Leave those kids alone...one of them will be President

The President of the United States delivered a speech to the children of America. Yes, the kids. Any sane individual, one with even half a brain, could have anticipated, even written the storyline: stay in school, learn, you are the future leaders of America. And still, some adults called for a boycott.

Why?

We have become dangerously polarized as a nation. It began with the election in 2000, and has become progressively worse. Political affiliation rather than social responsibility has seduced otherwise intelligent individuals, while partisanship has reached new heights.

Are we, as a nation, prepared for the political polarization that has plagued nascent democracies, third world countries, and even industrialized territories, such as Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries? Are we prepared to drive through city streets, in long caravans, honking horns, waving our blue or red flags, following a 1982 Toyota Celica with a bull horn on top? Are we prepared for gangs of fanatics to gather at local parks, chanting for our political favorites, challenging anyone who dares to show support for the opposition? I have been and I don't think we want to go there.

As a parent, I want my kids to hear the President speak. I want them asking questions. I want to know what they thought about the President's speech. Do they agree? What would they ask the President about education? I want my children to recognize what it means to be president, and decide for themselves whether or not they wish to become president some day.

My two kids just started kindergarten. The pre-school they attended taught them to think and to inquire. If President Obama had even tried plugging his health care plan, his political party, or views on abortion, my five year olds would have inquired about it. Then I, as the adult, would have had a chance to talk to them. Wouldn't that be better than boycotting?