Friday, September 4th 2009, 10:37 pm
By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9
OKLAHOMA CITY -- President Obama's planned address to the nation's school children next week has sparked controversy in the nation and caused a major divided for just about everyone, except the students.
"I've been keeping up with that and I think it's ridiculous the way parents have been reacting," said Akash Patel, Putnam City West High School senior.
Patel echoes what a lot of his peers have been feeling. They're open to the idea of hearing from President Barack Obama in the classroom.
"I would just like to hear what he's got to say and it'll be my decision to see if it's important to me or not," said N.J. Ape, Putnam City North High School senior
Parents across the nation, along with political opponents, have said the President's speech crosses a line. Many of them said they fear a hidden agenda. Some have even gone as far to say it's a form of brainwashing. The White House called that thinking silly and so do many of Putnam City's students.
"I know I have my own opinion. I don't know if he can actually brainwash somebody because other people have opinions to," said Ashley Trattner, Putnam City West senior.
But not all students feel the same.
"To tell you the truth. I'm not a real big fan of his. It is what it is. You know what I'm saying?" said John Hogan, Putnam City North sophomore.
The speech will be streamed live on the White House's web site Tuesday morning. Local school districts said teachers can choose to show the speech with parent's approval.
The White House will release a copy of the President's speech on Monday.
Watch the Obama speech online Tuesday, September 8 at 11 a.m.
More on News9.com:
- Should Obama Speak to Students?
- Oklahoma Schools Prepare For President Obama's Address To Students
- GOP Lawmakers Criticize Planned Obama Speech
- White House to Release Controversial School Speech Online
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