DOOLEY Observed: Controversial Commencement Speech

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802: "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies."

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."-- Thomas Jefferson

"When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." .... jbd

"When once a job you have begun, do no stop till it is done. Whether the task be great or small, do it well, or not at all." .... Anon

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein

Television is one daylong commercial interrupted periodically by inept attempts to fill the airspace in between them.

If you can't start a fire, perhaps your wood is wet ....

When you elect clowns, expect a circus ..............

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Controversial Commencement Speech

Critics were shocked to hear David McCullough tell a graduating class of high school seniors that they are "not special," but the students and parents of Wellesley, Mass., school rallying around their favorite teacher.

Bucking the norm for such speeches, McCullough skipped the platitudes in favor of some blunt talk, telling the class of 2012 in the affluent Boston suburb last Friday that although they may have been "pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped" by their parents, "none of you is special."

While the speech sparked a media frenzy, it was a huge hit in Wellesley, where several audience members said McCullough's realism was breath of fresh air.

The words "You are not special" have been taken out of context, McCullough said in an interview. "The point was to celebrate our common humanity. I think all 6.8 billion of us deserve to be treated with respect."
McCullough urged graduates to guard against developing an inflated sense of self-worth, reminding them that despite the love of their parents, they will have to earn their successes in the future.