President Obama to Address Students on Opening Day

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent a letter to the principals of America's government-run indoctrination centers, encouraging them to tune in to Barack Hussein Obama's special webcast on September 8. Along with the letter were some suggested classroom activities.

For preschool to 6th grade teachers those included getting their students to:

• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.
  
• Write goals on colored index cards or precut designs to post around the classroom.
  
• Interview and share about their goals with one another to create a supportive community.
  
• Participate in School wide incentive programs or contests for students who achieve their goals.

Teachers for grades 7 through 12 could get group discussions going with question like:

• What are the three most important words in the speech? Rank them. What title would you give this speech? What's the thesis?
  
• What is President Obama inspiring you to do? What is he challenging you to do?
  
• What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?
  
• How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?

While these things are seemingly harmless, it's just another example of how far the tentacles of Washington extend. Secretary Duncan even drew attention to the historic significance of this upcoming speech, noting that it will be "the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school." Seriously. Is that the president's job?

Parents, I would encourage you to do your kids a favor and keep them home on September 8.