Children and the inauguration

**Buttercup** · 01-29-09, 09:25 PM

The thread about the Pledge of Allegiance brought this to mind. Over the last couple of weeks I've read of and spoken to people who not only didn't want their children to watch the inauguration in school, they also complained to the schools about the broadcasts in the classroom and/or special assemblies. I don't have children, but every inauguration becomes a part of our country's history and if I did have a child old enough to understand what was going on I'd want that child to watch it, even though it would probably mean (with this particular inauguration) discussing with that child why I didn't think this person was the best choice for President.

Did you (or would you have) let your children watch the inauguration if the President-elect was not your choice of candidate? If your children watched it in school, did you mind? Why or why not?

**Pudge** · 01-29-09, 09:31 PM

I did watch it with my five year old who was very interested.

Although I didn't vote for him, nor am I sold on him being the end all, be all, it is/was part of history. Its just a matter of what kind of history it is.

I'll never push any of my beliefs on my kids, but I'll facilitate them learning and forming educated opinions on their own.

**TXCharlie** · 01-29-09, 09:46 PM

It's an historical event, whether I like his politics or not. I didn't have a great problem with schools showing it, but I do have a problem with them talking about the man himself as though it was the 2nd coming of Christ.

They should put it in prospective and note that all Presidents go into office with high ideas, but only history will judge whether he's going to be a boom or bust for the country. The harsh reality of national and world events often force presidents to change course - Bush started out being the "Education President", but because of 9/11, he left office being branded a war monger.

**lewisipso** · 01-29-09, 10:00 PM

A historical event at any angle. Didn't have to but would have encouraged all of mine to watch.

**Terminator** · 01-29-09, 10:16 PM

I watched it. I could careless if someone watches it, kid or not. It's an inauguration. Woohoo.

**MacLean** · 01-29-09, 10:36 PM

My six year old watched, and although I explained to him the American people had elected a moron, it was still something to be proud of to watch as we peacefully transferred power.

I used it as a tool to explain to him why we are exceptional among the world.

**Cidp24** · 01-29-09, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by maclean

My six year old watched, and although I explained to him the American people had elected a moron, it was still something to be proud of to watch as we peacefully transferred power.

I used it as a tool to explain to him why we are exceptional among the world.

Good job, Mac. +1 if I had a young one.

**Willowdared** · 01-30-09, 01:03 AM

My son's school was watching.

**Wolven** · 01-30-09, 02:24 AM

Originally Posted by Pudge113

I'll never push any of my beliefs on my kids, but I'll facilitate them learning and forming educated opinions on their own.

Originally Posted by maclean
My six year old watched, and although I explained to him the American people had elected a moron, it was still something to be proud of to watch as we peacefully transferred power.

I used it as a tool to explain to him why we are exceptional among the world.

+1 to you two!

**Buttercup** · 01-30-09, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by maclean

My six year old watched, and although I explained to him the American people had elected a moron, it was still something to be proud of to watch as we peacefully transferred power.

I used it as a tool to explain to him why we are exceptional among the world.

That would be my thinking as well.

I've been very surprised at the fact that some parents have pulled their children out of schools because the schools broadcasted the inauguration in the classroom.

**irishmick** · 01-30-09, 10:59 AM

I don't let my son watch any TV (he's almost 2), so no. Though, had he been old enough to understand, I definitely would have let him and explained that Obama was an asshat, but that it was historical nonetheless.

**Xiphos** · 01-30-09, 11:09 AM

I think it is a waste of school time and resources. They're supposed to be learning how to read and write etc. If they turned it on during the swearing in ceremony and then returned to school work I have no problem, that's historically significant. The places that had Obama parties all day with the Inauguration on is what I have a problem with.

**TXCharlie** · 01-30-09, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Xiphos

I think it is a waste of school time and resources. They're supposed to be learning how to read and write etc. If they turned it on during the swearing in ceremony and then returned to school work I have no problem, that's historically significant. The places that had Obama parties all day with the Inauguration on is what I have a problem with.

I disagree about the first part (the Inauguration itself is part of Government 101), but as for covering all the Inaugural balls and rallies, that is rediculous if they were forced to watch that crap.

**Xiphos** · 01-30-09, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

I disagree about the first part (the Inauguration itself is part of Government 101), but as for covering all the Inaugural balls and rallies, that is rediculous if they were forced to watch that crap.

But it's not part of English class, math class, science class etc...

And we all know the kids didn't get to blow an entire day with "Bush" parties during his inaugurations. It's indoctrination, not education.

**irishmick** · 01-30-09, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Xiphos

I think it is a waste of school time and resources. They're supposed to be learning how to read and write etc. If they turned it on during the swearing in ceremony and then returned to school work I have no problem, that's historically significant. The places that had Obama parties all day with the Inauguration on is what I have a problem with.

I also wouldn't have a problem if they did it for EVERY inauguration.