Speaking to Children is Not a Novel Idea for Politicians

September 5, 2009
This morning on the Alicia Marie Phidd Report we discussed many things including President Obama’s Speech scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The speech is set to engage students and speak on personal responsibility among other things. The Department of Education suggested classroom activity for before, during and after speech to all grade levels.

This speech has been politicized by Republicans as a speech of indoctrination due to some of the suggested activity including the students write to the President suggesting how they can help. Some schools are electing not to broadcast the speech for technical difficulties and other miscellaneous reasons. In addition, parents are threatening to remove their children from school on Tuesday.

I feel the need to blog on this matter because it is politicized to the effect that it is being called an indoctrination of young minds. This is just appalling. Parents have the option to not send their children to school that day. The schools have the option to not use the suggested classroom activities. What exactly is the problem here? I submit to you my public that you go to the www.ed.gov website and familiarize yourself with the suggested activity relative to the grade of your child and then make your determination.

In the recent past, former Presidents Reagan and Bush addressed students and it was televised nationwide. The speech of President Reagan is archived on my website for your viewing. After you review it, let me know if you have a problem with that speech and then review President Obama’s speech to be released on Monday and let me know your thoughts on the comparison.

If we believe that the message of personal responsibility is good and that young people, i.e. kids can give meaningful insights, then why shouldn’t their questions and thoughts be solicited?

For the record, the former Presidents who were Republicans were opposed by the democrats on their intended speech as well. My directive to you is to stop politicizing matters and issues that can make the country as a whole better. If you disagree, do it on good solid factual reasons and not propaganda. Parents, please “parent” and always try to educate yourself on matters so you can make informed decisions.

Alicia M. Phidd, M.P.S.,J.D. received her B.Sc. in Chemistry and Masters in Environmental Studies from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook in New York and Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in Florida. She currently practices Business Law and Immigration Law in Tampa, Florida. In addition, she has taught law at Barry University, graduate school; University of Phoenix, undergraduate business school and Broward Community College. She can be reached through website www.aliciaphidd.com Follow her at www.twitter.com/phidd View http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jJVsm57Awk
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