We haven't lost the ability to consider both sides - your actions with your son testify to that. Throughout history, some people have been able to consider multiple views, and some haven't. - John E. Bredehoft

I am appalled at this concern about the President's address to school children, as if he is going to pollute their minds. So disrespectful of the institution and his position. It makes me wonder about deep-seated, unacknowledged racism. - Teri Gidwitz

We lost it when mainstream media over-covers rhetoric vice facts and the mindless drones of the general public blindly follow. I'm not a Big Obama "fan" but you still have to respect the office and the guy sitting in the big chair even if you don't "Like" him you can still respect and disagree. - Stan Augustyniewicz

Stan: yup. Media business has turned politics into a sports team. - Robert Scoble from iPhone

I don't attribute it solely to racism - some whites didn't like it when white presidents spoke to children either. It's this "my way or the highway" mentality that refuses to even listen to the evildoers, be they Commies or Baby Seal Clubbers. - John E. Bredehoft

I'm not sure how many people believed in the ideals of the US when it was started. A system based on laws, checks and balances, a democratic republic, protection from the government. But enough people went along so that it worked. Now it seems people are tired with the experiment and feel entitled to remake the country as a theocracy. It's just easier that way. - Todd Hoff

Blue Cross presents the Senate Healthcare Reform debates! - Stan Augustyniewicz

It's unfortunate we've become so polarized; for or against, no appreciation for nuance or complexity. - Teri Gidwitz

News delivery is such an open market people can go and look and find whatever news they like that agrees with what they think. Combine that with "news" having such a wide ranging definition and much of it not being "and that's the way it is" anymore, we've reached that divide. I really think it'll have to get a lot worse until people start to wake up and realize they can't just listen to what they want, or bad things will happen. (People of course referring to general populous completely disconnected from the tech community.) - Dean Clark

My impression of this (from the UK) is that people are more bothered about their kids writing a letter about "how they are going to help President Obama". It does sound kind of creepy. - Rob Fisher

Why aren't these same parents so concerned about the politics of the teachers and administrators who get to speak to their kids all the time? I've pretty much decided to wait and see how many people I know really hold their kids out and how many are just running their mouth. Not sure which is worse. My kids? They're homeschooled so we'll watch the speech together and talk about it. We'll also get to talk about their friends and their parents that didn't want to let them see that speech. - Jon Adair

The speech itself isn't that bad, however I can pretty much guarantee it was re-written. The worst part was the lesson plan that followed that sounded like it was written by ACORN. The other problem is Obama's cult following and how his narcissism has affected his ability to govern. - Spencer

Good point, Jon Adair, and a good solution too. Dean Clark, "they can't just listen to what they want, or bad things will happen" -- now *that* sounds kind of sinister. If you mean that people need to apply critical thinking, then you're right. I think the idea that *any* news reporting is unbiased is naive. There will always be the possibility of picking and choosing. That's why I like blogs: a much wider range of views than the MSM's narrow left vs. right. - Rob Fisher

Spencer: did you talk like that about Bush? I really hate that media has given us all permission to call each other names. - Robert Scoble from iPhone

Robert: I think it works both ways. Remember bushitler? - Rob Fisher

I think most people can actually consider and respect both sides. It's the passion and consequent fervor that arises around specific issues. People want to have their views heard and respected. When they do not get this emotional-based reactions crop up. It has been there for ages and will continue to be so. - Altan Khendup

One of the major themes that was presented after Ted Kennedy's death was his ability to work with the Dan Quayles and John McCains of the world. - John E. Bredehoft

I believe racism is a big part of it. There's quite a few people out there who have issues with their children seeing that a black man can be president (and at the same time be more eloquent they can even dream of). Maybe they fear that he will empower all the black kids ... - Rene, Pro Button Pusher

1UP Rene - Derrick

The last 16 years have proven that the moderates are way to quiet in this country. - Tony C (Unrated)

I'm just sad - Wayne Sutton from iPhone

I think Rob Fisher's hit the nail on the head twice here: the vitriol against the 43rd President was far, far harsher than anything the 44th has faced so far, and the suggestion about "writing letters about how you can help the President" — what about the majority who are opposed to his current agenda? Are they expected to help achieve something they oppose? It could easily and should have been written impartially — as it surely should have been, since schools and teachers should be strictly non-partisan: "What are your opinions of his speech?" or "Do you agree with what he says?" - James

I grew up in the 60's and I can never remember the President speaking directly to me as a student. I 'm not sure its a good idea no matter who the President is. That being said, if the President did speak I am sure my parents would expect me to be respectful. You respect the office of Presidency, even if you don't respect the current occupant. - Kim Landwehr

Over the past few years the American fabric has been broken down. People have embraced ignorance over knowledge. We listen to the talking heads on television and let them shape our beliefs instead of making our own decisions. We view disagreements as personal attacks w/o attempting to see the other side's point of view. Sad indeed. - Vaughn from BuddyFeed