Posted by Anthony Gregory on 09/02/09 3:02 PM Last updated 09/03/09 10:55 AM   [Newer: Giraldi on Radio Today] [Older: George Will: Time to Get Out of Afghanistan]

A rebellion is brewing over President Obama's planned address to public school students, to be aired live nationwide on September 8. There is apparently a federally recommended accompanying lesson plan for students throughout the country. Some are even advocating that parents have their children call in sick that day.

Of course, we can expect the usual accusations of hypocrisy: Would have the Republicans objected had Bush done this? Would the Democrats have been so favorable toward it had it been Bush who took this unprecedented move into the nation's classrooms?

But the real issue here transcends partisanship. First, there is the question of public schools. Many parents object to the schools being used to advance liberal statist propaganda, but advancing the cause of the government has always been a major function of government schooling.

Then there is the fundamental question of the presidency. The office was meant to be fairly humble, created under the Constitution as the chief magistrate and presiding officer with a short list on enumerated duties, most important the faithful execution of the nation's laws. Today, however, people look to the presidency as an extension of themselves and the national soul. And so has it become so important to people which president is in power, what his cultural background is, who his associates are, what his political biases are. But the president was never meant to have such awesome power. A much more humble office would not garner such anger and worship, for it would matter much less who occupied the office.

This is the latest development in the glorification of the president and the nationalization of American children through the increasingly federalized school system. We saw it under Bush, with No Child Left Behind and the erroneous willingness of Americans to call him "our commander in chief"—as opposed to the commander in chief of the Armed Forces. It is only getting worse today.

Obama's scheduled address should be resented, and opposed, but our understanding must run deeper than a mere opposition to the man who holds the office, lest we never restrain the presidency with Article II of the Constitution.

Posted 09/02/09 3:17 PM AdamCabrera Upland, CA

This is really eerie, especially when you consider the lesson plan. The office of the President is being elevated as THE most important: "Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?" I know it's a far cry, but it strangely reminds me of Nazi Germany and Hitler's grip on society. (No, I'm not calling or equating Obama to Hitler.) If I had kids in public school, I'd raise hell to the school board and PTA! If they failed to listen, I'd pull my kid for that day.

Posted 09/02/09 3:40 PM ppjsmith Katy, TX

Facebook User: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136701812704#/group.php?gid=1367018 12704 National "Stop Indoctrinating our Children" Day Sept. 8, 2009

Posted 09/02/09 3:49 PM noarches Kirkland, WA

Think about it though, the GOVERNMENT runs the schools in this land....

Posted 09/02/09 4:01 PM justinb Oklahoma City, OK

Fortunately, we still have the freedom to call them in sick! "Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president." <--- That part bothers me the most. It's what we can do to help our COUNTRY, not how can we be good little followers and help the president further HIS agenda as opposed to OURS.

Posted 09/02/09 4:45 PM pensotti Reno, NV

This is really starting to piss me off. I read the lesson plan and the whole time I'm thinking 1984 is finally here. Big Brother is now asking our kids what can they do for him. Tommorrow night is back to school night. I'll be asking his teachers if they will be playing the President's message, if the answer is a yes, I think I'll take my son on a field trip. Teach him about liberty and the constitution and how our government tramples on it every day.

Posted 09/02/09 5:43 PM BruceKoerber Cedar Rapids, IA

Education and Ethics Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Stop Propagandizing Our Children! Shameful propagandizing by a desperate unConstitutional coup! It is time for us to expose the children to the whole truth about the Presidents of the United States. Tell them the whole story instead of sugar-coating the history associated with these ego-driven interventionists. Deprived of the truth about the corruption of these men the children are vulnerable to more lies, which are now directed specifically at them. Hopefully enough children are currently aware of these lies and schemes to protest. One exciting possibility would be 'town hall meetings' in the schools with children asking questions that the numbskull propagandists (whether they are the teachers, the administrators, or the Chief propagandist himself) cannot answer, or refuse to answer, or answer by blatantly lying. How many fifth graders does it take to make Bernanke squirm about his counterfeiting? What response will the fourth graders get to their questions about the immoral wars instigated by the United States all around the world?

Posted 09/02/09 5:51 PM Pegasus Wenatchee, WA

Nice Pink Floyd reference... great band. I think education needs high up on our list of areas to reform. Get rid of government intervention, and allow private schools to compete and raise quality and lower the price. Many of my friends go to private school, and frankly, I'm jealous.

Posted 09/02/09 6:30 PM JohnnyYuma61 Covington, TN

I noticed a typo: "Obama's scheduled address should be resented, and opposed, but our understanding must run deeper than a mere opposition to the man who holds the office, lest we never (retrain) the presidency by Article II of the Constitution." Perhaps you meant "restrain". But a little retraining might not be bad either. I will be interested in what he has to say in any event.

Posted 09/02/09 6:49 PM dem9014 Orangeburg, NY

I will find out what's going on with this "federally recommended lesson plan" (shudder)and I will definitely be keeping my kids at home that day and I will stay home myself to watch them. If everyone did it, it would send a really strong message to these corrupt cronies-in-arms who are trying to get at the kids now. The other day I was on youtube showing my kids "Our Gang/The Little Rascals" and they both said "Mom, where are their parents? Why are they wandering around all together, with no parental supervision?" My kids are 8 and 13. It was startling - I told them that was how my whole childhood was growing up in the '70s. Imagine! Kids outside playing with other kids and no parents... I think 1984 is here. Everyone is indoctrinated with control, using fear, and the end result is no freedom. If it's going to start in the schools now we must put our foot down.

Posted 09/02/09 7:07 PM Isomies Mechanicsville, VA

Ask yourself; should my child be subjected to political indoctrination on his or her first day of class? What do you think he is going to say? That we should be faithful to the U.S. Constitution and defend liberty? I'll tell you exactly what he will say. He will use the very first day of school, the day when kids are most impressionable, to say that he needs their help. He will appeal to the natural altruism of Americans and use their emotions for what he wants. He will say that government "health care reform" is essential to the well-being of the whole country, we must cap carbon emissions to protect the environment, that he is doing everything he can to improve the economy, and he will look into the camera at our children and say "I need your help". On the very first day of school, he will interrupt teachers and students getting to know one another and interject himself in to spin his political agenda on our children. What this President is doing would make George Orwell blush. He is abusing the office of the President and the public school system to indoctrinate and influence the children of this country into following lock-step with his agenda.

Posted 09/02/09 7:43 PM Paul Hogan Middle Village, NY

As soon as I read the article I thought of the Thought Police in Orwell's 1984. I just happened to finish breading the classic novel for the third time yesterday. In 1984 Big Brother had brainwashed the children of Oceana to the point where the children were turning in their own parents to the Thought Police. Obviously I am not the only person that made the Obama/Big Brother connection. This is truly creepy and this is not the America I was brought up to believe in and have loved my entire life. I still love America and I want back.

Posted 09/02/09 7:51 PM ladynurse Festus, MO

I don't know if my school district is planning on airing this for my kids or not, but I'm tempted to keep them home and teach them about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, with examples of how our federal government has over-stepped the boundaries set by the founding fathers, and get a real discussion going with them. They've already been hearing about it from me for months, but I think it would go a long way to showing the school districts how seriously we take the education of our children, and what the Constitution means to each of us, individually. If nothing else, we will have planted a seed of doubt in the 'undying devotion' currently being displayed by many liberals when it comes to big govt. I remember my dad telling me when I was a kid, 'Every time a law gets passed, a freedom is lost.' Made NO sense to me back then, but has since become my personal mantra. Andrea Berghold @ isomies: "What this President is doing would make George Orwell blush." I think it would make him shudder.

Posted 09/02/09 8:08 PM Michael Mallon Houston, TX

Children are far smarter than the Federal government gives them credit for. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take my nephews (9 and 12) out to dinner and a movie. We spent hours talking about Vietnam, the war in Afghanistan, the CIA-led coup in Iran that eventually spawned the Islamic Revolution, and a number of domestic programs that serve to destroy liberty and enslave us all. The questions they asked and the comments they offered were visceral and sincere. I didn't have to wonder if they were paying attention because I engaged them not as chidren but as peers able to, with sufficient evidence, reason things out for themselves. Depending on age limitations I encourage everyone here not just to keep their children home on "Take Your Child To Brainwashing Camp Day;" but to sit down with them and have similar conversations about contemporary topics, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence BEFOREHAND. Then, go ahead and send them to school, and encourage them to strike up conversations with their teachers and with fellow students about the lies they find in the President's indoctrination packets.

Posted 09/02/09 8:23 PM WTLCrimson Fairhope, AL

There is a very good book, out of the Cato institute I think, called The Cult of the President. Its a good read on the subject of the expansion of the executive branch.

Posted 09/02/09 8:23 PM rmalfer Cypress, TX

If a president is our commander-and-chief, why does he work for special interests and not the people?

Posted 09/02/09 8:46 PM Paul Hogan Middle Village, NY

Back to 1984 - I wonder if every member of C4L is guilty of "Thought Crime"?

Posted 09/02/09 8:57 PM RiverRock Concord, NC

So a U.S. president has never made a speech to public school students before?

Posted 09/02/09 9:01 PM Isomies Mechanicsville, VA

@RiverRock On the very first day of school, piped in directly through the omnipresent television sets in every room? The excitement of the first day of school, new classes, new friends, and a President sticking his nose in, co-opting that enthusiasm to cram his own message down kids' throats?

Posted 09/02/09 10:06 PM NetMan Dover, NJ

rmalfer - he is only the commander in chief of the military. He is not the commander in chief of the people. The whole event is very Orwellian and parents need to rock the boat on this one.

Posted 09/02/09 11:07 PM slickrickjamesbrown Mountain View, CA

I agree completely with Michael Mallon. Prepare your kids for this and encourage them to ask critical questions. Also let them know that you will back them up. Teachers are intimidating and children don't want to get in trouble. I was lucky, when I was in school my mother didn't let me get away with any B.S. but I was never afraid to speak my mind because I knew she would give the school hell if they violated my rights. Prepare your kids before hand and have a critical review with them afterwoods.

Posted 09/02/09 11:54 PM SonsofLiberty1 Austin, TX

To River Rock-I believe there was a part about writing down B.S/B.O quotes, you may want to look at Pocket Obama on Amazon(and especially the comments) or in one of my blogs I think

Posted 09/03/09 02:33 AM IPSecure Anna, TX

How many chapters of Young Americans For Liberty can we have the kids setup? Apply for the YAL Activism Kit Today! http://www.yaliberty.org/posts/apply-for-constitutions-and-activism-ki t www.yaliberty.org/ Recommended Classroom Material: For Liberty - http://www.forlibertymovie.com/ Rally for the Republic - http://www.campaignforliberty.com/ ------------------------------------------ ----------------- Regarding Palin: I believe we are watching in real time the rise of the third party, which will be controlled by the powers that be from its' inception. Next Scam: "Cash For Cash"

Posted 09/03/09 02:45 AM Liberty for Life Lake Forest, CA

You hear that mr. president! For those young Americans may not know where "We Don't Need No Thought Control" came from... A Pink Floyd classic; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw Enjoy the Revolution...

Posted 09/03/09 02:55 AM roserty Orem, UT

The whole compulsory education thing is the real problem here. The fact that, for the most part, children are required to attend school is what makes this speech a problem. It means that children are almost being forced to listen to his speech. Aside from that, I have to ask, what harm is it for the President to speak to our children? If I had kids in school, I wouldn't keep them home. I would encourage them to listen carefully to Obama's speech and then I would talk about it with them afterward. It would actually be a great opportunity to help them discover problems themselves with Obama's agenda. If I can teach my children to listen critically even to a figure so imposing as the U.S. president, I can protect them from being taken in by others. They won't have to wait until they are lost and confused in an adult world before they figure out the truth. I wonder if I can access his speech on the internet. Otherwise, my homeschooled kids might miss this opportunity.

Posted 09/03/09 06:39 AM Salvatore Giuseppe Fleming Island, FL

Apparently the school my mom works at was flooded with calls by parents ensuring their children would not be forced to watch this. For once living in a military, republican town pays off

Posted 09/03/09 07:37 AM jwfox1965 Las Vegas, NV

Straight out of the playbook of Kim Jung Il, what's next? mandatory pictures of America's "Dear Leader" in every classroom complete with compulsory recitations of affection to the same from each student before beginning class? It's amazing that our public "education" system cannot seem to teach students the realities of our constitution and the system of government as it was intended by our founders yet can find the time to subject young Americans to this type of indoctrination. American Children don't need to be taught to respect the President, the President needs to be taught to respect American Children and the President shouldn't be asking our kids "for their help" since his only job is to protect their life, liberty and property. If he can't do that without attempting to brainwash America's youth then the American People need to find somebody that can.

Posted 09/03/09 08:00 AM Linda APO AP, Japan

Seems all the negative reactions to this have had their effect: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/02/wh-withdraws-call-stu dents-help-obama/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_headlines

Posted 09/03/09 09:22 AM friends of P Albuquerque, NM

Yet another great reason to homeschool your children. I homeschool mine and there will be no indoctrination here!

Posted 09/03/09 10:22 AM jwfox1965 Las Vegas, NV

"Seems all the negative reactions to this have had their effect: " And the President wonders why his approval ratings continue to drop like a rock hurtling toward a neutron star ....... What brilliant idea will the administration think up next to piss off the American Public ? These guys remind me of a 4 year old in a china shop, they need to be constantly told "Don't touch ANYTHING".

Posted 09/03/09 11:32 AM libertyforever Island Lake, IL

Roserty: it will also be on c-span

Posted 09/03/09 12:38 PM helen in NC Summerfield, NC

Rather than have a "sick out" (which only teaches your children to avoid), may I suggest the opposite? I would encourage each and every parent to plan to ATTEND the event, including the question and answer session afterward. Have discussions with your children these next several days coming up to the event. Speak to them about how our government is supposed to work "FOR" we the people. Talk to them about how it is our responsibility to "speak out" and register dissent about corruption, or manipulation against our Constitution. I think it is important to remember that as adults we have this as an opportunity to illustrate to our children the ever important skill of "critical thinking". Think beyond "my" child. There will be children in that class room that will not here opposition unless they are exposed to it in this type of setting.

Posted 09/03/09 12:46 PM AuthenticAuthor Canutillo, TX

The lesson-plan alone is disturbing enough. Not one recommendation to critically evaluate the president's speech on its merits. Not one. This makes me thank God that my god-daughter is getting a private education. But even private schools are forced to put out rubbish to some degree if they wish to keep their license.

Posted 09/03/09 1:05 PM MTHalling Plains, MT

Father is Close, Mother is Close, but neither is as close as Chairman MaoBama. Next on the agenda: Little red books and slogan writing parties! Personally I like my son's answer to how Obama can improve America "Commit suicide" Guess he'll have to go to 're-education camp' for saying that.

Posted 09/03/09 1:29 PM larry101 New York, NY

this site just made a right turn to crazy-ville...

Posted 09/03/09 2:09 PM jwfox1965 Las Vegas, NV

"this site just made a right turn to crazy-ville..." In my humble opinion, "Crazy-ville" is a far better destination than "Collectivist Dystopia" ...........

Posted 09/03/09 6:10 PM AuthenticAuthor Canutillo, TX

To quote The Tick: "You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!"

Posted 09/03/09 8:19 PM Rouge 6 Morton, IL

My little girl's school is going to be doing this, anybody have any tips on how to make sure the "indoctrination" doesn't stick?

Posted 09/03/09 11:16 PM cmyskowski HICKORY, KY

try pulling your kids out of the brainwashing environment permanently! -- homeschool!

Posted 09/03/09 11:19 PM jaustin168 Lenoir, NC

My kids are going with all intentions of Questioning Authority. It is the classrooms of this nation where the fight must be won and we cannot win it if we are not on the field of battle. Arm your children with a Constitution in one hand and a petition in the other. Demand equal time. If President Obama can have an hour and a half then I want an hour and a half of the message of Ron Paul to be heard. How about having the Rally DVD shown to all, now that's educational.

Posted 09/04/09 11:27 AM AuthenticAuthor Canutillo, TX

jaustin168, you pointed out something very interesting; public schools usually place president's broadcasts with greater importance over someone like Ron Paul. Usually, whomever is in power is the one who gets the spotlight. I would still be concerned if Ron Paul switched places with Obama and did the same thing with respect to this issue, but at the very least I can expect Ron to encourage scrutiny and skepticism from the students. Obama almost never encourages everyone to research the issues for themselves, just like his predecessors. Preferably, education should not be provided by the state in the first place given the inherent biases. Preferably, no state actor should take the "spotlight" in any state sponsored institution.