Arizona State University has drawn wide attention to itself by inviting President Barack Obama to be a commencement speaker, but contrary to the usual practice, and in an implied snub to the president, the school is not offering an honorary degree to Mr. Obama. One TV pundit suggested that Obama cancel his plans to speak at Arizona State. Unless there is some crisis that would demand that Obama cancel that engagement anyway, he should take the high road and keep his commencement date.
Although I am not familiar with the process of colleges and universities offering honorary degrees, I would think it is at least possible that Arizona State might reconsider its position. Even if that is not the case, however, Obama has every reason to conduct himself with class, and not concern himself with such a petty issue. As we all know, Obama has managed to build a fairly accomplished resume up to this time: graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, editor-in-chief of Harvard Law Review, teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago, state and U.S. Senator, author of two well-regarded best selling books, and… I know there is something else… now I remember – President of the United States. In addition to all of his public accomplishments, by all indications he is an excellent husband and father. Does Obama really need an honorary degree from Arizona State University to validate his success?
Some people have observed that Arizona State has previously bestowed honorary degrees on people seemingly less deserving than President Obama. That is something that the students and faculty of ASU can debate about. I think that ASU’s action is a little strange, but Obama should not react as if this was a matter of great importance.
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