama supporter, but I am not an Obama hater either.  I agree with many things he stands for, and I disagree with many other things too.  But when it comes right down to it, he is the President of the free world, and that does mean something.  We should teach our children to respect our elected officials, but that they are also allowed to form their own respectful opinions. 

That’s just my opinion on the matter. *Stepping off soapbox…*

See here, here, and here for related articles if you’re interested.  There are plenty of others out there too…

Tags: on my soapbox, politics