(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:13 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I'm sorry, but after sleeping on it and giving it further thought, this is kind of the final straw with me. I have come to expect more wokeness from the Rice administration than I would like. But when Rice chooses to elevate not only wokeness but incompetent wokeness, they have lost me.

Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:13 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I'm sorry, but after sleeping on it and giving it further thought, this is kind of the final straw with me. I have come to expect more wokeness from the Rice administration than I would like. But when Rice chooses to elevate not only wokeness but incompetent wokeness, they have lost me.

Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

What outrage? I don't see any outrage. Could you point to a specific example of outrage anywhere on this thread? I challenge you to do that. I see some disappointment and disgust. I don't see outrage.

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:13 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I'm sorry, but after sleeping on it and giving it further thought, this is kind of the final straw with me. I have come to expect more wokeness from the Rice administration than I would like. But when Rice chooses to elevate not only wokeness but incompetent wokeness, they have lost me.

Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

I just said "Not outraged"

You immediately follow with "the outrage above"

I guess this is your sly lefthanded way of calling me a liar.

If only these backhand insults were unusual.

I was OK with Powell, to answer your question. I generally don't pay much attention to the Commencement speakers.

How would you have felt about Sean Spicer or Sarah Huckabee
Sanders?

I was serious about having a illegal speak. I think I would be much happier to hear why Juan Mendoza waded the Rio Grande to get here than anything KJP might have to say.

(02-23-2023 09:54 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:13 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I'm sorry, but after sleeping on it and giving it further thought, this is kind of the final straw with me. I have come to expect more wokeness from the Rice administration than I would like. But when Rice chooses to elevate not only wokeness but incompetent wokeness, they have lost me.

Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

What outrage? I don't see any outrage. Could you point to a specific example of outrage anywhere on this thread? I challenge you to do that. I see some disappointment and disgust. I don't see outrage.

Well, Owl#s posted that this was the final straw for him with regards to his connection to Rice - seems like that would be an indication of outrage at the selection. OO said "I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes." GoodOwl posted a puking face.

First, no problem using a different term than outrage - if severe disappointment and disgust are better for you, fine by me. I think you (and OO) are quibbling over a subtly here - to what degree does one being disappointed or disgusted turn into outrage. I could care less, as it's a distinction without a difference with respect to the posts referenced above based on their content.

A lame choice for commencement speaker IMO. Agree that she doesn't seem to have the bona fides to be awarded this honor beyond being in the public eye. She doesn't seem to do her job especially well by (I would guess) most people's estimation. If some level of fame was the qualifier here why not just pick a popular TikTokker?

Agree with Lad that an inherently political pick for commencement speaker isn't the way to go.

I wouldn't have been happy if Sean Spicer was picked to speak at commencement and I feel the same way in this case.

(02-23-2023 10:01 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:54 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

What outrage? I don't see any outrage. Could you point to a specific example of outrage anywhere on this thread? I challenge you to do that. I see some disappointment and disgust. I don't see outrage.

Well, Owl#s posted that this was the final straw for him with regards to his connection to Rice - seems like that would be an indication of outrage at the selection. OO said "I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes." GoodOwl posted a puking face.

First, no problem using a different term than outrage - if severe disappointment and disgust are better for you, fine by me. I think you (and OO) are quibbling over a subtly here - to what degree does one being disappointed or disgusted turn into outrage. I could care less, as it's a distinction without a difference with respect to the posts referenced above based on their content.

The terms don't mean the same. When you accuse someone of outrage when they are not outraged, you are misrepresenting them. I get that you couldn't care less about doing that, you do it all the time.

(02-23-2023 10:01 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:54 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 09:26 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

I get not being thrilled because there are definitely better speakers out there, but she does hold a notable position and is a Haitian immigrant like DesRoche.

At least 100,000,000 better options, Including every illegal in this country. I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes.

I at least respected Jen Psaki for doing a difficult job well. Perhaps the most difficult job in Washington.

But in the end, she is just a spin doctor, a professional liar, and one who is effectively an AA hire, and it shows.

You want a drinking game? How about every time she says "President Biden takes ____ very seriously" or President Biden has made it very clear" or "I would refer you to the __________" as she lies and/or evades the truth. TBF, that is a requirement for the job, not truth.

But I would not have invited either one, to be speaker. Neither would have made even the long list. Or any list

I cannot speak for Numbers, but for myself, the way I see it, I am not canceling my relationship with Rice. They are canceling their relationship with me. How can anyone feel proud of an association with a U that invites professional liars to speak at commencement? I feel no connection now with anything Rice except athletics, and that is getting harder and harder to maintain.

Not outraged. Disappointed.

Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

What outrage? I don't see any outrage. Could you point to a specific example of outrage anywhere on this thread? I challenge you to do that. I see some disappointment and disgust. I don't see outrage.

Well, Owl#s posted that this was the final straw for him with regards to his connection to Rice - seems like that would be an indication of outrage at the selection. OO said "I would rather hear any illegal speak on why he came here than listen to her lies and platitudes." GoodOwl posted a puking face.

First, no problem using a different term than outrage - if severe disappointment and disgust are better for you, fine by me. I think you (and OO) are quibbling over a subtly here - to what degree does one being disappointed or disgusted turn into outrage. I could care less, as it's a distinction without a difference with respect to the posts referenced above based on their content.

First, to the statement about illegals: What is wrong about hearing why somebody wanted to be here so much they braved many dangers and perhaps paid a large sum of money for it? Yes, I would rather hear that, than whatever KJP thinks is wrong with the country that the Democrats are going to fix. But, in your opinion, does expressing a preference indicate outrage? I prefer fried chicken to meat loaf.

Second, I answered your question. Please have the courtesy to answer mine. I will repeat, what would have been your reaction to having Sean Spicer or Sarah Sanders (pre-governorship) as our speaker?

Third, I don't think your implication that I am a liar was so subtle. I think I expressed my feeling (disappointment) precisely.

Her background story is interesting and compelling - immigrant daughter of a taxi driver to Columbia graduate.

Technically, she's not Haitian.

Not interested in getting too deep in this discussion…the odds of getting hit by stray bullets from either side appears pretty high….
But.. who makes the decision regarding inviting a Commencement Speaker? Is there a committee? Is it by administrative fiat? Is there input from the graduating class?
And, regarding Numbers comment… do we really not confer honorary degrees? And if that is, indeed, true…Why not? Is there an interesting story about that? And by not conferring an honorary degree, do we actually put ourselves at a disadvantage re: Commencement Speakers.

Asking for a friend.

(02-23-2023 10:29 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  Her background story is interesting and compelling - immigrant daughter of a taxi driver to Columbia graduate.

Technically, she's not Haitian.

It is a good story however it is not (fortunately) one in the USA that is so remarkable as to warrant giving a commencement speech at Rice (IMO).

(02-23-2023 07:13 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  I'm sorry, but after sleeping on it and giving it further thought, this is kind of the final straw with me. I have come to expect more wokeness from the Rice administration than I would like. But when Rice chooses to elevate not only wokeness but incompetent wokeness, they have lost me.

you just racisss...

I imagine this will pass without comment from the student body, while an invitation to Sean Spicer would spark loud protests.

(02-23-2023 11:52 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  I imagine this will pass without comment from the student body, while an invitation to Sean Spicer would spark loud protests.

...because he can't dance?...(but ladies still love 'im)...

Artist: LLCoolJ
Album: Radio
Jam: "You Can't Dance"
November 18, 1985 Def Jam Records

(02-23-2023 10:35 AM)greyowl72 Wrote:  Not interested in getting too deep in this discussion…the odds of getting hit by stray bullets from either side appears pretty high….
But.. who makes the decision regarding inviting a Commencement Speaker? Is there a committee? Is it by administrative fiat? Is there input from the graduating class?
And, regarding Numbers comment… do we really not confer honorary degrees? And if that is, indeed, true…Why not? Is there an interesting story about that? And by not conferring an honorary degree, do we actually put ourselves at a disadvantage re: Commencement Speakers.

Asking for a friend.

Selecting a speaker used to be, and I think still is, a decision made by a student committee of the graduating undergrad class. I’d bet that the decision has to be approved still, but would imagine that disapproving of a selection would be series and require more than “it could be better.”

As to the honorary degrees, that is what I’ve always heard too, but never heard why we didn’t confer honorary degrees.

(02-23-2023 11:36 AM)Rice93 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 10:29 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  Her background story is interesting and compelling - immigrant daughter of a taxi driver to Columbia graduate.

Technically, she's not Haitian.

It is a good story however it is not (fortunately) one in the USA that is so remarkable as to warrant giving a commencement speech at Rice (IMO).

I’d be interested in hearing how her name even came up in the selection process. Just seems like an odd choice, to me.

(02-23-2023 09:47 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  Just laughing to myself about the outrage above. How did you feel about Collin Powell speaking at commencement? Gotta say, his lies are far more consequential.

I just don’t get the outrage. Not a great pick, IMO, mainly because I think people actively working in administrations is inherently political and I would prefer more apolitical speakers to the degrees possible (or at least wait until they are out of office, like we did with Bush and Carter). But the teeth gnashing here over the magnitude of this pick is impressive. Loving the fire!

Yeah... no outrage from me either...

As to Colin... I know him personally (really more of a friend of my dad's, but whatever)... one of the brightest people you might ever encounter. Served this country admirably for decades. Went to one of Dad's presentations for the Naval War College where Colin was one of the presenters... this was essentially a masters class thesis presentation... and Colin essentially blew every other person out of the room... standing out among his peers... and this was decades ago.

His 'lies' (I won't dignify that by not putting it in quotes) are no better nor worse than hers... where we know/suspect she knows better, but has a job to do/a function to perform. She doesn't have any of his other bona-fides. Seriously, we have no idea what she really thinks about anything, since best I can tell she hasn't LEAD much of anything.

So I agree, odd and unimpressive choice. Not that she isn't perhaps personally impressive, but we're a top 20 University... and she's not a top 20 (or maybe even a top 200) commencement speaker IMO.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/...reappshare

Yep, she’s a 1st class choice.

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

Yes.

Although to be fair, it was hanging by a thread before.

(02-23-2023 04:55 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  

(02-23-2023 07:42 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  Inviting the current White House Press Secretary to speak at commencement is why you’re going to effectively “cancel” your relationship with Rice?

Yes.

Although to be fair, it was hanging by a thread before.

She seems to be a living definition of a token pick, both in her 'job' (cough) and as a commencement speaker. Sad that merit has apparently disappeared as a requirement for Rice...but then, what else was really expected? If we were going to the moon as a nation for the first time today, the ship wouldn't even get off the launch pad, but the media would tout the tokenism and quotas to high heaven and ignore the failure as that's all the fuel they require. Our enemies will just walk in soon, we haven't enough dresses to clothe our soldiers, after all, and remember 'guns are bad'....except for the private security forces hired by the overlords for themselves to keep the common folk down...can't take their away because THEY "need" them....

It's not bad, if Lori Lightfoot wasn't available.