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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I Am An American!

Maybe this is just a way of briefly procrastinating, but I thought I'd share some thoughts with you.

My mom stopped by this morning to drop off a book she's been meaning to give me. While she was here, she mentioned something about the bru-ha-ha surrounding a speech President Obama gave yesterday to school children across the nation. See as I have no t.v. and I rarely listen to the radio, I haven't been following the news much lately, so I asked her to explain. Apparently, President Obama gave a televised speech to children across the nation yesterday. The speech was focused on the importance of education and hard work. It was a cry to the children of today to work harder for tomorrow's future. Somewhere along the way, however, the purpose of the speech was misconstrued.

Florida Republican Party Chairman, Jim Greer, apparently started the rumor that the speech was only going to push socialism and "liberal ways" onto our school children. Just like any rumor, it spread like wild fire. So many parents raised their voices that many schools and school districts opted not to air the speech. After having watched the speech myself, I'm quite disappointed in these schools. While it may have been over many children's heads, it was, none-the-less, a very moving speech. It encouraged students to work through their family traumas, to use those life difficulties to make them stronger, and to become the next Bill Gates, the next Condoleeza Rice, or even the next Barack Obama. The only thing that could have even been construed as "health care reform" was when he told students to wash their hands to protect against illness.

I have to say I'm quite angry over the whole situation. I understand that people are scared of change, and that each person is entitled to his/her opinion, but do they have to be so cruel? I feel like we're back in middle school and there are rumors flying over who kissed whom. "Well, so and so heard from so and so, who heard from Jim Geer, who's a reliable source that Obama was spouting radical politics, and I don't want to be involved in that!" I want to encourage people to really do their homework.

Take the time to find out what the message really is before believing the rumors. If you disagree with the message, that's fine. That's what makes America great. You're allowed to disagree. Do not, however, disagree just because you heard it from a "reliable source." Then, if you don't support our president or the party, figure out why. Is it because you don't agree with the tax policies and the health-care reform or is it because your parents don't like them? Oh, and check your facts on those items too.

So, here's your homework (just like in high school): Decide whether or not you like our current administration. No matter what your position, decide if there are certain things you would change. Ask yourself why and how. Oh, and, as always, check your sources. Wikipedia and emails from your friends are NOT reliable.

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