The Most Important Job

NEWS
The Most Important Job
The smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child’s life. Take time to be a dad today. Happy Father’s Day.
Sunday, June 20, 2010

••• Today President Obama delivered this father’s day message:

Good afternoon,

As the father of two young daughters, I know that being a father is one of the most important jobs any man can have.

My own father left my family when I was two years old. I was raised by a heroic mother and wonderful grandparents who provided the support, discipline and love that helped me get to where I am today, but I still felt the weight of that absence throughout my childhood. It’s something that leaves a hole no government can fill. Studies show that children who grow up without their fathers around are more likely to drop out of high school, go to jail, or become teen fathers themselves.

And while no government program can fill the role that fathers play for our children, what we can do is try to support fathers who are willing to step up and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, partners and providers. That’s why last year I started a nationwide dialogue on fatherhood to tackle the challenge of father absence head on.

In Chicago, the Department of Health and Human Services held a forum with community leaders, fatherhood experts and everyday dads to discuss the importance of responsible fatherhood support programs. In New Hampshire, Secretary of Education Duncan explored the linkages between father absence and educational attainment in children. In Atlanta, Attorney General Holder spoke with fathers in the criminal justice system about ways local reentry organizations, domestic violence groups and fatherhood programs can join together to support ex-offenders and incarcerated individuals who want to be closer to their families and children.

Now we’re taking this to the next level. Tomorrow, I’ll make an announcement about the next phase of our efforts to help fathers fulfill their responsibilities as parents – The President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. You can learn more at www.fatherhood.gov.

This Father’s Day – I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a dad to two wonderful daughters. And I’m thankful for all the wonderful fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and friends who are doing their best to make a difference in the lives of a child.

Happy Father’s Day.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

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• Source(s): The White House

‘Beat the Jew’ game probed at U.S. school

NEWS
‘Beat the Jew’ game probed at U.S. school
Saturday, June 5, 2010

••• Seven seniors at a Southern California high school are facing disciplinary action for participating in a game called Beat the Jew, in which losers were subjected to ‘incineration’ or ‘enslavement’, a school administrator says.
The game involved some students playing the role of Nazis, who blindfolded and dropped off other students playing Jews who must find their way back to the campus, said Sherry Johnstone, assistant superintendent of personnel for Desert Sands Unified School District.

It was not immediately clear exactly how losing players were punished, she said.

Seven seniors at La Quinta High School could be suspended or barred from graduation, among other measures, Johnstone said.

‘This is appalling to us,’ she said. ‘We want our students to understand the horror of a title like this.’
The district started investigating a week ago after students reported the game to administrators.

The game was promoted online, attracting about 40 students. Seven showed up to play one evening in the campus parking lot, Johnstone said.

The district is working with Jewish organisations to review its tolerance curriculum. A voluntary tolerance program will be held after school.

The matter also has been referred to La Quinta police. A call to the Police Department was not immediately returned.