Jackson - A back-to-school speech by President Barack Obama caused unexpected controversy across America Tuesday, including here in Amador County, where Supervisor Dick Glock received a number of calls from outraged parents. The majority insisted their child either not be allowed to view the address while another group felt it should be required viewing. Glock said “the speech might be the most controversial” issue he’s dealt with in his time as Superintendant. “It’s certainly been a lighting rod for opinion,” he said. Following procedures suggested by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Glock and local school principles dialed parents with an automated voicemail message announcing that the speech would be taking place and each teacher could determine whether their students could view it based on their lesson plans. In some cases, parents were also contacted by individual school sites. In response, the Amador County School District received angry calls and mass emails were distributed expressing outrage over the district’s action and the speech itself. Several emails referred to the event as a forum for pushing a “socialist agenda.” Obama’s speech was made during a nationwide telecast broadcasting live from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. Much of the controversy stemmed from conservatives who feared the President’s speech would be used as a springboard to push a partisan political agenda. But Obama made no references to anything political, instead urging students to work hard and stay in school. One Amador County parent and former teacher called the reaction “a prime example of the fear that has overtaken irrational individuals who see our President as an enemy instead of a leader and in turn project that upon their children.” Others criticized the short notice given before the speech was made. Glock said he was only informed of the speech a couple days in advance, nor was it realistic to send a permission slip home and get it back, which sometimes takes at least a week. There was also a major reaction from those who felt the President’s speech should be mandatory viewing. One parent said that “because of the right (wing’s) uproar, our children are not given the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by one of the finest president's we've ever had.” “I haven’t had any reports that somebody watched the speech and didn’t want to, nor did someone not get to watch it who wanted to,” said Glock. Much of the controversy fizzled out after the President spoke and stuck to talking points that highlighted the importance of education, personal responsibility and hard work. Superintendent Glock will appear on our noon news program this Friday to discuss the issue further. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.