School system, Gazette failed presidential test

I was disappointed in the stand of the school system and The Gazette in regard to President Obama's speech to students. Apparently they were influenced by individuals who do not care for our president. If their intent was to degrade the president, it was a failure. If it was to defame the office of the presidency, they succeeded.

When the president addresses students about staying in school and working to be productive citizens, it should be mandatory, for that is the goal line for all good teachers. Former First Lady Laura Bush, a teacher, felt students should hear the president. The Gazette buried her endorsement in a small article in the center of the paper.

This decision reminds me of what is wrong with the school system. The teachers are afraid of the principal, the principal is afraid of the superintendent, the superintendent is afraid of the school board, the school board is afraid of the parents, the parents are afraid of the kids and the kids aren't afraid of anyone.

The school system and Gazette failed this test.

James Kane

Cedar Rapids