President Obama delivered the commencement speech at my alma mater, The University of Michigan, yesterday and addressed some very important points about anti-government sentiment, according to the
Associated Press:
But it troubles me when I hear people say that all of government is inherently bad," said Obama, who received an honorary doctor of laws degree. "For when our government is spoken of as some menacing, threatening foreign entity, it conveniently ignores the fact in our democracy, government is us.
This is precisely the point I was making in post this week when some senators were berating the federal government as if they had not been apart of it for decades.Being the thoughtful leader that he is he gives the student great advice:
If you're a regular Glenn Beck listener, then check out the Huffington Post sometimes. If you read The New York Times editorial page the morning, then glance every now and then at The Wall Street Journal.It may make your blood boil. Your mind may not often be changed. But the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship.
It was also great to see that unlike Arizona State, The University of Michigan gives honor where honor is due. It is a good tradition to honor our president irrespective of political party. We are all Americans...first.
6 comments:
The Earth against aliens from outer space. The Western world against the Eastern world. My country against your country. The Conservatives against the Liberals. The Christians against the Muslims. My state against your state. My city against your city. My neighborhood against your neighborhood. My family against your family. My brother and I against the rest of you. Me against my brother. That's where it stops. Where does it start?
DB
You are a keen observer of things. And so is our president. He is able to remain above the fray and does see things with the proper scope.
I don't know what is up with Arizona State... I didn't think that they gave honorary degrees to anyone ... but to have asked that the President come and speak you'd have thought that an exception would have been made.
Anywho... thanks for sharing.
Yes, I agree that listening to "opposing views is essential for effective citizenship". Thanks for sharing this. It was indeed worth a read!
Envy? Insecurity? Pride? Jealousy? Covetous? These are all human emotions, DB. It seems more a matter of governing our emotions and an adherence to a rule of law and ethics on the local, national and international levels. The world is large and connectivity is greater than ever before but this doesn't change who we are and who need to become. Knowledge of others does not change our need to act differently. We have to each do the inward work. That saying, "charity begins at home and is shed abroad" is essential. You don't start abroad and bring charity home. This saying essentially refers us back to us.
Mark - Thank you for your words. President Obama is very astute indeed. Regarding the honorary degree, plenty were given and to people who were not the president or have achieved what he had up to that point. President Obama took it in stride and delivered an awesome speech at Arizona State. The graduates seem to really appreciate it. This is what was most important, inspiring all of those young people who were about to enter the world as adults and make a change. I love young people!
Pleasure, Ajey.
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