Obama's message to students: Do your best

Sept. 9, 2009
Political opponents had stoked fears that the message would be partisan

From The Wall Street Journal: President Barack Obama urged students to buckle down and excel in a speech most notable for the absence of controversy after critics had alleged it would be used to indoctrinate young people. Obama's televised back-to-school address stressed the value of hard work and taking responsibility, no matter how tough the obstacles.

Earlier....news release: President Obama plans to deliver a back-to-school talk to students next week. The speech, from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and the White House Web site at noon Eastern time Tuesday, Sept. 8. The president hopes that students will watch the address in their schools. He will talk to students about "the importance of taking responsibility for their success in school."

REACTION....From The Houston Chronicle: Some Texas parents are asking school principals to excuse their children from listening to a speech that President Barack Obama will make to schools next week. The parents contend that the plan for the speech smacks of political indoctrination. Obama will deliver an address directly to students on the importance of education beginning at noon Eastern time Tuesday. Critics of the president are using the Internet to build opposition and encourage parents to request their children not be forced to listen.

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