I read the speech yesterday.  My overall impression is that the speech was good, but way too much about Barack Obama.  Unnecessarily and gratuitously so.Instead of his own story of hardship growing up it could /should  have been about Abe Lincoln.   Instead of his wife's story of overcoming adversity, It could/should have been re: his new Supreme Court appointee.

He uses "I" more than is appropriate.  The tone is such that the children are being told of his expectation of them,  as well as the expectations of their country.  This tone should omit his expectations and admonish about what the country expects.  "I expect" seems to indicate that he is asking them to do it for him.  They are not in school to serve his will or please him.  It is simply not about him.  He does not get that yet.

The stories of the three youths who had recently overcome the odds against them, were inspiring .  He could have included a Robert or a Melissa, it is not an accident that he chose not to.   Not ALL white folks are handed everything, contrary to what Barack Obama's  record indicates that  he believes.  No, I am not a racist.   Maybe I'm reading more into it than is there, but a lot of time went into crafting this speech and  it contains messages on multiple levels. 

It did seem ironic that he was encouraging youngsters to be successful entrepreneurs.  While in other settings he has clearly indicated that  those that do so should spread the wealth around.   He didn't say that today, but you can bet he is saying it to many of their parents.

Overall, as it was delivered,  it was a pretty good positive message.  Most kids wont see the subtleties.  These criticisms are small things, but they do show why people were wary of President Obama.  In this instance he delivered some of what was expected/feared. 

 It would have been so easy to keep this address Obama neutral and Pro America, Pro Responsibility, Pro Education.  Barack Obama made a choice NOT to do this...

P.S. - I did not think he was entirely on his game with the delivery.

P.P.S - Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what you can do for Barack Obama... see http://myblog.bonsteel.net/servanttoourpresident
 

P.P.P.S - Published in the Dayton Daily News Click Here