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!
B
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Comments 1-50 (of 137):
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Even as a Republican i saw that as disrespectful.
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It shouldn't surprise anyone that Arizona would disrespect President Obama. Hell, Arizona tried to rescind MLK Day!
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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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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.
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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.
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President Obama was not the first African American male elected to the senate since Reconstruction, Edwin Brooke of Massachusetts was.
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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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You're a smart man Mr. Haywood. Definitely showing that UNC edge!! Yea tarheels
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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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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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The better question is why would he want it.
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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
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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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Because maybe at last even the Catholics have realized that most people shouldn't have one kid let alone 15.
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Maybe so, but that thinking won't change anything.
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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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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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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. -
Rich Vos wins that only if someone really wants to honor a drive-time zoo radio hack.
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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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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.
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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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exactly. give it time.
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For now,he's horrible. Gotta dig that rep outta the trash.
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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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Why would they ask him to speak, and NOT give him an honorary degree?
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Because a Masters in Women's Softball doesn't make sense for a dude.
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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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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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I just find it hard to think that race had nothing to do with this.
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I don't see Grambling State asking to do a commencement speech.What's up with that?
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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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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. -
When he turns water into wine, let me know. All we'll have left is enough money for some MD 20/20
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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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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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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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Jarhead 21- 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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asu sux anyway!
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Word.
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Considering who Obama's backup was in Illinois the bar probably wasn't set too high.
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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. -
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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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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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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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
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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.
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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?
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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 -
They could have bought Edwards a haircut. That would have been just as good as an honorary degree.
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