Tag: Condoleezza Rice

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higher learning

rice275On Saturday, former Sec. of State and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice announced she will no longer offer the commencement address for Rutgers University.  In a letter to the university’s president, Rice wrote:

“Commencement should be a time of joyous celebration for the graduates and their families.  Rutgers’ invitation to me to speak has become a distraction for the university community at this very special time.

I am honored to have served my country.  I have defended America’s belief in free speech and the exchange of ideas.  These values are essential to the health of our democracy.  But that is not what is at issue here.  As a Professor for thirty years at Stanford University and as it’s former Provost and Chief academic officer, I understand and embrace the purpose of the commencement ceremony and I am simply unwilling to detract from it in any way.”

After the school’s Board of Governors invited Rice to speak and award her an honorary degree, several faculty members and students protested, wanting the invitation rescinded because of Rice’s role in the Iraq War.  Signs at last week’s student-staged sit-in included:  “No honors for war criminals”… “War criminals out”… and “RU 4 Humanity?”

Once again members of a place that considers itself an institution of higher learning and academic excellence choose to learn by drowning out contrary opinion.  My sense is that these students and faculty believe they are wise and smart and keenly intellectual.  They understandably disagree with any involvement in the Iraq War.  But let the Intramuralist be clear… agree or disagree; agree or disagree on the legitimacy of America’s stated purpose in Iraq.  Such is the valid prerogative for each of us.  Saying, however, that a person should be silenced because we passionately disagree with their point of view is an exercise in foolishness… no matter the supposed excellence of any institution.

Friends, I speak not about the validity of passions regarding the Iraq War; there exist wise people from all parties who feel strongly on all sides of that issue.  What concerns me is the growing number of people who feel justified in silencing those they disagree with — and in the case of Condoleezza Rice, acting as if this remarkably accomplished African-American woman is somehow unqualified to speak.

Note that…

Rapper Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs will speak at Howard University on May 10th.

Former MLB manager Tony LaRussa will speak at Washington University on May 16th.

PBS’s Gwen Ifill will speak at St. Mary’s College on the 17th.

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, will speak at Umass Lowell.

Forest Whitaker will speak at Miami University.

World-renowned chef, Jose Andres, will speak at George Washington University.

Katie Couric will speak at Trinity College…

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards is scheduled at Barnard College…

John Legend, Joe Biden, Barack & Michelle Obama, Bill Gates, Brandi Chastains, Diana Nyad… even Peyton Manning and the founder of Chobani Yogurt will be speaking at a college commencement this spring.

Each of the above has been deemed “qualified,” even though some also have made some very controversial comments and decisions.

Rutgers’ students and faculty most likely wish to believe they qualify as members of an institution of higher learning and academic excellence.  Remember again, though, that wisdom and intelligence are not synonymous, and by drowning out opposing opinion, what they are learning remains in question.

Respectfully…

AR

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veep

With rumors rampant regarding Romney’s vice presidential selection, the Intramuralist has keenly decided that perhaps we should have our say.  The latest candidate to emerge among not so silent whispers is Condoleezza Rice, an indisputably brilliant woman, whose foreign policy credentials cause most past and current leaders to pale in comparison.  Hence, while Ms. Rice would be an admirable choice, with my tongue somewhere near my cheek, I thought some other candidates deserved, well, at least, minimal consideration…

 

And the Veep nominee is…

 

Steven Tyler or Jennifer Lopez.  Now that both are exiting “American Idol,” with their influential experience as judges, they are competent at cutting persons who don’t perform up to par.  They’ve had to concisely, publicly share truth — utilizing compassion yet never sacrificing accuracy or honesty in the process.

 

Katie Holmes.  After the dissolution of her marriage to renown Scientologist Tom Cruise, Holmes seems better equipped than most to discern the wisdom in matters of faith.  She now has actual experience in separating church and state.

 

Any of the Kardashians.  They’re comfortable being in front of the camera, a daily routine for all vice presidents.  Granted, not all of their public soundbites have seemed especially sensible or coherent — but unwise outbursts have not been a disqualifier.

 

Hillary Clinton.  The current Secretary of State has seen her negative reputation drop in recent years.  In fact, this observer has long wondered if a primary motive for placing Clinton in the cabinet was something in the “keep-your-friends-close-but-enemies-closer” category.  Many have clamored for the former First Lady to be on the actual ticket; this just puts her on a slightly different side.

 

(And speaking of a Clinton…)  Chelsea Clinton, Barbara Bush, Jenna (Bush) Hager, or Jeb or George P.  If another Clinton or Bush was actually on the ticket, it would give their opponent a little more to run on.  It may or may not be a logical basis to run on, but logic is often less important.

 

Bill Gates or Donald Trump.  While their oral and haircare approaches differ significantly, both are less tempted to spend someone else’s money.  The Intramuralist, for one, appreciates that greatly.

 

Kayne West, Brad Pitt’s mom, or Gov. Chris Christie.  While each may vary in political passion or persuasion, none of the above are challenged to say what they mean and mean what they say.  I, for one, would find that trait incredibly refreshing.

 

LeBron James, Nicki Minaj, or Joe Flacco.  The NBA star, singer/songwriter, and Ravens QB have each claimed either to be “king” or “the best” at their profession in the past year.  Sometimes in politics, it seems, we don’t get “the best.”  Then again, often those who serve portray an image in which they think they’re the best.  Hence, each of the above would bring increased interest to any ticket.

 

Roger Goodell.  The current NFL commissioner works among very talented persons who at times possess egos that potentially soar.  While being efficient, fair, and responsible, Goodell recognizes that the owners elected him, and thus, he is always held accountable — never forgetting the need to submit to those who actually placed him in office.

 

Back to the actual ticket…

 

Only 3 years ago, Roger Goodell invited Condoleezza Rice to address NFL owners at their annual meeting.  Included in her comments, she said, “I am prepared to answer any questions on Russia, the Middle East, advice for the draft, the zone blitz, and why no one should ever run a prevent defense.”

 

Goodell thanked her, playfully adding that he was pleased “when you were busy three years ago when they selected a commissioner.”  To which Rice responded, “It’s true, when I was talking with the Russians and … the Iranians and Venezuelans, your job seemed like a pretty good one to me.”

 

Hence, this current events observer is rooting for Roger or Rice.

 

Respectfully,

AR