The lazy way out

OK, I am going to try to talk about this as neutrally as possible. This is not about whether I agree or disagree with a person's political views or not. It's simply about the fact that it seems a lot of people are very upset that the President of the United States of America is going to address our children. And that is all this is about.

I just can't see the problem with our President, that was elected by a large majority by the people of our country, giving an address on what is the first day of school for many kids in our nation. It is not even about his agenda...just basic encouraging stuff about staying in school, working hard, etc. Even if a bunch of people don't agree with his views, and that is thankfully their right, given where we live, I find it appalling to teach that it is OK to be disrespectful en mass to the head of our country. Though part of me does find it amusing that the same people worried about their kids hearing what they consider to be a "socialist agenda" have no problem promoting what is essentially the first step towards anarchy.

For reference:

an·ar·chy

n. pl. an·ar·chies Absence of any form of political authority. Political disorder and confusion. Absence of any cohesive principle, such as a common standard or purpose.

OK...I am going to break this down.

Regarding definition #1. I don't think they want an absence of any form of political authority. I think there are just some people that are still so bitter that their candidate lost. The don't want all authority gone. Just this particular one. But let me remind those people of the past. There were a lot of people who were very unhappy that a President was elected not once, but twice, under very questionable circumstances. Whose approval ratings were dismal. Who may or may not have been involved in approving activities that violate the Geneva Convention. Yet those people who disagreed with his principals were still encouraged to support the President for the good of the country. Because he was our ELECTED leader. Yes, people could disagree privately, as is guaranteed as one of our basic freedoms. But as a whole, we were encouraged to present unity, be patriotic, and think of the good of the nation as a whole. I just think that same consideration should be extended in this case as well.

(I am still trying to be middle of the road here. Everyone can have their own opinions. On a personal level, I did disagree with a lot about the last Presidency. But I can't imagine going to the extreme as to say that my children would not be allowed to even watch him speak.)

Definition #2. It seems to me that that is the precise goal of some of the extremists. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of how a child would behave. They don't get their way so they throw a huge tantrum. First the tea baggers, then the birthers, now the "I don't want my kids watching" people. That is nothing more than a tantrum on a large scale.

Definition #3. That is what I am afraid COULD happen. People are losing sight of that common purpose which is the well-being of our great nation. There will always be a difference of opinion. And people can, and should, express those opinions. But, as a whole nation, we do need to present unity. If you don't agree with something, work to change it. If you don't like who is in office, work to elect someone else next time. Volunteer to campaign. Write letters to your Senators and Representatives expressing your views on particular bills. There are plenty of ways to be effective without making the country look bad. And I believe that was what a lot of people heard during the last Presidency. That if people didn't agree, fine, but just try to present a united from and elect someone else next time. Now that it happened, many of those same people cannot or will not abide by their own suggestions.

So here is my "radical" suggestion. Let the kids watch the President. Respectfully. Then, parents, here is what you do. And this applies to ALL parents, not just those who are opposing the speech. You personally need to actually either read or listen to what the speech contained. Then, when the kids get home from school, sit down with them. Talk about what they heard and what they thought. And this is the time for you to express your personal views on what was said. To your own children. That is your job as their parent. To teach them your beliefs and then to allow them to either agree or disagree, and form their own beliefs. This is exactly what gets kids interested in politics and gets them to be involved in the process as adults. It doesn't matter one bit to me if you are Democrat, Republican, Green Party, or whatever. The whole idea is that you, the parent, should be discussing this with you own child instead of trying to stop all kids from hearing it or opting your child out of hearing it. That's the lazy way out. Take this chance to do it the right way. Use the opportunity to talk to your kids and discuss what you believe, whatever that might be.