The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

Yes, because it is important that both the pro and con side be thoroughly presented on the hotly contested issue of valuing education, taking responsibility for your own education, and contributing to an environment where education is respected.

I think Newt Gingrich pretty much nailed it when he said ""Why is it political for the president of the United States to discuss education?"

Though, of course, that was in 1991 when George Bush was doing the same thing (with almost exactly the same talking points as Obama has announced). I don't know if there was an uproar in 1986 when Reagan did a student Q&A broadcast nationally to schools in which he not only talked about the importance of education but also discussed actual politically controversial issues such as nuclear disarmament and taxation.

But in the stupid kabuki of national politics, when Bush did it in 1991 there were some Democrats who decried it as a political event. In the interest of fairness, let me say now that they too were being douchebags (though the Bush event was in the midst of the just ramping up 1992 presidential campaign, but regardless I think it is good).

And our national political leaders interact without pre-filtering with our students all the freaking time. Both of our senators addressed assemblies while I was in high school (the Flinstones-naming-inspired pair that was Brock Adams and Slade Gorton). Are we all aware that Michelle Obama has regularly been visiting our nation's elementary schools since January, indoctrinating children wherever she goes?

But then I honestly don't get this idea that our elementary schools are supposed to be designed to protect our children from teh complex thoughts of the real world. I am amused, however, that among certain circles our current president is apparently just as reprehensible and damaging to young minds as evolution.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

The way the (Bakersfield) local schoo odistricts are phrasing it is that they don't show the students anything that has not been reviewed. This is a standard policy, across the board, no matter who is wanting to address the students.

Except that, as has been mentioned several times already, the material is available for review. They, for their own political reasons, have CHOSEN not to review it apparently.

Every one is entitled to their own opinion. I may not agree with that opinion, but it doesn't make it any less valid than mine.

But you'll shield your child from hearing an elected official speak? On an entirely non-controversial subject matter no less?

Originally Posted by Alex

Yes, because it is important that both the pro and con side be thoroughly presented on the hotly contested issue of valuing education, taking responsibility for your own education, and contributing to an environment where education is respected.

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

The abortion doctor being shot, the Holocaust Museum shooting - just the tip of the iceberg. Threats against the President of the United States have increased 400% since Obama took office. I'm pretty firmly convinced that the next act of terrorism that this country sees will be domestic and from someone who self-affiliates with the Republican party. I hope I'm wrong.

Carefull MbC… Awhile back, I was eviscerated on this board for suggesting that violent right-wing extremism is on the rise.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Moonbats taking things into their own hands....like the guy in Colorado who vandalized a democrat party office to try to make it look like Republicans did it? Or the other guy who bit off the pinky of an Obamacare protester? Would you say that the US Army soldier who took a grenade into the barracks a few years ago and blew up a bunch of people was inspired by those on the left protesting the war?

So? Do these things excuse the actions of those on the right? I, and many others, decried these events. When was the last time you spoke out against right-wing domestic terrorism?

Why is "But, you're side did it too!" so commonly a fall-back excuse by the right? I never hear Democrats saying that.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Perhaps John Kerry who was saying we were terrorizing women and children in the dark of night and killing innocent civilians? Does he get the blame?

Um… because we were?

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Of course you weren't. To be aware of that, so you could educate yourself would go against the "Well I just don't trust him and I don't want my kids to see it...because if they do I might have to hold an intelligent discussion with them about why I feel the way I feel and answer questions and.... *gasp* find out they might feel differently then me". And as a toaster-touting paranoid Republican that just can't happen.

Does that about sum it up?

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

Too true.

[Mousey Girl]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Except that, as has been mentioned several times already, the material is available for review. They, for their own political reasons, have CHOSEN not to review it apparently.

But you'll shield your child from hearing an elected official speak? On an entirely non-controversial subject matter no less?

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

Like I have said, he can see it, but I would prefer to watch it with him, at home.

I would also not want him to watch it over at my parent's house, where he would be subjected to my father ranting, raving and cussing every time the president opened his mouth.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

Like I have said, he can see it, but I would prefer to watch it with him, at home.

Why? You don't even know what the speech contains yet, nor are you apparently willing to wait and read it before making that determination. And even worse, the school system that your child attends is apparently unwilling to do this either. That suggests to me that your minds have all been made up on the matter, without having one shred of evidence that there is anything remotely controversial in the President's remarks.