I have been sitting on this story for a couple of days, considering if my enraged response was just my left-leaning political bias, but I have decided there is more to it than that and thus, this entry. Vice-President Cheney is to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Brigham Young University commencement. It is no secret to those who know me that I have no patience for this administration and that I think they have done more to jeopardize the stability and liberty of this country than any administration has done in a very long time. However, this is not my main concern with who my alma mater has chosen. My main concern is that this administration, of which Mr. Cheney is a powerful and active part, has proven through one scandal after another that they operate without regard to the values of honesty, integrity, or even courtesy which BYU endorses. Mr. Cheney's former Chief-of-Staff was just indicted in relation to a scandal in which the identity of a CIA operative was leaked to the press. It is only the very naive or very apolitical who believe that Mr. Cheney had no knowledge of the actions of his Chief-of-Staff. Additionally, Mr. Cheney has, at various times, been on record being rude, using profanity, and generally demeaning people with whom he disagrees. Is this behavior with which Brigham Young University, its representatives, and its students wish to be associated? Even if I agreed with his politics, I would not approve of Mr. Cheney's behavior. One can disagree without being disagreeable. And so I must protest, even if it is in an obscure blog entry, BYU's decision to invite Mr. Cheney to speak at the upcoming commencement.
14 comments:
I agree Scully. I can't believe our school with such high values would invite a person with such low values to speak to the students. It doesn't encourage the values we practice. I'm sure all the young republicans are happy though ;)
Not knowing that much about American politics, I can't really comment other than to say that if all you've said is correct, I'm with you 100%. It does seem a very strange decision.
Here is a relatively unbiased account of VP Cheney's life and some of the more recent issues in his terms as vice-president. There are also links to more critical articles at the bottom.
All politics aside, he shot a dude instead of a deer! Seriously, BYU. Get a clue.
Not only did he shoot him in the face, he tried to keep it quiet and no one would say anything about it until the media forced them to.
You might be interested to know that there is a contingent of BYU students that feel the same way you do and are protesting having Cheney speak. They are going through the official BYU channels to protest and many are contemplating having an alternative graduation if he is still the speaker. It has been on the Salt Lake City news also.
Good for those students! I'm glad they are a) protesting his speaking and b) doing in properly and in an organized way.
Also there's a petition you can sign.
Personally, and I know we will disagree on this, I would love to listen to the VP of the US even if it was AL Gore back in the Clinton days--whom I hate! Just becuase I would love to hear from the VP. Also, does this suprise you when they have also honored Margaret Thatcher who was very very disliked politcally by many for her "job" as the Prime Minster of GB? They gave her an honorary degree from BYU back in the day. (P.S. This should not be read as a disagreement on what you say about Cheney, he is a little shady).
But, E, was Margaret Thatcher ever taped telling someone to "Go F*** themselves," at a public function or shot someone in the face and then tried to keep it quiet? It is more about how, if the man weren't VP no one would want him at BYU because he is mean, dishonest, and foul-mouthed. You have to think about the man as much as the office.
You are totally right! I would however go listen to just about anyone on notoriety just to get a real-life sample of their voice and demeanor...so I could say I had seen them/met them, and add it to my judgment whether in favor or no. I would go to BYU's graduation but mine is on the same day!
I have to say, I hate this administration and have no respect for Cheney/Bush. But I still think it's a honor for him to be coming to the BYU graduation. Granted, it's probably because it's the only graduation in the country where he thought he could come without being booed out of the stadium, but I think his office outweighs him personally, in this case. let me emphasize again, cannot stand him!
Panini, we remotely agree on this? HA. LOL. Oh, and I have to say, I still think Margaret Thatcher did more "bad" for the UK than Cheney for the US.
I am so impressed that students are protesting that. Good for them!
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