Editorials

Obama speech right on

Sep 17, 2009 12:25 PM

Some folks spent a lot of energy complaining that President Obama’s back-to-school speech was designed as a sinister ploy to spread partisan propaganda by infiltrating the schools and indoctrinating kids.

Give us a break!

President Obama’s speech was exactly right on all key points: the roles and mandates of knowledge, obedience, duty, pride, ambition, fairness and accountability. He used the prestige of his office to confer credibility and advance these concepts to millions of kids.

There was no reasonable cause for controversy here. Unfortunately, folks in some circles seize on any pretext to generate heat rather than to see the light.

The speech masterfully invoked the traditional values that are essential to quality education and the betterment of society. It rates an A both in substance and style of delivery.

He used everyday language to bring home some timeless wisdom to kids. He urged kids to honor their teachers and to take responsibility for their future. He emphasized the necessity of hard work as a means to personal fulfillment. He expressed confidence in the power of every individual to contribute to the community even on a global level.

His tone was neither stern nor pollyannish. The speech was intellectually honest and hard-nosed in an optimistic way.

We must all take charge of that portion of our destiny that is human-controlled. It’s a message for all generations and a rare example of a one-size-fits-all approach that makes sense.

As a “union of professionals,” we are also a global union of people adamantly seeking to inspire our children to face challenges with discipline, unselfishness and worldly skill. We give them the tools and the president furnishes the pep talk.

As UFT President Michael Mulgrew said, “Any time you can have the president engage students and talk about being responsible toward their education, it’s a great thing.”

It was a lesson for opening day, closing day and all the days in between.