Obama message not heard
Zac Sweets, Student Life Editor
September 9, 2009
Filed under Opinion
I’m not writing this column to complain. I’m not writing to gripe. I am simply inquisitive, and I have just one small question. Why on Earth did our school’s administration censor the national address by President Barack Obama to America’s children Sept. 8 from our view? Our teachers were told that they were not allowed to show the program, and that just makes no sense to me.
From what I understand, our President is president of our entire nation, not just those who voted for him. Also, from what I understand, our school received a small number of “inquiries” about President Obama’s address, and they opted to view it first before allowing us to see it. Is that a compromise? Or is that censorship?
I am keenly aware that there are those who dislike the President. This column is not intended to address his popularity, his politics or his viewpoints. It’s not about Democratic control of Congress or Republican politicking for leverage. Instead, I just want to know how it’s possible that the leader of the greatest nation on our planet would be censored by cautious administrators based on a few phone calls or emails?
Last spring, I had the pleasure of working very closely as a student representative on a committee to set a strategic plan for our school. While serving with them, I learned that these people were thoughtful, caring and I genuinely like each of them. They definitely are looking out for our school and its students. That’s why it’s so puzzling to me that some of these same people are probably the same ones who made this decision, and that concerns me.
We set very important goals on that committee. We ALL want our students and parents to be active in every kid’s education. We want a school climate that celebrates our diversity. We want a school environment where students are critical thinkers and can work toward becoming engaged citizens. I didn’t get to see the president’s message, but my research indicates that this is the EXACT same message presented by President Obama to the students. If we want this message given to our students, what is wrong with the leader of the free world sharing in these goals with Belton students?
Again, I’m not trying to gripe, or complain. I just think that our teachers and students would have benefitted by hearing a message like this by Mr. Obama. I don’t understand the rationale for censoring it, and maybe I never will.
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I agree. While I understand that different people have different opinions, and that the school board doesn’t want to offend anyone, what can be offending about an encouraging message to students nationwide to do their best in school?
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Zac, I wondered the same thing when I heard that. Then I watched the news at home and realized that parents all over the country wanted censorship, in other words they wanted to be present when the president spoke. I think they felt that Obama could have addressed students in the evenings while their parents were with them, instead of in a classroom where parents couldn’t answer their questions and discuss the issues.
Very thoughtful and organized argument! Great job!
Mrs. Driskill
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I completely agree. Just ask Telana, I have pretty Republican views but i think it is absolutely ridiculous that our school district would do that. He’s our president, and whether you agree with it or not he has the right to address the students of our nation. This is a very well written article. Good job man.
P.S. The website turned out great. Good job guys!!!
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Hey Zac. Great article. Let me just say that I agree 100%. This is just crazy. The school should have let us watch this since it concerned us. He had a lot to say and alot of students missed it. It was very unfair. All Obama wanted to say was that we should do good in school. Isn’t that what the administrators want as well? Well great article!
~Daniela Guevara~
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I am glad it wasn’t shown to younger students, but I do believe that students at a high school level are old enough to make their own decisions and not just be swayed by TV In this day and age it is necessary to inform teenagers about what is going on around them, therefore watching the speech would have been a good thing. Yet elementary students are not old enough to understand and are easily persuaded into believing something they don’t even understand. Children are very impressionable and vulnerable and shouldn’t be watching such things without parental consent.
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