By-Passing The Parents

Posted by Larry Miller on September 4, 2009 under How, Why | Be the First to Comment

There has been quite an uproar over President Obama’s plans to address students in public schools around the country. Parents across the land are up in arms about this intrusion in their children’s classrooms. It’s not enough that the overall thrust of the public education system is pushing their charges toward embracing a big government welfare state… now the socialist-in-chief wants to use his telepromptored oratorical skills on them directly.Part of the heartburn was caused teacher’s guide accompanying the program that came from the White House by way of the Education Department. The guide called for such things as listing ways the students could help the President and why it is important to listen to the President. A copy of the original instructions can be found at http://bizy.be/RVl8S. To most it appeared more like indoctrination than encouragement for young scholars.

Amid the brouhaha the White House backed off and issued a less aggressive program guide. The peasants rejoiced that they had won a small victory over the intrusive administration. But, what really happened? The President is still by-passing parents and addressing the young, impressionable minds, that are accompanied by teachers, many of whom are already enamored of the One. We need to watch this pattern from the current administration of an outrageous intrusion into our lives followed by a willingness to back off slightly if there is too much public outcry.

Some parents are looking at keeping their children home on the day of the address. If enough do this, it could make an impression on the various school districts. There is a concerned parent from Louisiana who is formalizing this with the idea of a Parent Approved Skip School (PASS) Day. He has gone so far as to provide a sample letter to explain this act of civil disobedience. You can find a copy at http://bizy.be/345z4.

I heard a caller on talk radio yesterday come up with the idea of accompanying their child to school that day and sitting in on the class. This may be an even better idea that will be sure to incur the wrath of the “educational professionals”.

In any case it’s good to check with your local school, for no other reason than to let them know you are watching. In my locality (Chesterfield VA) the school system has informed me that it is recording the talk for possible later use. In the City of Richmond, they are planning to make presentation an opt-out option. Reports are that in Tempe AZ attendance will be required and no opt-out will be available. Each district is different, so be sure and check for yourself. In any case, it’s always good to let the public educational establishment know they are under a microscope.

If your district is recording the speech, it means your child will not be exposed on September 8, but the downside is that it can be played back at any time… with, or without your knowledge or consent. It would not hurt to ask for a copy of the material, much like you would do if you wanted to review text books. If the school balks, a FOIA request would always be appropriate, from you and from as many like minded parents as possible. In fact, under almost any circumstance, obtaining a copy of his talk would be useful… especially if it could be disseminated to other interested parties.

Some statists have accused those of us who are concerned about the end run around parental involvement as paranoid. I’ve always said that just because you are paranoid, doesn’t mean you don’t have enemies. They cannot comprehend how we could think the that the President could have anything but a desire to see our children do well in school and in life. In a way, this may be true, but we know intentions do not guarantee results, and what he sees as doing well may fall far short of our desires for our children and grandchildren.

C.S. Lewis has told us, “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive”. So we can’t really go by the supposed good intentions of those wanting to direct our lives. We also know where the road leads that is paved with these good intentions… and it’s a place we want our children and grandchildren to stay as far away from as possible.