Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Bouncy Houses for God

I am appalled by the amount of shit that hit the fan when the President of our United States wanted to address the students of our country. Parents threatening to not send their kids to school. Facebook was crawling with polls about this “controversial speaking to students”. News sites were reporting stories of parents freaking out with worry that their children were going to be brainwashed. And all of these panties in a bunch and ruffled feathers were for what? Because the President wanted to encourage students to take an active role in their education.

GASP!

He wanted to talk to them about the value of an education.

OH THE HORROR!

He wanted to energize kids who might find school difficult.

WHAT WAS HE THINKING?

He wanted to express the importance of doing homework.

WHO WANTS THAT?

My Kindergartener did not get to see President Obama’s speech. I wanted him to, but he didn’t get to. His class didn’t see it. I have not found out yet why this is. Did enough people call and complain? Did the school district as a whole decide they weren’t going to air President Obama’s address to their students? Did they think Kindergarteners wouldn’t watch?

On the VERY SAME DAY that my son DID NOT see an encouraging speech from the President of the United States, he came home with a flier he had been given for a “community event” hosted by a religious organization. Cross on the flier and all. But they are giving away a Wii! But there will be seven different bouncy houses! What kid wouldn’t be enticed by that? Apparently the school district can get away with pushing a religious event (let’s call a spade a spade) by placing the following disclaimer at the bottom:

Distribution of this material does not constitute an endorsement by the school district. It is provided as a community service.

So, I’m trying to wrap my brain around this one. Work with me here.

Encouraging speech for the students?

No.

Religious propaganda distributed through school?

Yes.

Students enlightened by a President who cares about them?

No.

Schools encouraging bouncy houses for God?

Yes.

OK, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this very whacked scenario. It may take me a while… Thinking… thinking… thinking…

Nope. I don’t get it. You?

9 comments:

  1. Ah the CCC (Crazy Christian Coalition) has been working hard lately. It is a shame that there are so many people unable to actually think for themselves. People were freaking out because they were TOLD the speech was bad, but didn't bother to find out for themselves. I mean if FOX News reports it, it MUST be true, right? Jeez, the level of stupidity just keeps on rising! And last I checked, Christians were supposed to be tolerant and kind and loving, weren't they? Hmmm, not seeing much of that by the CCC lately either, just a lot of ignorance, intolerance, and something close to hate for those who are not like them. Don't get me wrong either, not all Christians are part of the CCC thankfully. As for a public school sending home fliers from a church... I would call and complain right away. That is highly disturbing and there is no place in a public school for that.
    Good luck! You are not alone!

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  2. Dude, if this were the only thing in the world that didn't make sense... Seriously, WTF, all day, every day, could be our country's motto. This is the mere tip of the tip of the iceberg.

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  3. Lovely. Gotta love the school system and the peeps that run it.

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  4. I'm hoping it's a case of the school deciding that kindergartners were just too young (shorter attentions spans) to sit through a speech and still aired it for the rest of the school, or maybe it happened in the afternoon after you son's group went home. I hope that's all it was. You'll have to let us know what you found out.

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  5. Unfortunately people are stupid. Sigh... I went to a high school where you weren't allowed to post any posters of ANY kind (not even for Prom and whatnot) because so many parents complained about this poster or that poster and the district decided it was the only way to be "fair". That was *clearly* overkill.

    Sending the flyer home while not letting him see the broadcast? No words...

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  6. Jacob who is in 8th grade did get to see the speach and he was very impressed Caitlin on the other hand who got in trouble on her 2nd day for not listening would not have sat thru it.I think that the kinder age is just to young.

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  7. Our school district (not that we have anyone in it yet) opted not to show it. Disappointing.

    Nobody loves a bouncy house more than Jesus!

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  8. I'm with you. All the woo-ha over the President talking to students is total crap. And the religious flyers-- grrrrr!
    xo

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  9. Words fail.

    And that's saying a lot for me!

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