Obama Still Has a Lot of Work to Do?

Recently I was shocked to learn that our President, Barack Obama still had a lot of work do before being presented with an honorary doctoral degree from Arizona State University where he was asked to speak for its graduation. Just so you know, most often when a high-profile official speaks at ASU’s graduation, he or she is awarded an honorary doctorate. Let me get this straight, Obama graduated from Columbia and Harvard Law School, was Senator of Illinois and became the first Black President of the United States but isn’t good enough to get an “honorary degree” from Arizona State? What else does he have to do, turn water into wine?

I read the list of other speakers who’ve spoken at ASU’s past graduations and received degrees and was even more shocked! They’ve given out these degrees to newspaper publishers, successful movie directors and even generous donors. Another person who was awarded an honorary degree was Jerry Colangelo, owner of the Phoenix Suns and the person who helped return USA Basketball back to prominence (and this was before he started working with USA Basketball). No offense to Mr. Colangelo but I don’t think you can compare what he’s done (or many of the others who've spoken have done) with what Obama has accomplished so far.

ASU’s excuse for denying Obama’s honorary degree was because his “body of work is yet to come.” Someone needs to step up and take responsibility for the real reason why Obama was denied the degree. Maybe it was because Arizona is John McCain’s state or because McCain has donated a lot of money to the school or even because it’s a Republican state. Whatever the real reason is, don’t lie and tell us that it because Obama isn’t good enough. That’s like saying LeBron James isn’t good enough to play on your REC league team or that Yao Ming isn’t tall enough to play on your squad!

Over 63,000 people showed up to hear Obama speak at the graduation so that tells you something. It wasn’t like there was football game or sporting event at ASU. All of those people didn’t just show up to show their support for the graduates – they came to hear Obama. In my opinion, he’s the most credible speaker they’ve ever had and they should have been honored to have him as an honorary graduate of their university. Denying him that degree was a terrible injustice and I think they should go back, change their minds and give it to him.

Me and my friends have been talking about this for the past few days so I figured I throw it out there on the Yard and see how you guys feel about it. Holla at me!

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Comments (124)

dhalpern said May 18, 2009

Even as a Republican i saw that as disrespectful.
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speedwell said May 18, 2009

It shouldn't surprise anyone that Arizona would disrespect President Obama. Hell, Arizona tried to rescind MLK Day!
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webkid30 said May 18, 2009

They probably meant it as a symbol that Obama has just recently started to make a huge impact on the world, and will make many more in the next few years. His biggest effects and accomplishments are yet to come. It doesn't sound like they went about explaining their reasoning well, though. It leaves the door open for some serious criticism and hur feelings.
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- SultrySista replied May 18, 2009
  
  Yet to come? Are you sure about that? I agree that many more accomplishments await Mr. Obama, but his accomplishments didn't commence on January 20, 2009. He was also the first African American male elected to the US Senate since Reconstruction--a major accomplishment. If being elected to the Presidency, against ALL odds, fails to satisfy ASU's purportedly high standards, consider that he had the highest approval rating in his first 100 days as President in 20 years. Not only is he President, but most of the country thinks he's doing a great job at it! ASU CAN'T explain its decision because it's completely devoid of logic.
  - webkid30 replied May 18, 2009
    
    There's no doubt that he has accomplished a great deal and is worthy of the diploma. But yes, his biggest impacts will come as president. He’s in his first few months of a 4 year term, facing one of the biggest crises in American history, and has one of the most ambitious agendas a president has ever undertaken. You think that getting to the presidency is more important than what you do as president? I bet Obama agrees that he can’t pack it in quite yet and that he still has a lot of work to do.
  - bdinphoenix replied June 01, 2009
    
    President Obama was not the first African American male elected to the senate since Reconstruction, Edwin Brooke of Massachusetts was.
AlanaG said May 18, 2009

Interesting post Brendan, I agree with you that this was some kind of sleight! What are your thoughts on James Harrison skipping the Steelers' trip to visit the President?
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HarryPotter said May 18, 2009

obama applied to arizona state, they accepted him, and he sent back his do you want to enroll here form that said HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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xraycat said May 18, 2009

You're a smart man Mr. Haywood. Definitely showing that UNC edge!! Yea tarheels
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SultrySista said May 18, 2009

Excellent post, Brendan!!! "Turn water into wine..." That's hilarious...and so on point! Couldn't agree with you more. I was not aware of the credentials of all the past recipients of the honorary degree. When you compare them to PRESIDENT Obama, it seems all the more ridiculous, and nothing more than a ploy by right-winged Repubs to discredit him and his accomplishments. ASU should be ashamed of themselves for choosing their donors' preferences (in McCain country) over a man more deserving than any speaker they have had to date. Thanks for this post!
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foneal said May 18, 2009

We all know the routine by now, come on Brendan, surely you didin't forget, the old "Afro American credence"

Run faster, jump higher, speak clearer, just be one step ahead dammit :-)

The thing I like about Obama is he silences his critics by letting their slights roll off his back like water off a duck.
I hope you heard his commencement speech to Notre Dame because as usual it was a great speech. I love listening to this guy and am proud that we have someone representing the country that can clearly and concisely make a point.

Love Your Posts Brendan! They are quite insightful! Keep em coming!

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meatgoat said May 18, 2009

The better question is why would he want it.
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- Wheelman replied May 18, 2009
  
  Begrudgingly, I agree. Maybe if that was Princeton or Columbia, but Snakehole State U.?
- xraycat replied May 19, 2009
  
  I hope someone saw this last night... daily show bit on the ASU snubbing (includes hilarious interviews with their "scholars") http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=227327&title=arizona-state-snubs-obama
BowlBound said May 18, 2009

I think he has more work to do on reigning Mrs. Tight Face (Nancy Pelosi) in. It does make me wonder why a catholic university like Notre Dame would invite him to do a commencements speech considering his stance on abortion. They invited him, so they have to take the heat that comes with it.
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- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  Because maybe at last even the Catholics have realized that most people shouldn't have one kid let alone 15.
  - BowlBound replied May 19, 2009
    
    Maybe so, but that thinking won't change anything.
  - Wheelman replied May 20, 2009
    
    But if we didn`t have large Catholic families, Caddyshack wouldn`t have been as much fun.
lynn98 said May 18, 2009

An excellent topic and so on point… If ASU’s administration was not so myopic, and took the blinders off, then maybe it could see that the ill founded decision to deny our president an honorary degree was a very poor pronouncement....one embroiled in racist overtones and perceptions. How sad that in this day and age, some Americans can not transcend the ignorant ideologies of the past. President Obama, not qualified???? They must be kidding! Had I been an ASU grad, I would have been mortified to be part of a school that would take such a stance. They had a golden opportunity to honor a great American…too bad they dismissively rejected it.
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SMH12289 said May 18, 2009

Does it really matter? The guy just spoke a Norte Dame...No offense to ASU, but come on now..If Norte Dame feels he's qualified and Arizona St. doesn't then that's the schools problem...Obama won't lose sleep over it
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HHReynolds said May 18, 2009

Good post. And right on with many points.

That said, in his chosen line of work, that being a politician, his record of accomplishment has yet to be defined. As a President, US and State Senator, what can we point to at this point in his career policy and government wise? Your LBJ comparison is off point. This would be like honoring him for simply being drafted, rather than his actual accomplishment on the court. If we went based on your criteria of being Columbia and Harvard Law School graduate and Senator of Illinois, there are plenty who fall into those categories, lest we honor all of them. We should hope that he was elected based on the strength of his ability and character, rather than his skin color. We should allow him to create a legacy not solely based on his race. “Body of work is yet to come” is fair. This is no sleight on the pride he has brought to millions of Americans, but let the man build himself a record. There will be (and have been) plenty of honors bestowed upon him. Those that were honored are worthy in their respective fields.

Granted, it was a terrible decision by ASU, but I also think it shows a great amount of respect to choose not to blindly honor not just him, but anybody, based on one accomplishment relating only skin color. Unless, of course, someone wants to honor Rich Vos for being the first white comedian to appear on HBO's Def Comedy Jam.
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- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  Rich Vos wins that only if someone really wants to honor a drive-time zoo radio hack.
BowlBound said May 18, 2009

It should be an honor just to get invited to speak at a commencement, honorary degrees or not. Would everyone rather him receive one like he got from Notre Dame, a univesity whose beliefs are totally different than his on the one particular issue?
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- WizChick replied May 18, 2009
  
  Yeah, the Notre Dame one was pretty cool. I watched the commencement starting from when the Rev. Father spoke and then introduced the President. Even with some students protesting his appearance, they were respectful. Notre Dame's seems more meaningful to me now that you've pointed that out.
pearljam134 said May 18, 2009

good post reynolds, I agree. His greatest achievments to date are winning popularity contests. Hopefully there will be many accolades to him, but for now he is unproven.
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- HHReynolds replied May 18, 2009
  
  exactly. give it time.
- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  For now,he's horrible. Gotta dig that rep outta the trash.
jarhead21 said May 18, 2009

SultrySista, Edward W. Brooke, a Republican from Mass., was elected in 1967 and served until 1979. He was elected by the popular vote, unlike the 2 black senators before him, who were elected by state legislature. Just thought you would like to know that little tidbit. So while Obama being elected to the Senate as a black male, it is not unprecedented.
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agentzero0 said May 18, 2009

Why would they ask him to speak, and NOT give him an honorary degree?
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- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  Because a Masters in Women's Softball doesn't make sense for a dude.
SultrySista said May 18, 2009

Mr. Jarhead, 21: Thank you for your "tidbit." You're right that Sen. Brooke served from 67-79. I did overlook the ONE black man that has served in the US Senate since Reconstruction, other than Mr. Obama. The other 2 black senators to whom you refer, Hiram R. Revels, a Republican from Mississippi who served from 1870-71 and Blanche K. Bruce, another Republican from Mississippi who served from 1875-1881, indeed served during Reconstruction...FOUR Black men total (including Mr. Obama) out of nearly TWO THOUSAND (1,910 to be exact) senators have served in the US Senate since its inception in 1789...but of course, Obama being a black male Senator is not unprecedented...(By the way, you may want to google "Reconstruction" while you're at it)
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2StepsAway said May 18, 2009

When President Obama speaks, it gets attention. So when ASU invited President Obama to speak, they knoew it would spotlight the university. The honorary degree "snub" I feel is a direct resuilt of McCain & their support of him. It was rather foolish AND disrespectful of ASU to put a huge spotlight on themselves JUST to moon all of us caught in the glare, but hey - the bigger man showed up, spoke, & inspired. That is going to be the lesson learned....
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Jamestime1 said May 18, 2009

I just find it hard to think that race had nothing to do with this.
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- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  I don't see Grambling State asking to do a commencement speech.What's up with that?
cowboykilla520 said May 18, 2009

um what has obama done other than raise taxes and breack promises and dont even try to call me racist cause im mixed to
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WizChick said May 18, 2009

Let me get this straight, Obama graduated from Columbia and Harvard Law School, was Senator of Illinois and became the first Black President of the United States but isn’t good enough to get an “honorary degree” from Arizona State? What else does he have to do, turn water into wine?

You make a good point. Everyone else gets honorary degrees for simply showing up, yet this particular President can't because he hasn't proven himself yet. Oh-kay. It's whatever, man. The guy doesn't need their honorary degree, but it's the principle of the thing. ASU should be ashamed of themselves for "suddenly" developing a reason for NOT giving out a degree that they even present to kindergartners.
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- BowlBound replied May 19, 2009
  
  When he turns water into wine, let me know. All we'll have left is enough money for some MD 20/20
Robbo24 said May 18, 2009

Conservative activist seem to rule ASU board of directors. Echcoing the clear statement being parroted by likeminded conservatives. We hope you fail. Your not our President, your a socialist and the list goes on. The truth is ASU administration is towing the Republican Party line of derision. Nothing more, not even the respect that goes with the office of President of the United States of America is enough to curtail some people need to control and divide and squander the wealth of this country. It's really about the young people who're graduating. I'd bet good money most students have different views than the ASU Administration. If President Barack Obama inspired one student to serve their country in a capacity deserving an invite due to their body of work or not I'd feel he'd ignore the sleight gladly.
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lynn98 said May 18, 2009

Can't one have a civil discussion without resorting to childish name calling??? Grow up and just deal with the issues.... Thanks.
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jarhead21 said May 18, 2009

why is that? My mistake I actually went over something in a class that had to do with that (Called Civil War and Reconstruction), google had nothing to do with it. I realize its a small number, too small. no need to be a smart ass, just stating the facts
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- lynn98 replied May 18, 2009
  
  Jarhead 21- Can't one have a civil discussion without resorting to childish name calling??? Grow up and just deal with the issues.... Thanks.
ghucdalus said May 18, 2009

asu sux anyway!
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- meatgoat replied May 18, 2009
  
  Word.
meatgoat said May 18, 2009

Considering who Obama's backup was in Illinois the bar probably wasn't set too high.
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ERupert said May 19, 2009

I don't know ehat other work the President needs to do to be honored wth a degree from
Arizona State. Someone definately dropped the ball on this, and rather than point a fingter at an individual, I wonder about the culture of the school's administration that they would snub a sitting Presient.
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Rudegirl said May 19, 2009

This was brought to my attention also. And unfortunately its true, This is the world we live in injustice,Inequality, bias for the lack of better words. His presence speaks volumes without him saying anything at all. And they might not find him "worthy" of .the "honorary degree" but lets be real at the end of the day Obama is THEIR President as well whether they accept it or not. Obama is about change and progress and maybe the officiators/administration at Arizona State isnt built that way.(sad).. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront 'preciate it..
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Marissa07 said May 19, 2009

You know..... I read each and everyone one of the comments made. It is ashame that people still can't receive respect when it is due. Some say that it is racism, some say speeches were all lies. But, you name ONE President that has kept their promises on everything thing that they spoke about when running for the position of Presidency??? But, you know.....there is no man on this earth that will ever be able to achieve everything that he says. Even in the privacy of our own lifes; some thing are impossible. So, please give President Obama a chance. Things will change for the good. Things were already in such a a bad way....It will takae some time. Even in his speech he said, "The change may not take place in his 4 year term, it may take 10 years or more." So, to mean if you; you need to ask yourself if you were in that position could YOU make all the changes in 4 months??? If so, I need to know who you are so I can shake your hand and beg that they let him out and let you in his spot. Come on people, soften up some of those hard hearts.... Have a blessed day!!!!!!!!
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Ibleedgrean said May 19, 2009

Obama is about changing all of the values and liberties of this Country, he wants the govt. to run every aspect of our lives as well as our financial future. Eloquent speaking is what enabled Mr. Obama to become President, not his accomplshments. Being a community organizer and associating yourself with people who have radical beliefs is not a change for the better, so I am glad that he was not given an honorary degree. In fact I don't believe anyone should be given an honorary degree, it should be earned from that institution in which they attended. I know like many of you out there I earned my degree, none of it was handed to me.
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- xraycat replied May 19, 2009
  
  derrr. it's a showing of respect fool. the degree doesn't mean they can now FINALLY get a job. Any high level speaker at ANY university gets honorary degrees. He is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Surely that is an accomplishment. I can't believe how many people regardless of political beliefs cannot give this man a break, he has more accomplishments before becoming senator than most anyone that posts on here will have in their entire life
  - xraycat replied May 19, 2009
    
    oh yea and to name those accomplishments: law degree, first black editor of harvard law review, constitutional law professor, beautiful smart wife michelle, 2 kids, state senator, wrote a book and gave back to his community. that's just off the top of my head, sure he has more. Show some respect, he earned it. Unlike Bush who it was handed to.
    - webkid30 replied May 19, 2009
      
      Why can't we leave race out of it? First black editor of law review, first black president...while it is noteworthy historically and hopefully will have a great impact on our society, why does an insitution get lambasted for making a decision without taking race into consideration. Think, if this was John Edwards who won the office of the presidency and he wasn't given an honorary diploma, would you have the same stance?
    - xraycat replied May 19, 2009
      
      A. To leave race out of it is to ignore hundreds of years of oppression.
      B. I take it you're not black or a minority at all and would not understand.
      C. John Edwards is not our president, and he probably would have gotten a degree
    - BowlBound replied May 19, 2009
      
      They could have bought Edwards a haircut. That would have been just as good as an honorary degree.
    - webkid30 replied May 20, 2009
      
      Xraycat: A: I don't think the hundreds of years of opression factor into the criteria for an honorary degree. B:, I'm white, moderate, not racist, and open minded. C: Yes, I know John Edwards isn't our president. I used him as an example because he was a long shot democrat...and it's not fair to say that he would probably have gotten a degree without your reasoning behind it. Show me somene that was elected to a position, was in the first few months of the job, and was given an honorary degree. Facts are your friend.
      
      I'm simply asking that when you state your case for why Obama should have gotten an honorary degree, take race out of the equation. If I look at him as our president of the United States and not our first black president of the united states, I'm not ignoring what happened in the past. I'm looking toward the future.
    - xraycat replied May 21, 2009
      
      Kim Campbell, Prime Minister of Canada for 5 months before being bounced from office received an honorary degree in 2005. Who the fvck is she? Wu Qidi, Chinese minister of education received one. I'm just saying, we're taking race out of it, and these people got them and they snub Obama. Not like he cares, it's more just a media talking point, he's got a country to fix...
    - webkid30 replied May 21, 2009
      
      Did you see his speach this morning about national security? I couldn't agree with him more.
SultrySista said May 19, 2009

Directed at JFine07: You cannot be serious. Mr. Obama as a retarded chimpanzee? Looked in the mirror lately?? Asinine as your comparison may be, let's examine this. If a retarded chimpanzee could have won, how do you explain Palin (and her sidekick McCain's)'s loss? More importantly, the average person CAN'T orate with such eloquence; that's just one of the many attributes that distinguish him the rest, including his predecessor. To your point about blaming Bush for everything...well, let's see--During Bush's 8 year term, (1) over 4,300 troops have been killed in the "war on terror" (ironically 1300 more than the number of people killed on 9/11), (2) the country has experienced the worst stock market crash since the Great Depression; (3) the unemployment rate skyrocketed to an unprecedented 8% by the time Obama took office (from 3.9 % in 2000 when Bush took office)...the list goes on and on. While pointing fingers doesn't help, surely you would agree that Mr. Obama did not create the mess the country is in today. To draw such a parallel wreaks of the racism that has infested this country for centuries, and caused the unfortunate and shameful realization that in 2009, we are just now electing our first President who is African American...and, while Brendan may not enjoy paying an extra $275K in taxes next year, I guarantee you that he'll enjoy the $4.5 Million that he gets to KEEP. Cheers.

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steiny31 said May 19, 2009

James your posts are very good. I was wondering, what is the best advice that you ever got? Overall how would you rate the job that Obama has done so far? Scale of 1-10. Has he exceeded your expectations? Hope all is well bro keep up the great work - Steiny!
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- Jamestime1 replied May 19, 2009
  
  Hey bro,whats going on hopefully all is well.Of course you read that article about Obama took a lot of heat for this one,but it was just how I felt with know malice intent.Rating our president I would give him a 7 there is always room for improvement.
  
  Later
jarhead21 said May 19, 2009

why is it that everyone who doesn't like obama is accused of being a racist? is everyone forgetting that he is half white? so if white people don't like him, do they hate white people as well? if people voted for mccain do they hate white and black people? just once, i would like to see a debate about obama without someone being accused of being a racist (and saying something race related). although the retarded chimp comment is racist, some other people are just debating. lets focus on the issues. i may not like obama, but it has more to do with ideology than anything else. it has nothing to do with race
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- HHReynolds replied May 19, 2009
  
  hes half white?!!?!
- BrendanHaywood replied May 19, 2009
  
  most people don't see the half white part of obama, they only see the color. And i'm talking to black and white people.
  - speedwell replied May 20, 2009
    
    What's funny, is like Tiger Woods, Obama was pretty much raised like a suburban white kid. I'll be honest, in Hawaii, people can be pretty racist, they dislike black and white people alike. Obama's grandmother was a VP at Bank of Hawaii and he went to Punahou, a prestigious prep school, so he lived a relative life of privilege. I personally consider Obama multi-racial, especially given his particular upbringing. However, I can totally understand why he has embraced the black community and considers himself African American. I mean, to an extent, you are what people see you as. He's obviously not going to be embraced in the same way by certain segments of white America.His unique upbringing is as dissimilar to most African American people as it is dissimilar to most white Americans. I find that quite humorous.
  - jerseu_devil replied May 20, 2009
    
    dont even get me started on the "half white" thing about Obama. People make race such a big fu*king issue! (I'm not saying YOU, by the way...people) WHO CARES if hes half white, or black, or purple?! How about hes a good man with good ideas. THATS why he won. To keep referring to him as the "first black president" all the time truly diminishes his achievement. Grrrrr....I wrote a paper on this topic so I feel VERY strongly about this. That said, FU*K Arizona. Do you WANT a honorary degree from a place like that? I wouldn't be upset if the Klan wouldn't make me an honorary grand wizard or if Ben Afleck wouldn't make me the honorary president of his fan club. He should be honored to not be honored...lol
    - 100Proof replied May 23, 2009
      
      "To keep referring to him as the "first black president" all the time truly diminishes his achievement."
      Dude you can't be serious. That is one of the most ridiculous comments I have read. It is what it is. He IS first Black president like it or not. The fact that Black people are proud of this achievement shouldn't come as a surprise considering the history of America. Referring to Barack Obama as the first Black president diminishes absolutely nothing. What it does is inspire the next generation of minorities of all races that achievements like this are indeed possible. Write a paper on THAT!
JJames said May 19, 2009

Slow Train Coming! Reform Lamar! Reform
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- BrendanHaywood replied May 19, 2009
  
  funny
Marissa07 said May 19, 2009

Not saying that everyone who didn't vote or who disagrees with Obama is a racist. But, the comment that Jfine07 put on here is racist. This isn't a fair comment for the minority or anyone for that matter. You really need to get over it because HISTORY has BEEN MADE. Sorry, that you don't like this. No matter, if you are black, white, green, blue or purple it doesn't matter. All of us can make changes for the good. So, please keep your ignorant comment to yourself. You seem to be the type of person that need a lot of education about the current history of things. We have been bad mouth for to many years to let that comment fly by. I am sorry for even saying anything like this. But, a person who speak like yourself can really upset someone. But, I am a better person than that. It is no need for me to get on your level. You have a blessed day!!!! :)
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- BrendanHaywood replied May 19, 2009
  
  be easy, i agree with whole heartedly but you can't let one man's ignorance bring you down
  - Jamestime1 replied May 19, 2009
    
    Thanks Brendan,I knew not to say it but I did anyway and some people are upset with me, oh well ! ! !
- BrendanHaywood replied May 19, 2009
  
  be easy, i agree with whole heartedly but you can't let one man's ignorance bring you down
HHReynolds said May 19, 2009

Only Obama can change the tone of this conversation and bring this thread hope. Or BrendanHaywood.
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Marissa07 said May 19, 2009

You're right Brendan. I haven't anad won't let that one stupid comment bring me down. Thanks with lots of love to you...... :)
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lynn98 said May 19, 2009

I really enjoyed reading the wide range of perspectives. Your blog, unlike others is thought provoking and well worth reading. I could genuinely feel the emotions of all the bloggers. Thanks so much for having the courage to bring this topic to the forefront. So what’s next? Whatever it is, I’m sure it won’t be boring. Keep up the good work!
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fstsport1 said May 19, 2009

When decent Republicans have trouble with it you no there is something wrong with them not giving Obama a degree.
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- speedwell replied May 20, 2009
  
  Who cares? Obama has REAL degrees from Columbia and HARVARD. Do you really think that he's tripping over some third tier university like ASU? They give degrees there for being able to do a headstand over a keg, and for having big plastic stripper boobs. Yeah, this is a story for a slow news day. Oh surprise! Some white folks disrespected a black guy! Nothing new here. Thanks.
Marissa07 said May 20, 2009

I am a animal lover, myself. But, I think a person deserves a second chance in life. There are so many people in this cruel world who get second chances. I never agreed what Vick did was ok and i would never say that he wasn't wrong for what he did; becuase it was cruel what took place with those dogs. Hopefully, during his time served he has really sat back and thought about what he did wrong and learned from his mistake...and have mad all sort of apologies and begging his fans and NLF Comissoner for his job back in the NFL.
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- rustysrf89 replied May 20, 2009
  
  like jarhead said below me.......wtf are you talking about??? this thread is about Obama not Michael Vick
  - Robbo24 replied May 20, 2009
    
    What do you care she wasn't talking to you?......Plus it's better than that crap you're talking about.
    - rustysrf89 replied May 21, 2009
      
      Got a little stick up our a$$ huh? in case you havent noticed Marissa07 is SPAM you freaking moron
    - Robbo24 replied May 21, 2009
      
      I'm cool dude. You noticed it was spam huh? So that's why you care. Hmmmmmm, how could you tell it was spam? You a moderator or something. I let you go with the name calling this time, but how did you know it was spam?
jarhead21 said May 20, 2009

what are you talking about??? wrong thread?
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jarhead21 said May 20, 2009

just wondering what shes talking about, ok, lets talk about the last game of the cowboys season last year then. you got destroyed by the eagles. good day sir
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- Robbo24 replied May 21, 2009
  
  I'll see you on the last game of the regular season and raise you on the NFC Championship game Eagles got chumped by the Cardinals after talking all that SB crap about not losing to the Cardinals. And mahalo to you sir.......
jarhead21 said May 20, 2009

amen brotha
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Wheelman said May 20, 2009

I have just one teeny little problem with a lot of what I`ve read here. STOP BLAMING THE REPUBLICANS AND THE DEMOCRATS FOR OUR ECONOMIC MESS!!!! LOOK IN THE MIRROR FOLKS! You cannot buy Jap, Korean, German, British, and every other countries goods for very long before there`s more money flowing out than there is coming in or being earned here. You all wanted globalization. Surely you didn`t think that a global economy would be positive for the average American worker did you? It`s good for the corporations, the banking cartels, the investment houses, it`s not good for you and me. Its also a bipartisan effort so you can`t say that Bush did it, or Clinton, or Reagan, or Carter. They`ve all contributed and Mr Obama will also. Its what you said you wanted when you let NAFTA, the IMF, the GATT treaty, the World Bank, and yes the UN, take greater and greater control of YOUR finances. Play the blame game all you want, but if you assign blame only to political parties you`re missing the larger picture.
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Robbo24 said May 20, 2009

JFine 07 you a tool if you think I'm going to listen to you. I don't have a problem with your personal views, but the problem comes in when people tell you they don't agree with you and start calling people names like that's going to change minds. You and people like you don't care about helping this country by attacking the President of the United Ststes of America. You may actual believe that crap you're saying, but that's you. This country has many problems right now President Barack Obama is in charge of knocking down the serious economic troubles our country face first then on down the line. Not you and that negative element you represent. If I really felt that you were right I'd support you but I really don't see any verifiable evidence to justify you as an American attacking the President of the United States of America for being in office less than a year, because you don't like him. Most Americans respect the Office even when the people we vote for don't win the Office still he's our President like it or not.
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Robbo24 said May 20, 2009

Damn good point Wheelman, you look at the people who are benefiting the most. This is America though we'll work it out one way or another. Holding the right people responsible is right Wheelman, but I don't let name callers go without decenting and refuting negative talk like that, is all I'm saying.
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- Wheelman replied May 20, 2009
  
  And you shouldn`t! I fought for this country, for you and everyone to speak their mind. I do get pissed when some tell me, a guy who`s faced death more than once for the red, white, and blue, that I cannot speak my piece. The one area where I think we all (me included) make our biggest mistake is electing people to represent us and not holding them to accountability. There`s too many who say,`go to Washington, do your job, and don`t bother me until your next election campaign'. Its how we wind up with Robert Byrds and Ted Kennedy`s and Strom Thurmonds who set up their own little fiefdoms in DC, and tell us almost nothing of what they`re doing. But we are way past the time when we can look to either major party for strong leadership (I`m not singling out anybody here), because too much of what they all do, is only to ensure that they get re-elected. You know that`s true. There are exceptions I`ll grant you, but not enough to make a real difference. Hell, I`d stand for election, if I could stand to begin with.
  - Robbo24 replied May 21, 2009
    
    Dude I stand by all sincere Americans who may not agree with me or how things go in Washington. One thing is for sure we are willing to work on it in a respectful way. As long as you don't use inflammatory rhetoric distorting the issues with derisive comments. I respect opposing views. Wheelman, you put it in acceptable terms to want to work it out through good faith debating the issues together sir. TruthfulIy I don't have to listen to crap name callers pretending they have a right to verbally abuse decenting views. "F" them too is the way I feel we don't have to get along. To all true Americans who love this country as a whole good, bad, or whatever, we can talk to each other for the sake of our kids future. No disrespect to anybody, but it's time to get back to being the country deserving of the talent USA possess, without all the name calling and apathy.
Bill_Odwyer said May 20, 2009

Brendan:
Great post! Where is the outrage over this? I have a degree from UNC and also went to ASU for a brief time. I don't think that the people there are racist. but this was monumentally stupid decision. This was a hugely self-destructive act on the part of the Board of Regents and President "Jim" Crow. He should resign. ASU have hurt themselves far more than they have hurt Obama. I am no longer going to wear my ASU baseball cap -- at least until they get a new President.
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jarhead21 said May 21, 2009

wheelman and robbo, good back and forth. I hate to say this but i think the confederacy actually had it right with a 6 yr presidential term with no option of being re-elected. it would get alot of the crap out of the way in the first term of any president. they could just walk in and do their job right then and their, and not have to worry about poll numbers. i served to wheelman, and i cant stand it when somebody tells me not to speak up, i've earned it. robbo, nfc championship game last year................horrible. i have no comeback for that except at least we made the playoffs. the birds have broken my heart too many times to count. hopefully this year they don't. as for eagles cowboys games, i just wanna see some good football
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Robbo24 said May 21, 2009

Me too jarhead21 I'm ready to get it on......Redemption is what I'm looking for........Even to the point of having a successful post season. You know how we do in the NFC East we scrap. Both teams lost some, picked up some we'll see how it goes Big Youngster.
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Marissa07 said May 21, 2009

How in the hell can you say that I am Spam......WRONG....Don't listen to him Bredan. All I have to say is that remember we are all in the this together no matter what we stand for. Rep. or Demo. So, to say to the immature one (you know who you are). :) I just can't understand who some people in this world can still be so cruel. I starting talking about Micheal Vick because there is a question asking your opinion about the second chance in the NFL? Wheelman and Robbo24, I want to commend the both of you on your views. You can tell who thinks around here. Brendan, thank you for standing up for me. You're a great guy!!!!! It is ashame that we all can't get alone. The critizism Brendan. It is all about people hating on you; wanting what you have..... I have nothing more to say.
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- Robbo24 replied May 21, 2009
  
  Well I have something more to say to you Marissa07, "Thank you" and I sure my man Wheelman is equally honored by your gracious statements ma'am...........As far a s the "immature one" that's why I shot him that comment earlier he's just a trouble maker and name caller. Not wanting to express his views in a rational way but muck up the place on a good article apart from the regular ole, regular ole crap around this yard......... He needs to watch it I'll call the city pound on his mangy butt.....
Wheelman said May 21, 2009

President Obama is only one man, and by himself could never have wreaked total havoc in this country. Robbo was right earlier when he said the Republicans had their chance and blew it. I had great hopes in 94, but the spend-happy Republican-controlled Congress, made me sad in just a few years. But the real problem there is, too much lobby money out of sight in the back rooms. I read in the Financial Times that AIG, only needed nine billion to clear its debt, so why the hell did we give them 150-billion? Damn people, every last person in the Yard, wouldn`t make that in several lifetimes. Accountability folks, that`s what I`m sellin`. Anyone buyin`?
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- Robbo24 replied May 21, 2009
  
  Yep, give me a six pack of that Wheel, to go. You're absolutely correct with AIG running inertference for the large private enterprise investment banks. Allowing them to double dip into the TARP bailout money. Only after Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson initialy said the TARP money would be used to buy up toxic assets thereby reestablishing confidence in finacial markets globally. Then in mid stride he came out publicly and said he was going to change the strategy to infusing much needed liquidity to the banks to get them to start lending again. That's after they got half the money of course. Next you see real transparency in bonuses, expensive junkets, in addition to AIG funneling a large portion of the money it recieved to the same large private enterprise finacial institutions. Goldman Sachs Secretary Paulson's former employer AIG has paid out the most of it's money received from TARP. Then having the unmitigated gall of asking for more of the other half of TARP bailout funds all paid by you and me, let me rephrase that. "All paid by your kids great, and great great, great great greatgrand kids". Not to worry though it's people on the case to turn this situation around for the kids and us too. We'll be out of this before you know it.
jarhead21 said May 21, 2009

spend happy republicans? your great hopes were dashed by Clinton saying everyone should own a home and giving everyone enough credit to get them. this is why were are in the pickle we're in now, people defaulting like crazy that should have never been able to own a home. their is something called a nodoc loan that was authurized during this time. it actually is a loan, that you don't need to provide proof of income to get. you could walk in to a bank, say you make 400k a year, they ask what you do, and you say, none of your business!!!!! poof! you get the loan anyway. i dont think it was the spend happy republicans who messed up in 94'. Clinton was great for THAT TIME but we are paying for it now.
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jarhead21 said May 21, 2009

how can you think we'll be out of this before we know it? in under 4 months we have approaved more spending than every other President combined. we'll be paying for this for a long long time
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Robbo24 said May 21, 2009

Jarhead21 we're discussing the AIG debacle concerning TARP dude. You comming at a folks about Bill Clinton 12 yrs removed from your accusations. All I know it's wrong to pin all this on the very person trying to avoid this low standard of living we see today. At the same time You jarhead21 are saying nothing of the good job Republican nominated and elected President George Herbert Walker Bush has done over his watch in the Executive Branch of Government. I can say this country will be past the failed policies of former President Bush due to the fact leading indicators are showing signs of growth despite toxic assets still on the books of over burdened banks. Even the stress test given to banks show the need is not as grave as we were led to believe. Besides foreign markets are opening up slowly to the US enabling the recovery to move along much faster.
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jarhead21 said May 21, 2009

say what you want about W. but he kept us safe after 9/11. he had his shortcomings, but thats how i'll remember him, being that I was one of the ones doing the fighting (3 different times). and i know what we were discussing, the mess we are in today is an accumulation of the last 20 years. from clinton, to bush not cutting taxes when he should have, to AIG to everything. its a mess. anybody ever read term limits by vince flynn?
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Robbo24 said May 21, 2009

Let me be the first ot congratulate you sir for what you've done for our country. I just chuckle how you so conveniently blame everybody but President Bush and you say that's what you remember about him. Well that may be what you remember but I remember the passing of the Patriot Act with little opposition. The very same Patriot Act that allows for Homeland Security to violate civil rights pertaining to privacy of citizens of this country. But really you could go down the list of political decisions by President Bush and some problem would rear it's head hurting everyone but a very select few. Maybe why his approval rating was the lowest ever. Just saying economic policy decisions turned out to be the worst. In answering Wheelman's comments I like to be clear instead of protecting the legacy of former President Bush, while at the same time making negative comments including former President Clinton. It's all good, I say we fix what's broken and I hope and pray next go around voting public don't buy into this it's OK to ignore damage done by anybody or any Political Party and just vote for the best person for the job. Term limits will not replace good decision making for whatever length of time in office. I suggest changing election rules to allow best talent to run for office.
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Robbo24 said May 22, 2009

What kill myself? And miss out on bashing racists like you never. President Barack Obama embrases violating the right of privacy by OK'ing the government listen in on private citizens private conversations? Damn dude you'll say any kind of lie to justify your racist belief. I won't kill myself but I will kill your notion of divisiveness and adversarial tendacies. See JFine07 when you speak like that you show you don't have anything rational to say. That's what happens when you have Pabst Blueribbon for breakfast. Then you wouldn't be reapeating what your pastor Rev. Rush Limbaugh preaching his seditious sermons at the Church of It's All About Me and My Friends Holy Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal Society of the Redneck Kind. Then maybe you and racists like you could rub two sentences together without the permission of your hero Rev. Rush. Who knows this country may even be a better place without you banging the keys or moving your lips for that matter. Now if you don't mind I have real Americans to talk too, and remember the mind is a terrible thing to waste on Pabst Blueribbon.
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MONSTER said May 22, 2009

who is barrack obama?
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Wheelman said May 22, 2009

This is my country,.and yours, but why do we need to call each other names to make our points? Its part of what keeps us divided, and not working together for the common good. If you don`t think that God, isn`t going to call you out someday for your racial hatreds, you`re wrong. The Bible is quite clear about that. .........I`m not a fan of Mr Obama, but I couldn`t stand "I-was-a-POW-McCain. I don`t much care for very many modern politicians, but I am an American and I will defend this country and the Constitution. Our founding papers tell us to respect our elected leaders, a big step in preserving the Republic. If you`re radical right or radical left, don`t stand in my way, or I`ll run you over with my wheelchair.
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- Wheelman replied May 22, 2009
  
  OOPS......I spilled the beans a little.........heh-heh..See what you did? You got me so riled I said what I swore I`d never tell! Dang ya!
Robbo24 said May 22, 2009

Don't worry about it Wheel lil dude just likes to talk crap about things he don't know. That's why he calls people names instead of coming forth with a eloquent debate the way you do sir. His vocabulary is limited along with his knowledge of the surronding facts on the topic. We both love our country as well as you Mr. Wheelman but we have different ways of showing it. You'll probably end up keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground. This guy needs to stop with the verbal abuse towards anything and anyone unless he can take it as well as he dishes it, which I doubt.
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jarhead21 said May 23, 2009

Robbo, for the record, i mentioned bush not cutting taxes. i mentioned one mistake from each of them. it was just an example. as for the patriot act, i completely agreed and still do agree with it. we're at a time right now when communication is more sophisticated than ever. maybe i feel this way because i have never done anything wrong to be singled out but i think the patriot act was great. once again, it helped keep us safe. and for the record, the nsa keys in on hundreds of key words anyway, the patriot act just made it more extensive.
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pureballer said May 23, 2009

Thank God we live in a country where each individual has the right to express their opinion. It seems to me that if one has accomplished so much in such a short time on the national scene, why would that person not be granted an honorary doctorate at the institution who extended the invitation. I simply hope that American give President Obama the same respect and time that was given to our previous 43 Presidents. I further feel that as Americans we need to examine our personal motives and rather than be so critical, be thankful for the God given freedoms that we enjoy and regardless to who is in the office, that person is still (our) America's President.
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kevinlexo said May 25, 2009

Nice Post Brendan, but aren't honorary diploma's usually for people who really didn't earn it. If I was someone who busted my butt to get a diploma from Columbia personally I would think it kinda tacky if someone offered me a honorary diploma from another school. You can get yourself all worked up about it, but this isn't a case of the McCain faithful out to insult the president. I believe that it was more of an honor to ask him to come speak at the graduation in the first place. If you take a moment to think about it if they didn't like the president they wouldn't have asked him in the first place. Also usually I believe that an Honorary Degree is given out to people at the end of towards the end of a body of work. If you think the presidents biggest accomplishment was getting elected and that is the biggest thing he will do then there is seriously something wrong with that and America is in some serious trouble. He does have some SERIOUS work to do, and likely the last thing he is worried about is some stupid honorary degree. Also..people I don't agree with some of the things the president has done. Especially with his foreign policy and sitting there and taking it while dictators like Chavez who hate the US stand there and bash the US. Our president should stand up for us and Defend us. Not sit next to dictators while they bash us and legitimate their hateful comments by not saying anything. It is a spit in the face to all those who have died defending our freedom. It is the other extreme of Bush's Arrogant method and just as dangerous. A president should not act like he hates his own country while dealing with difficult foreign governments. He should stand up for it. That being said....he is still MY PRESIDENT and ALL of our PRESIDENT! He deserves respect. He is going to make mistakes and hopefully he learns from them and becomes stronger. It is just part of having such a young president. This is America we can disagree with his choices, but we should still honor him as our President
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BowlBound said May 25, 2009

He's going to earn his honorary degree by being the Pres for 4 years. I think he's already finding out that it's not going to be as easy as he thought. The Gitmo thing is giving him a little grief from his own side as well as the GOP and those things will continue.
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Wheelman said May 25, 2009

I hope, that sooner or later, the Prez will realize that Ms Pelosi is not doing him any favors in the House. She`s so far out in lefty lulu land, that only her California wackjob reps have a clue as to what she`s doing.
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- BowlBound replied May 25, 2009
  
  She needs to help fix the problems in her own state. She's definitely a piece of work. Obama should be honored to have such a wackjob as Speaker.
BaconBread said May 25, 2009

Do all commencement speakers necessarily get honorary degrees? I didn't think that was the case, at least for most schools. And it's not like Obama needs an honorary degree, being President and all. That being said I don't understand why ASU didn't come up with one once they were getting criticized.
Brendan, I'm a big fan. Glad to see you doing the blog, even mixing it up in the comments. Hope you have a great summer and see you back at VC in November.
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phightins26 said May 26, 2009

I don't know that if racism was a factor in president Obama not receiving an honorary degree from ASU. what i DO know that it showed immense disrespect. Regardless of whether or not you agree with our President and his policies, he is still OUR President. He is a symbol. He stands for every American man, woman, and child. The Office of the President is bigger than the man who occupies it. No offense to ASU, but I am an Ivy League alum, and when I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Jodie Foster delivered the key note speech. And for it, she received an honorary doctoral degree. For what, her role in Flight Plan? or Panic Room?I know UPenn would've killed to have Obama at commencement this year, and they would've awarded him an honorary degree. JFine, to make racist attacks in political argument completely types your hand, and shows exactly how ignorant, unintelligent, and how undeserving of a vote you truly are. You should be ashamed of yourself.
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TheOneNOnly said May 27, 2009

Where the hell was I at when this was posted. Damn.
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HarryPotter said May 31, 2009

i was just reading over jfines comments and he is a racist, conservative idiot scumbag, keep in mind this is the same guy who was making jokes on threads about mike tysons daughter
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SmoovArt said June 04, 2009

In spite of the classless slight, he still showed up and did a excellent job. Making him look that much more better
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Obama Still Has a Lot of Work to Do?

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