• Town Talk

Last Thursday I headed south to attend a multi-county picnic sponsored by Bent County Democrats. En route we stopped off in El Paso and Pueblo Counties to talk to Democratic Party chairs. It is my policy to visit every county as often as possible.

In the case of El Paso County, I got a call from a local television station asking for an interview to discuss President Obama’s (then) upcoming address to America’s school children. In the event that you missed the discussion, somehow the televised speech has become very controversial in some sectors. 

Puzzling

Personally, I find this puzzling. What is wrong with having the president of the United States tell children that they need to work hard and stay in school? We all should be telling our children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren that education is extremely important, not just for their future in the workplace but for the process of living in the world.

The president talked to students about setting goals and being responsible for their education. It was probably the same talk he has had with his own daughters. 

But it did have meaning for the president of the United States to urge boys and girls, young men and women, to strive for the same type of thoughtfulness in determining their own future. He repeated what they most likely are hearing from their parents and teachers.

The president asked students to find what they’re good at and stick with it and not let failures bring them down. He also said students should seek help from adults they trust and to not be afraid to ask questions. Obama wants students to get the best education possible so that they can have rewarding lives.

No precedent set

The television reporter asked if the speech would set a precedent. While it was the first time President Obama spoke directly to the nation’s students, it was not the first time a sitting president of the United States has done so. My daughters listened to presidential addresses when they were in school. So did my granddaughter. I might mention that they were both in school during Republican presidents. In fact, my granddaughter was visited by then President George W.  Bush when she lived in Northern Virginia. She was thrilled.

Schools weren’t required to air the president’s speech, and some opted out. What a shame. Regardless of the political party, it was important to know that this president puts a priority on education.

My parents did not finish high school. They took on roles as a soldier and a housewife early in their lives. They raised four children where education was an absolute priority for every one of them.  They celebrated high school and college degrees. And they sacrificed to make that happen. I will admit that some of us took it all more seriously than others.  They needed all the help they could get to urge and prod us to reach our potential. They would have welcomed an address from the president of the United States. After all it’s about our children and grandchildren’s education.

Pat Waak is chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. The views expressed in this guest editorial are Waak’s and not necessarily those of the Denver Daily News.  Respond to this guest editorial at editor@thedenverdailynews.com.

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