CBN's David Brody has the transcript of President Obama talking on Monday to schoolchildren at The Boys and Girls Club in Washington D.C.:
THE PRESIDENT: I think one thing that's important to remember is that, even though there's a lot of fun at Christmas, you know, you got -- especially when it's snowy like this, so it's pretty outside, you got the Christmas tree, you got the Christmas cookies, you've got presents. You know, I think that the most important thing is just to remember why we celebrate Christmas. CHILD: I know! THE PRESIDENT: Do you know? CHILD: The birth of baby Jesus. THE PRESIDENT: The birth of baby Jesus, and what he symbolizes for people all around the world is the possibility of peace and people treating each other with respect. And so I just hope that spirit of giving that's so important at Christmas, I hope all of you guys remember that as well. You know, it's not just about getting gifts but it's also doing something for other people. So being nice to your mom and dad and grandma and aunties and showing respect to people -- that's really important too, that's part of the Christmas spirit, don't you think? Do you agree with me?
Obama's statement is true up to a point, but Obama's secularizing ... Not that there's anything wrong with secular humanism--some of my best friends are secular humanists. THE PRESIDENT: Okay, because the thing that I want everybody to remember, the most important message I can leave is, is that you guys have so much potential -- one of you could end up being President some day. But it's only going to happen if you stay focused and you work hard in school. And you guys -- there's nothing wrong with having fun and fooling around and playing sports and listening to rap music and all that stuff. But I want you guys to read and hit the books and do your math, because that's really what's going to determine how you do in the future. All right? That's the most important thing you can do. Now, I confess that grew up listening to Warren G on the mean streets of a small town in western Wisconsin, but I'm pretty sure my parents wouldn't have liked it if the president gave me the impression that that was okay.