September 3. 2009 

U.S. President Barack Obama and Sasha Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama has backed away from a few of his public initiatives, some of which I think is regrettable. The President needs to stand firm on some issues.

Yes, he needs to listen to the American people, who are his constituents, but it is not everything that causes debate that he should cave in on, as it will unintentionally set up an image that people can run roughshod over him.

For example, the call for students to help Obama was not an unreasonable request. There is nothing wrong with serving one's country.

National healthcare is one thing, as it can prove tricky and costly at a time the nation is in financial straits, but helping your country is free of cost, as all that is required is to show up, willing to donate your time.

Was it not Kennedy who said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." There's nothing wrong with community service and charity work. People need a helping hand and those able to do so should volunteer. Society has never been made worse for it.

I would encourage people, no matter what country they live in, to give of your time and help others. The rewards are greater than you could ever imagine.

WH withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama

UPDATED: - President Obama's plan to inspire the nation's schoolchildren with a video address next week erupted into controversy Wednesday, forcing the White House to pull out its eraser and rewrite a government recommendation that teachers nationwide assign students a paper on how to "help the president."

Presidential aides acknowledged the White House helped the U.S. Education Department craft the proposal, which immediately was met by fierce criticism from Republicans and conservative organizations who accused Mr. Obama of trying to politicize the education system.

White House aides said the language was an honest misunderstanding in what was supposed to be a inspirational, pro-education message to America's youths.

Among the activities the government initially suggested for pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade students: that they "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president." Another task recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech: to engage in a discussion about what "the president wants us to do."

The novel curriculum plan brought sharp criticism from conservatives, including some who complained that classrooms were being used to spread political propaganda. In response, the White House last night confirmed they were revising the lesson plan that was distributed last week by the U.S. Department of Education.

"We're clarifying that language," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said...

http://www.washingtontimes.com