Getting Schooled

Drawing fire from some conservatives, who say he's just trying to indoctrinate students to his political beliefs, President Barack Obama has modified plans for a televised back-to-school address to students next week. Obama will utilize themes from a classic animated educational series to call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators.

Titled “White House Rocks!” the president’s address will encourage student to join him as he sings songs from the show, all given a “remix” by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

The tunes include “I’m Just a Health Care Bill (that Republicans Oppose)”; “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly get your Public Option Here;” “60 is a Magic Number;” and “Conservative Junction, What’s Your Malfunction?”

In the Sept. 8 speech, Obama will challenge students to work hard, set goals for their education and take responsibility for their learning, as well as gain a perspective on important policies that will affect them and their families, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a letter to principals.

The Education Department is encouraging teachers to create lesson plans around the speech, using materials provided on the department website, www.obeyUS.gov.

Even before the speech some conservatives are crying foul. The chairman of the Florida Republican Party, Jim Greer, is condemning Obama's speech as an attempt to "indoctrinate America's children to his socialist agenda."

"This is just an invasive abuse of power. Children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his anti capitalist plans. And the guy can’t sing, either. It’s like listening to fingernails on a black, er, I mean, chalk board,” Greer said.
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In his letter to principals, Duncan said viewing of the speech is encouraged, but not mandatory. “Of course if they (principals) do not show the speech, children in the affected schools are encouraged to email us and let us know. We will then dispatch some of our Union friends to help ‘enlighten’ the non- participants.”