craigdailypress.com

Religion and politics are two topics best avoided in many situations, and for good reason. Those subjects, more than just about all others, stoke fierce feelings for many people, and debates about the subject quickly can turn uncivil.

Strong feelings certainly came out - on the local and national scenes - regarding President Barack Obama's recent speech to students across the country. The president's message was nonpolitical, and implored students to do their best academically.

Still, some parents didn't want their children listening to the president in school. And that's fair enough.

In Moffat County, school district administrators handled the potentially controversial situation delicately, likely defusing any pitfalls or hard feelings in a county that's staunchly Republican and largely disagreeable to the president's policies.

High school teachers incorporated Obama's speech into the social studies curriculum, and at the elementary and middle school levels, parents were given a choice whether their children would watch.

The Editorial Board commends the district's practical approach.

Whether you agree with Obama's politics or not, he is the president of the United States, the leader of the free world. Words that he speaks are important and should be heard - by supporters and opponents, alike.

But when it comes to students, parents have every right to have a say in what their children are exposed to.

The school district recognized as much and established a process that was fair, ripe for educational opportunity and above criticism, the Editorial Board contends.

Still, while the Editorial Board believes offering a choice was the right thing to do, board members don't see the wisdom behind those parents who denied their children an educational opportunity that the speech presented.

At any age, students are being molded into the person they will someday become. That means that chances to learn about the world around them are going to help mold their future belief system.

The president's speech was a chance for continued learning.

If parents don't support the president, then talking to their children after the speech about why they oppose his politics would have been a valuable conversation to have, enriching the opportunity.

It would have reinforced a notion that makes our country great - that we live in a free and pluralistic society where everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and has the right to speak on his or her views, even when it's in opposition to someone in power.