We could have been free of one less controversy,had the speech been published originally. I never saw it-only what was reported to be in it. I would have a problem with ANY president pushing their political and personal agenda through the classroom,regardless if it matched MY views or not.AS LONG AS this is the exact dialogue,then I don’t have a problem with it, and do hope that those who have the most admiration for him,and are most “at risk” would heed his words and strive to do better,to be a success. I would hope this for any student regardless of who was giving the address. But keep politics out of it.

this is nothing like the speach he was going to give the kids , asking ofr thier support for health care and to beieve in obama. where did that speach go? he is flip flopping fast than old hillary now

WKRG now has the text of the message up also.

There is a copy of the speech on WLOX-on the sidebar next to this discussion. I’m not an Obama fan,but I personally didn’t find anything wrong with the speech.jmo

I really don’t have a problem with them listening to the speech, AS LONG AS it is purely a speech to encourage kids to do their best, stay in school, make goals to go to college and be productive members of society. I DO NOT want political views on the agenda, including requirements for community service,etc. I have no problem with community service, and in fact my family and kids are quite involved with community service-but it is our CHOICE,not something we are “forced” to do.

My hope would be that the speech is sticking to just encouragement to stay in school and do your best to succeed. My hope would be that the one’s who look up to him the most,would get the message, and aspire to do something better with THEIR lives,instead of living off the government,being thugs and a burden on the hard-working, honest folks of society.

I do trust that my kids can form their own opinions. In fact,they have-from the 19 year old on down to my 6 year old-who actually told me yesterday she doesn’t want to see the president, because they watched it last year, and she almost fell asleep,because it was BORING!lol Out of the mouths of babes-and of course, that is one of the “tamer” things she has said. And no, we keep our opinions in private,before I get bashed on that!

Give thanks and praise to God and our nation. Not your self and your agenda.  Help your nation, not this dictator. I’m glad kids get to see and hear a president speak. Don’t want dictators asking my kids for their support for him and his slide of hand, after the fact hogwash.

tis is an outstand call by dr nichols, one that culd have been adopted by many including our neighbors to the east in pensacola. i personally think it should be shown live to everyone with the ones who’s parents didint want them to see it being able to opt out. but i still question the true motives behind the parents. the election is over, campaining is over, President Obama IS NOW the President, and should have the ability to speak to the nation and the children. its up to them.

Good call Nichols. The reality is that education is about being exposed to many ideas, facts, theories and opinions. The children of this school district NEED to see someone deliver a cohesive speech addressing their interests.