Would you be happy if John McCain was invited to speak at your graduation?

[quiet.american]

What would you do if John McCain were the keynote speaker at your graduation ceremonies? McCain has been invited to speak at, of all places, The New School in New York, run by, of all people, former Democratic senator Bob Kerrey.

In spite of receiving over 1,000 signatures on a petition protesting the choice of McCain as speaker, Kerrey has this to say:

"The students will hear a very good speech from a man who is from a relatively small group of people who are considered world leaders today," he said.

In a letter to the university community on Friday, Mr. Kerrey said he had no intention of withdrawing his invitation to Mr. McCain.

"Senator McCain is one of the greatest and most influential moral and political leaders or our age," he wrote. "His public service accomplishments are not only entirely consistent with our best traditions, but far outweigh any disagreements we may have on any particular issue."

http://www.nysun.com/article/32317?page_no=1&access=894958

[Minnesota Libra]

1. While he served our country and I'll always give him that much, I DON'T...

.....want him near any school to spread that neocon/fundie message.:grr:

[rodeodance]

3. that pic of McCain hugging Bush was the last straw for me.

[Not Me]

2. I would attend, and as soon as he began spouting neocrap

I would stand and turn my back to him.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

4. Sure

I wouldn't be egocentric enough to feel that all speakers had to conform with my political views. It is often useful to sit and listen to the other side.

[quiet.american]

5. If it were just a lecture, I could see where I might take that view

But keynote at a graduation.... it's really taking it a bit far.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

6. But there ARE people who like him

odd as it might seem. Even Bush's paltry 31 percent is still one-third of the population. I'd say it would be useful to do a Dem one year and a Republican the next.

[quiet.american]

9. Indeed, but they're not really to be found at The New School. :)

The New School here in NY is known as a very progressive school. An invitation to McCain give the keynote address is truly bizarre. However, if I remember correctly, Bob Kerrey was somewhat of an Iraq war hawk, so it's no surprise he chose McCain, instead of say, Russ Feingold or Barack Obama.

It actually isn't a bad idea to alternate political parties, however, inviting the most avid of Bush enablers and sympathizers is really over the top. The students are NOT happy about it. Kerrey may as well have invited Alito, Gonzales or Cheney to give the address.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

13. Well, that explains it a bit more thoroughly

and you have to wonder what they are after? Is there an element that hopes you all will behave badly and make great soundbytes for the GOP??

[quiet.american]

16. Hmn, a soundbite trap -- very interesting angle....

Very interesting.

[Bill McBlueState]

7. heck, I would've been happy to have him at my graduation

My point being that at my mediocre state college, I would've taken almost any nationally known figure as a commencement speaker instead of some municipal official who happened to have a free afternoon.

[quiet.american]

10. :) n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. HELL NO! I wouldn't go or if I HAD to go, I'd turn my back on him.

He's a Warmongering rat bastard, psycho hugging LOSER.

[quiet.american]

11. But... but... how do you really feel. :) n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

17. : )

Those people bring the WORST out in me, I know.

[Montagnard]

12. McCain gives a bad name

To the world's oldest profession

[Roland99]

14. I'd have to stand with my back to him and have this on the back of my robe

McCain = Whore

[StellaBlue]

15. I would love it

So I could protest him.

At my graduation, I created a lovely anti-W sign on top of my hat in glitter.

[warrens]

18. I'd be fine with it

Unlike Smirk and most of the rest of the Repukes, McCain at least has accomplished some things that aren't completely evil. And he's an interesting guy.