First Things First

President Obama is slated to address the nation's schoolchildren (most of them, anyway; not all schools are back in session yet) with, apparently, some sort of inspirational exhortation to stay in school, study hard, etc.

Why is this so controversial that many parents are vowing to keep their children out of school that day? Might have something to do with initial reports that teachers would be assigning 'lesson plans' asking the children about how they can help President Obama:

Teachers can extend learning by having students write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.

That struck some people as pushing an agenda. I don't see it myself (and I have kids in school), but I can't blame people for being suspicious; this administration has pretty much squandered its reservoir of goodwill. People just don't trust this guy. Even some former supporters don't like him so much as they did when they voted for him.

And a big, big reason why is that this administration, and the Democrat-ruled Congress, openly denigrates, insults, and condescends to those who disagree with Obama. We saw it time and again, and it was particularly vicious when they denounced Tea Party protesters as "mobs" (and, in Congress, "brownshirts") and worse. Then they wondered, mouths agape, as the people started to turn against them. They haven't learned anything. We're still seeing that arrogance today:

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blasted the president's critics today for questioning the propriety of Obama's speech to schoolchildren.

"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an 'Animal House' food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school, to work hard, to engage parents to stay involved and to ensure that the millions of teachers that are making great sacrifices continue to be the best in the world," Gibbs told reporters on Monday.

Yeah, there's nothing as persuasive as crude insults, is there?

This administration, once hailed as cool, is impossibly tone-deaf. Let's browse the first few comments from that article in The Hill:

This would never have happened if people did not dislike the president so much. There are many reasons for that, and Glibbs needs to take responsibility for some of that dislike he has helped create, because of his sour attitude, along with the inexperienced, off-timing and condescending reputation those around the president have helped create. Glibbs response to this should be kind and understanding toward the voters, not hostile. Consider them ALL sincere. This constant demeaning attitude shows his own lack of understanding regarding his position and his complete lack of confidence in himself and the president. Every time he insults voters, whatever side they are on, the polls go down. Instead of being nasty he needs to, himself, try to become a likeable person. So does Obama. This is what a person with an honest agenda and good communication skills must do in the face of such opposition.Without an honest agenda, however, these mistakes are often made in communications.
BY tropicgirl on 09/07/2009 at 14:26

It's not a matter of "liking" it's a matter of "trusting." I voted for him, regret it. The bottom line, "We - most of the American People" now, do not trust him.
BY LindsyS on 09/07/2009 at 14:29

I want to be Bluto then!YAY! FOOD FIIIIIGHT!!!!Wa it. whut? Did the President just compare himself to the rich fraternity? The ones no one likes. Because they act all pretentious and know it all? Oh, and they were total bullies too, beating people up. Is that REALLY the image Gibbs wants to give? Wow, O. Your message machine needs more than a tinker. It's need a complete overhaul.
BY Jeff Barea on 09/07/2009 at 14:34

Gibbs is not helping the President by talking down to anyone who disagrees.
BY Ron T on 09/07/2009 at 14:35

So now we're not just mobs or unAmerican, we're depraved Animal House actors in this circus show? I don't think so. Getting a little tired of the WH and Dems calling us names to detract from the issues.
BY K. Wright on 09/07/2009 at 14:36

Many comments, page after page of them, express similar sentiments. Poll after poll shows this administration's approval rating sliding; many have him at less than 50% -- a drop that most recent presidents took years to achieve. Way to go, O!

After his speech to America's schoolkids, Obama should address his own administration. The message: Grow up.