Here's a taste of what you'll see.
Parent objects to 'hoopla' of schools' presidential events
By Sarah Lake • Staff writer • January 16, 2009
BERLIN -- A concerned parent is planning to pull her child out of school Tuesday because of what she calls "biased, politically motivated hoopla."
The day of the inauguration, Buckingham Elementary School, along with many other schools on the Lower Shore, plan to conduct activities they say will provide a valuable educational experience for students. Buckingham in particular has scheduled a viewing of the inauguration for President-elect Barack Obama in the cafeteria; the entire school is expected to watch.
"At BES, we are a learning community," said Principal Roger Pacella. "We believe that both our students and staff will benefit from viewing the inauguration -- an opportunity to understand and celebrate our great democratic tradition."
HELLOOOOOO! I want to thank my Parents, my Wife, my Children, my Grandson and ALL of the Visitors to Salisbury News for this unbelievable award. What can I say, I'm speechless. Most of all I'd like to thank God for sending me down the path of leadership in order to set examples for others. LOL! I think I missed the link back to Salisbury News on this article. Did I miss it? Maybe I was reading too fast?
Notice how the Daily Times conveniently left out the red, white and blue clothing and or their Sundays Finest. IMHO, this is pitiful reporting because it doesn't give you the entire picture of what the BOE is doing.
I agree that people are getting way out of hand with the Obama inauguration. He's the next president, not a Rock Star. He hasn't even done anything yet!
ReplyDeleteNo other president is getting the treatment he is receiving. I'm not saying that he doesn't deserve respect, but to go above and beyond for him while neglecting the previous presidents is just poor taste in my opinion.
WTF are you people afraid of on the Eastern Shore? Give it a break already. Stick your heads in the sand and let history pass you by....that's the spirit!
ReplyDeleteI saw the comments there and it really shows you how the DT's readers think. I'd have to agree with you Joe. If they added the clothing thing to the article their readers might think differently about the board of education.
ReplyDeleteI didnt see the link to you either. Again breaking the story 2 weeks before everyone else does!!!!! Way to go Joe
ReplyDeleteRick P.
Een worse was the article about Lil' Obama and Lil' Michelle Obama!!!! OMG.
ReplyDeleteLike they are rappers or something. Such class. . .
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS IN WORCESTER, NOT WICOMICO!
ReplyDelete1:17 He hasnt done anything yet. Ever since he got elected hes been back-tracking, shoot in a couple more months hell be a left wing republican.
ReplyDeleteLet's be fair...
ReplyDeleteYou are the SAME people who made a HUGE stink over Obama not wearing a flag lapel pin.
You called him unAmerican for that.
You were offended when he didn't put his hand over his heart for the National Anthem (when protocol has NEVER required that, only that a person stand in respect -- some people also sing along while others do not...all you non-singers better watch out with this crowd).
But NOW, oh NOW, the trappings of patriotism OFFEND you.
Whether you like it or not, this IS a historic inauguration. You should have been upset that the schools HAVEN'T been doing anything for the President's Inauguration before.
While I agree, this is NOT supposed to be the coronation of a king, people are HAPPY about this milestone in our history.
But you preach patriotism, then react this way.
While I'm pointing out your hypocrisy, not ONE of you got upset about the child who was expelled (Virginia, I belive) for not saying the Pledge of Allegiance because her religious beliefs allow only swearing allegiance to God. She quietly didn't say it. She did NOT raise a big stink about it.
By golly, you'll throw stones at a man for not wearing a flag lapel pin all the time, but no one in the schools should ASK your kid to wear red, white and blue for a party.
Unbelievable. Petty, sniping...
Must be a slow news day for the Times...
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:25
ReplyDeleteIt IS for WICOMICO COUNTY as well. My girls have been asked to be sent to school in their Sundays Best, wear a Red, White & Blue ribbon, and participate in all of the "teachings of history" for the day- they attend WICOMICO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Your statement was unclear as to weather you meant this was only happening in the Worcester County Schools, or if you were refering to the letters & comments submitted regarding the events/dress code of the day...
Typical. Great job to those parents! Just proving that it's easier to run away. That teaches a lot to their kids.
ReplyDeleteAs a strong black man, and father of 2, I'd like to say that this story and your views are hard to accept.
ReplyDeleteI mean, you seem to want what's "best" all the time but are SO against any type of celebration for our future president. You want to make better changes for the future any other time, so why not now?
I don't think looking how past president inaugurations were handled in the schools (because honestly I know you didn't care to find out in years past) but we know that you don't support Obama.
I wish you wouldn't feel so accomplished for having children taken out of school. That is very sad to see. I thought you didn't have biased views (I would hate to think you are racist) but you have dropped on notch on my respect scale.
You should ALWAYS look for the brighter future for our children and our country, but you seem to have taken your stand on the topic.
Very sad to see.
The following is from a weekly newsletter the principal puts out at the Seaford Middle School. I'm not a big fan of this, but I can live with it as I respect our principal's intentions.It reads:
ReplyDeletePrincipal’s Corner
This coming week we celebrate the fact that we live in a country where leadership can be passed on peacefully and we recognize the historical significance of Barack Obama being sworn in as President of the United States. As a former social studies teacher, I know that I want our students to be able to say “I saw history happen”.
On Tuesday, we will be having a special day. We encourage our students to wear red, white, and blue and to settle back and watch history unfold. We will be running a special schedule around the Inauguration events so that all students will be able to view the ceremony. As a result, students will be having a bag lunch that day from our cafeteria or they may bring a packed lunch from home.
(No sodas allowed).
We also kick off our PTO fundraiser this week – information will be coming home with your children. All of the money we raise goes back to our school and your kids!
Have a great week!
Mrs. Smith
why dont she take her child and move to china or russia?
ReplyDeleteI drive a truck , i have to put up with washington traffic everyday. what do you think it is going to be like next mon, tue and wed.
well to me it is worth it , the inaguration is part of america, no matter who the president is.
Love it or leave it.
Remember what the gun happy people say, pry it from my cold dead fingers.
Wooohooo... way to go Joe!
ReplyDeleteYou are successfully robbing children of this special day! Maybe their parents will stay home with their kids and teach them hate and racism!!
Joe needs another deer dropped off at his doorstep to celebrate this wonderful day!!!
I see nothing wrong with that letter from Seaford Middle School. History is unfolding amongst us with this inauguration. The problem with most of what I read and what school administrators, teachers, etc are teaching are youth, is that Obama is the first Black President! This is not the case. What is history here for our country, is that the U.S. has picked a man of both races to run our country, we are showing the world that we have over come racism and that we have united as one. That is what we should be teaching our youth. That is what I will be teaching the youth that I deal with. Obama is a symbol of united, he is the best of both races, (We Hope), I will be watching the historic moment of a Black and White Man taking the seat of our White House!
ReplyDeleteDid you really expect anything different? Really?
ReplyDeleteNever ever ever never did I or my children or my husband ever see an inauguration in school.
ReplyDeleteI remember Nixon's... not in school
I remember Ford's...not in school
I remember Carter's...not in school
I remember Reagan's...not in school.
I remember Bush I ...out of school
I remember Clinton...kids in school but not watching inaguration there either time.
Nor did they watch either of Bush II's inaugurations in school.
This has never been an event televised in school.
Kennedy's Funeral was in school.
911 televised in school.
to 3:13
ReplyDelete"Maybe their parents will stay home with their kids and teach them hate and racism!!"
Maybe their parents will send their kids to school so the teachers can teach them hate and racism!!
1:25
ReplyDeleteYes, it is Worcester. Wicomico had the mayor and supt. looking at Obama crafts done by elementary students. How academic!
I have read it over and over and over again about all the changes Obama plans to make. I've asked the question over and over and over again...WHAT CHANGES? Yet I have yet to get an answer from one Obama supporter. I have heard everything else but have yet to hear what changes he plans to make. Any of you Obama supporters have an answer?
ReplyDeleteI have not commented thus far on this issue. On the one hand I can understand why people are upset. I don't remember the same hooplah over any other Presidential Inauguration. Of course, I do remember mock elections during election years, so participation in the democratic process has been happening for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't vote for Obama. I don't think he's our guy, though I hope I am wrong. Whether anyone likes it or not, however, this is a historic event. Say it any way you want, but he is the first President that is not all white. I am sure that MLK Jr. would be proud, but he would also not want this to be a racial issue. I believe that truly defeats everything the man stood for.
I believe it should be about the political process. Children should be aware of what this country stands for. They should be proud to be American. They should understand the election process.
I was always exposed to these things at home as my parents were politically active (Republicans I might add). I am a January baby and I can vividly remember sitting with my Dad and him telling me I was getting a new President for my birthday. That was President Ford. I was just about to turn six. I am glad that my five year old is being educated about this in school. He came home the other day excited to tell me that Obama was to be our 44th President. He told me that he was going to wear red, white and blue next week because Obama would become our President and that was a special day. And it is a special day. Whether the majority had chosen a woman, a white man or anyone else, it is a special day. I think we should all be thankful that we were able to vote and we are able to directly or indirectly take part in the Inauguration. Isn't that what being an American all about?
Just becaus Obama is the first part WHITE president (how ya like that) I still think you shouldnt do for one president what you didnt to for all. And quit with the show respect for the president crap. The democraps certainly havent shown any respect to W over the last eight years. The democraps would have tried to hug their way out of conflicts, and throw money at the problem. To all democrats just remember, as B.O. is coming into office, gas is 1.50, or so a gallon. Lets see what it is after he has been in a year. Change? more like the same with all of the clintonians in there. BTW, whats up with appointing some dude who cant even pay his taxes? Boy thats a great one their.
ReplyDeleteI said you should respect the process and be glad that there is one. If you'd prefer to live somewhere where there is no such thing, I'll help you pack your bags. The people voted, a Democrat won and that is that. If you want to keep your child home to prevent him from seeing how things work, you are free to do so. See, ain't America great? Of course, if I were you, I'd reconsider. It doesn't look like you spent enough time in school to learn the English language, let alone Civics. You don't want your child to end up like that too, do you? Go ahead all, stick your heads in the sand and when you pull them out on January 21st, perhaps this stuff will have just all gone away.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama will be more than a president a world leader, a world icon, an earthly god to many who have been pushed down for 200 years. Wait and see you nonbelievers.The eastern shore residents are so backward and still live in the 19 th century.When you cross that bridge you enter another world and see another generation.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you white folks a thing or two. I am sick and tired of hearing you running down the inaugration and our new president. You don't want a black person to get ahead. Just a bunch of fake people and so-called Sunday christians. You all better get used to us getting ahead and some of you be working for us. Don't tell me we don't have racists here.All you want is for us to do your low pay jobs and get our vote. No more of this stuff for me.
ReplyDeleteTo:"Strong black man father of two"
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in saying we seem to want what is best all of the time, that is true. The reason we are so against any celebration for our future president is due to the fact that he is not what is "best". No celebration (by me anyway) if I don't feel he or the situation is best.
This turns my stomach, these comments cannot be real.
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes, and a heavy heart.
Does anyone realize the number of people that registered to vote, voted, and helped in this election? That in itself is historical. Should we start doing things differently? Yes, is the civics and watching with pride the Obama inauguration, not because of anything but the man is brilliant, he has motivated millions of people and he is multi cultural and has a great family.
Thank God.
It appears that this blog brings out the bigots, the people who did not vote, who have never voted, and will never vote, those who are mean spirited, do not respect the flag, the constitution, or themselves.
I was a child and sat across from Kennedy when he was inaugurated. I had so much pride, at being part of a democracy, so much pride at being with a few yards of two presidents, and their families, and famous jurists, so much that I carried from the event for my whole life. Pride and Pride in the system that elected our presidents. FREEDOM
Then there was GWBush. I hope that all the negative folks, the folks that have never been to a forth of July parade, those who do not understand what it means to loose a son or daughter to a fight for our country, for our freedom.
Yes, wear red white and blue. Yes, sit glued to the television. Yes, understand for the first time in your life how much freedom costs and how very proud we should be every day, but especially on inauguration day, that we have the freedom to vote, the freedom to say stupid things, to be bigots, the freedom to say thank God.
Those who do not get it simply want to make something out of this celebration that it is not. Folks, this is America, get off your bigoted A$$ and be proud, do something for your country, stand up proud, wave a flag. This is America, and those who are trying to bring it down with negative bigotry greed and avarice will be outnumbered by those of us who are proud.
"God Bless America land that I love, stand beside her and guide her though the night with a light from above." If you do not know where that quote comes from, perhaps you should go to school with the kids on Tuesday, and be sure to wear red white and blue.
Just wanted to add that Caroline County School's (at least Federalsburg Elementary) are doing this as well. My kindergardener came home with a letter on Friday saying students should be dressed in red, white and blue. This is ridiculous. Yes, this is historic. Yes, this should be touched on. No, they shouldn't take the whole day to do nothing but watch the inaugeration and do "related activities".
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am a democrat :)
First of all, Obama is our next president and deserves the respect of everyone and support to help try and change our economy in a positive direction.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, whether Obama is half white, black, mexican, indian, whatever he is the first not 100% white man to become president in our country. Whether you want to accept it our not he is a minority about to look over our country. This IS a historic event. If McCain won it would be the first women Vice Principles with Palin. Now get over your pety excuses and don't push your sorry issues on your children while pulling them out of school because you think this inauguration is about race. I cannot belive in 2009 that race is still this prevelent. It gives everyone else an excuse to claim race! Thank Kim McAllister.
Lastly, give Worcester and Wicomico counties principles and teachers the credit they deserve. They are trying to make this a part of their curriculum while being bombarded with testing our children. They are showing a piece of history that 20 years from now they can say I saw the first black President inaugurated. I saw a piece of history only their kids will read about. So everyone grow up, no one is pushing anything on any of your kids.
An944 - is a closest racist
ReplyDeletesounds like 1:55 am was out on a binge, just getting in, how hateful of a man he is.....Now is that the reason us whites are the way we are....Hmmm!
ReplyDeleteIt takes a simple mind to come up with a simple solution to this argument, we have much bigger problems to face.
ReplyDeleteMandate; Every inauguration should be televised every four year to come. Get over it, there are many worse things to worry about.
You know I bashed Bush for 8 years so I reap what I sow. Well, maybe I should say I was for Bush before I was against him. I gave him a chance. Like many in congress that were for the war then against the war in Iraq. I still agree we need to get Binny Ladin and get Afghanistan in order.
ReplyDeleteThe opium lords, Taliban and Al-Qiada still run most of Afghanistan with the exception of the capitol Kabul
But honestly, did you really see HOPE in McCain's eyes? McCain is famous for being an angry man.
This is like the depression and Vietnam all put together. We are so lucky that anyone ran!
7:26, I have been waiing for some idiot to bring up this "Does anyone know how many people registered to vote, voted etc...
ReplyDeleteYes, I do, Do you know that the majority of the new registrations were people of color and also ones that have been around for a few inaugurations as well, older people that is. Most of them had no transportation, but the Obama buses picked people up all over the nation, did the registration papers for them due to illiteracy issues. These people have never voted, because a person of color has never went this far to get votes. The main issue here is that this in itself is where the rascial issues came into this inauguration, because these people will never vote for a white man based on that alone "white". I am not saying white people didn't vote for him because a lot of them are hipnotized by him too, but the majority where blacks and blacks in record numbers as you mentioned that is only because they have been rascially motivated this election, that is to vote for a black man (half white)!!!! Voting racially is how I see it, the people of color can never use the race card again!!!!! You have proved to me to be the most racially motivated poeple on earth...
Anon 4:41pm
ReplyDeleteI think you are just a little delusional.
Whether you like it or not, this IS a historic inauguration.
ReplyDeleteYes our first ARAB AMERICAN President...
The problem with most of what I read and what school administrators, teachers, etc are teaching are youth, is that Obama is the first Black President! This is not the case.
Now the comments are getting a little closer to the truth.
I have read it over and over and over again about all the changes Obama plans to make. I've asked the question over and over and over again...WHAT CHANGES? Yet I have yet to get an answer from one Obama supporter.
You have read the answer over and over right here but can't stand the answer... You don;t like the fact that a Brother is going to the white house...
Whose brother is he? His blood brothers are still in Africa...
The democraps certainly havent shown any respect to W over the last eight years. The democraps would have tried to hug their way out of conflicts, and throw money at the problem.
No respect to the office? Anyoe who shows no respect now is a racist so forget about any "loyal opposition" to the King.
President Obama will be more than a president a world leader, a world icon, an earthly god to many who have been pushed down for 200 years. Wait and see you nonbelievers.The eastern shore residents are so backward and still live in the 19 th century.When you cross that bridge you enter another world and see another generation.
I wish you were a real person who posted their name and contact information so we will be able to ask you about this statement in a year or two.... Coward.
First of all, Obama is our next president and deserves the respect of everyone and support to help try and change our economy in a positive direction.
Bush 43 only deserved your middle finger salute and that was OK because he is a Texan of Maine heritage?
An944 - is a closest racist
Racism is out of the closet, IF you are a non-white that is.
BTW when is White history month again or the White Entertainment Network? Lets not even talk about the NAAWP...
Let me tell you white folks a thing or two. I am sick and tired of hearing you running down the inaugration and our new president. You don't want a black person to get ahead.
If Barry Sorrentino was Black instead of Arab American then you might have a point... but he is "passing" as a light skinned brother.
It's too bad we could not have had a qualified Black Natural Born American being inagurated.