Hypocrisy on display

I find it appalling that a “small but vocal” group has our local school district cowering in fear over some imaginary “smuggled political message” by the president. At a time when we need our elected officials to do something positive, we shy away from a message to work hard and stay in school.

The hypocrisy of the right-wing pundits is astounding with claims that it’s improper for Obama to insert himself so visibly into a classroom setting.

Was it improper for George W. Bush to insert himself into a classroom and read to kids as the Twin Towers were being attacked? It’s not the president who’s using our children for political gain.

Sending a message to our schoolchildren regarding goals, responsibility and persistence in education is noble, especially when coming from someone who has attained the highest rank through education and hard work.

Do these parents and pundits wish our children to drop out, be lazy and add to the ranks of the unemployed and overly entitled with their hands out for public assistance? Presidents Reagan and G.H.W. Bush delivered similar classroom inspirational speeches. I guess that’s acceptable when delivered by a white Republican whose same message wasn’t so “objectionable.”

Gavin Young

Hayden