For those of you who were not in attendance, James T. Stephens, chairman of EBSCO Industries, Inc., was the commencement speaker at the University of Alabama’s graduation ceremony this past Saturday. I was thoroughly disgusted that Mr. Stephens chose to use this time to spew his anti-war, anti-military rhetoric. Although I believe that freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental principles of our democracy, this was neither the time nor the place for such a display. It was an embarrassment to the University. Mr. Stephens, as well as all of the officials involved should be ashamed. He took away from what was otherwise a delightful day.
This has made the rounds on alot of other boards. There has been talk that he was booed off the stage in both the morning and afternoon! I agree that's not the time, or the place to spout off political beliefs!
For those of you who were not in attendance, James T. Stephens, chairman of EBSCO Industries, Inc., was the commencement speaker at the University of Alabama’s graduation ceremony this past Saturday. I was thoroughly disgusted that Mr. Stephens chose to use this time to spew his anti-war, anti-military rhetoric. Although I believe that freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental principles of our democracy, this was neither the time nor the place for such a display. It was an embarrassment to the University. Mr. Stephens, as well as all of the officials involved should be ashamed. He took away from what was otherwise a delightful day.
For those of you who were not in attendance, James T. Stephens, chairman of EBSCO Industries, Inc., was the commencement speaker at the University of Alabama’s graduation ceremony this past Saturday. I was thoroughly disgusted that Mr. Stephens chose to use this time to spew his anti-war, anti-military rhetoric. Although I believe that freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental principles of our democracy, this was neither the time nor the place for such a display. It was an embarrassment to the University. Mr. Stephens, as well as all of the officials involved should be ashamed. He took away from what was otherwise a delightful day.
Find out who booked him so we can move to get them fired...
I don't think anyone should be fired and that wasn't my intent for this post. The guy has a right to believe what he wants. I just think it was tasteless for him to express his ideas in that particular forum.
Though I didn't see anything terribly wrong with what he said, I do see where folks who come to see their kid graduate college might not want to hear a political speech.
Trust me, I was there. His speech did not come accross like a "challenge" to the graduates. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
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May 14th, 2007, 10:06 AM
RogueElephant
