Okay, this is creepy. This is a video of an elementary school class being taught songs of praise to President Obama:


It's a little hard to understand, so here is a transcription of the lyrics to the first song:
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!

Now the sentiments expressed are completely innocuous. Equality and equal opportunity are laudable values, and I don't think anyone could find fault with them. What's nuts about this is that it looks like the teachers are indoctrinating a group of small children to worship an elected politician.

The right wing in this country has personalized the policy debate to a shameful degree. When I see pictures of the President photoshopped to look like the Joker in the movie "The Dark Knight," I'm appalled. Not only is it disrespectful and uncalled for, it does nothing to advance the policy debate.

But on the left wing side, there appears to have arisen a cult of personality around Barack Obama that is as polarizing in its own way. Teaching little children to sing paeans to the Dear Leader is something you would expect to see in a totalitarian dictatorship. Since these teachers thought it up on their own, it's a bit spooky.

There are beaucoup nut jobs on the right side of the debate in this country, granted. But there is a full complement of wingnuts on the left as well.