Or not…

At least that’s what the fuss is about now. As if there is not enough floating around already. Incase you have been living under a rock, you probably already know that on September 8th, President Obama is to address the nations school children…

The White House has provided schools with information and a “lesson plan” of sorts to guide them and the nations children during and after the speech. Suggested causes of action after the speech are essays and questions like “How can you help the president…” You can read the suggestions here…

My understanding of the speech is that of a pep talk of sorts. About education and to get children excited to learn, and take pride in their education. – But since it is The President some brainless adults seem to think there is some sort of “political brainwashing” going on here. That this speech will be used to push an agenda. – Did I miss something, isn’t he already in office? That kind of means we are stuck with him for the next 3.5 years at least. And unless I was seeing things on election day, he won, by a frik’n landslide.

So what’s the problem? Many presidents have given speeches to the nations school in the past including President Ronald Reagan and others. Most schools to my knowledge also televised the inauguration; and as an example our own Pottstown School District HOSTED former president Bill Clinton when he was – formally campaigning for his wife! – DURING SCHOOL HOURS! – Allowing high school and middle school students to attend! – So what makes this speech so different? Maybe it was the money the district received from Clinton for the use of the gym…!

I for one don’t see a problem in this. The simple solution is… if you don’t like it, and you don’t want your child to listen to it… don’t send them to school that day… it’s a very simple concept. Many parents do not permit their children to take part in the mandatory Sex Education talk provided in most 5th grades; they can voluntarily opt-out. I see no one complaining.

Many schools no longer say the Pledge of Allegiance, or allow students that choose to remain seated… Come on people, we have better and bigger things to worry about here then the presidents speech – to encourage their education, so they are not part of the “dumbest” education system on the global scale – you should be HAPPY the president is taking an interest in today’s young people. After all, THEY are the future leaders of the world.

And by the way… if you didn’t vote… SHUT THE FUCK UP! … and if you voted for ‘the other guy‘ and lost… quit being a sore looser…

Isn’t free speech grand? People DIED for this right you know. Or perhaps you didn’t learn that in history class, because your too busy discussing Sex Education for 3rd graders like California.

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• Ladies and gentleman I give you the presidents speech…
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This is a thought that popped into my head lately. And it comes from a friend sent some time ago when we where discussing their disability.

“But your disabled, you know what it’s like, you understand…”

Yes, this is true, I am disabled. The fact is I am visually disabled… I am sorry if even I a self-proclaimed advocate for disabled children do not understand what it is like.

I do not understand what it is like not to be able to hear, I do not understand what it is like not being able to see, being totally blind (remember I can see fairly well as legally blind people go).

I understand what it is like to not be able to see across the street, but not what it must be like to sit in a wheelchair and worry about steps and ramps. I don’t know what it’s like not to be able to hold a pencil to write my name, or be the child that understands every thing that is going on around them, but not be able to speak. I don’t know what it is like to need some one to help me get dressed or use the bathroom.

However there are things I do know. I DO know what it’s like to be stared at, even if I can’t see who is doing the staring, trust me, I can feel you. I DO know what it’s like to be laughed at or pointed at… asked questions, how, when, why… can it be fixed… I DO know what it’s like in school, to be left out or left behind and the last one picked… and needing some one else to take you where you need to go.

I don’t know what it’s like to have a child or be the child that has already spent half their life in a hospital, or making countless trips to therapy sessions… or be the child that has their life scheduled around therapy rather then a Little League game.

So, please… forgive me if I am the one doing the staring or asking the questions… I’m only human… You probably have some questions of your own for me, so be polite, ask… we’ll talk … and then get on being friends.

How is therapy going?
Can I have a ride in your wheelchair?
Yes, you can check out my white cane, just don’t use it like a sword!

I understand what it’s like to be disabled like me… not what it’s like to be disabled like you…

Possibly Related Posts:

• Between Life and the Keyboard
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• Ladies and gentleman I give you the presidents speech…
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Hello my blog friends. I know many of you have been wondering where I am. Well the truth is I didn’t really go any ware; but have been very busy working, taking photos and attending my Orientation and Mobility lessons.

Little League baseball season is over (for me any way) with the conclusion of the Little League PA Section 8 Championships my season is over! Now we just need to catch up on some editing, and filling print orders.

What have I been up to? Baseball of course! I shot ALL 7 GAMES of the PA Section 8 boys championship… with the final game ending in a double-header. Over four days of games and one rain delay, I managed to shoot over 6000 photos. (Unedited count). I also shot the first round of the girl’s softball Section 8 championships.

(more…)

Possibly Related Posts:

• Between Life and the Keyboard
• Orientation and Mobility: SEPTA Regional Rail – Part 2
• Ladies and gentleman I give you the presidents speech…
• Ladies and gentleman I give you the president…
• Your disabled, you understand…