Head-Scratcher

We watched the President's address to school children last night, and I am still trying to figure out what all the commotion was about. We loved what he had to say - - things that all parents should be saying to their children anyway - - and took zero issue with any of it. Do I want my children to understand that education is something they have to work hard for? Do I want them to realize that they can and will make mistakes, but that those mistakes will not define them as people? Do I want them to be respectful of their teachers, peers, parents, and President? Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Did I feel brainwashed after I watched it? Ummm....no.

Many claimed that Obama's speech was nothing short of an "indoctrination of our youth". An indoctrined person is not supposed to examine or question the "doctrine" they have learned, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't the president's point. In fact, in his speech, he encourages critical thinking. He was merely speaking to the country's youth, people. Nothing more. If asking my children to take responsibility for themselves, to not spend hours per day sitting in front of a television, to not blame their teachers or their parents when they don't put in the work needed to be successful in school, or to take care of their bodies and themselves so that they are able to pay attention in school is indoctrination, then please, President Obama, indoctrinate my children.

I guess the bottom line for me in all of this is, where it the basic principle of respect here? Whether I agree with the President or not, I will always be respectful of the office of the President, and I most certainly expect the same from my children.