Biden to grads: You have chance to shape history

[babylonsister]

Biden to grads: You have chance to shape history

By WILLIAM KATES
Associated Press Writer


SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden told more than 3,000 college graduates that they are at a watershed moment with a chance to shape history that few generations ever encounter.

He urged them during a commencement address Sunday to imagine a better world, and then get involved and help make improvements.

"There is a much greater risk in accepting a situation we know we cannot sustain than in steeling our spine and embracing the challenge of change," Biden said to students from Syracuse University and the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

"It is totally within your power to shape history. ... This has been the journey of America since its inception," said Biden, a 1968 graduate of Syracuse's law school, speaking to more than 19,000 people in the Carrier Dome.

Biden recalled how he, too, faced anxiety and uncertainty when graduating from college in the mid-1960s. The country was conflicted over the Vietnam War, the public's faith in its elected officials was waning, race riots were tearing apart America and two of its most promising leaders - Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy - were assassinated.

"All over this great country, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness began to take hold," Biden said.

"But as I walked across that stage, I never doubted for one instant that we could change that history, that we could rewrite the outcome we were careening toward, and we did," he said.

"It's 2009. Now it's your turn. You are graduating into a world of anxiety and uncertainty ... ," said Biden, pointing to a troubled economy, two wars and a planet in environmental peril.

"These are the challenges you face. But these are the moments you can embrace. Throughout the span of history, only a handful of us ever get a chance to actually shape the course of history," said the vice president, who received several standing ovations.

more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BIDEN_COMMENCEMENT?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Arkana]

1. Hey, that Joe Biden's a pretty smart fella.

Not at all the retarded gaffe-machine the corporate media tries to turn him into.

[Muttocracy]

2. Video.... (in addition to that in AP clip above)

http://news10now.com/content/top_stories/139152/vice-president-joe-biden-gives-commencement-speech-at-su/Default.aspx

[DJ13]

3. Im sure Cheney's graduating class was told much the same

Lets hope this time they understand its meant 'shape it in a good way'!

[theoldman]

4. Biden is a very inspirational speaker.

He is knowledgeable and has common sense. I can easily forgive his occasional gaffes which, most of the time, are the truth.

[FrenchieCat]

6. He is a really good guy, but I think this "Gaffe-prone" reputation

is not necessarily a bad thing.

Since they can't seem to come up with anything to joke with in reference to the President (and considering the mess, no jokes are required), this kind of deflects the joke to be made about Biden instead. Considering that he isn't planning on running for President after Obama's 2nd term, and considering that he is a good natured man who can take a punch and also give one, having him as the brunt of the joke circuit might be the best situation that we could have asked for.

[Raine1967]

7. You nailed it,

The man, Even with the s called gaffes -- is on point. He is a true blue American.

I love him more now than before. I am happy that he is our VP.

[Muttocracy]

13. I enjoyed some of the moments that were off-script

I'm assuming "WHERE THE HELL HAVE THEY BEEN?!?!?!" wasn't in the prepared text but I sure enjoyed it :)

[PatSeg]

10. The media just isn't used to a politician telling the truth

and they don't know how to respond.

[firedupdem]

5. Good Job Joe.....inspiration those graduates most certainly need

right now....along with the rest of us.

[Ocracoker16]

8. Sounds like a good commencement address

I have heard some pretty pathetic ones. Some people aren't good speakers. Biden is a dynamic speaker who captures the attention of the audience. I liked how he compared his experience as a young man in uncertain times to the challenges graduates will face in the world today.

[Mojambo]

9. But why bother cause that bastard JJ Abrams will just come along and change it!

:evilgrin: :evilgrin: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[Odin2005]

11. *Points to FDR quote in sig line*

"There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny." --FDR

[Muttocracy]

14. Biden isn't as eloquent as FDR :-)

[babylonsister]

15. Biden 'gets' it! Great quote! nt

[whistler162]

12. I figure President Obama must have told the weather to

chill out. Because it was a cool day.:D

[NYC_SKP]

16. K & R #5 n/t