Bush is Coming to Calvin
Yesterday morning I passed a friend on the pathway on the way to class—a normal occurrence in my morning routine. This friend though, had something to say to me that was certainly not normal. With a huge, ecstatic grin on his face he said to me, “Peter, have you heard the news? Bush is coming to Calvin! Can you believe it? This is awesome!’ Well, my first reaction was unbelief. I thought that this had to be some sort of hoax or something, because I couldn’t think of any logical reason that the president of the United States of America would just show up at little old Calvin College. When I got back to my room though and read my student news, there it was, an e-mail from Shirley Hoogstra stating that the Bush was in fact coming to Calvin to speak at commencement. Now I was no longer in disbelief, but I sure was angry.
Bush’s political baggage?
As neither a Calvin student, nor an American, I would suggest that you and your fellow dissenters put away your own political baggage. Instead of focussing your ideologies on the policies of this man, offer some respect to the office and authority of your nation’s democratically elected leader. On some future November tuesday, or during any informal political discussion before then, you will have the venue to vent your frustrations with the man. At commencement, relax your hostilities and feel honoured that your college was visited by - as you said - the world’s most powerful man.
To quote my favourite war movie: “Remember, you salute the rank, not the man.”
Posted by BvO on 04/23 at 01:09 AMI would definitley have to disagree with Mr. vanOosten on this one. It is a shame that the only reason that Calvin has for bringing George Bush on board is his political power in the US. It in unbelievable that the school seeks to be recognized by thier ‘fearless leader’ more than they want to honor thier graduates. And i definitley do agree with Peter H. about the shortcomings and failings of Bush. This man should not be honored by any educational institution let alone a Christian one. Let bush bask in the sunlight of the TV cameras and news media, as for Calvin, i belive that we are called to counter culture, not embrace it. Honor someone who has faithfully served the Lord thier whole life instead of someone who serves his own ill-gotten gain.
Posted by Nick VanderHeide on 04/26 at 09:04 AMWhile I am by no means a huge fan of George (or a bitter democrate; I’m not even American), I can totally see where Mr. VanOosten is coming from. Bush is the President of the United States and desirves some respect (Give to Ceaser what is Ceaser’s). At the same time, Sani Abacha (a ruthless military dictator) was also the head of Nigeria at a certain point in time. If Abacha was still alive and came to Calvin, would it be right for us to quit our moaning and respect his visit? If Hitler came to speak at Calvin, should we do the same? Now, before I get jumped, I’m not saying that Bush is a Hitler or Abacha, however, he has done some nasty things, and (lets face it) he isnt the brightest light bulb in the factory either. He was not the best choice for a speaker. However, He is the president. Just some things to think about.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/28 at 03:35 PMI am with Mr. VanOosten on this one. Regardless of any wrongs that our leader has made it is a matter of respect. No matter what happens, when a person who deserves my respect meets me, even if i dont like him at all, I will give him respect. I also happen to be a moderate who is not entirely pleased with Bush at all, but I do give him some credit. He is in a lose, lose situation and i think he is doing a decent job of taking the lesser lose.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/29 at 02:18 AM
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