Is this right?

[mcurren2004]

Kids should be taught the 3R's in school & that's ALL. The rest they should learn from their parents & later on from their own perception. Mary

[detubator]

Nice correlation with the Hitler youth.

Yes, it is wrong. Children aren't able to fully comprehend the world as it really is and make up their own minds, so that's pure indoctrination.

PS: Everybody watch out for little Green nazis, soon in your neighbourhood.. along with the bigbrother CCTV cameras.

[enjoikr3w14]

grandpa....is that you?

[assegai47]

It is disturbing. Let kids pick their own ideas, grow their own arguments and fight the battles they deem worthy when they are ready.

[FritoCat]

I think it should be up to the parents to teach their children on these particular topics. Educators are wonderful and we need them however there must be boundaries so that they are not raising the child. The parent and the childs family is responsible for molding and creating a child's character. The school should focus on teaching them Arithmetic, English and the sort. Just my opinion. :) Love your videos.

[fettuccinetube]

Yes, now that you mention it. I hadn´t thought of it that way. Even though it is a good cause in this case, it is still indoctrination.

[phekwig]

It's not right... It blocks traffic.

[RagtimeGoldfield]

What is a geriatric?

[vynil53]

when people - or children - protest it should be because they want to, not because someone made them.

[vinoberg]

Kids who have never drunk, used a cell phone or driven have no business being corrupted into opinions about whether or not these things coincide. 'nough said.

[TheRandomView]

It's a shame we have a society that propagates hate.

Here are a few lyrics that encapsulate my thoughts:

"A child will be born tomorrow, as open as an empty cup. We'll fill him with hope and sorrow, the very things that messed us up. We'll ask him to join the congregation: a Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Jew. Pretty soon he'll recognize his brothers, but soon he'll know the enemy too". Mike and the Mechanics.

"Careful the things you say. Children will listen". Stephen Sondheim.

[Granni001]

I believe children should be permitted to be children. There's enough time after they grow up for them to become involved in issues like this. Let the parents and teachers carry the signs.

Leave the children in school - and teach them properly, so they can grow up to do the right things.

[poopstainsz]

R.I.P

[1pcdoc]

They should never use kids it's like taking the innocence away from the kids

[pi314too]

This is a tricky one, Peter. I hate cell phones in cars and while I do agree that the cause is a noble one for most anyone I cant help but be reminded of an incident I witnessed when I was in college many years ago. About a dozen Pro-lifers were picketing outside of Planned Parenthood at about 3 A.M. and one of the men had a toddler of about 4 yrs. old riding piggy back. The child was sobbing and was obviously tired and pitifully uncomfortable but the man continued to parade him around (cont.)

[pi314too]

and around in a circle while the toddler was encouraged (forced) to hold up a small picket sign with a "BabyKiller" message. The man seemed totally oblivious to the needs of the small child and it appeared as if he were using the child's crying as a way to underline his political point. It sickened me to watch. I do agree that it is a good idea to educate children about the dangers of drinking and driving and the distractions of cell phone use but Im not sure if this is the way to do it.

[jh385]

Rallying children together for a cause like this is really no different from sending them on a sponsored walk in aid of a charity.

Much more damaging to a child at this age is the indoctrination of religious instruction. If anything sows the seeds of hatred and division, it's religion.

Besides, their protest worked. It caught your attention, got you talking about it on youtube, telling other people, and raising awareness of dangerous driving.

[slainwolf180]

You mean the same way you are indoctrinating hate against anybody who has values?

Somebody drops money on the ground & when i try to return it to them people like you treaten me, why? i do not have to be selfish.

Everywhere i go these days i see people like you spreading hatred against anyone who dares question the disgraceful elements of popular culture. i suspect you get paid to do this.

[texmanro]

You got it wrong.

Offence is not the best way to empower your oppinion.

[slainwolf180]

What offense? & why are people these days obsessed with killing people who do not "love" them? that has to be the stupidest fade, Ever

i suspect people are getting paid to indoctrinate everyone into being as selfish (& undisciplined) as possible, just look at the people who have the most influence, looks like evidence for that view

[jh385]

Oh no! You've unmasked me! For I AM the Antichrist...

[slainwolf180]

how unfortunate for you

So why are you obsessed with killing everyone? my theory on gene-pools suggests that could pre-dispose people to diseases which could end badly. Is it driven by pharmaceutical companies?

[jh385]

Obsessed with killing everyone? Me? I think you forgot to wear your tinfoil hat today.

[slainwolf180]

But you are, look at your words & actions (& reactions), those are what we have to judge you by.

[jh385]

I'm impressed. Based on my 3 comments on a YouTube video, you have not only uncovered me as the Antichrist, but also a psychopathic mass murderer.

Is there anything else we need to know about me?

[slainwolf180]

No you came to those conclusions yourself.

You show by your arrogance that you believe yourself to be better than everyone & have the will to elliminate everyone who opposes you all your kind do this, why is that so hard for you to figure out?.

You are human & humans are flawed but they will not admit it this is a well known fact outside of the modernised world.

[jh385]

Yes! You got me!

Now, if you could only find a way to spread your message to the rest of mankind the world will be a more beautiful place.

[englander1971]

Personally I feel Children must be seen and not heard.

[Dusts1256]

u would be a very good panoramix actor :)

[6663000]

I totally agree with you, children that young are not capable of forming their own opinions to a degree that they would ever be able to protest for a cause.

Young children in those situations are almost always just expressing the opinions of their parents without fuilly comprehending the issue.

[jimmydigital]

why are you so obsessed with children?

[buddhafullday]

agree with you 100 percent. its a damned shame when people used kids as tools for their personal agenda.

[IncuboGaby]

I this although the cause was in itself virtuos, but many primary school children wouldn't have been entirely able to comprehend what they are 'protesting' against. I understand what you mean Peter about using children in this way.

[MegaRecycler]

i think it was very irresponsible and exploiting kids using there own agenda, im all for protesting and fighting for what you believe in but these kids are still learning right & wrong and too young to be apart of a propaganda machine,, protest for more carrots for Rodolph the red nose reindeer but dont be putting ideas in there minds what next putting them on the firing line for the bnp,, sick as a parent id complain

[knifesedge]

Totally agree,it's nonsense, Peter. Children this young should not have opinions let alone has any right to express them in a public fashion. This is typical of the way the country is going down the pan.

[Kringlebeast]

Wrong, children should have opinions, they are totally entitled to them. But for the school to effectively make them perform a protest is a little unsettling.

Children of all ages have a lot more intelligence than people like yourself grant them.

[knifesedge]

When did children get the right to have opinions? I grant children with intelligence but do you want a ten year old deciding how you live your life. Children should be seen and not heard.

[Kringlebeast]

I'm sorry but you're confusing Opinions with Descisions.

[knifesedge]

It's unlikely they have understanding so how can they form opinions? And no,I'm not confusing Opinions with Descisions, or indeed decisions

[ShadowlostArts]

I agree with you Peter, as those children do not fully understand the issue.

[silvertimer]

Absolutely Peter! I've seen children dressed in Kluxer costumes, children holding up photos of fetuses'.......they've no idea of what the issues are. The adults that push them into these positions should be thoroughly flogged.

[thizizliz]

You make excellent points about the kids. We see it often here and I tend to agree with you - those kids don't know what they think yet and are being used because it's dramatic. Great topic!

[no1beanflicker]

the summer of rage

[PapaNoMidokoro]

I agree with you, Peter. It's inappropriate for a public institution like a school to be exploiting children, even for a good cause.

[cutetoiletwater]

it's just not right to ask children who don't understand what they're protesting for to protest

[boardingftw]

wtf....

[xxsharonxxyo]

eww maybe they deserved to be closed down..

[galanie]

Seems to me that teaching children to disrespect and question authority so young is wrong. They will do this as teenagers on their own soon enough! Let them be kids!

[ghostpos]

As long as we are terrified of Hitleresque scenarios for the rest of eternity may we perhaps never see such devastation occur again.

[BurnOutSlave]

I hope i make over 80....

[Sariun]

Grandad

I can see where you're coming from with this. Seeing a group of children protest in the streets is a sight to behold indeed! However, it is my opinion that this is a more positive action than a negative one. If the time were to come that children would need to protest against something, more harmful than drunk driving even, they know that they have a voice. Sometimes, diplomatic action can only take you so far.

You are an amazing man, keep posting!

Love, Ray.

[jimoremb]

But I also agree that adults all too often exploit children by prompting them to broadcast issues they do not understand. Exploitation bad, encouragement good.

[jimoremb]

On the day World War ll ended we kids (I was eleven, most were younger) spontaneously decided to have a parade. We marched around the block banging on pots and pans. We heard it on the radio and understood a proper response. Todays children are exposed to vastly more information about how adults respond to societal issues. Let them practice, thats how we learn.

[BeingTheHunt]

It seems like they were using the children as a tool.

[zensorship]

...by the way, sir, if that young man happens to be your grandson, please ask HIM what he thinks, I would like to hear his opinion as a boy!

[SomeGamingVideos]

the wave

[er1nmj]

I am agreeing completely. Children aren't mature, they're not supposed to be, they just are not able to fully comprehend a situation as such. Of course it's terrific to teach them the wrongs of drunk driving, but doing it in such a political fashion is simply not tasteful.

[cobweb1989]

this is a democratic way of showing your views. nonviolent protests are the epitome of democratic action. and the big thing that your forgetting is that the images of hilter youth that you have remembered are bad for you because they were "marching" not protesting.

[zensorship]

Dear cobweb, that is not the point. The point is: are children mature enough for having and expressing political opinions at all?

Are children mature?

Of course not. Children want to play. The adults are misusing them for their own political agenda.

even if the cause is a noble one...does the end justify the means?

today, good men use the children for their plans, tomorrow, it could be evil men.

let children be children, play and sing innocently, they will grow up soon enough.

[yescandles]

My feeling about it is it is taking them from something they SHOULD be doing as children.

[downhill240]

I think the road to hell is paved with the souls of people who had good intentions, as they say. It's ironic that this act happened on the road! you're right Peter. One caveat, Is raising our children to always act through channels with our governmental systems not also a form of indoctrination?

[maregee]

I'm not comfortable with it either. I've seen films of hitler youth, kkk kids in robes, etc. On the other hand, it is a legitimate form of protest. I wouldn't have too much of a problem with it if the kids were older..high school age or so.

[WERTY317]

It's a slippery slope... but the pro side would be child involvement in the workings of the community... the down side is marching kids out to do the bidding of adult whatever they may choose.

[tenagliac]

I remember when my kids were young. The school made us sign permission slips so if the parents disagreed, the child stayed in the school and did something else.

There is a fine line between causes that are good common sense, and some that begin to single out groups of people.

[hunhun23]

here in America we have a program called DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and this incluse drinking because alcohol is a liquid drug.  The children are taught to say NO to drinking and drugs.

[Kilendger]

Aw, your grandson is adorable.

And Awesome video. And I think its great that they are teaching people about safe driving. But they really don't need to take them out onto the streets. I kind of agree with you on that.

[Niemand101010]

Great analogy!

I agree that it is an abuse of the trust that children without question give their elders.

Yes, this cause is indeed good, but what about the next cause?

[BobStockYT]

Thanks for this - it was striking. Clearly these children were being exploited for a political cause under the persuasion of adults and maybe also the commercial media. Daises and unicorns today. But what about next time?

[CalebWandering]

I think this is a very difficult issue. I think perhaps it would be best to demonstrate that diplomatic means are what should be used first and foremost. Marching and protests are the sort of avenues that should be practiced only in the face of adversity from the authorities. I hardly think that cellphones and drunk driving are such an issue.

[Kabukita]

I completely agree with you.

[bearchay889]

PPl try to make kids grow up to fast these days.I think they should know they can do that when they are old enough to understand what they are doing.But kids are kids they don't care about any of that.

[micropanic]

One thing I have noticed about children 'protesting' about anything, is that they really have no idea what they're doing. They're just going along with it because their guardians are telling them to.

They're still in the age where their brains are like sponges, this is most evident when the journalists ask them what they think and they clearly just regurgitate whatever they've been told beforehand.

Somehow I don't think kids at that age really care or truly understand.

[warabe53]

I totally agree with you Peter, whilst something needs to be done about it, it's not the place of children to do it

[msjones63]

Let the grown ups protest and leave the children at school where they can be educated.

[bbburton]

You're exactly right. It gives me the most unsettling feeling when children are paraded in public, no matter the cause. Schools have exceeded their mandate to educate children as soon as they cease educating and cross over into indoctrinating them. Children are too easily swayed to believe whatever they are told by those they have been taught to trust. This tactic has been used for hundreds of years around the world and it always ends badly.

[Truedantalion]

Hmmm - the things that they protested against were issues that may well cost a kid's life: If a driver is being distracted by talking on his mobile, or incapable, by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Yet, it is the question whether this school class was embedded in some social activities / concept of another group. I'd find that better than a standalone venture by the school.

The Third Reich reference may be there for "us Elderly" :-), yes, but I think it does not really grasp here.

[tagged4life]

THEROASTCHICKEN's parents are siblings.

[MrLawliet1992]

woo woo woo. Whats your problem. why do you have to post hate about peter. Whats he done to you?

[derekcolman]

You miserable little coward, hiding behind a false profile, and spamming Peter's comments column to draw attention to yourself. You will never be half the man that Peter is, and right now that's eating you up. Your inane comments are a waste of electrons.

[hunhun23]

it's too bad that when I go to THE ROAST CHICKEN'S channel that I can't leave a "nice" little comment about him.

[heybeeg]

Public demonstrations have their place. Thank God we live in a democratic society!

And then it struck me. Is drunk driving on the minds of children that young? For the few who may have been affected by it, yes, it could be. But by the majority? No. Grade school children are more concerned about their own little worlds. As it should be.

If it were a protest for more swings in the playground? Yes! But this sounds like adults are using children to gain the sympathy vote. Not right!

[Steve7508]

If it makes some people think twice about getting into their car after having a drink, then the campaign has done its job.

Summer is the peak time for drink-driving deaths and any attempt to cut the number should be applauded.

[TABULOUS1]

The utilization of children 2speak on an *adult* point is NEVER ok.

Of course, those selfishly crossing those lines 2get THEIR point across will never view their actions as victimizing those children, which it clearly is--whatever the cause, good or bad.

It's all about THEM.

This example is merely yet another clear sign of the hypocritical existence of the (unfortunately common) inhumane who are convinced that they have a clue what compassion entails.

*smh* Common sense is no longer common.

[thumbalins]

I like the idea of teaching children to riot for what they believe. We dont want a passive society. On the other hand i see ur point Peter, it is manipulative ... but isnt all education like that? i wonder...

[JAMMAN1701]

No, It is not right.

[hortlands]

Hmmm intriguing

[jonno52]

100% with you here Peter. Regardless of the "cause", manipulation of young minds other than in terms of basic right & wrong ('love thy neighbour' as the Christians phrase it) is highly ill-advised. Children should be taught in a way which stimulates a capacity for critical enquiry - and that should extend to religion too, though that's a fraught area. If teachers were involved in putting the kids forward for this protest, that's unprofessional & unethical.

[themadnice]

I disagree with you Peter.

I think that the right to Freedom of Assembly is one of, if not the most important right that we have as human beings. Just because it was children does not mean that it should look like the Hitler youth.

That's like saying "I saw a man in a leather jacket, reminded me of James Dean". It's a little tenuous to say the least.

Although this probably was a project for the children, I feel it could have been done better. I doubt protesting is actually stopping it.

[bryceman111]

I think he is not arguing the fact they the children have the right to assemble. It is because they are using the children to promote their own opinions, whether their opinions are right or wrong...

[Xio88]

He's not saying the children don't have the right to assemble, he's saying that the children were being used for the ideals of the teachers or media. Not that it isn't a good cause, its that they are sort of forced into standing for something they don't really have an opinion about yet. Sort of like Hitler Youth, as those kids were forced into demonstrating ideals that they had no grasp on.

[neil73]

The way I see it is this:

Children were at school to be educated, and at such a young age ( 5 years old), The young one's opinions are not fully formulated, because his/her experiences in life cannot dictate which way his/her actions or thoughts.

That is NOT to say that a child's opinion is irrelevant>.Absolutely not. But 'bigger' decisions can hardly be given to a child.

I think a tad of exploitation was underway here.

[zensorship]

the question is: do we adults "respect" the children's "opinion" which they were "expressing"?

Of course I respect any child in face-to-face contact. It is a living being just like me. It may be younger and its "opinions" may not stand rational critique at all. But there might be some people cleverer than I am, and they might think about my opinions just the same.

So, from that perspective, the children's crusade (so to speak) could be okayed. But I think they WERE manipulated.

[zensorship]

Because I have seen it myself. German children "protesting" "against" nuclear energy, and also "against" the war in Iraq.

two noble causes, too, just as protesting against drunk driving.

But somehow I could feel their teachers were manipulating them. Of course, most children are against war (the young Adolf Hitler, by the way, wasn't! He writes in "Mein Kampf" that he as child always played with toy soldiers - which is prohibited now- and that he only wanted to grow up for war. Macabre).

[zensorship]

Children are afraid of war, children are afraid of nuclear death, children are afraid of getting killed by a car. After all, they are small and vulnerable.

But is fear enough of a feeling to be expressed in a political demonstration? Or should there be some knowledge, some logic, something rational to it?

But then again...does anyone ask the regular voter for logic? No. We adults may place our "cross" everywhere on the election paper we wish. (forgive my English mistakes, please).

[wilson1988]

It seems a lot of you have completely missed the point of what the school was trying to achieve.

This was not manipulation, nor was this an agenda that was trying to be pushed on to young kids.

The intention of this act was to educate and promote awareness of a growing problem of danger on the road, a problem that kills many people, including children every year. This was for a good cause, and shows them that they themselves can make the world a better place. I don't see a big problem with this.

[IWantLandingSnow]

Well, Its abit serious taking the kids out on the streets, But i guess it was a good cause they were fighting for. They could of thaught for more creative ways :/

[TheDudeFactory]

Doesn't matter what the cause is, this is straight up manipulation. It's adults using children for their own benefit to further their own agenda. I don't care how noble the cause is, this is messed up.

[oneiblind30]

I say we go have a pint and drive back to your place to discuss this.

[danthebrit]

what i find wrong with this is that i am paying taxes so kids can learn things like read and write while the teachers think it be better to get them telling people to drive carefully its no wonder things are as they are

[themadnice]

You can't read or write if you're paralysed after a car crash caused by dangerous driving.

I'm sure these kids can read and write. This is another thing that they should be taught. Equally as important if you ask me.

[SuziQ1953]

Peter, I don't have a big problem with this. It's a lesson in Democracy, however, they are a bit young to be protesting in the streets. A letter campaign might be a better idea, while learning the principles of civil disobedience practiced by Gandhi. Their voices should be heard but in an age appropriate manner. Love your video, thoughtful as usual.

[Thewaterofthepool]

Hmm...

I think it's great that they're protesting for a good cause, but going out to the streets? I think the principle went a bit too far!

And wouldn't the protests be distracting enough to cause an accident?

hmm...

[lewisty]

I'd be curious to know whether or not the parents were aware of it before hand

At any rate you are right, everyone should have the right to express their opinions but there may have been a better way to have approached this one than having them out and protest

Great food for thought though Peter!

[californiacrazybeck]

Sounds to me like the kids are being used as political pawns... their opinions at this age cannot be formed yet ; their primary work to to learn to read, etc.

[Iain1962]

But it is the same, training the children to obey.

If you think that's scary look up Obama Youth on Youtube.

[Randomstuffs261]

I do believe that it is a good thing, but it's sad that its possible that it might have been because of what the teachers wanted to put across, and not the children.

[Theanarchistatheist]

I don't find anything wrong with it - as long as the cause is right.

There is nothing wrong with protesting - it gets a message out and gives a much stronger message then a vote does. Protesting is completely democratic in my opinion.

But you ARE right - the principle behind schools having the rights to instill opinions on moral issues since they can become extremely subjective.

If that really even makes any seance and that what I just said isn't contradictory hahah :-)

[ehnriko]

The children are not supposed to be in the streets in the first place.

Secondly, the fact that this happens - is merely a manifestation of a much bigger problem.

The degeneration of society as a whole.

Wherein the ends and/or causes would justify the means.

...

[puddysma1]

i fully agree. i have no problem with protesting, but to involve children who have not reached an age where they can decide for themselves is wrong.

Thank you for this video

[Bernie1927]

Well Peter, my good friend! Aren't you a bit overreacting? As you pointed out, you live in a free society where you are allowed to express your opinion - and for a very noble cause, I might add - and this to me merely says that the children learn early on that it is a privilege to exercise their right to demonstrate their opinion. I myself, having been a member of the Hitler Youth in my early days, really do not see a comparison at all. There is nothing regimented about their action, really.

[P00P0STER0US]

The 'education' of children about local, world, and social issues is very delicate, and involving them in public protest is a concern when they're in a vulnerable age. I generally don't agree with bringing very young children into protest situations as they're simply following orders. I think once they hit their teens they're equipped to understand things a bit better.

[MusicManInSC]

As a veteran teacher for 30 years, I would have to agree with your opinion more than any of the others here. Kids this age have little to no understanding of the more complex movement to ban drivers using cellphones. I'm betting that the teacher or a parent is the one who came up with this idea, and the principal of the school should NOT have allowed it to be carried out for a number of reasons. There are other ways to bring this issue to the public, some of which have been expressed here.

[superkagome]

I totally agree with you on this one,

when i heard about that i thought about hitler youth to, even though im only 16 :P

i think the teachers are impossing their way of doing things upon the children. did they have to get parents consent? i hop so...

[dominice112]

I can understand the feelings and memories that you have are still very vivid.

The two things they learn, which I find very interesting is, that they have a voice and they can show their opinions and feelings, and that they are allowed to do so!

I remember my grandfathers response to a demonstration I had been to.. he said, and I remember it well: "please be careful, I would love to not only remember you, but have diner with your tonight".

It's a valid point you have, it really is.

[xXLoveEdwardCullenXx]

aww is that your grandson? :P