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Letter to the editor
Schools wrong on Obama speech
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Forsyth County News
Citizens of this county are deeply saddened by the disrespect shown to the office of the president of the United States that is being displayed in Forsyth County, in general, and by the Forsyth County educational system, specifically.

The U.S. president wants to motivate students to stay in school, get an education and graduate, yet our educational system in Forsyth County responds with fearful behavior.

President Obama is a wonderful example of what education can do for our citizens. He himself was motivated to continue to pursue an education by staying in school. The idea of becoming educated partially means opening our minds to others’ thoughts, not staying closed to current ideas learned from people who are “just like us.”   

We don’t have to always agree with each other, just listen respectfully and formulate educated opinions. Do we teach our children to treat respectfully only those with whom we agree or do we teach them to listen and formulate ideas after first hearing underlying principles?

Presidents Reagan and George H. Bush both spoke to the nation’s children. I don’t recall any upheaval such as we’re seeing today. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Is the behavior of the Forsyth County educational system one of fearful censorship by stepping back their leadership and allowing teachers to do what they please: Either air President Obama’s message or not?

It’s time to change from fear-based thinking to that of encouraging thinking. We need to open our ears, eyes and minds and show our children that it’s important to become educated so they can become our effective future leaders. To do this they must be taught to discern and think for themselves. Our country and our county depend on our future leaders ... educated future leaders.

Ricia L. Maxie

Chairperson, Forsyth County Democratic Party

Cumming