OSU chooses commencement speaker

[buckeye .45]

Mod's if this is too political or anything feel free to remove, but I just found out about this and here seems like a good place to vent a little bit.

On June 10th (assuming I pass all my classes), I will be graduating from the Ohio State University with a BA in History (specialized in N. American Military actions after 1775) with a minor in criminology, with a pretty respectable GPA. This makes me happy.

But the school has been dragging its feet on getting a speaker for commencement, procrastinating as much as I am on papers this quarter. But today I find this on the front page of the student newspaper:

http://media.www.thelantern.com/medi...118.shtml#more

Former President Bill Clinton will serve as Ohio State's spring commencement speaker June 10, university officials said Monday.

Clinton will be addressing about 7,500 undergraduates, graduates and professional students who will be receiving degrees at the ceremony.

After Barack Obama and Jon Stewart both declined OSU's invitation to speak at this year's ceremony, university officials began seeking alternatives. Ultimately, they chose Clinton.

When searching for a keynote speaker, university officials look for someone who will be a good public speaker with a meaningful message and someone with name recognition, said Amy Murray, assistant director for Media Relations.

"We're very lucky to have Clinton speaking to the graduates," Murray said. "He is going to deliver a message that is meaningful to everybody."

Clinton served two consecutive terms as the 42nd president of the United States from 1992 to 2000.

During Clinton's administration, he implemented the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, allowing homosexual men and women the right to serve in the military, providing their sexual identity was kept secret. Clinton also restricted the sale of handguns after he signed the Brady Bill, and he turned a massive federal budget deficit into a surplus.

Since completing his term in office, Clinton has remained active in the political spectrum, addressing some of the most serious issues of the 21st century. The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS initiative has made treatment for HIV/AIDS more affordable. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Clinton teamed up with the Bush administration and led a nationwide fund-raising effort to secure private relief donations for Katrina victims. Clinton's foundation is also focused on addressing the Earth's global climate change.

"Ohio State is honored to welcome the former president at Ohio Stadium for this important celebration of scholarship,"According to a press release by OSU President Karen A. Holbrook. "President Clinton is a prominent leader with extraordinary insight into the issues that our graduates will face, and I'm sure his words will be an inspiration."

Clinton has been making his way around the commencement track this year. He delivered the commencement speech at the University of Michigan April 28, and is slated to speak at Rochester Institute of Technology, Harvard University and Middlebury College.

Recent spring commencement speakers include Bill Cosby, Christopher Reeve, President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Spring graduation will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 10 in Ohio Stadium. The event is free and open to the public.

This really makes me wonder if I really want to go to the ceremony. Sitting in 90 degree heat to listen to this guy talk, doesn't sound like a good time to me.

I'd like to know what "meaningful message" a liar and adulterer is going to have for me.

Geez.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SIGguy229]

wow..tough choice...

My 2 cents: I didn't want to attend my graduation--didn't care, the degree was a means to an end--an Air Force commission. My parents, however, had a differing opinion. For their sake, I endured the ceremony and walked across the stage for them to see and take pictures. It's a moment you will never get back.

Fast forward to now: I'm working on a Masters degree, online through Norwich University (Vermont). So far I've put my family off more than I should have, but when it comes down to walking across to accept my degree--I'm going to baby step across and enjoy every moment.

If your parents want to see you graduate--do it for them--they are looking forward to it. As a parent myself, I appreciate my parents' position and look forward to seeing my son graduate (in 11 years for his undergrad)

If you decide to get an advanced degree, do it for yourself and your family...

Bottomline: Go---bring an iPod, and follow the person next to you.

[SIXTO]

Look at the bright side... the man was a two term pres. I dont care for him, but you got to admire the position the man held.

I would also use it as a chance to let him know that he isnt "all that"
Its doubtful you will be able to speak with him, but if you think creative, I'm sure you could come up with something.

[Baby Hulk]

Look at the bright side... the man was a two term pres. I dont care for him, but you got to admire the position the man held.

+1 well said.
This is all I'm gonna say, too!

[Pete]

I don't want to be in a crowd with that sort of person for one simple reason, security.
Ex-Presidents fall into a category of risk for 'terrorism' along with current leaders. My wife (lobbyist) regularly attends dinners with these people here and in DC. I go to the bare minimum to stay married, I do not want to get blown up just because some nut doesn't like Clinton or Bush or whoever.
Call me paranoid but it's my choice to avoid political figures, my wife has little choice in it other than a career change.

I wouldn't go, YMMV.

[Scott]

My thought was wow! What does he get per speech again? The alumni association must be pretty rich at OSU. Or the university is going to raise their rates.

[Ron]

Look at the bright side... the man was a two term pres. I dont care for him, but you got to admire the position the man held.

I would also use it as a chance to let him know that he isnt "all that"
Its doubtful you will be able to speak with him, but if you think creative, I'm sure you could come up with something.

He also happens to be a good speaker, regardless of his politics. And, maybe he won't get into the gun issue.

[SammyIamToday]

Go anyway, don't let him ruin the day for you.

[buckeye .45]

I probably will go anyway, college wasn't at the top of the list of things I wanted to do after high school, it was a comprimise, so I'll go for the parent's sake, even though they won't really want to listen to him either.

Scott, the school keeps raising tuition rates, and still makes tens of millions a year in profit, they can certainly afford him. We aren't the only commencement speech he will make.

A lot of the students are not very happy with the choice, but we didn't really get a say in it. It will be the second living president (or former president) I have seen/heard speak during my 4 years here. The other experience was cool and has a neat story, but thats for another time.

[Tom G]

I've heard about all I want to hear from Bill Clinton and Hillary.

[AutoFan]

Personally I would not go, as I would not trust myself not to say something politically incorrect to the [insert derogatory phrase here]. Which would probably get me arrested (remember the couple that got jailed for yelling "you suck" at him when he was president?).

If you have better self control than I, go ahead.

[Dakotaranger]

My plug nickle, just go, maybe take an I-pod.

I didn't want to walk the year (the year after dad was killed it was hard to be excited about it) I graduated either, but I would have regretted it.

Just think of it being a way to drain every last cent you paid to your college. Then never contribute to them afterwards.

[GoodSamaritan]

Just my $0.02 here. I kept my mouth shut out of respect for the presidency while he was in office, but that is no longer the case.

I might suggest starting a petition among the student body, who do not wish for any portion of their tuition to be used in this manor. I am sure there is some organized group on campus that could help organize this. Maybe write some editorials to the school paper.

As for going or not, that is up to you, but I would like to see a bunch of graduating seniors plus accompanying family members get up and walk out on him.

[tvsjr]

He also happens to be a good speaker, regardless of his politics. And, maybe he won't get into the gun issue.

Yup... everyone remembers his famous line: <finger-wag>I... did not have... sexual relations... with that woman...</finger-wag>

[Tangle]

It could be worse, they could have selected Al Gore.