A couple of weeks ago, President Obama addressed students as they were sitting right in their own classrooms or auditoriums. The President gave a speech from a school in Arlington, Virginia on September 8, 2009. By broadcasting his speech over the easily accessible internet and television technologies, he was able to reach everyone (At least everyone who wanted to be reached; nothing goes without controversy in government).
His speech challenged students to work harder in school. He also recounted his childhood and some obstacles he faced to better relate to the students:
“I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.
So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.” http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
Children are smart. If someone is not being honest with them, they will find out. It was a fine example for President Obama to admit his wrong doings in childhood. After all, no one is perfect.
The President also cited specific people in our country who conquered very particular, hardships, such as Jazmin Perez who did not know English and is now studying to become a doctor . This and the other examples allowed different children with struggles to relate to the speech and be even more inspired.
Though I personally do not agree with most of President Obama’s stances, overall, this was an influential maneuver on his part. He reached students who often are disconnected from government. In his favor, it just so happens that some of these students will be of age to vote in the next election. Good move.
Above blog used http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/ for reference, facts, and quotes
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