September 8, 2009
“It’s Flat-Out Stupid”
“It’s flat-out stupid” said renowned author Thomas Friedman on last Sunday’s Meet the Press and I couldn’t agree with him more.
The firestorm regarding President Obama’s speech to school children is tragic. I guess some people would rather see their children dig ditches or flip hamburgers than pursue an education that would unshackle chains of generational ignorance.
Those of us who have traveled globally know how much our president is well loved and respected. It would be nice to see citizens of his own country respect him in that manner as well. I saw “Obama” bumper stickers half way around the world in Ethiopia during the adoption process of our sons and it gave me great hope. The world wanted to breathe again, and the election of Obama allowed that to happen.
One of my proudest moments as an American occurred on election night of 2008. I thought the pettiness was finally over. I guess I’ll continue to dream. Meanwhile for the agitators and conservative pundits who are stuck on stupid, here’s a rude awakening:
- The United States is no longer the world leader in secondary education. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/11/19/US-slipping-in-education-rankings/UPI-90221227104776/
- 93 percent of high school students in South Korea graduate on time compared to only 75 percent of American high school students
- The United States has failed to raise student achievement in science over the past decade while Singapore and other Asian countries continue to score higher in both subjects
- Students in Singapore and Taiwan scored 40 points higher than American eight graders
- U.S. teens in math and science trailed their international peers on a math and science exam http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/12/09/study-us-trails-asian-countries-in-math-and-science.html
It’s obvious that our children’s future bosses are going to come from Asia.
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Need I say more?
Health News Roundup: Cinnamon Kills Bacteria; New Diabetes Gene; What’s really in that herbal remedy? said,
September 8, 2009 at 1:45 pm
[...] “It’s flat-out stupid:” Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway has a bone to pick with the upset over President Obama’s speech to school children. [Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway] [...]
Karen said,
September 9, 2009 at 8:32 am
Yes, I must agree this is very stupid. I would have felt honored years ago, while in school (elementary, junior high, or senior high), if asked by the President, to communicate with him. What is wrong with these parents and administrators? Why teach the children hatred or racial issues? That’s what this is all about. It’s a shame that race has to play a part in so many aspects of this life. I feel if the parents don’t want their children to view the speech, then don’t. But don’t hinder others with your negative views. Just keep your comments to yourself. Why would President Obama need to do a speech to the children? As some critical pains said, he is trying to incorporate his political views to the children. Hey!! He is already the President. He doesn’t need to do that. He was merely trying to give the children a voice, instead of the adults have so much say.
He spoke on Twitter and Facebook. Why would you want your children to use those websites, when they take a chance, if they are weak, to become a victim to a sexual predator or a pedophile? Man, just give the man a break. He is merely trying to get the country back to a good status. Besides, no one is saying how George Bush messed up the country. Now he’s in Texas living it up, and the country is totally messed up. Hello you Conservatives and Republicans. Wake up and smell the coffee. Even Laura Bush said she found nothing wrong with the President’s speech. Parents and administrators you better watch yourselves. Kids are very observant. Don’t let issues such as the speech backfire on you. If someone were talking positive to my child, I would be okay with it.
drlindagalloway said,
September 9, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Karen, thank you so much for your comments. I recently discovered that my childrens’ school did not broadcast President Obama’s speech to my utter disappointment. We must educate our children so that they will not only have a bright future but also be competitive and productive in a global market.
Karen said,
September 9, 2009 at 8:39 am
Besides, a mind is a terrible mind to waste. Would you prefer someone to talk positive to your children, giving them an incentive and motivation to do something positive in their lives, or would you prefer someone pass drugs to them?
If the President were white, it wouldn’t be this much controversy. Besides Barbara Bush would visit schools, and take some time with the children. Then there is Laura Bush, who was a school teacher. Why aren’t you saying something, in that, she agreed with the President’s speech. Plus, I agree with her, the people of these united states, should show the President more respect. George Bush went to a school and was attempting to read a book with a young school age child. What image did he portray? His book was upside down. Would you want someone like that to give advice to your child? Please, put the racism down. I am so sick of it. No matter what our President does, he is always scrutinized. God put him in that seat to do a job, and I think he is doing a good job.
George Bush has a Master’s degree. What image did he leave the children of the United States with? A total screwup.