Obama's Education Speech Ignores Conditions of Homeless Children

by Rhonda J Mangus | September 6, 2009 at 09:35 am

1797 views | 62 Recommendations | 30 comments

President Obama's decision to address the nation's students this Tuesday has led to a national debate with some opposing federal government entering U.S. schools.

The reasons are numerous, but under what conditions are America's schoolchildren being urged to "take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it."?

Few children hold the privileges of first children Sasha Obama and Malia Obama who attend "Quaker Values" Sidwell Friends School. This lack of privilege shows in the faces of countless schoolchildren, particularly in the faces of America's homeless schoolchildren, who are truly disadvantaged when it comes to stability in their home lives due to "relentless unemployment and housing foreclosures" occurring in the United States, having a direct impact on their success in school.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.35 million U.S. children are homeless during the year in the United States, and 200,000 are homeless on any given day. The cause of this fastest growing segment: "relentless unemployment and housing foreclosures."

Foreclosures rose by 15 percent in the first half of 2009.

The data show that, despite the Obama administration’s plan to encourage the lending industry to prevent foreclosures by handing out $50 billion in subsidies, the nation’s housing woes continue to spread. Experts don’t expect foreclosures to peak until the middle of next year.

Foreclosure filings rose more than 33 percent in June compared with the same month last year and were up nearly 5 percent from May, RealtyTrac said.

“Despite all the efforts to date, we clearly haven’t got a handle on how to address the situation,” said Rick Sharga, RealtyTrac’s senior vice president for marketing.

More than 336,000 households received at least one foreclosure-related notice in June, according to the foreclosure listing firm’s report. That works out to one in every 380 U.S. homes.

The U.S. unemployment rate is at its highest in 26 years at 9.7 percent.

The US unemployment rate jumped to 9.7 percent in August, as employers slashed an additional 216,000 jobs, the Bureau of Labour Statistics reported Friday.

While employers cut fewer jobs in August than in July - when 276,000 jobs were lost - the unemployment rate soared to a 26-year high.

The rate is up from 9.4 percent in July. The number of unemployed people increased by 466,000 to 14.9 million, the government said.

The number of unemployed has soared by 7.4 million since the US recession began in December 2007 and the unemployment rate has grown by 4.8 percentage points.

Even though there are laws that protect America's homeless schoolchildren, some believe that Congress has provided little money, "adding to the fiscal woes."

Since 2001, federal law has required every district to appoint a liaison to the homeless, charged with identifying and aiding families who meet a broad definition of homelessness — doubling up in the homes of relatives or friends or sleeping in motels or RV campgrounds as well as living in cars, shelters or on the streets. A small minority of districts, including Buncombe County, have used federal grants or local money to make the position full time.

The law lays out rights for homeless children, including immediate school placement without proof of residence and a right to stay in the same school as the family is displaced. Providing transportation to the original school is an expensive logistical challenge in a huge district like Buncombe County, covering 700 square miles.

While the law’s goals are widely praised, school superintendents lament that Congress has provided little money, adding to the fiscal woes of districts. “The protections are important, but Congress has passed the cost to state and local taxpayers,” said Bruce Hunter, associate director of the American Association of School Administrators.

Still, President Obama will speak to the nation's schoolchildren urging them to "take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it."

Charity Crowell is one child who can be expected to "take personal responsibility for [her] own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it." Read her story, here.

Previously on NowPublic by this Author:

Hoekstra opposes federal government entering US schools

Related NowPublic coverage, here.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

Barry ORegan

at 09:46 on September 6th, 2009

One would think the homeless problem is less a federal issue and more a state and municipal issue. Granted federal funding may provide but it is the other government agencies who hand it out. The Feds cannot make all issues disappear without raising taxes. Many in the past scream we want less government interfering in our lives, though when shit hits the fan, it is the same people who whine to the government for help, bailouts included.

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 10:31 on September 6th, 2009

This is so important, and really needed pointing out! Thanks.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 10:38 on September 6th, 2009

You are very welcome, smkovalinsky. Thank you for reading, commenting, and the recommendation!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 10:49 on September 6th, 2009

Barry, thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation! It's not just about homelessness, but ignoring the conditions whereby "...America's schoolchildren are being urged to "take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it."

Grace H

at 11:12 on September 6th, 2009

Every summer I go on a community service trip to Matamoros, Mexico. At night we go to a variety of shleter for kids. Some are orphans and spend all the time there when not at school. Others stay there during the school/work week as their parents cannot provide good stability. These seem helpful and logical to me and possibly could be attempted here for the homeless children. That is a plight no one should have to experience especially not children.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 06:35 on September 7th, 2009

Grace H, thank you for your willingness to be a part of community service. It is most admirable.

I agree "That this is a plight that no one should have to experience especially children."

Homelessness in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. Even though there are shelters, homes, etc. -- they are overcrowded and/or have no room. Further, they do not solve the root causes of homelessness in America.

Please see my response to Rory and follow the link to read the entire article related to homeless children in America (it is a decades old problem).

Dr Linda Shelton

at 12:25 on September 6th, 2009

Homelessness has nothing to do with this speech. It is just dumb to criticize a president who encourages children to work hard, stay in school, do their best, and contribute to society. Pres. Obama is a good role model for those that live in single parent homes, are raised by grandparents, relatives, or foster families, are a minority, or are somehow "disadvantaged". He is the epitomy that there is in general opportunities for anyone in the United States. I just think that anyone who objects to this message is living on another planet.

Yes, it is more difficult for the homeless, and easier for the privileged, primarily because the privileged have more role models, encouragement, and assistant. However, how hard you work, how much you try to achieve your best every day, and how much you try to contribute to society has nothing to do with privilege or poverty.

I find it a bit degrading and inappropriate to imply that homeless children don't work hard, don't want to stay in school, don't do their best, and won't contribute to society and that you have to be privileged to achieve your best and contribute.

Rory Cripps

at 17:07 on September 6th, 2009

Dr. Linda Shelton:

In all due respect, Rhonda never implied that "homeless Children" are intrinsically incapable of all the above. Only superman and supergirl can concentrate in class, complete their homework assignments, and get straight A's when their home-life is in shambles. And most kids that live in a stable home and privileged environments can't even achieve that!

You've put a Dr. in front of your name. Do you have any scholarly and objective writings that can serve to reinforce, and shed light upon, your assertions and contentions as put forth in your comment here?

I would love to engage you, Dr. Shelton, in an honest and open debate on this site about anything that strikes your fancy. Yes! I'm challenging you to a debate about anything and everything at all. Are you up to the challenge Dr. Shelton?

DrLindaShelton (not verified)

at 19:31 on September 7th, 2009

Please feel free to engage in debate with me on my web site: drlindashelton.wordpress.com. For the moment, I do not wish to engage in debate on this web site until they fix a few problems with it.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 12:31 on September 6th, 2009

"I find it a bit degrading and inappropriate to imply that homeless children don't work hard, don't want to stay in school, don't do their best, and won't contribute to society and that you have to be privileged to achieve your best and contribute."

Dr. Linda Shelton, thank you for reading and commenting. I'm curious however where you obtained the above idea?

Dr Linda Shelton

at 14:16 on September 6th, 2009

The above idea is what you implied by your post. You don't explain much as to how your disjointed topics tie together and therefore, the reader must use a lot of guessing.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 14:47 on September 6th, 2009

Dr Linda Shelton, "The above idea is what you implied by your post. You don't explain much as to how your disjointed topics tie together and therefore, the reader must use a lot of guessing."

No, the above idea is what you concluded from my post and, unfortunately, it seems that you had to do a lot of guessing.

The question is very clear, "under what conditions are America's schoolchildren being urged to "take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it."?"

The conditions are also very clear: "relentless unemployment and housing foreclosures."

It is the case that I could have focused on another group (or groups) of schoolchildren (ie. GLBT Youth who fear for their lives on a daily basis in public schools, who have kicked into survival mode, leaving academic mode far behind, as they try to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B to avoid being harassed, bullied, and in some cases even murdered), but it is the case that I focused on America's Homeless Children and the conditions whereby America's homeless schoolchildren are being urged to "take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it."?"

I hope this explanation helps to further your understanding of this story. Thanks again!

Rory Cripps

at 16:09 on September 6th, 2009

Rhonda: You brought me to tears with this one! And if I could give you a trillion recommendations for this story, I'd do so in a heartbeat! Right On!

Millions of American children are now, essentially,"displaced persons" due to home foreclosures. The lucky ones are living with relatives, in trailers, or in shanties.The not so lucky ones are living out on the streets.

The Obama administration (I'm sorry to say) has, in effect, done nothing to forestall the rise of home foreclosures in spite of assurances and promises that its help is on the way.

How does a child, that is not sure whether or not he or she will have a roof over their head tomorrow, take "responsibility" for his or her education?

Yes! Elitists, that look down their noses at average Americans (and it's becoming disturbingly apparent that President Obama is one of those elitists) talk a good socially progressive/feel-good game and promise the world to anyone that listens to their spiel. But in my humble/average-American/looked-down-the-nose-at opinion, empty suits and two-bit politicians need to make good on their promises before all hell breaks loose . . . . RAH RAH RAH! SIS BOOM BAH!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 04:43 on September 7th, 2009

Thank you, Rory! It is the case that homelessness is a decades old problem in the United States and truly is a source of national shame.

"The homeless crisis is not only a source of national shame for the richest country in the world, especially since the Federal Government has properties across the country that reverted to its possession upon the fall of the savings and loan industry, which it has never really put to the use of resolving this crisis; it is also a crisis that threatens the public safety of every American citizen who is not homeless, to say nothing of the safety of property. Homeless people have nothing to lose, and the very experience of homelessness is one of feeling abandoned and rejected. The forces that are exerted on homeless people, both by government and the citizenry, and even the non-profits that are supposed to be addressing their problems, all work to the effect of reducing the self-esteem of those individuals who become homeless, ultimately putting the great majority of them at risk of developing mental illness and drug addiction.

The end result are people who are reduced to the level of animals determined to survive, who will resort to desperate means such as crimes which cross the thin veneer of what it means to be civilized. The bottom line is that this is something that could be avoided, if local, state and the national governments all recognized the crisis at hand, and took it seriously enough to handle it. There is more than enough money to build new sports stadiums, and new freeways, and new offices for government bureaucracies. There should be money for SOLVING the homeless crisis, especially since the real cost, in terms of money, is virtually pennies a day. The next time some local atrocity is attributed to "transients," just remember that it could have been avoided, if the leaders of the community would do their job, and lead.)" (Over 1 Million Children Homeless in U.S., Anne-Marie O'Connor, Times Staff Writer)

a211423

at 16:13 on September 6th, 2009

Rhonda thank you for bringing the issue to the forefront of homelessness and its effects on children. Having once been on the brink of homelessness myself with three children, I can attest there are few other fears that permeate your being as a parent as the inability to provide shelter for your children. Fortunately, I did find a place to live, and my children never knew we were a few days away from living in our car. Having said this, I did not equate the president's address, with his message of staying in school and doing your best, as ignoring the nation's homeless children or being insensitive to their situation. The message from my perspective is one of egalitarian encouragement and support for all of the nation's school children whether they are rich or poor; gay or straight; Christian, Jewish, or Muslim or any other religion; whether they are white, black, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic; and finally whether they live in a house or like you have poignantly told us homeless. Encouraging words heartfully delivered, in my opinion, are welcome no matter what one's personal predicament might be.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:34 on September 7th, 2009

a211423, you are very welcome! Thank you for reading and recommending this story, as well as for sharing your life experience and thoughts on the President's upcoming address.

However, is the President's upcoming address really one that can be thought of in terms of "egalitarian encouragement"; by definition meaning: "affirming, promoting or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social and civil rights for all people." (Answers.com)

Expanding upon egalitarian: Egalitarianism:

"Political practice aimed at increasing equality; the philosophical explanation and defence of the value of equality. The goods, benefits, or burdens of which an equal distribution is thought valuable may be variously specified. Considerable debate has surrounded what is required on egalitarian principles sensitive to the arguments of modern liberalism. The focus is on the identification of inequalities which are arbitrary from a moral point of view—perhaps those which result from natural talent but not those which result from differential effort, for example. In general, the equality in question is an equality of outcome. Equalities of income, wealth, utility, and life-chances have been canvassed, as well as equal consideration (see also fraternity) and equality of rights. Many egalitarians have been suspicious of the equality of formal rights, pointing to the substantive inequalities they may disguise or exacerbate. Critics have maintained that egalitarianism necessarily diminishes freedom in unacceptable ways. See also equal opportunity; equal protection." (Answers.com)

a211423

at 11:52 on September 7th, 2009

Rhonda thank you for your comments.

I was referring to encouraging the spirit of equality among school children for their social right to persue their education individually to the best of their abilities no matter their social or economic status, or restrictions placed on them by individual school districts that might limit their opportunities. I know there are disparities within our educational systems in the economic distribution and application of educational systems and districts. For example, we could discuss endlessly the disparity between urban and suburban schools and the uneven distribution of wealth and funding for schools. But my comments were focused not on the disparties, rather, on supporting all American children no matter what system they happen to be in.

Education is a right in this country, and every child should know it is the responsibility of all of us including the president to support them in that endeavor to best of our abilities.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 19:07 on September 7th, 2009

a211423, you are very welcome. There is no equality among school children for their social right to pursue their education to the best of their abilities in the face of the disparities you mention; and that is the hard truth about 'education' in America.

Barack Obama promised "A 21st Century Education" (2008).

Pat Garcia

at 16:15 on September 6th, 2009

Great post!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:35 on September 7th, 2009

Thank you, pat!:)

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 18:04 on September 6th, 2009

I concur.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:35 on September 7th, 2009

Thank you (again:)), smkovalinsky!

Grover W. (not verified)

at 22:28 on September 6th, 2009

Sorry. Raising kids is a very serous responsibility. So are the financial moves we need to make to maintain a roof over their heads for 18+ years. People got greedy and stupid and ruined their lives on a scale this Country has never seen before. Their stupidity also went into the realm of conception and childbirth. If you fouled up your finances and then compounded that mistakes with 3 or more kids? how is THAT Obama's fault? Or mine? You made them... now figure out how to feed them without picking MY pocket. I have a small family and have made that sacrifice to be able to feed my wife and son without a government handout. Can't afford them? then don't have them!!!

Rory Cripps

at 05:26 on September 7th, 2009

Grover W: I agree with your self-reliance premise here, but I think it's a little more complicated than that which you've indicated. People per se did not " foul up" on their finances. The U.S. government fouled up their finances along with the "too big to fail" corporate pigs. The depth and duration of U.S. recessions is increasing. And the consequent rise in unemployment is longer and greater. Home prices have tanked--in many cases as much as 50%. People's retirement funds and investments have tanked--as much as 40%. Americans were sold a bill of goods for decades. And you can't blame the average American for going along with and believing in the system, because Phd economists, finance professors, stock analysts, and just about every other financial and economic expert went along with and believed in the system. The so-called "free market system"--which is an absolute myth because America never was a "free market system" is now highly unstable and is failing more than it's succeeding.

Right wing economic ignoramuses such as Rush Limbaugh, Shaun Hannity, Michael Medved, etc. have done a great disservice to a large segment of the American population through their self-reliance spiel. It's easy for them to sing the praises of self-reliance and the "free market", after all they're multi-millionaires that don't have to worry about paying their health care bills and their mortgages. Some people such as yourself have weathered the economic storm. But I doubt if it had anything to do with your financial acumen or superior financial planning abilities . . . it probably had more to do with luck. As far as "picking your pocket" goes I'll say this: Who do you think picks your pocket more . . .the government or the corporate pigs?

Grace H

at 06:51 on September 7th, 2009

Please refrain from being so blantantly heartless.

You do not know any one of those people who are much less fortunate than you. Do not presume therefore to judge them. Do not try and tell me that you have ever condescended to speak to them or try and help them.

Maybe they had kids already. What if they were just getting by (as so many people do) and then they lossed their jobs. That is not something people can control.

"But by the grace of God go I." You never know. I wish you no ill will, but it could easily be you or someone in your circle of friends and family.

Rory Cripps

at 08:15 on September 7th, 2009

Great comment Grace H! I couldn't agree more!

jigo

at 22:59 on September 6th, 2009

interesting information about homeless children..

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:56 on September 7th, 2009

Thank you, jigo!

djermano

at 06:04 on September 8th, 2009

Thanks Mangus, and President Obama for encouraging kids to do their best...so we become a homeland society. What is interesting is that the President only addressed American Kids. Think of all the kids in the world, of all the people in the world who are without homes.... I have come to the conclusion that your home is everywhere in the world. The sky is your roof, the ground is your bed.....it is the different means we achieve a level of comfort and support to ourselves and how we perceive what is successful to us. Here in China there is no doubt many people are homeless, but they don't consider themselves homeless. Just try helping one, and you see they really don't want the help....its just a way of life for them. I have given clothes and money to people I don't know on the street, just simply passing by to help them, and later in time I see they never changed into the new clothes I got them, or used the money to help themselves... Is it a homeless situation or a mental health issue? Probably more of a mental health issue...from each side of the equation.

At times I must be crazy to think my helping them is somehow going to make them disappear...and make me a saint....in thinking they will move into the becoming society. That I discover is mental illness on my part..because it just does not work that way. To think government is the magic wand of change is as illusional.

People come from differing situations, differing families and circumstances....they are unable to discern right ways and not right ways...because anyway is someway for them.. How to become their friends? Tough...when you help them, and they still smell the next day...makes you want to stay around and pal around with them....Not likely.

I just wish we did other things like campaigns on why its nice to take a shower, and smell good. How to make homeless shelters not homeless shelters anymore. How about making Human Homes for Society for all people. It is we who place the labels on who is homeless.

I bet I can find a guy who has many homes but is quite homeless, because of the road blocks of his government and his alienation with the private sector who has conditionized our society as the haves vs. the have nots. Really we should all be have people.....

Interesting article Mangus. Hope the world can come to help us all in needs, compassion , love and mercy. God Bless humanity.

Rev Jermano