The funny part of the HotAir piece is the flashback to the left's criticism of Bush's education speech.

That aside, while everyone seems to think that the speech turned out to be fairly innocuous, there is actually some subtle political stuff in there.  I applaud his comments on individual responsibility and initiative, though.

No doubt this was written over again.

I think it was a little over the top to repeat how kids will let their country down if they don't do well in school.  That's a lot of pressure!  The Elementary school kids will take it to heart the most and that statement will probably freak them out!

Why couldn't he just leave it at kids setting goals for themselves to achieve?  Was it necessary to go on about what they need to do for the country and to make the country more "fair"...what's up with that?!

I think overall it was a decent speech.  It isn't anything that my kids need though because we're responsible, engaged parents who have our kids enrolled in a very good school system.  I'm lucky because it isn't an issue for us at all since our kids only have a half day and will be in transit home during the broadcast.

I do not think there is a problem with a president giving a speech on education to the students of America.  His life story about making it to the top using good grades is something that all children could find inspirational.

But with that being said, I'm glad that there was some grumbles that most likely forced a rewrite as Island Dog said.

I also hope that this is not going to be a regular event.  The schools do not need too many events like this eating up any more of their curriculum time.  And I am just tired of all his constant speeches.  This almost seems like someone in his staff finally found someplace new, and have already exhausted all the other venues.

Not a bad speech, after all he is our President and I see nothing wrong with giving our children a  pep talk. He did however try to stick in there his belief in fairness. I am all for fairness, but not what Liberals consider fair. Fair is everyone getting the same opportunities which in this country they all have. What you do with these opportunities is your responsibility and at that point the results do not need to be fair since you should be responsible for your own actions.

I will be asking my kids to watch it and to see if they paid attention and what they thought about it.

any iterations of newly coined words, non-words or words that don't count in scrabble?

that's not only sneaky, it's unamerican.

You know . . . I was that guy that made our district's superintendant aware of the address (while asking for his stance on it) . . but I'd be more OK with this type of address being available as a normal part of the start of school, year-to-year.

(Having said that . .. . I still have issue with the Feds getting involved in local issues and would rather this type of thing come from State govenors.)

Did you read the speech?  He talked about getting in trouble in school but being given a second chance and getting to go to college. 

I'm a bit cynical about someone who was admittedly high most of high school preaching to our kids about how they need to do well in school or they will let their country down...or wait...that explains a lot!

Sounds like something Bush was accused of. Interesting. I wouldn't say uAmerican since that is more American than we care to admit, but I would actually call it politics as usual.

Guess I'm all wet.  Historical precedent would appear to require that we demand Congressional hearings into the legality of the speech.