At lunchtime today, teachers across the nation have the opportunity to broadcast a videotaped speech by President Obama urging students to work hard in school and discover their passions. "We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems," Obama says, according to the text of the speech. "If you don't do that -- if you quit on school -- you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country."

When word broke of Obama's plans, Rep. Judy Biggert -- like many of her fellow Republicans -- raised irrational concerns that it might amount to political indoctrination. Last week, the Hinsdale Republican issued a statement blasting the White House for failing to make the text of the speech public in advance (the White House did so yesterday):

With no opportunity to review the text of the President’s remarks, it’s little wonder why parents and educators are concerned that the Administration could be sending kids a thinly-veiled political lesson rather than simply encouraging students to fulfill their potential.  Already, I’ve heard from parents who feel compelled to keep their children at home.  This is exactly why the federal government rightfully steers away from dictating educational agendas to local schools.

The SouthtownStar's Phil Kadner has the correct response to this strange fear: "Have we really reached the point where a president's remarks to schoolchildren need to be screened?"  From his Friday column:

Did any of these people, I wonder, speak out in protest when students were encouraged to write letters supporting our troops? That's considered a patriotic act. But it could also be criticized as supporting the war effort, about as political a decision as any.

I've seen governors in this state arrive at public school buildings, surround themselves with children and professional administrators, only to tout their political agendas. There was hardly a peep from taxpayers.

We can just add this to the list of other questionable behavior from Biggert in recent months, including her effort to take credit for a transit bill she voted against and and her decision to circulate literature falsely claiming that the Democratic health reform effort would lead to government-directed euthanasia. Strange choices for someone who represents a quickly bluing district.