Protest for the sake of protest

The recent uproar over the proposed telecast of Obama’s back to School speech seems to be protest for protest’s sake. The content for the speech is being made available prior to the telecast and all school districts are at complete liberty to show the speech or no. Then why are the Republicans calling it an attempt by the US President to covertly influence young children?

Seriously, do most parents really think that a single speech is enough to color the political thoughts of their children for the rest of their lives? And if the President can’t address the future makers of his country why does he hold office in the first place? All public schools are government bodies and therefore from time to time will be subject to policies sent down from the administration. These will include such things as curriculum decisions and Teachers’ wages and messages from members of the administration. They must engage in active debate if they disagree with policies rather than wasting time protesting against a short speech.

So far the Obama administration has not done anything to show that it is out to corrupt the minds of the young and manipulate them. Then why are Republicans creating this psychosis? Surely for most children capable of understanding the content of such an address it is not the most important thing. They will more likely than not be thinking of their next date, television program or snack even as Obama makes his proposed speech.

Having lived in the US I will hazard so far as to say that this kind of exaggerated fear is typical of the society where concern over personal freedom can sometimes get out of control and border on the ridiculous.