What If Obama Just Wanted to Inspire Kids?

How polarized is the political debate this beautiful holiday weekend?

So polarized that some Barack Obama critics are even bashing his back-to-school address.
On Tuesday, the president is planning a special message for the children of America, emphasizing the "importance of education" and "persisting and succeeding in school."

Yikes!

To hear the roar of feigned outrage, you'd think the president just came out in favor of puppy sandwiches! As far the Obama's-not-my-president crowd is concerned, this work-hard-and-do-well message is more pernicious indoctrination of the young.

Florida Republican chairman Jim Greer, for one, is "absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology" and his "liberal propaganda."

Well, mark this moment.

To some people, nothing Obama says or does can ever again have a benign intent. He could deliver permanent world peace -- and someone would be yelping they hadn't seen a single white dove!

One profession of outrage just blends into the next. Indeed, the president's harshest critics are still complaining about that "I Pledge" video.

That's where Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, the guy from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other young celebs vow to stay in stay in school, study hard, donate to local food banks, cause less pollution and -- the real zinger -- support the president.

Support the president? Shocking!

So what exactly is going on here?

Why does Obama's mere presence in office causes some of his opponents such distress? In their eyes, can he ever do anything right? Or is the recent uproar just a matter of political timing, seeking to exploit a moment of perceived weakness during the bitter health care debate?

Those aren't bad guesses. But this much is abundantly clear: We can't have a bunch of celebrities, making crazy promises like this:

"To love more."

"To help children battling serious illnesses."

"To be a great mother."

"To be a great father."

"To consider myself an American, not an African-American."

"To never give anyone the finger when I am driving again."

"To help find a cure for Alzheimer's disease."

"To make sure senior citizens have access to health care."

What are they, these crazy young people? Inspired by their president?

Ellis Henican is a FOX News contributor and columnist for Newsday and am/New York.