First Lady Michelle Obama, center, with Education Secretary Arne Duncan, left, at the Department of Education today. (AP photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
by Mark Silva
First Lady Michelle Obama, launching a thank-your tour at the Department of Education - the first of many federal agencies which she promises to visit in coming weeks and months - promised today that her husband's administration will place education at the "forefront."
The Obamas have a good friend there: Arne Duncan, former superintendent of the Chicago public schools, whom President Obama has made education secretary
"I am a product of your work,'' Obama told employs at an agency which once became a target of politicians vowing to cut the federal bureaucracy. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the public schools that nurtured me and helped me along.''
Of course, Princeton and Harvard Law School didn't hurt either -- though, as she would have it today, it was the public schools of the South Side of Chicago that got her there.
The first lady also did a little campaigning for her husband's economic stimulus plan -- touting progress for 10,000 public schools that stand to benefit from it. She spoke to about 350 people, and worked a rope line in something of a campaign-like event.
"I am committed, as well as my husband, to ensuring that more kids like us and kids around this country, regardless of their race, their income, their status, their -- the property values in their neighborhoods, get... access to an outstanding education,'' she said.
The first lady, making her first appearance at a federal agency since the inauguration of her husband, promised to spend several weeks or months going from agency to agency - "visiting agencies throughout this administration to do just something simple, and that's to say thank you; thank you before we even begin the work, because so many of you have been here struggling and pushing for decades.
"Barack and I want to say thank you for what you've done and thank you for what you will continue to do....
"The Department of Education is going to be at the forefront of many of the things that we have to do in this administration. And we're going to need that energy in these times of economic challenge...
"We're going to be making investments.... With these investments, we're going to create good jobs, as we renovate and modernize more than 10,000 schools... and improve the learning environment for about five million children across this country.
"We'll be able to increase Pell grants and make college more
affordable for seven million students, and give nearly four million students tax credits for tuition... And with these investments that we hope to make through this stimulus package, we'll be able to prevent teacher layoffs -- and education cuts in hard-hit states...
"We'll be able to preserve early childhood education programs,'' she said. "And we can expand opportunities in low-income districts for all students, and particularly for students with disabilities....
"There's a lot of work to do, and we're going to need you,'' she said. "Sometimes I don't ask for much other than a little prayer and hard work, and then a little more prayer, and then a little more hard work....
"We have to remember that the children of this country are counting on all of us. They're looking to us for direction. They're looking to us for that ray of hope.''
Comments
Yeah, she touts public education, but not for her own children. That's for other people's children. Hers are too special.
Posted by: Liz | February 2, 2009 4:09 PM
Yeah, she touts public education, but not for her own children. That's for other people's children. Hers are too special.
Posted by: Liz | February 2, 2009 4:09 PM
And she is acting pretty up and up to, have hated America.
Posted by: Inky | February 2, 2009 4:47 PM
She's a lovely person. What a kind gesture on her part. We're lucky to have Mrs. Obama as First Lady. Can you imagine Cindy McCain doing that?
Posted by: Nancy | February 2, 2009 4:48 PM
Not every city offers quality education for their children. And she is no different from other well-off professionals, who searched for the best school they could afford for their children. Washington D.C. schools do NOT have the same level of quality as say, some suburban Virginia schools have.
Posted by: Pam | February 2, 2009 4:55 PM
Such a whiner Liz; do you really think--with all the security problems and all--that those girls could go to public school? Inky, you have your facts wrong as usual.
Posted by: rupert | February 2, 2009 5:04 PM
Ref
Such a whiner Liz; do you really think--with all the security problems and all--that those girls could go to public school? Inky, you have your facts wrong as usual.
Posted by: rupert | February 2, 2009 5:04 PM
Don't think so .don't think you are well read.
Posted by: Inky | February 2, 2009 5:13 PM
Ref
Such a whiner Liz; do you really think--with all the security problems and all--that those girls could go to public school? Inky, you have your facts wrong as usual.
Posted by: rupert | February 2, 2009 5:04 PM
Don't think so .don't think you are well read. You must READ ONLY The Chicago Tribune and listen to ABC.
Posted by: Inky | February 2, 2009 5:17 PM
Don't think so .don't think you are well read.
Posted by: Inky | February 2, 2009 5:13 PM
This is precious!!!!
Posted by: Inky on roids | February 2, 2009 5:35 PM
Inky, find the quote where she said she hated America; you can't because she never did. Why are you so negative Inky; why do you hate your country?
Posted by: rupert | February 2, 2009 5:38 PM
The Obamas did not send their daughters to public school in Illinois either.
Think we got 2 for 1 with this presidency.
When Bill Clinton was elected president, we did not realize that we also elected Hillary.
When Obama was elected little did we realize that Michelle was to be the new Hillary. (Thought she was the "Mom-in Chief")
Michelle is not only visiting Department of Education she also is visiting other departments on a "listening tour".
Posted by: Deena | February 2, 2009 8:04 PM
Liz & Inky, needs to get a life and get real.
Mrs. Obama is offering an opportunity to disadvantage children. Hers is NOT disadvantaged!
If people like you two stop talking sh*t all the time you will be able to appreciate what they have to offer.
What did Bush do for public schools? Not one damn thing!
Posted by: Bmw | February 2, 2009 9:02 PM
I'm glad she's doing this. I want another Hillary.
Posted by: Only, unlike Bill, Obama will LISTEN to Michelle | February 2, 2009 9:43 PM
I'm glad she's doing this. I want another Hillary.
Posted by: Only, unlike Bill, Obama will LISTEN to Michelle | February 2, 2009 9:43 PM
Please don't say that , American dosen't need another White House Trinket taker.
Posted by: Inky | February 3, 2009 6:55 AM
Instead of seeing the good in what she is doing, some can only point to the bad. Whatever difficulties she had in life, she committed herself to ensuring that the life of her children will not be like hers. Congratulate her for that. She chose a partner with the same interest. Knowing the history of their life, one should be able to appreciate the things they are doing. They promised to improve education and they are. Appreciate them and congratulate them for doing that.
Posted by: I am Great | February 3, 2009 10:16 AM
As a product of DC Public Schools I can tell you that the vast majority of them are in need of serious help. I would not be in a hurry to send my children there either, especially if I could afford other options. Lay off, she is just doing what is best for her children which does not mean that she cares any less about those students who are in the public school system. I firmly believe that President Obama will work to better the education system.
Posted by: Erin | February 3, 2009 10:21 AM
Michelle's children can not go to public school dumb lady their dad is the President of the United States of America. They have to be protected so they don't get kidnapped or hurt. And yes they are special and should go to a private school if their parents want them too....get a grip lady.
Posted by: Victoria Forward | February 3, 2009 10:48 AM
You know what? Pres and Mrs. Obama are in a no win situations with some people. I think everyone can agree that as parents, we want the best for our family and children. And a child health, education and welfare should be sacrificed to prove or appease others. We are so judgmental. Did anyone say that the Bush twins or Chelsea should not have gone to private school? NO. So, why should the Obama girls be any different?
Posted by: Kim C | February 3, 2009 11:19 AM