Freedom of Speech......or not.

In this country we have Freedom of Speech.........or so they say.
In this country we also have separation of church and state........or so they say.

Every morning my children stand up in school and say the pledge of allegiance which, in the South, includes the words, "one nation under God". This is where there is no separation of church and state. It doesn't bother me, I can live with it. I know that if my children were uncomfortable with it, they just wouldn't say it. They're smart that way. No big deal.

On Tuesday, President Obama is giving a televised speech to our children on the importance of staying in school and the importance of an education.
Our principal has chosen to not show the televised event as they would like to keep all politics out of the school system!!! Excuse me???? This is the elected President talking. What happened to Freedom of Speech? The principal is covering up his actions by saying that we can watch it at home on-line. What a lame excuse.
We didn't even get the option of watching it. Other schools have sent home a form where you can opt out of watching it. Other schools around the country have rearranged schedules so that all the kids can watch it.

I am disappointed in our school and our principal. It makes me want to move, I think it is embarassing when schools choose to not execute Freedom of Speech.
I am not sure what I am going to do yet, maybe keep the kids home for the speech?
And I guarantee you, had it been President Bush speaking about staying in school, all the kids would have had to watch it.

Further more, I think it is so sad when parents choose not to have their children listen to the speech. Just because they don't like the President, doesn't mean their kids shouldn't like them. Our children are ours to guide, not to brain wash. As parents it is our job to help our children become independent responsible citizens, not to tell them what to believe in. It is our job to respect their beliefs and wishes. We might not accept them, but we have to respect them.