Turns out the reason for their mirth and mock horror was the video above, in which students from a New Jersey school croon a tune with lyrics penned to honor President Barack Obama. In the cosmic scheme of things, it's a minor transgression -- an example of over-enthusiasm and poor judgment by a single teacher, and nothing more. But in this ultra-polarized political climate, which went into full freak-out mode over an Obama speech that merely encouraged kids to study hard (note this blog about an opt-out letter sent to the parents of kids at one Douglas County elementary school and a followup detailing the response at an area high school), a dopey decision can suddenly become a favorite right-wing talking point. Or, in this morning's case, a squawking point.
Look below for the lyrics to the song, thoughtfully provided by the KHOW webmasters:
Mmm, mmm, mm!Barack Hussein Obama He said that all must lend a hand [?] To make this country strong again Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said we must be clear today Equal work means equal pay Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said that we must take a stand To make sure everyone gets a chance Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said Red, Yellow, Black or White All are equal in his sight Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama Yes Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
segue to
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today! For all your great accomplishments, we all [do? doth??] say "hooray!" Hooray Mr. President! You're number one! The first Black American to lead this great na-TION! Hooray, Mr. President something-something-some A-something-something-something-some economy is number one again! Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you! And the same for all Americans [in?] the great Red White and Blue! So something Mr. President we all just something-some, So here's a hearty hip-hooray a-something-something-some! Hip, hip hooray! (3x)