Listen up, kids: Campaign against the President's school talk is despicable

Quote :: The furor over President Obama's planned address to the nation's students Tuesday is a disgusting display of disrespect and mindless political hatred.

Parents and educators who are ready to pull kids from school, as though a speech by our democratically elected President is akin to the swine flu, should be ashamed.

In the remarks, to be shown live on the White House Web site and on cable TV, Obama will urge children to work hard and stay in school.

Never has a less political or controversial message been spoken. Never has a more powerful messenger - a man who worked his way to the highest office in the land by excelling in school - been eager to deliver it.

Yet the haters conjure images of the President controlling the airwaves to brainwash Obama Youth with a socialist screed. One commentator even compared the President to Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong Il.

As partisans have stoked the flames, school districts in Texas and elsewhere are giving children the chance to opt out. How idiotic. The speech is to be celebrated, not feared.

Kids: Whether or not your parents voted for Barack Obama, whether or not you like him, he is our President. As was George W. Bush. As was Bill Clinton. As was George H.W. Bush, who gave a similar speech in 1991.

He deserves your respect. And at least a few moments of your undivided attention.