On Tues., following Labor Day, my classes will be watching the President's address at 9AM. There has been some significant backlash against showing this speech in the national media. So much so that our district has released an "official statement" regarding the speech. I try throughout the school year to present arguments, ideas, thoughts, etc. from all sides of the political spectrum, and I recognize the political climate that exists as the health care debate continues. That being said I feel it is important for my students to watch the speech out of respect for the Office of the President (regardless of who sits in the Oval Office). Watching the speech will give me and my students an opportunity to reflect and talk about the content of the speech and also analyze the speech as possible political propaganda (as it has been referred to by some). Also, we can place the speech into the context of the political debate that is occurring in Washington. Not to mention the Republicans have asked for TV time after the President's upcoming address to a joint sessions of Congress. This seems like a wonderful moment to teach and talk about the give and take, the compromising, and the debating that are important components of our Republic. Ryan Bretag wrote a fantastic post on his blog Metanoia about the President's address that speak to my views and opinions on the address. The President's address will be streamed below.
