There's been a lot of bloviating lately about Obama's blurb to the chilluns next week. It seems that the new prez would like to address schoolkids with the usual "study hard!" meme that we've seen from time to time. This is nothing new, previous presidents have done so (Daddy Bush did it, if I recall correctly, but of course back then Democratic congressfolk said this was a bad idea...guess it isn't anymore. Yay politics.)
I could care less about the current or any president creating a video for kid consuption in the school. When that kid gets home, any lingering inculcation will be erased after 10 minutes on the Xbox, so why worry? Some parents would like to keep their kids home that day, to prevent any possible ideological infection, and that too is ok. Parents do that sort of thing when public schools present information that might harm the little snowflake's developing mind. Sometimes it is evolution, sex, history, or even physical education. It is the parent's decision.
Personally either decision matters very little to me in the long run. I would keep the kid in school myself, and talk it over with them afterwards. Attempting to shield a child from information is ultimately self defeating and teaches the wrong lesson. If parents want to raise their kids ignorant and lacking in critical thinking skills...no skin off my nose, it just ensures future employment for me in my ripe old age.
One other thing. Don't look on people who do choose to keep their kids out of school that day as nutty or unpatriotic or whatever. Parents are free to raise their kids in almost any way they wish, and you shouldn't butt in without a good reason. Fortunately, in this country, it isn't a crime against the state to not view the person of The Leader. We still have the freedom to give the president the finger if we damn well feel like it, regardless if we agree or disagree with the reason.