Dozens Protest at S. Jersey School, Scene of ''Obama'' Song Video

 
by KYW's John Ostapkovich

Dozens of people, drawn by area "Tea Party" groups, protested on Monday across from a Burlington Township, NJ school -- both about a video that has become an Internet sensation and the larger issue about molding young minds.

The video of a grade school's performance for Black History Month flashed across the Internet like lightning (see related story):

"Barack Hussein Obama..."

And it became a lightning rod for groups who called it indoctrination:

"Educate, don't indocrinate!"

Demonstrators chanted and waved signs on Monday morning across from the B. Bernice Young Elementary School, where the video was shot. 

Watch the Video Below

Mark Murdy of Hainesport, NJ, was there with his 11-year-old son.  He says the issue goes beyond one performance at one school:

"My son was in a public school, and he's not in public school any more.  And it's worth it for me to get a good education rather than something that's so slanted to one side."

A statement from the school district said the kids' performance was well intentioned, not indoctrination, and that schools do not promote ideology.  It also criticized the group for demonstrating during the school day.

Patricia Gifford, of Mt. Holly, was unmoved:
  
"We have the absolute right to say what we disagree with."

And she thinks the so-called indoctrination is going on elsewhere:

"I have grandchildren in schools and I believe they are also being indoctrinated.  And I'm totally against what's been going on, not just at the school but in many schools across the nation."

(Photo #1: file.  Photo #2 by KYW's John Ostapkovich)