Great read..

I stole this from B.J., it really is a feel-good piece with all the ridiculous hoop-la going around! Thanks B.J.!!

Students should hear Obama talk

Reginald T. Dogan • September 5, 2009

Malcolm Thomas and Tim Wyrosdick ought to be ashamed.

As superintendents of schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties respectively, they should lead by example, not by their conservative Republican political partisanship.

They shouldn't allow parental pressure or party politics to prevent students from hearing President Obama's national address on Tuesday to school children across the nation.

It's not surprising that some parents on the fringe of the conservative right would threaten to keep their children at home rather than allow them to listen to what they call Obama "spreading socialist ideology."

Unrealistic skepticism and unfounded fear separated from reason is paranoia. It undermines the rational foundations upon which democratic self-government depends.

We expect more reason and less hysteria from our school leaders.

Perfect person

The U.S. Department of Education clearly stated that Obama's message is to challenge students to work hard, set education goals and take responsibility for their learning.

He will in no way mix his political role with his presidential role. This will be a pep talk, not a policy speech.

The students deserve the right to hear their president, and the president deserves the respect of being heard.

If it were former President Bush or President Nixon or President Reagan, I would feel the same way.

In itself, Obama's life-story is a "teachable moment." He is the perfect person to address students in school.

Obama's life parallels the lives of many of the students. He was raised primarily by a single mother. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He is a perfect example of the Horatio Alger rags-to-riches story. He arose out of nowhere to become the commander in chief of the world's most powerful nation.

Honor and privilege

Of all places, schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties should openly welcome a positive message from a prominent black role model.

Black people, especially black males, are seriously lacking in both school systems. For some of the students, the only positive black role models they see are on the TV playing sports or dancing and singing.

Obama dispels the long-held myth and stereotype that black people are inferior, inarticulate and irresponsible. Children in our schools need to see, hear and learn this. And the appearance of a president at the schools is the best place for them to learn this important lesson.

But this isn't really about race. It's about doing what's right.

Thomas used the poor excuse that Escambia is a district "where students struggle" and "we don't want to waste a single minute." Listening to a 20-minute speech on the value of education from the president of the United States is hardly a waste.

It is an honor and a privilege.

If they don't think so, then I am ashamed that Thomas and Wyrosdick are too blinded by petty politics to see it.

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