Did Adults Learn Anything From Obama Speech Controversy?

[PVnRT]

Tom Eblen, Lexington Herald-Leader

It was a speech that could have been delivered by any responsible leader, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative.

It was a pep talk about personal responsibility, not politics. But from the way the right-wing fringe and some Republican Party officials reacted to it beforehand, you would have thought Obama was planning to sprout horns and advocate devil worship.

There was a lot of bluster about Obama "overstepping his authority," even though previous presidents have made similar speeches. Timid school officials offered opt-outs for students whose parents objected. Cowardly school officials skipped the speech all together.

Last week, Steve Robertson, chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky, called Obama's plan to speak to children "very concerning and kind of creepy" and an attempt "to circumvent parents" and "gain direct access to our children."

[lunatica]

1. It depends on who you call 'adult'

[TxRider]

8. Not really...

What sensible adults learned is that neither party is above this type of stupid partisan politics.

We were stupid when Bush I spoke to kids, pushing it to the point of a congressional investigation, they are being stupid now when Obama speaks to kids.

Adults are just shaking their heads in disappointment.

[rucky]

2. They should've taken St. Ronnie's advice on the whole thing:

"Trust, but verify"

They didn't do either. Their inherent mistrust of Obama caused them to jump to irrational conclusions, and now they've made fools of themselves in front of their own children.

[Mass]

3. No. The GOPers are now saying that Obama changed his speech in order to cover their concerns

Not that there are any facts showing that, but when did facts stop them?

And they are now objecting to the media saying their fears were baseless and calling this a spin.

[BeyondGeography]

4. It was the creepy visuals that really wigged them out

[doc03]

5. It confirmed my belief that

roughly 25% of the American people are crazy as hell.

[T Wolf]

6. The lesson is that the pukes win on every issue unless the Dems really fight back. And they tend

not to.

The cons will now move on to the next faux issue to rile up their ignorant, stupid base. And the Dems will continue to chase them instead of taking the lead on anything.

[Window]

9. Personally, I don't think looking like a bunch of idiots is a win for Republicans.

They look like the assholes they are.

[Chulanowa]

7. Nah

Adults have an amazing capacity to force themselves into ignorance, if reality would ever contradict their beliefs

[Hamlette]

10. Some excellent stuff at the end of the piece

Some GOP leaders have no interest in working with Obama and other Democrats, whether its rebuilding the economy, reforming health care or anything else. They just want to see Obama fail.

The talking heads of the right-wing media relentlessly bash Obama. They shamelessly distort facts, incite fear and call anyone who disagrees with them radical, socialist or even communist. It's a profitable business model, because gullible listeners lap it up.

Obama is no radical, unless you think "middle of the road" means the right shoulder. But there are radicals out there, on both sides of the political spectrum, and this episode is a good reminder that responsible people should be wary of them.

snip

On the other hand, history's ills can usually be traced to political or religious ideology and extremism, from Mao's China and Hitler's Germany to the Spanish Inquisition and modern Islamic terrorism. Those perpetrators were certain they were right and their opponents were evil, and they had no reservations about saying or doing whatever it took to win.

Obama's agenda and proposals should be carefully studied and vigorously debated. Thoughtful discussion could lead to good compromises, better ideas and ultimately solutions for the nation's problems, some of which can be traced to past examples of ideology trumping common sense.

That has become more difficult, though, because modern communications technology amplifies the voices of irresponsible extremists, ideologues and the willfully ignorant people who follow them.

The best lesson to take away from the president's speech to schoolchildren is that personal responsibility is a good concept for adults, too.

[TheKentuckian]

11. Unfortunately, a few of the saner Republicans may have learned to pick battles somewhat

It's a damn shame but hopefully they're words will fall on deaf ears and they'll continue to look hyper-stupid and beyond childish.

[Old Studentka]

12. Maybe

But I doubt it.