ASU actually looks even dumber after today

[SamCooke]

THe first black president hasn't done enough? His election alone symbolizes a great change in this nation as some guy on CNN just pointed out. I still can't get over ASU.

[firedupdem]

1. ASU will never live that down. n/t

[SamCooke]

2. Its one of those things that we should never forget. I wouldn't pay for my kids to go there

[CoffeeCat]

3. In the spirit of Barack Obama...

I think we should just let it go.

I imagine that officials at ASU wish they had done things differently. However, I seriously doubt they were
attempting to disparage President Obama. After all, they invited him to speak at commencement and they started
this amazing scholarship program, in his name, that will help so many students that otherwise might not be able
to afford college.

They made a mistake. They weren't downplaying his accomplishment, but simply saying that the bulk of his work
and accomplishments as President--are forthcoming.

It all came out wrong and the piling on ensued.

I guess I have a soft spot in my heart for people who make mistakes or have been misunderstood--and have felt the
wrath of those who are quick to pounce and assume the worst.

Barack Obama isn't being petty about this and I don't think he would want us to be either.

[BlooInBloo]

5. "They made a mistake." - bullfuckingshit. They were being deliberately mean and diminunizing...

Let it go, that's fine. But idiotically mischaracterizing what we're letting go isn't.

[CoffeeCat]

8. So, ASU invited Barack Obama to speak...

...so they could turn around and be "deliberately mean and (sic) diminunizing"?

That doesn't make sense.

[BlooInBloo]

9. /facepalm

[stillcool]

10. No it doesn't...

but that doesn't mean that it's not exactly what happened. Just like Notre Dame, it wasn't until after the invitation was extended that the heat came from various factions, for political reasons. There is a lot of animosity for this President that stems from that small but influential sector of the Republican Christian Right.

[rufus dog]

11. As an ASU alum, I agree we should let it go.

I do not agree with the thought that they were not trying to be disparaging. They have passed out honorary degrees to all speakers, and in this case they just happen to have a set of criteria. They gave an honorary degree to John F. Long. A real estate developer who created a hell hole of shitty neighborhoods on the west side of town.

Check out the Arapio stories on the link below. This is a guy who was elected Sheriff of Maricopa County (which includes Tempe) five times. You will see names of prominent business people, and other elected officials supporting Joe. That is Phx., yes they are trying to change but they still have their share of redneck assholes.
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/

I pissed off a fellow DU last week with jokes about Glendale, AZ. She said AZ was just like the other States, as a person who moved from PHX to OC (behind the Orange Curtain) I can positively say that is bullshit. OC is filled with Republicans but leans toward the compassionate conservative (myth) of Reagan years. AZ and particularly Phx is filled with the Sarah Palin/ Joe the Plumber loving redneck repubs. If B1 Bob Dornan was from Phx he would still be a US Rep. (unless of course he was dead, then it would be his son.)

[BlooInBloo]

4. Fuck ASU.

[countingbluecars]

6. Obama joking about it

at the start of his speech must sting.

[SamCooke]

7. That was funny. "These things are hard to come by"

Add to that it's freakin Notre Dame that gives him one and ASU that doesn't. Go figure. The ultimate party school, 90+% acceptance

[Arugula Latte]

15. The Daily Show really did a number on them.

Wow, the kids they interviewed ... not exactly, um, the brightest bulbs. :scared:

That said, I'm sure there are plenty of smart, decent students at ASU, but of course TDS found some doozies for comedic effect.

[jillan]

12. Even SNL got in on it last nite.

Really ASU, Really?

:P

[MADem]

13. What do you expect from ARIZONA? That's the state that didn't recognize MLK Day, after all.

For the LONGEST time. They even lost hosting a Super Bowl over it, IIRC.

I mean, really--if they weren't trying to be a bit "racist" in their attitude, why did they even invite the guy? Why not just invite George Bush, instead, and give him a Beer Drinker's U honorary degree? After all, he wasn't busy.

The first thing I thought about was the MLK Day business when I heard they weren't ponying up the degree for Obama.

Of course, ASU has what, a ninety two percent ACCEPTANCE rate? Pay the bill, and in you go! Hardly "competitive," unless you're talking about the competitive beer drinking on Friday nights! Who wants approval from Skate School? Who needs it?

[AZBlue]

14. As an Arizona resident who needs to go back to school, let me tell you: I won't be getting a degree

from that school. Ever.

[Cha]

16. Where will you

go?