It's not about Politics

I'm probably the least political person you will come across. This isn't because I don't know about it, or I don't care. It's simply because my beliefs conservative, liberal, or otherwise shouldn't be what turns someone in one direction or another. I feel that people should form their own opinions based on facts, not on what someone unconnected to the political forum has to say.

Today at noon Eastern time, the President gave a wholly unpolitical speech to the youth of America. His message was simple: Take responsibility for yourself, no one else will. Don't make excuses just do.

I thought this was a great speech regardless of who gave it. What I thought was beyond terrible was our youth, my "wonderful" students. The President made a comment about how he understands that there are many students out there who have awful home lives, but that can't be an excuse for having a bad attitude towards teachers and not passing your classes. A student of mine said yes it is. After the speech this is what took place:

Me: Alright you guys, do you as individuals truly believe if you have a not so great home life that gives you the right to act disrespectful to me or any other teacher?

Student A: Yeah it do...

Student B: Well no, your not the one making things difficult.

Student A: Excuse me, it ain't my fault what my parents does.

Me: You are right. Your parents actions are unrelated to you. You haven't done anything to make them the way they are.

Student B: Neither have any teachers.

Me: Do you want for your children what you have, or do you want better?

Student A: Hell no... Theys goin' to have everythang!

Me: Well there you go that's the point of the speech. He said not to make excuses do better than what you have been given. Finish school, do something beyond: college, technical school, etc.

Student A: Oh F*** that, I'm just here because my mom would kick my a**, I ain't do more than I have to the rich people can pay my way through life...

Me: Speechless...

Yep that is a true story. This has nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with our youth being so lazy, so disrespectful, and wanting everyone else to do for them.

I'm not saying I was perfect in High School, I'm sure I annoyed a teacher or 12, but I would never have said or even attempted many of the things they do these days. I'm not stupid, I know it isn't the same in every school, I'm in a small town.

Then moving on to my next class nothing got better... It's going to be a rough semester!