Big freakin deal, A SPEECH to kids to stay in school is going to be a nation changing event?

All of the previous comments prove one thing, whether the comments are from the Rep. or Dem. side, all of ya'll just have to act like it is the Cuban Missile Crisis.

I guarantee that the kids who heard it thought, oh well, time out of regular class, the others thought why couldn't we get out of class.

Take a step back, and realize that most students , even if they heard the speech, weren't listening and don't care WTH the President had to say anyway.

Now we have all of us talking about "left wing"/"right wing" talking points, PEOPLE OF BOTH STRIPES USE THEM!

The kids could care less.

Ask your children what they think. Share their responses. I like asking children questions (sometimes I tell them about topics that we argue about right here on this forum) because I hear unadulterated ;) responses - answers that lack our biases and prejudices...

thepatriot--non partisan? Hardly! Patriot=republican buzz word.

Brady=regurgitating republican talking points to stir the pot again.

But, hey--that's the great thing about this country--you can do that. You can disrespect the President of the United States and say all sorts of things about him without fear of consequences. Can't do that just anywhere, you know.

as a nonpartisan voice, I can see why so many people are upset on both sides of this issue. I too think it's sad that this has to even be considered, although I can also understand why the permission slips were sent home. For the most part it's a regional issue, I think? I guarantee if this were parts of California or other places such as some cities in the Northeast, it wouldn't have been anything more than a Presidential address to students. Unfortunately, this region is not tolerant of liberal extremism. Frankly it scares most people as it's not how the majority of folks in this region were raised. I have always voted for who I think is the best candidate, both Democrat and Republican. Edith, unfortunately I don't think you're understanding what Brady is saying. I think you are wanting Brady to substantiate these issues, and provide intimate information confirming that these events are correct, and what you are missing is that he is merely pointing them out. The fact that they were being discussed and investigated. I'm not sure Brady is "alleging" anything. These were actual events that were discussed on all media outlets, conservative or otherwise. At the end of the day, President Obama has had many issues to deal with, some his fault some not his fault, but overall one must agree he has had an extremely difficult Presidency so far. We can only hope that once a new President takes office we won't have to deal with VISD sending permission slips home.

I tend to agree with Brady. Whether we agree or disagree this is a first for any President. I get your arguement Brady. I do agree, factual or not, Obama has been surrounded by controversy. Personally I think it should be safe to play any US Presidential message for our school children. Unfortunately this brand of politics just scares the heck out of most parents and doesn't align with their beleifs. It's a shame.

Students should be allowed to watch any speech regardless of political persuasion. At the same time it is up to parents to discuss what they learned from it with their children afterwards.

Clay Boggess
http://www.BigEventFundraising.com

One thing is very clear. Most of the posters have never had a class in American History or just were told by their parents to ignor everthing the teacher told them and Mom and Dad would tell them the truth. Many if not all of the past Presidents have had their detractors or in modern terms haters.

Writein - If an asteroid that big heads our way, I think we have no chance of stopping it. Do you really think NASA could stop something like that? You must of watched Armageddon one too many times. NASA still can not keep shuttles from exploding for crying out loud.

Brady—
I will carefully consider any point you would like to make if you will kindly provide some valid sources for the things you allege. I will look at your sources as long as they are not just FOX news. Right now, all you have done is regurgitate republican talking points. KyleC is right and I’ll add this--so much, if not all, of this has been asked and answered, cussed and discussed, hashed and rehashed.

Brady,

Did you get upset when you saw this picture by any chance?

http://bit.ly/c5j3aG

Some of those "areas of concerns" that you listed are half-truths that are taken way out of context and some are just flat out lies spun by media with a certain bias!

Do you research any of those claims independently or do you rely on the media to do that for you?

Edithann, tell me where I am wrong. I don't recall Presidential permission slips ever going home in any school district I have ever know in the history of this great nation? Why am I wrong. Do you disagree that this president is clouded in a whirlwind of controversy? What rock do you live under?

How am I wrong. The most educated scholars in the world both liberal and conservative all agree that the current President subscribes to a socialistic form of government.

Why does everyone get so upset when people call him a socialist. He is what he is, nothing to get mad about. How am I wrong Edith? It's not even an arguement it's a fact. He just happen to run on the democratic ticket, because there isn't a socilaist ticket, nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

There isn't an intelligent person one, that would argue that this President is embroiled in turmoil. It's a different type of turmoil than ( Clinton, Nixon, Kennedy) but turmoil nonetheless. Might I remind you of just some of his scandalous affairs within the first year of his Presidency :

- His association and friendship with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers
- His close relationship withTony Rezko (his neighbor, convicted felon, and friend) scandals
- - The birth certificate issue
- The book controvery and his statements in "Dreams of my Father"
- The book controversy and his admissions in "Audacity of Hope"
- The Acorn scandal
- The political winds winds statement "I'll side with the muslims"
- The beer at the White House, with the Police Officer that he dumped in the grease
- Bowing to a Saudi King

Any many, many, many other factual events and scandals. Too many to list. # more years with this dude aught to be unbelievably eventful!

"VISD didn't think twice about letting a sexual predator speak to Howell Middle school students!"

Could you be more specific, Bonkers?

I stand corrected regarding the fact that Rick Perry came during the school week, not a Sunday. Frankly, I would be more willing to see Harold Cade than Perry. My schedule didn't allow it, unfortunately.

Kvje06.

Good job at your “ My way or the HIWAY mentality”. THAT IS THE PROBLEM IN THIS AREA !!!!!!!!!

if life here in Texas is so backwards and such a complete laughingstock to the world, THEN MOVE AWAY !!! Better yet leave the country.

Hicktoira

You said “we do not need NASA”. Ok what about the Asteroid big enough to knock out a huge city that buzz the earth last week?

Mike that was a long well thought out rebuttal. However, in retrospect...

First, we do not need NASA. Space exploration does nothing but cost us money anyway. I do not have any one I need to visit in space. Second, you said, "I can see an immediate tariff being placed on our goods by the remaining loyal states of the United States of America." Well, that would be fine with me. Lets see how far the rest of the states get along with having to pay 25 dollars a gallon for their gas. Third, I think we have enough gun bearing citizens here that would be willing to protect theirs. I could sit here and tell you many positives for seceding. I just do not have the time. Just think, no more Obama care for starters. We would control our future.

And another thing. This is teaching young minds not to listen to, or respect, authority if those in authority are not of their liking for one reason or another.
Are teachers, police officer, or a judge, who are not of the right ethnicity, religion, or whatever else, going to be ignored because the person doesn't like them for one of the reasons above?
No wonder our youth of today are acting out. The parents have them totally confused.

Moneyman.

YOU ARE RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really want to know the make up of those who desire no speech.

We (I am in the older generation) were required to watch the President's speeches at home and take notes. We all grew up in homes that were diverse and yet we were told to listen and learn and that we did. Needing a permission letter to watch the President's speech is so ridiculous that it actually makes me realize how totally backward this area of the country has become. He isn't just the president of the people who voted for him, he is the President of The United States.

I always try to put myself into a childs place when I tell them to not do something that all of my friends got to do.
I wonder what some kids are thinking right about now when their friends come back to the classroom, or vice versa, and are talking about what a great speech it was, and they have to be wondering why their parents did not want them to listen to it?
How do you explain something like not wanting them to hear the President of the United States talk about how important it is to stay in school and try your hardest.
Now, if these same kids heard their parents say what I'm thinking they said, not realizing that little ears do not understand politics, can you imagine what they are thinking right now?
Parents, no not visit your biases upon innocent children. You will be creating the next generation of Rush and Beck, fanatical-type individuals, because children understand more than you think they do.

So when did listening to a presidents speech about work hard in school and stay in school become political? Our kids go to school to learn about various subjects and points of view..If you dont agree with Obama on this issue (stay in school) then go preach to quit school..Oh wait a minute, its not the message he has for students that you don't like its just the person you don't like.

Justamom, we hopefully dont just teach the 3R's, our schools teach history and govt. but you are right about 1 thing...Parents ought to sit down with their teenagers and explain why they vote one way or another and possibly open some better dialog with the kids. Hey why not prepare them when they turn 18 and allowed to vote. Sooner or later they need to hear all sides

I can't remember a time when any school was allowed to watch any president give a speech. It would be fine to have a speech in the evening then the family could watch it together without taking time out at school. How many of you complaining here would even watch it with your kids if it was on at home. I venture to say not many. Kids just want to do something different and get out of class, they don't care what for.If it was on at home and the parents made them watch it there would be lots of complaining!

JD—So parents can make sure that the children understand what the President is saying? Ridiculous!

Rebecca—“ The schools should NOT validate extremism or ignorance by imitating it.” Brilliant!

ArchieBonkers—“ VISD didn't think twice about letting a sexual predator speak to Howell Middle school students!” Care to share?

Brady—Thank you for that jumbled collection of tea party/FOX news talking points. Too bad you are absolutely incorrect on 99% of them.

Scarlett—me. I have no desire to meet Rick Perry. I do, though, have every desire to evict Rick Perry.

N45BA—this decision was anything but unbiased. It was political as evidenced by Boyett’s remark about “the controversy”.

Muleman—wah, wah, wah, wah, wah…

Brady, again—tacky, tacky to associate Castro and Stalin and others with our President. You know people who watch FOX news are, in my opinion, STUPID. ‘Nothing to get mad about, I'm simply giving examples of why so many’ stupid remarks are posted here on the Advocate.

Coraleaterlinda—this one is black. This one is articulate and educated and this scares folks.

Teach4—How young is too young to hear, “Stay in school, study hard and you can succeed”?

VTXproud—“ But the fear of something different has people in such an uproar.” BINGO! Typical republican strategy—scare and fear.

You go GoliadChica!

JackDeuce—I don’t believe there was a ‘last time’. ‘Last time’ all students were denied the opportunity.

Hictoria

Texas should secede from the union? This sounds like another one the your well thought out statements. It would be the world's 13th largest economy but that's because it has 49 built in trading partners, calls states of the United States of America. All military bases would have to be moved, so our state would have to protect itself. I can see an immediate tariff being placed on our goods by the remaining loyal states of the United States of America.....NASA and all is jobs must be relocated. According to tax calculations made by The Tax Foundation's 2005 calculations, Texas gets 94 cents in federal spending for every dollar paid in taxes. That's the money from Fort Bliss, Fort Sam Houston and Fort Hood, just to name a few...... Secessionist need to think long and hard because it's great being one of the states that make up this country we call the United States of America.

I do not agree with the permission slips. However, I do not blame the entire state of Texas. To be quite honest, I wish we would secede all together. Texas is probably one of the only states that could survive on its own. I am not saying the grass is greener in our state. I am just saying is sure looks better than all the brown in the others.

Nice job VISD. Let's not expose the kids to the freakin PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

No wonder Texas is the freakin laughingstock of the entire world.

Yes, the entire world. Not just the U.S., though plenty of people laugh at us from our own country for our foolish stupidity and blatant racism AND political games.

Gawd forbid the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES should tell kids that school is valuable and they should work hard. Just more socialist crap, right? Wish you parents would pay more attention to the other stuff your kids hear, like parents bashing the President because he's bi-racial or calling him a Kenyan or even their parents being bigoted against Muslims or minorities.

Oh yeah, so much worse to hear, "Stay in School and Work Hard."

Okay, that's it!! No politicians can speak or politics be taught anywhere in any VISD school!!! In fact, if you are running for any political office and you have a child in school, you should not be allowed to even attend a parent teacher conference on campus. Someone could be offended if they don't agree with your politics and their child somehow came in contact with you. Government classes should be outlawed!! They are just too controversial.

We do however need to teach our children that for a fact the earth is billions and billions of years old. Also, they must be taught in class that they should have sex with their dates, afterall dates are interviews for marriage and you wouldn't want to go into marriage ill informed concerning your mates potential deviant desires. Yes, one of our daughters had a teacher tell the class this.

A President encouraging children to stay in school is too political, please. Get a life!!!

How sad;
Ron Santo remembers victoria. He is one of the best 3rd baseman in baseball. I was born in Victoria in 1935 It is stuff like this that make me glad that I left.
For those of you who would not allow me to eat there.
Happy to be away form everyone of your ilk Felix . Padron

Someone said we send our children to school to learn. Exactly. Reading, Writing and Arthemetic. Religion, morals, and politics are the parents job, not the schools. I agree with what they are doing. I went to a small public school and we had permission slips for several speeches, movies, and speakers. It prompted conversation with my parents and understanding their opinions. My parents (In high school) always let me make the decision and draw my conclusions. I learned more from the conversation with my parents than I did watching or hearing whatever it was that was "educational". That is how it should be. I see nothing wrong with it.

Here's a link to the text of the speech.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-o...

Excellent speech. It's a shame VISD caused many to miss out on it by trying to make it into something controversial.

Teach, since you said this: "It is not up to the school to determine what the children can and can't watch"

Is it going to be what the parents decide that can and cannot be taught in school too some day? Wow, talking about opening up a very bad can of worms.

Brady,

Seriously??? Unless you were born in the last 10 years maybe!

Look at Franklin D. Roosevelt. People feared he was heading toward dictatorship. He was highly criticized for his economics.

President Carter, started his term with a 66% approval rating. It was 34% when he left office.

George W. Bush, gave out one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. History, $1.35 trillion dollars. At the same time the Federal Reserve was reporting the threat of recession. Bush argued it would stimulate economy and create jobs. We are now in his muck. His approval ratings were dropping fast, until September 11, 2001. Then hurricane Katrina brought a huge backlash to Bush.

John F. Kennedy, people are still talking!!!

Clinton, well....

Too many to list.

We have to remember, we live in the United States of America, where we elect our officials and the majority wins. There have been Presidents I didn't care for, but I respected them. People will always unhappy with the leaders choices, and for that America speaks and votes in someone new. But the fear of something different has people in such an uproar.

Looking forward to seeing a permission note required for the teaching of evolutionary theory.

Once again, anyone will say bad things about VISD because that's all they have to do. If you look at the real issue, which many of you are not, it is appropriate to send home permission slips because many people do not wish for their children to be involved in politics at such a young age. Being the parent of a kindergartener myself, if the school had shown the speech without my knowledge of it then I would have been upset. These issues are far too big some grade levels and parental permission should be sought out first. It has nothing to do with who the President is or isn't. It is a precautionary for those parents who do not share politics with their young children in their home. It is not up to the school to determine what the children can and can't watch.

Again Brady, have you forgotten Richard Millhouse Nixon or William Jefferson Clinton? One was impeached and the other chose resignation.... If that's not controversy, I don't know what is. Of course there's that issue of attacking a country that had nothing to do with 9/11.

Again, who gives you the authority to speak for mainstream America?

Again, when you cannot produce legitimate facts; go back to what you do best; and use the word socialism and try to demonize the word " tolerance."

Hey, isn't Rush Limbaugh coming on right now?

This is ridiculous. Students had to watch every other president, why not this one? So much for VISD educating children or caring about America. Call and complain, people. Don't let them rest until this is reversed.

dragenrider, I agree. Rick Perry talks about seceding from the union and VISD doesn't find that controversial? While I am glad the kids got to meet him, I find it absurd that the President of the United States, not matter the party, the color of his skin, his height...whatever, can not encourage our kids to stay in school.

My third grader came home yesterday making sure that I would sign his form so he could attend. It is his block day, which is a lot of fun, and he wanted to hear the President of the United States speak.

The really sad part about this, is the heat VISD would receive if they didn't have permission forms. Parents would be bent out of shape. You know I was not crazy about Bush at all, but I respected him as our President.

Again, Mike, there has never been a sitting President in the history of this nation, that has been surrounded by as much controversy. It is what it is. Main stream voting Americans wouldn't dare question Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and "W." for obvious reasons. There are extreme differences between every President that has come before him. This is the first time a sitting President has been publicly and openly for something other than Democracy. Of course it's going to cause schools to ask for parental permission. It's eerily similar to tactics used by Ho Chi Minh, the Fuhrer, Castro, Stalin, and others. Just look back in history. Nothing to get mad about, I'm simply giving examples of why so many parents, school officials, politicians, and voting Americans are up in arms. I'm sure if you didn't believe in socialism and weren't as tolerant you too would understand. Not a big deal, no right or wrong, just he subscribes to a completely different way form of government than has ever been practiced in the history of this country. Change is a process I'm sure, it just takes some getting use to I guess? That's all, not a big deal.

Permission slips...How ABSURD!!! If they did let Perry speak without permission slips, then how can they require permission slips for the students to see the President?

If someone were so inclined, it seems that there would be grounds for legal action allowing the students to hear Perry without parental approval.

Please people. I don't think it's a racist attitude here that is prevailing. We are so afraid of letting our children hear the President, but we will let them watch the immoral filth on television and on the internet.

This is disgusting!!!

No no no. You were supposed to conclude that not all homeschoolers are right handed.

rebecca, of course barry was home schooled. a public school would have made him show a birth certificate to enroll.

I never remember any of these types of discussions taking place regarding any other President? hmmmmmm?

What this issue tells us is our education system is not as flawed as the VISD leadership. The idea that a speech by the President of the United States is going to damage our young beyond repair. How sad is it that telling our children to work hard and stay in school is a bad thing? We vote in the Voting Booth, which may or not be in a school. Politics should stay outside the schools and at least 200 ft from a polling site.

Transplant said"A good decision. Why? I don't EVER remember Presidents giving "back to school addresses" when I was in school. " I don't know how old you are but President Ronald Reagan spoke to the schoolchildren on November 14, 1988 and president George HW Bush spoke nationally to our schoolchildren on September of 1991. I don't believe we suffered from irreparable damage and I doubt anyone remembers what they said. Or you suggesting would keep the kids in school until evening? The president addresses the children while there are in school!

Try using Google, before you post.

You are indeed a transplant, if you think Victoria County is trending liberal....lol

requiring a permission slip from the parents in the Red Republican State of Texas and their deep seated southern political views?? Get outta here!

Get Palin to make a speech, and parent will take off work to watch it with their children..haha..oh Victoria (sigh)

The fact that the previous four Presidents have also taken this opportunity to deliver the same sort of positive message to school kids and didn't require a permission slip to be seen only cements the hypocrisy of this... Adults are so wrapped up in base ball team-like politics that they are failing to teach their own children respect for the highest office in our NATION.

He's brain washing our country!

Doos kids should be able to watch Presdent Obuma speech. How else dey goin to lern haw to ruin dis economee and cuz a grate recission?

I guess this proves once and for all that Obama was homeschooled. =P

(well, not exclusively)

Here is the transcript of last year's speech. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09...

Aren't we forgetting the reason children attend school? To learn. And part of that learning experience includes critical thinking, historical perspective, logic, and respect. Children in the United States of America should be taught to respect the office the President and they should be taught by example the importance of the Constitution. Let them listen and if someone wants their child to disrespect the Presidency or keep them from learning to think critically, then they opt out via permission slips. But for VISD to make this decision based on some nonexistent "controversy" is simply disgusting. What a poor example for the students.

Last year was the first time a president had given a "back to school speech" during the school day. Many schools/parents were concerned about the nature of the speech. Once the White House realizes a controversy was brewing the content of the speech was changed. If this speech is about the importance of education, I agree it should be shown in the evenings when parents can sit down with their children and discuss the topic. Too many parents today don't value their children's education and too many of todays students could care less about listening to the president. It is not a race or discrimination issue. Also when Governor Perry went to Cade he was there in person. How many people wouldn't want the chance to hear/meet the governor?

@Brady

Perhaps his Presidency is shrouded in mystery because some people choose not to educate themselves properly:

Lowest approval rating ever recorded? Not a chance:
http://bit.ly/9k2JkH

"Obama joins the two most recent fellow Democrats (Clinton and Carter) and two recent Republicans (Reagan and Ford) in falling below 50% approval within the first year in office"

I don't like the word "sympathizer." It's used to discount people because they refuse to hate with you.

Seriously, I can't believe this is such an issue. I think VISD is doing the right thing. If parents want their kids to watch it then fine, if they don't fine. It's the parent's choice...not the school district, not the student.....the parent.

Unfortunately, for everyone on both sides of the aisle, we are dealing with a President that has been clouded and surrounded by as much controversy, disdain, mystery, etc., etc. than ever before. It is what it is, I don't think anyone will deny this fact, whether you support his agenda or not. For many reasons, but not in my lifetime, have I ever seen a President that is constantly embroilded in such turmoil and conflict like the current President. Therefore permission slips are sent home, not surprising. When a sitting President doesn't share some views consistent with mainstream American people, and approval ratings are lower than any sitting President in recorded history, I think permission slips should be expected. It's no secret that most people in Victoria County and the majority of voting parents in VISD are extremely conservative and lean very far to the right. That's just who we are as a community, and always have been. Considering the current climate of politcal affairs I'm certain it will remain that way in Victoria for years to come. Typically socialism and forms of marxism aren't looked on too kindly in rural areas such as ours. Although, I can see that most of you are trying to justify or make sense of the parental permission form sent home, you have to understand that a majority of America truly feels like it is under attack by a socialist muslim sympathizer. Whether or not he is Muslim or he is not, that's an argument for another day, I'm just simply saying that's what a majority of common, voting Americans think and believe whether it's right or not. Either way my kids would be allowed to watch because I would like to believe that I have educated them and raised them to understand what propaganda is, and to form their own beliefs based on truths and democracy. I'm not worried in the slightest and understand why VISD felt compelled to send these forms home.

VISD didn't think twice about letting a sexual predator speak to Howell Middle school students!

it's all because he's the first black president and I guess the people in charge of VISD don't like our president! If he had been white I'm sure the students would watch it!

The office gets respect. The person behind the desk has to earn respect based upon their character, values, and beliefs. In the absence of core foundation that align with those of the parents, then sign the form.

The last speech he gave was good. We watched it here even though I don't agree with his politics. He's too conservative when it comes to education. =P

Schools should show the speech and if parents don't like it they can opt out of sending their kids to school that day. The schools should NOT validate extremism or ignorance by imitating it.

If Obama feels the need to address our children...then he should do it in the evening when parents are present to make sure the children understand what he is saying and the ramifications thereof. That goes for a white president, a black president, a Republican or a Democrat.

Riverboat, he came during the school day and no the parents were not there. There were a lot of parents that did not know anything about it, He walked the halls with the students before he spoke.

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/...

The article is titled "Governor visits Victoria pumping education, election". He was there to promote himself. Also, if you read the article, he was there on a Wednesday.

This type of political correctness must stop. I totally agree with one poster, respect the office of the President. Permission slips to watch a speech from the President?????

Kyle C, if you don’t like Texas leave it…

It's pretty sad when parents teach their kids to disrespect the Presidency of the Untited states of America and for the schools to play into that misplaced hysteria.
We have a President that cares about our kids future and takes time out of his busy schedule tp speak to them and people have the audacity to play politics with that. Ridiculous.

KyleC,
I kudn't hav spelt it ant bedder evin if eye had tryed two!
Pat Barnes

"Was there a permission form for the kids at Cade to listen to Governor Perry when he stopped by the school and spoke?"

No, they were there with their parents. Besides, how many kids show up at school on Sunday?

He'll no! Kids shoed aint never gonna be taut soshallist bull by a mooslim that aint amerecan way!

Make the kids warch old Raygun speaches ever night so they lern how to be a reel paytriot like Glynnis Bek

Knowing how easily influenced the young mind is,I can see why the school administration wants to shield them from President Obama! Who knows, they might accidently get the impression that he is a careing,thoughtful,intelligent person and we can't have that here in Victoria can we?
Patrick Barnes

I am very much a conservative and disagree with every political decision Obama and the dems have made. Guess what folks, he is still the president of the United States and this political correctness is nuts!! If you do not respect the man you ought to respect the office..what are we teaching our children and grandchildren if they are not allowed to see his speech!! I am soo
very tired of people trying to turn a political issue into a black or white issue. It is not!! Whoever made the decision that it takes a note from home to watch the president of the United States really needs to find a new job...This political correctness has to stop!!!

Was there a permission form for the kids at Cade to listen to Governor Perry when he stopped by the school and spoke?

A good decision. Why? I don't EVER remember Presidents giving "back to school addresses" when I was in school. They gave speeches in the evenings, when families could watch (or not) together.
Anytime someone makes a decision that even slightly questions the President, it's suddenly "racist". Maybe, just maybe, VISD sees the trend in Liberal Left training up children, and decided to intervene.

Geeze, between the fools censoring the history textbooks in Austin and the locals requiring permission to hear the nation's leader give a 'back to school' speech, children are going to have to attend a parochial to get a well rounded education.

Great comments, everyone. This is so very absurd. I may absolutely disagree with much of what the President is doing, but my children should have the opportunity to watch the address. Really, permission slips to watch the President of United States? Next they will need permission slips to eat lunch!

How many kids do you know that actually want to watch the presidential address anyway? Maybe a few (5-6 kids) out of the entire student body, district wide. Why all the hub-bub?

How are the students supposed to learn about the world if they are shielded from it?

I see bigotry too, in the form of projection.

I don't agree with a public school having to ask permission to show the president's speech to students. Who are the professionals? Let the teachers decide.

little bit over board with the permission slips

"We decided as a school district not to put children in the middle of the controversy," Boyett said.

What is the actual controversy? It also seems odd to me that parents would say no and deny a perfectly good educational experience for their children whether the President is a Democrat of Republican.

Instill some faith and trust in children and enable them to learn how to discern, critically think and formulate solid conclusions about such events instead of condemning them to ignorance because of our own ideologies and prejudices.

Oh my God, If it was any other President (white) I am more than sure that no permission form would have to be signed. But I forget how backwards this city is, still living in the 1800's. The only controversy I see is bigotry. So once again VISD be a stand up district and show the world your true colors. We all know what political party the VISD leadership is backing for sure they are not supporting the freedom of speech a right for every American and of all people they are silencing the President of the USA a very sad day indeed.