For those of you inclined to send congratulatory telegrams, yesterday was an historic day for Karl Rove. He is now Dr. Karl Rove, awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities at Liberty University for his ``commitment to conservative ideas.''
Jerry's Introduction -
Jerry Falwell spoke of the early days of Liberty College (later University) meeting at Thomas Road Baptist Church, with 4 professors, "only one of which could rightfully lay claim to the title" and few students - "most of which we bribed to attend". The impressive growth of the University was chronicled culminating in the newest school now under construction, the "Jesse Helms School of Government".
"The 2,041 men and women graduating today join the more than 71,000 alumni spread throughout the world, serving Christ in many different ways". He spoke of the Doctorate Liberty gave to George H.W. Bush then turned to Rove imploring, "We would like to give one to your boss, just get him here".
Jerry referenced George and Karl's work as "helping bring moral sanity back to America". To close he said this of Rove, "The work he has done towards continuing freedom in this country and around the world, only eternity will reveal".
Karl's Address -
Rove had 8 recommendations for the graduates including piercings are bad, pay off your credit cards, "compound interest compounds", and never act smarter than their bosses, even if you are.
He related this story of his early political development -
"At the age of 9, I put a Nixon bumper sticker on the wire basket in the front of my bicycle. Unfortunately the little Catholic girl down the street was a couple years older and had about 20 pounds on me. She was for Kennedy. When she saw me on my bike with my bumper sticker for Nixon, she put me on the ground, flattened me out and gave me a bloody nose. Despite that beating I never lost interest in politics."
Regarding his service in the White House he said, "We only hold these positions for a brief time, our goal is to leave the post in better shape than we found it." "Politics is a most honorable tradition".
Rove encouraged the graduates to "judge leaders on the basis of character" and have "the moral clarity and courage to do what's right, regardless of consequence, fashion or fad. These things can't be taught in a government textbook ... or the editorial page of The New York Times. You either have high values ingrained in your heart and soul that will not change with the wind or you don't, I am privileged to work for one who does", drawing applause which seemed mainly came from the graduates.
Rove has referred to himself as "the biggest dweeb in my high school". He closed with the following anecdote from that time (rough transcription) -
While in high school I was awarded many trophies for my debating skills. I confidently went into the debate to decide who would speak at the graduation ceremony, having already prepared my imminent address. I lost. It was a good lesson, the loss was due to my lack of preparation.
The topic I had planned for my address was
"Man is the measure of all things". I now realize Protagoras was wrong, there greater things than man - such as moral law."
He then quoted from Philippians, 4. I believe he only quoted verse 8, I have added verse 7 and 9 to provide context:
- 7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- 8:Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- 9: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Further coverage of the event can be found
here,
here, and
here. Here are some pictures of the
Rally for Kerry (protesting Rove's visit) at the entrance to Liberty University.