"Enough is Enough" declares 2016 Elon Commencement speaker David Gergen
In a passionate graduation address, the North Carolina native expressed deep concerns about the future of his home state.
"Enough is enough," declared Gergen. "For those of us who have stayed on the sidelines, it is time to stand up and be counted. It is time to raise our voices against this darkness. Indeed, it is time for fellow citizens of all stripes white and black; young and old; native and newcomer; men, women and people of chosen gender everyone to join forces and preserve the best of who we are as a people."
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Gergen called on graduates to "get in the arena, join the fight, serve and lead," telling stories of North Carolinians who made a difference throughout history. "May I plead with you: please don't stay on the sidelines as America struggles to find the best path forward. Come off the bench and get into the arena. You will find that many will disagree with you, just as many here will have disagreed with me. But don't let your disagreements make them your enemies. Find common ground, work hard to respect the views of others. You will get knocked down and there will be severe disappointments. Embrace the fact that change is hard. But know this: if you pour your heart and soul into rebuilding a better state and nation, you will look back one day and find an inner satisfaction, a pride that you answered the call to service and leadership."
http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/132946