President Obama Controversial Speech | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, September 7, 2009

Fresno, CA We now know what the President plans to say, the White House has posted the speech online for review.

The talk of President Obama's speech has drawn attention from both sides of the political aisle.

And this morning we're getting our first look at what it actually says. Here's a sample:

In the speech, Obama will say "All the work of parents, educators and others won't matter unless you show up to those schools and pay attention to those teachers."

The President goes on to say: "I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you."

The White House said the entire speech is posted on its website so that schools and parents can review it before tomorrow.

They did that because the planned speech is creating uproar with some parents and conservatives who said the President will use the time to indoctrinate kids with his political ideology. The White House said those claims are 'silly.'

Shanneen Barron, parent said: "Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me. "

Arne Duncan, Education Secretary said: "The president's whole speech is about asking students to take personal responsibility for their education, really challenge them to work hard every day. "

Here in the Valley, Fresno Unified said individual schools and parents can make the call on who will view the speech.

Central Unified said it will review the speech Monday and then decide on whether to show it. Clovis Unified will let principals decide based on their curriculums.

If you'd like to read the speech for yourself, you can visit the White House website at whitehouse.gov