White House Releases Transcript of Controversial Speech
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: September 7, 2009
The White House releases a transcript of the highly controversial speech by President Obama to schools nationwide, after scores of parents protest.
We first reported last week that at least three area schools decided not to air the speech live, after several parents called in, all worried the speech would be more of a political agenda than about education.
Lubbock, Lubbock Cooper, and Frenship ISD's all will not air the speech live. Each district plans to work in the speech later at individual teacher's discretion.
The White House though, released a transcript of the speech today, hoping to offset concerns that President Obama would touch on any controversial topic. The speech mostly talks about the importance of staying in school and staying motivated.
Many parents we spoke to today who were originally against the speech say now that they've read it, it appears harmless. Parents who wanted it to be shown all along say they're not surprised many parents are changing their minds.
Ignacio Vasquez, Supports speech being shown: "Either way to the right, or way to the left, whatever... People just jump to conclusions. And they shouldn't do that. Just wait and see what he has to say. If it's a message that's not for them, then talk to their kids about it, afterwards.
Eric Caswell, Previously against speech: "I have different political views than what he subscribes to. But this is pretty innocuous.
Jason Gandy, Previously against speech: "It looks harmless, you know. All the stuff you hear about them being indoctrinated, it looks like just a run of the mill, you know, pep talk.
The speech will air tomorrow at 11 a.m. on the White House's official website. That's WWW.WhiteHouse.Gov.
