Nader Energizes Alternative BYU Commencement
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) "Dare to be different" was the message Ralph Nader gave to dissident BYU graduates last night. The notorious consumer advocate flew to Utah to deliver an alternative to the official commencement ceremony given earlier in the day by Vice President Dick Cheney."I suppose I was invited to provide the controversial subtext to this gathering," said Nader. "I'm very inclined to engage in proper names. The Mormon Church was born from revelation, rebellion and dissent."
Addressing more than 2,000 people in attendance, Nader touched on national topics including healthcare and the environment. But his primary focus was the series of events leading up to his speech:
"Moral courage is what it took to bring this together on the part of the students," said Nader. "It's truly remarkable the opposition they had to confront just to get a gathering together."
The BYU students who organized the alternative commencement were denied venues by both their own school and the Provo City School District. Eventually they secured the McKay Events Center on the campus of Utah Valley State College. Nader concluded his comments for the evening calling on students to go forward with a thirst for justice. He did not say whether he will make another run for president.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Eileen McCabe said:
Notorious is a rather loaded term, but I am glad that the newsroom provided an otherwise balanced account of his speech, including accurate quotes. I agree that his focus on the events leading up to his speech, as well as on the current and future actions of the students. From my perspective, he focused on moral courage, living by ones values, and the consequences (using examples from the current political and corporate landscape) of not living with strong civic values. Rather than just congratulating the students, and telling them to remember who helped them along the way to their success, as the Vice President did, Mr. Nader reminded them of the challenges they would face, and exhorted them not to trivialize themselves in seeking material gain, but to make a difference in the world. All in all, a really inspiring speech.
Add your comment: