I think Pelosi is a slightly better choice than last year's Plouffe debacle, but many of the points I made a year ago can apply again. Just substitute Pelosi for Plouffe, and Levy for Slicklen.
The choice of an unquestionably partisan figure strikes me as inappropriate for this type of occasion. Convocation is not a political rally, and it should be noted that there are many on East Hill who opposed Obama's candidacy. If Slicklen's desire was merely to choose a successful public figure to deliver a motivational speech, there were plenty of nonpartisan options available. Imagine if five years ago the committee had brought Karl Rove to speak, yet attempted to mollify a rabid student body by promising that Rove wouldn't focus solely on politics.
...bringing in someone as highly political and partisan as Plouffe spoils what would otherwise be a rare opportunity to bring the Cornell community together.
No matter who you bring, some sizable minority will feel marginalized or annoyed. I would have been disapointed if our year got Maya Angelou, because I just don't connect with the idea of exalting a glorified poet. Cornell is overwhelmingly liberal, and Pelosi's not just "some partisan" -- she is the speaker of the house, third in line for the presidency, and one of the most powerful women in world history (Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton, both liberals, would give her a run for her money). Who is 'supposed' to speak at these things. Someone who offends no one? We call people like that inconsequential.
ReplyDelete