Elementary Epidemic: 11 Uncovered Videos Show School Children Performing Praises to Obama
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John Nolte, Big Hollywood, November 4, 2009
Big Hollywood has already posted a couple disturbing videos of young school children singing/speaking praises to President Obama, but when eleven more dropped in our email box it came as quite a shock. What seemed like an aberration now appears to be a troubling pattern.
Maybe “epidemic” is a better word.
Each one of the videos below is creepier than the last because the further down you go, the younger the children—brace yourself for kindergartners— except for the last and most disturbing video, which you have to see to believe.
{snip}
There was some guesswork, but to the best of our ability the videos run from oldest to youngest, starting with high schoolers. We list the name of the school and the date the video was posted. From there, if it could be found (or a confident guess made), you’ll find the schools’ website, followed by the original title given to the video and any notes added by whoever uploaded to YouTube.
Each video has also been transcribed so you can follow the bouncing ball . . .
*****
WEST HIGH SCHOOL—12-6-08
This is the school’s probable website. What’s going on here is explained below in the video notes.
Video Title: “Multico’s Finale is Obama’s victory speech!”
Video Note: Each year, MULTICO, a company of West High School students chosen to reflect the diverse ethnic and racial population of Madisons schools, tours elementary and middle schools with an original thirty minute production focusing on the concerns and experiences of children and adolescents in a multicultural, multilingual urban environment. MULTICO, a two hour a day English class, writes and performs a series of short sketches that highlight race, gender, sexuality and conflict, providing another tool for classroom teachers to use as we all work towards a more empathetic world.
Transcript:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, today is your answer.
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled—Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.
The true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America—that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
America, we have come so far. But there is so much more to do. This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time—to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and to restore the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes, we can. Yes, we can. Yes, we can.
*****
MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL—11-13-2008
This looks like the school’s website. Morgan Park HS is located in Chicago, these are high school students in the choir.
Video Title: “Change We Can Believe In-Song”
{snip}
Transcript:
Change we can believe in
Change that makes a difference
Together we can change the world
Tell every man and woman, every boy and girl
Change can tear down every wall
You and I can make the greatest change of all
We’re united we all stand as one
Divided we will fail and we will surely fall
Tell the children
Take them by the hand
Tell the generations that we can take a stand
Tell the nation let them know that God can heal our land
Change is what we all must be
Change is what we all must see
This is our moment, This is our time
Seize it, [unintelligible], we won’t be denied.
Say yes we can, yes we can,
Yes we can
From the power you may go so very long
Go so very long
Let us live [unintelligible]
Don’t matter what may come our way
They can not [unintelligible]
Tell the children
Take them by the hand
Tell the generations that we can take a stand
Tell the nation let them know that God can heal our land
We want change
We need change
We want change
We must change
Change, Change, believe it
Change, Change, a difference
[unintelligible]
Our change is here.
*****
SCHOOL UNIDENTIFIED—3-9-09
{snip}
Video Title: “Yes We Can—Barack Obama Music Video 7th Grade Version”
{snip}
Transcript:
Kids Speak over (Yes We Can by Will.I.am) playing in the background:
This is for the young and old
The rich and poor
Democrats and Republicans
Black, White, Hispanic, Native Americans
Gay, Straight
Disabled, Not Disabled
We can!
Yes, I can be my own person.
Yes, I can be a policeman
Yes, I can have a good future
Yes, I can be the first person in my family to go to college
Yes, I can do good in school
Yes, I can become the first Mexican President
Yes we can.
I can save electricity
I can do good in school
I can help clean up the community
I can volunteer
I can save water
I can give donations
Just as a Seventh Grader?
Yes, we can.
[unintelligible]
What you want to do say
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay
Baseball, football, Yeah we can do it all
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay
The constitution and make straight A’s
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay
Lose or choose now what you want to do
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Ay
Yes we can
Be at school on time
What the . . . loser
Don’t do drugs
Get good grades
Give me your money—give me your money
Leave him alone
No bullying.
Recycle.
Yes we can
Si se puede
I want to join the Army
Yes she can
I want to be a football player
Yes he can
I want to join the Air Force
Yes she can
I want to pass the Seventh grade.
Yes he can
I want to be a doctor.
Yes she can
Yes we can!
Yes we can . . be a dentist
Yes I can be an anesthesiologist
Yes I can be a choreographer
Yes I can be a lawyer
Yes I can be a basketball player
Yes I can be a teacher
Yes we can
Yes we can
Yes we can
*****
GIFFEN ELEMENTARY—2-12-09
{snip}
Video Title: “Barack Obama Rap”
{snip}
Transcript:
Barack Obama—Recorded:
“I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slave-owners—an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.”—Barack Obama, “A More Perfect Union,” March 18, 2008.
Verse 1:
We’re here to tell you about the man. His name is Barack Obama he’s the leader of this land. He was born in Hawaii then he lived in Illinois. His father moved to Africa when he was a little boy. He got into some trouble when he was 17 and he has come clean now he’s [unintelligible] people [unintelligible] He fights for civil rights and better health care. He wants to make sure that we all will have care. He’s [unintelligible] reform [unintelligible] he’s very educated and he’s got a lot of rhythm. First black President with a heart that’s only true, he wants to make the world better for me and you. At Chicago University he used to be a teacher, [unintelligible] At the Democratic National Convention, the name Barack Obama became [unintelligible].
Chorus:
Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.
Verse 2:
He was born, in August of 1961. In 2008 for President, He won. We have a new President, Barack is the President. He’s a pioneer. You can check the evidence. He’s African-American. The first black President. Now he’s in the white house. The 44th President. His campaign slogan was “Yes We Can” He’s a Democrat. He’s the man with the plan. There is a special book that was written by Obama. It’s Dreams from My Father, not Dreams from your Momma. [unintelligible] [laughter] [unintelligible] He’s running our country. [unintelligible] great power. [unintelligible] He ran against McCain. Now he’s our President we’re ready to make a change.
Chorus:
Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can, Say Yes We Can.
Verse 3:
He attended Columbia U in ‘82. He married Michelle in 1992. He’s English, he’s Irish, [unintelligible], he’s a modern Martin Luther who was also a great man. [unintelligible] Obama’s going down as the first in history. [unintelligible] about war and that is really great. He’s known around the world—come on let’s celebrate.
Recording:
Celebrate good times, come on. Celebrate good times, come on.
Celebrate good times, come on. Celebrate good times, come on.
Continuation of Verse 3:
He’s proved that education is a big part of the game. And in his spare time he enjoys basketball. When he’s at work he signs legible. Obama is his name, [unintelligible} man, man, women, women and girl. [unintelligible] He’s a true American. If you believe say, “Yes We Can”.
Chorus:
Say, Yes We Can [repeated]
Audience Member: Yes We Can.
***
GIFFEN ELEMENTARY—3-29-2009
Here’s Giffen again. The video quality makes it impossible to tell if these are the same students, but according to the YouTube dates this performance occurred the month after the one above, this time in front of something called The Association of Teaching Artists.
Video Title: “Barack Obama Rap at the Albany Institute”
{snip}
Transcript:
Barack Obama—Recorded:
{snip} [Same as Griffen Elementary 2-12-09]
*****
GOTHAM AVENUE SCHOOL—2-7-09
{snip}
Video Title: “Ending—Part II of the 5th Grade Performance”
{snip}
Transcript:
We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
Change
That we can believe in
Yeah, haha, haha.
Alright, come on now, here we go;
You know we gotta get Barack and all of his crew
In the White House so they can prove that
In their hearts they know what to do
And that includes Michelle and the kiddies too
[kids chanting] “There is not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America—there’s the United States of America.”
We believe in Barack Obama
He loves you and he loves your mama
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
With all the change he’s building
Gonna bring hope to the children
We believe in Barack Obama, yeah
[Chant at end of song—unintelligible]
*****
POWELL ELEMENTARY—May 6, 2009
{snip}
Video Title: “Powell Elementary Present Kings of Rock”
{snip}
Transcript:
Barack Obama there is none higher
Other politicians should call me sire
To burn my kingdom you must use fire
I create change till I retire!
Democratic Party come correct
Our cuts are on time our rhymes connect
Got the right to vote and will elect
Others can’t feel us but give us respect
Now I walked through crowds, shook many hands
Spent my time saying YES WE CAN!
I stood on many stages, held many mics
Took airplane flights at great heights
PA and Jersey, I won that fight
Chicago Illinois was so hype
Moving so strong
Biden joined the fight
Now we are a team and we ignite!
Now I crash through walls,
Cut through floors,
Burst through ceilings
Knock down doors.
He is George
And I’m Turan
We’re never far behind
In class we shine
For every living person
With dreams and plans
Keep hope alive—
Think “Yes We Can”
We’re the baddest of the bad
The cool of the cool
I’m Barack
I rock and rule.
I’m Joe. I rock and rule.
It’s not a trick or treat or April fools,
It’s all brand new
With a little old school.
We’ve got the music and the message
For all my friends.
Check us out on the internet,
Load and send.
Music ain’t nothing
but a peoples jam.
It’s President Obama
Rockin’ with the band!
*****
HENNIGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—July 16, 2009
This is the probable website for the school. Note the life-size cardboard cut-out of the President and the kid with Obama’s head on a stick.
Video Title: “obama”
{snip}
Transcript:
Barack Obama—Recorded:
“Because of what we did on this day, in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America.”
Kids:
Obama is fresh. Obama is cool. He has two daughters that like to go to school. It’s hot outside, they jump in the pool. [unintelligible] to follow the rules. Obama is President and has a new residence. There’s people all around who questions all the evidence.
Michelle wants her daughters to think their own things. She doesn’t want their colors to do it instead. The 44th President of the USA because he beat Senator John McCain. Obama in charge of the oval office. He told Bush and his cabinet to get off this. A—a-a-a-aay. Obama is President of the USA-aaaay. Tomorrow’s a new day—ay—ay- ay- ay. And we’re living our life.
Barack Obama—Recorded:
“It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.”
Screen Text:
Great Job! Merilyn B.; Rachel C.; Radael D.; Edwin G.; Faith M.; Oscar M.; Rosemary M.; Elena R.; Janetlah V.
Special Thanks to the CityYear Corps at the Hennigan!
Barack Obama—Recorded:
“I know you didn’t do this to just win an election. I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.”
*****
HARMONY LELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—2-14-09
{snip}
Video Title: “Barack Obama is Our New President”
{snip}
Transcript:
Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land
On November 4, 2008
All the Americans voted
In each and every state
Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land
He moved into the white house
With his wife, Michelle
His daughters, Malia and Sasha
And new dog as well
Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land
He’ll bring us all together
And work hard every day
To make our nation better
And keep our people safe
Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land
In the oval office
From sea to shining sea
He’ll represent our country
The land and the free
Barack Obama is our new President
Barack Obama is the leader of our land
*****
MARYMOUNT SCHOOL—3-18-2009
{snip}
Video Title: “No One’s as Irish as Barack Obama”
{snip}
Transcript:
O’Leary, O’Reilly, O’Hare and O’Hara
There’s no one as Irish as Barack O’Bama
You don’t believe me, I hear you say
But Barack’s as Irish, as was JFK
His granddaddy’s daddy came from Moneygall
A small Irish village, well known to you all
He’s in the white house, He took a chance
Now let’s see Barack do Riverdance
Toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a lama
There’s no one as Irish As Barack O’Bama
He’s as Irish as bacon and cabbage and stew
He’s Hawaiian he’s Kenyan American too
He’s in the white house, He took his chance
Now let’s see Barack do Riverdance
Toor a loo, toor a lay, toor a loo, toor a lama
There’s no one as Irish As Barack O’Bama
From Kerry and cork to old Donegal
Let’s hear it for Barack from old moneygall
From the lakes if Killarney to old Connemara
There’s no one as Irish as Barack O’Bama
*****
BARACK OBAMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—1-31-2009
{snip}
The video below isn’t of students singing but of a woman named Janelle Kirton performing the school song. The song doesn’t mention Obama, it just relies heavily on his platitudes, but pay special attention to the school decorations inter-cut throughout the video.
If that doesn’t creep you out enough, check out this slide-show from the school’s website.
Video Title: “Barack Obama School Song, Do You Hear The Sound, Janelle Kirton, Barack Obama Song.”
{snip}
Transcript of “Do You Hear The Sound?”:
There’s a sound of Change
Blowing in the wind
It’s a sound that started long ago
By those who dare to dream
Fighting against the loss
With a passion of hope of better days
They had a dream
They had hope
for a friend to bring this nation together as one
The journey begins to education
Unlocking every door
Shaping a better tomorrow
We are sons and daughters
Of promise
Of school like a city upon a hill
Lights inside our hearts
And hope to [unintelligible]
To rise and conquer
[unintelligible]
To dream
To make a difference
Not just in our land
But in the world
Yes we can
Make a difference
If we unite
Together and take
I am the dream
I am the hope
I am the bridge that’ll bring this nation
Together as one
The journey begins to education
Unlocking every door
To shaping a better
Tomorrow
There’s [unintelligible]
If I teach you believe
My voice will count
My voice will be heard
Do you hear the sound
I am the dream
Do you hear the sound
I am the hope
Do you hear the sound
Yes we can.
{snip}
[Editor’s Note: The videos and video notes are all available with the transcripts here.]
(Posted on November 4, 2009)