President Obama has been accused of politicizing a speech recently given to schoolchildren. The lecture encouraged kids to take responsibility for their own education by studying hard, setting goals and not dropping out. Obama cited the ability of people to achieve success despite the adversity they may face. In spite of the President’s positive tone, the speech stirred up controversy among parents and conservatives. Accusations of “brainwashing” and “socialist indoctrination” fell upon the president’s efforts to raise the country’s collective intelligence. It doesn’t bode well for our future when something as universally beneficial as education can become such a polarizing topic.

It is worth noting that the role of education in America is changing. It is no longer an option as it once was. In fact, it has never been more critical than it is now. Decades ago, millions of Americans could make a respectable livelihood working at jobs that didn’t require higher education. They could own homes, raise families and maintain a sufficient quality of living. This is no longer the case to the degree that it once was. The sheer volume of current unemployment claims serves as evidence to this fact. Unskilled labor and manufacturing jobs are quickly becoming relics of the past. Technology, politics and outsourcing has changed the economic landscape. Those jobs can no longer be relied upon to sustain an individual’s lifestyle or the economy as a whole.

Now more than ever, the welfare of our nation is dependent on the education of today’s youth. In order for the United States to recapture its once innovative spirit, we need to infuse future generations with the means to push the envelope and advance the country both morally, technologically and economically. Intelligence must be at the forefront of personal and national endeavors. Only through education can we look to a future that favors mind over muscle when seeking solutions. Knowledge is the key that can open the doors to a better world.

President Obama has done more to promote education in the last 8 months than many presidents have done in their entire term. Using his own success as the catalyst for inspiration, Obama is well positioned to energize our youth to strive towards great achievement both for themselves and for their country. Detractors finding fault with his message need to put partisanship to the side and accept that we, as individuals and as a nation can only benefit from an educated citizenry.