RE: OBAMA speech

(KENT's DISCLAIMER: The views below are strictly my own and should not be taken as a reflection of the Board or their positions. Additionally my comments should not be interpreted as Board guidance.)

Please review the disclaimer above, because I feel that it would not be fair to characterize the thoughts that will follow as the position of the Board, nor its members except for one.

I too am amazed that someone who seems to share many of the same values that I do, is so put out by the actions that individual schools have chosen to take.

It is amazing in this day and age that a school system would seek to allow parents the opportunity to discuss this topic directly with their children, rather than have others try and force it on them in a school setting.

I am amazed that you too are not incensed that this speech that could truly be a watershed moment in the lives of our nation's youth is taking place at a time when, by design, they are likely to be separated from their parents and have to rely on the opinions of an educator instead of their parents.

Change one variable on this matter and all of the angst and otherwise goes away, the TIME.

Let parents and children watch this, TOGETHER. Let them discuss it in real time, TOGETHER. Let them put it in perspective TOGETHER!

The outrage isn't about what is, or is not to be said, it is about the assertion that we will target the youth of America so that we can circumvent the parents. I know that there are many students in this country who would never hear this speech if it took place at 7:00 pm (MDT), but I as an individual would love to share this time with my daughters and son.

There is always the chance that items that come up may be items that I disagree with, but as you have stated it is a call to stay in school and what could be wrong with that. That said I want to know that regardless of what OUR President says, that I am a part of the discussion.

Then I can explain if by some chance something comes up that does work against the grain of our values.

Unfortunately this matter, like so many others, feels that our government is working to bypass the values that we have for fear that the parents would never go along otherwise.

I support ALL of our schools choices in this matter. They are not stating that this can not be discussed at home, or in another venue, they are stating that they value the institutions of families more than any other, and I will always support that.

I do find it truly laughable that you can go from decrying the "imbecilic opinion's" and the "hysteria", but then surmise that the ONLY reason could be "ignorance and hate".

You spew that which you would seem to decry. You ask, "What message are you reinforcing to your students about our American government?" My answer, and mine alone, would be that the role of government, in any form, should never trump those of the FAMILY and PARENTS.

My apologies for your frustration and angst,

Kent Clawson

Dear Board Members and Superintendent Schoeppey,

I am writing to express my frustration and absolute amazement at the action you are advocating in regards to the upcoming address to our students by the President of the United States. Let me say that again, The President of the United States! We are not talking about some third world dictator or a Neo Nazi hate monger, we are talking about our duly elected President. The subject matter of which is, kids staying in school and furthering their education! Is that not what you advocate on a daily basis?

I have a daughter at Falcon Middle School and I am ashamed that they have elected not to allow students to see our President's speech. I am baffled beyond reason as to why a school district would choose to take a tact based on rants and the absolute moronic arguments from a few closed-minded parents. This country is founded and based on freedom of choice and to take away a choice because of a vocal minority's imbecilic opinion's is just disheartening.

I have a son who attends Meridian Ranch Elementary, I find it amazing again that parents have to sign a permission slip to allow our children to watch the President of the United States. This is such a grotesque notion that it turns my stomach to think that we have to sign a waiver so my son can see the President talk. Why is this not setting off alarm bells in your minds? How can this seem reasonable to you? Surely you have to see that hysteria is prevailing about this event and someone in your position needs to stand up and stop this inappropriate behavior.

If parents don’t want the President of the United States to address their children about staying in school and aspiring to be better, than let THEM opt out of the presentation. The majority of American citizens will watch our President and will either disagree or agree with what he says, but the fact that they get to make that choice for themselves is what this country is founded on.

I am truly saddened and ashamed of the developments over this address. What message are you reinforcing to your students about our American government? I can only surmise that ignorance and hate are tolerated in this district and for that I am saddened beyond compare.

I am a veteran, a productive hard-working citizen, and an involved parent who wants my children to be informed and educated in an open, honest and reasonable environment. The fostering of ignorance and closed-mindedness should be purged from our district at the highest levels. It is incumbent upon you to set the tone and assist with guiding our children down a path that will give them the tools to be successful and productive citizens of this great country.

I implore you to remove the constraints on our principals and allow them to show our children that freedom is the most cherished gift we have as citizens. Don’t perpetuate a mindset of intolerance.

Respectfully submitted,

(name withheld)