Separation of School and State?

The last time I looked the government ran the schools. The local authority was the school board, the state authority was the Texas Education Agency (in Texas where I live)and the national authority was the Department of Education. To me that seems like there is a big connection between government and state. So what is the huge fuss when our President who happens to be the highest elected official in the land wants to address the students of the country?

Earlier this year the school district I worked in had all the students in the district, almost 80,000 of them, watch the President's Inaugural Address on TV. What a historic moment! Now that speech was a political speech full of ideas for the country and ideologies that would shape his new Presidency and his promise of change. Now when he wants to address the youth of the country in what I understand to be a non political speech this same school district is not allowing it to be shown. At the least, tape it and show it during that invaluable time that we used to call advisory.

If I ran the schools all my students would be watching and listening to what he has to say. What can it hurt to have a motivational speech from a guy who has come from unusual circumstances to become the most powerful leader in the most powerful country in the world. Students tend to be highly socialized by the 'street', the TV, Hollywood and I can't forget the internet. Most of that information they are gleaning is pretty horrible stuff.They hear about violence, drugs, sex etc. from people who lead lifestyles that are not too exemplary. They see immages of things that children should not see. So when a President who is intelligent, who overcame the stigma of race, who worked his way up the socio economic ladder with hard work and responsible choices wants children in America to become responsible citizens and make good choices we want to BOYCOTT him.Come on, you boycott bad movies, topless bars near churches and schools and shoes made in sweatshops.

Why I say? I think there is a large undercurrent of racism in this country. I live in East Texas now and I hear the 'N' word used in association with the President. I hear people wishing someone would assassinate him. It's because he is black. Do you think for a moment if one of the Bushes, Bill Clinton or even Jimmy Carter were to offer to address the nation's children there would be such a big reaction. No! Ever since President Obama got elected, yes elected by a good majority of the electorate,there has been a vocal element of this country that has been sabotaging his every move with HATE,LIES, and DECEPTION. This element has been allolwed to stir up feelings of hatred in America.

Next week I will watch the Obama speech to the kids. I will wait to judge it's merits. I think if we don't allow our kids to watch out of hatred we are sending a message to our children that it is okay to disrespect our President no matter who he was. There have been many Presidents I have not agreed with, but I have never disrespected them. They have the toughest job in the world. Let's let them do it.
To answer the question. No, there is no separation of school and state in this country.