College Democrats join list of those opposing Gov. Rick Snyder's delivery of University of Michigan commencement
The College Democrats at the University of Michigan have joined the list of those opposing Gov. Rick Snyder's delivery of the April 30 commencement speech.
The university announced Monday that President Mary Sue Coleman was recommending the Board of Regents approve Snyder as the speaker and grant him an honorary degree.
Rick Snyder on the campaign trail last year.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The College Democrats note the announcement comes just three weeks after the Republican governor proposed a 15 percent cut in higher education funding, as well as deep cuts to K-12 education, as part of a budget plan that includes $1.8 billion in tax breaks for businesses.
Amanda Caldwell, chair of College Democrats, released a statement saying she respects Snyder's commitment to public service, recognizes his accomplishments as an entrepreneur and appreciates his work in the Ann Arbor community.
"His good character, inspiring story, and high office would normally make him well-suited to deliver the keynote address at commencement," Caldwell said. "His selection, though, is a slap in the face to students struggling to afford tuition, as he proposed a 15 percent cut in state appropriations for higher education only three weeks ago. This cut would harm the university and members of the university community — faculty, staff, and students alike."
As someone who earned three degrees from U-M, Snyder ought to understand the importance of affordable public education, Caldwell said.
"It is unfortunate that Gov. Snyder is addressing students who will not suffer the consequences of his proposed cuts," she said. "After all, if he was addressing New Student Convocation in the fall, he might have to explain to students how he expects them to afford ever increasing tuition with less and less support from the state."
The College Democrats note that state funding has dropped significantly as a percentage of U-M's general fund budget since Snyder was a student. When he was earning his three degrees in the late 1970s and early 1980s, state funding comprised roughly 60 to 70 percent of the university's general fund. Today, the state provides just over 20 percent.
"Not surprisingly, tuition increases have filled the gap at the expense of students," the College Democrats said in a statement. "In fact, inflation-adjusted in-state tuition at the university's law school is about 738 percent higher than it was when he received his J.D. in 1982."
The group is planning to join thousands of fellow progressives from across Michigan on Wednesday for a rally at the state Capitol building. They plan to let Snyder know they reject his proposed budget that cuts K-12 and higher education funding.
Free buses will leave campus at 1 p.m. by the Cube and return to Ann Arbor at 7 p.m.
Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Snyder, said in an e-mail on Monday that Snyder is committed to "forging ahead and tackling misinformation and the tough issues, like he said he’d do, and building a solid and strong Michigan that works for everyone." Snyder's proposed budget and tax plan, she said, is based on fairness and preserving core safety net services while improving and strengthening the economy so all can prosper and benefit.
Michigan filmmaker Michael Moore is one of those promoting Wednesday's rally. He sent out a mass e-mail on Monday urging people to make the trip to Lansing to protest the "cruel and downright frightening legislation currently being jammed down our throats."
"What is most shocking to many is that the new governor, who ran against the Tea Party and defeated the right wing of his party in the primaries — and then ran in the general election as 'just a nerd from Ann Arbor' who was a moderate, not an ideologue — has pulled off one of the biggest Jekyll and Hyde ruses I've ever seen in electoral politics," Moore wrote. "Governor Snyder, once elected, yanked off his nice-guy mask to reveal that he is in fact a multi-millionaire hell-bent on destroying our state and turning it over to his buddies from Wall Street."
 Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
itisso
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : midnight
"We must close union offices, confiscate their money and put their leaders in prison. We must reduce workers salaries and take away their right to strike." Adolf Hitler, May 2, 1933
genetracy
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 1:15 a.m.
As we all know, labor unions thrived under the Communist governments the American left were so in love with. (I've seen the future and it works!!!!!)
genetracy
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
So much for the Democrat mantra of respect, cooperation, and civility. I suppose they will do the typical Democrat thing at commencment by staging a protest that turns into a riot.
itisso
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
He has a right to speak, and they have a right not to listen. I hope they all just walk out.
Speechless
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.
Comments on this site typically run very far to the right of the local townie and student population. Despite what people read here, this place is actually not rural Mississippi, after all. Snyder's popularity has no doubt plummeted among U-M students, as well as among the many deluded centrist Dems who thought that voting for the "moderate" Snyder --- especially in last August's primary --- would head off the exact kind of evil predicament which the governor and the rabid legislature now intend to foist upon the state of Michigan. If Ann Arbor were twice its present size while also being the state capitol, there would already have been a course of events roughly similar to the high pace and high energy that's been occurring regularly along the isthmus in Madison --- where protesters have outnumbered Gov. Mubarak's tea party defenders by as much as 500 to 1.
A2D2
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
Much ado about nothing. . Pick a side - either side. . The Republican Rick Snyder supporters need to lighten up on the behavior of the students or anyone else, for that matter, who does not support Snyder speaking. Good grief - they're kids! . The Democrat/liberal "oh how could we have stooped to this level" crowd needs to grow up. Good grief - we're only as good as the discourse and debate we allow. . To both sides: heaven forbid we should be tolerant of other views. To be honest, Mary Sue Coleman is being very balanced on this: Barack Obama in 2010, Rick Snyder in 2011. I suspect 2012 will give us someone with more liberal tendencies as commencment speaker.
itisso
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.
We as a country have tolerated a highjacked election. Bush virses Gore, Allowed big business to run a muck to the point where it destroyed a world ecomomy, secret prisons where we ignored the Geneva convention and tortured people. A President who took the largest surplus in history and turned it into the biggest deficit in history. Incidentally he did the same thing as governer of Texas. No One said a word. It's about time the people stood for something and protested. I'm finally seeing some back bone.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
Like DOMEY says , it isn't the budget cuts that are scary but his DICTATORSHIP ideas about taklng over the whole state by kicking out elected officials of Cities and towns that are in financial trouble and putting his appointed people in charge.If that isn't DICTATORSHIP what is?
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
Try this link and look at the salaries paid at Michigan with your tax dollars. I can see immediately where the 15% should come from. Anyone else buy the argument that "we have to pay them this much to retain the best" ? I for one, would easily accept a job at 15% less than they are paying some of their employees now. <a href="http://www.collegiatetimes.com/databases/salaries/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor" rel='nofollow'>http://www.collegiatetimes.com/databases/salaries/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor</a> Go Rick Go !!
Jimmy Olsen
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.
groland - look beyone the law school - technology departments for every department - why not centralize? Assistants to the assistants. Everyone wants to protect their "thiefdom". No, can't cut our money !! The salaries are accurate - I verified with my neighbor who works there. 15% seem appropriate. Go Rick Go.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
You are clueless Jimmy, salaries here reflect money that the faculty bring into Michigan. Last year more than 1 BILLION in external funding for research. In other words, we are creating jobs and wealth right here. I wonder what Ann Arbor would look like without the U.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
That is a very deceptive post. Law School lecturers are not paid those annual salaries. These lecturers receive a fee for giving several hours of lectures and the annual salary posted here is extrapolated based on a 100% 12 month appointment, which they do not have. It may still sound like a lot per hour, but they are also not counting all the hours needed to prepare a lecture. I usually spend about 6-8h preparing a 1h lecture.
Moscow On The Huron
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
"Free buses will leave campus at 1 p.m. by the Cube and return to Ann Arbor at 7 p.m." So, the free handout crowd are going to ride on a free handout to go demonstrate for free handouts. The irony of this is just too beautiful.
HADES
Fri, Mar 18, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
This is one of the funniest comments that I have read on AnnArbor.com and yet so true!
Joe Hood
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Seems like the Democrats' game plan is either their way or no game at all. If the other side behaved the same way, we'd have nothing left.
Marianne
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.
This 60 year old resident in Michigan says Hurray for those college students and backs them 100 percent. Protest this idiot Snyder and kick his sorry butt off campus and out of Michigan. Sign the recall petition and let him know his corporate sponsors , the Koch brothers, will not be allowed to create an oligarchy in the state of Michigan.
1bit
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
It's great to see that intolerance is not only a folly of youth.
treetowncartel
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
Higher education is one of the biggest scams going. All of those profs and administrators rely on the tuition of the unknowing to support their lifestyles. They put you in debt just like the bank CEOs and we continue to think you have to have a college degree and then some to be successful. I think an appropriate speaker would be the "Kool-Aid" man, because everybody keeps drinking it. You want to stimulate the economy? Then bail out all the grads burdened with the student loans that were handed out with, not the banks. People could afford their house payments and then some
r treat
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
People!! The United States of America is truly no longer UNITED. Why has the propaganda machine sucked the intelligence out of each and everyone of us? The undeniable truth is both parties have gotten us here, and in-fighting takes the focus off of reality which happens to be.....WERE BROKE!
RayA2
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
So what are you saying we do. Throw up our hands and cry? I think that supporting the lesser of the 2 evils is the most hopeful thing to do.
catfishrisin
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Can't wait to hear him try to rationalize why he's reducing the funding of the state universities - the primary mechanism for future growth and prosperity
tracyann
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
I personally do not want to hear him speak either, but, on different note, I wonder if my graduation, which is supposed to be a happy occassion, will now be ruined by protesters. It may seem petty, I know, but contrary to popular belief not every student at U-M is some spoiled rich kid having their way paid by mommy and daddy. It was hard going back to school after 14 years and raising a family at the same time, and I can't help but think that this could overshadow what this day is really about. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I wonder why MSC couldn't have chosen someone a little less "controversial" considering how his recent budget proposal is such an issue of contention.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 7:25 a.m.
you demonstabtabley drove yourself to a better self-worth: "It was hard going back to school after 14 years and raising a family at the same time." i conratulate you, sincerely. and yet you condem the necessity for the rest of our staste to do the same. HUH?
lugemachine
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
How is it that every story on AA.com inspires locals to bash the University? Were it not for the U, Ann Arbor would be admiring Chelsea and Brighton for their bustling downtown scenes.. and Ypsilanti would be the County seat. For Ann Arborites to bemoan the existence of the University is akin to feet bemoaning the existence of legs.
RayA2
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Isn't it possible to criticize the university for its actions without totally condeming its existance? The U of M is a human organization with all of the faults of one.
RayA2
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Opposing Greedy Rick's presentation of an honorary degree is not censorship. Its about opposing such public support from an institution of higher learning for a person who values education so little.
JSA
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
I can't say I'm surprised. The hypocrisy expressed by the left is amusing. I never heard them complaining about Democrats appearing at commencement. There is hope that once they grow up they will be better able to accommodate reality.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 7:17 a.m.
yeh, but in their infanccy, they vote.
JSA
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
ERM, I just find the whole controversy stupid. You're right, people did protest Obama's visit and they were just as big a bunch of hypocrites as this bunch. I really could care less who gives the commencement address so long as they aren't a dictator from a foreign country. RayA2, Sorry, you're the one spouting party line and ignoring the facts. I hope you can learn from experience.
RayA2
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
JSA, you have followed the conservative argument style to a T. Attack, ignore the facts. Rush would be proud.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Just as there same people who complained about Obama appearing last year are lauding the choice of Snyder this year. There's more than enough hypocrisy to go around here. Good Night and Good Luck
bunicula
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.
How ironic and (unfortunately) predictable is this... Leave it to the Democrats to block and censor, in their typical democratic fashion, anything they do not want to hear or want anyone else to hear ! Maybe they should all move out of state for a (long) while !!!
sbbuilder
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
VamosAzul Let's be real. The purpose of the petition is to remove Mr Snyder from the podium, thereby silencing him. Yes, I would call that a form of censorship.
VamosAzul
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Can someone please explain to me how voicing one's opinion via a petition is censorship? It is no more censorship than you voicing your displeasure with the fact that a petition exists. They are the exact same thing. Claming that people shouldn't be allowed to speak out against or to protest a decision that they are not happy with sounds a lot more like censorship than the latter.
Domey
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
It isn't the budget cuts that are the REALLY dangerous part of Gov. Snyder. We all know that we have huge economic problems and fixing them will be painful and unpleasant. It's the plans for taking over the entire state and running it as he and his big business cronies see fit that is the bigger problem! Trust me, the way they see fit is NOT the way YOU will see fit. It will be a state-level dictatorship! He has plans in place already to take over cities and villages, throwing out their ELECTED officials and replacing them with his APPOINTEES! Stop thinking that this and other concerns like it are partisan. These are not liberal vs. conservative issues, Democrat vs. Republican issues, nor are they racial issues . They are freedom vs. slavery issues! Your new shackles are already on order! So keep arguing over whose fault it is and meet your doom. Everything from education to economics to politics as being MANIPULATED against us, the people, by the elite. You may think I am a tin-foil hat wearing lunatic, and that's fine. But you had better stop looking to the mass media for your information because they are spoon-feeding you exactly what they want you to see, hear, and know. When they take ALL of your freedom away they will tell you it is for the best. When the people rise up against it they will be portrayed as terrorists. And the sheeple, or sheep people, those who blindly follow along with the herd, will be happy we are finally doing something about those horrible terrorists so they can get back to watching American Idol. Besides, between the "terrorists" and the U.S. government, who has taken away more of your freedom? (Not to even mention that 911 was perpetrated by our own government, not mid-eastern terrorists, for the purpose of getting the public to comply with moving away from the U.S. Constitution.) We REALLY need to impeach/recall Gov. Snyder before it is too late!
godsbreath64
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Mary Sue Coleman's conduct recommending The Overtly Rickety Snyder is by all means inexcusable and warrants her immediate resignation so um regain its reputation as a law abiding institution.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 7:15 a.m.
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, to which 'law' do yoru refer, sir or madam?
HADES
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
I don't see the Democrats protesting Obama over him keeping Gitmo open or the fact that we are still in Iraq and Afghanistan. But when Bush was in office the left protested him all the time. It just goes to show you that they really don't care. It was all a ploy to get their political officials elected! Michael Moore?! Are you kidding me?! If I were the left I would not associate myself with Michael Moore. It just makes you look silly as he is not a very creditable person.
HADES
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost, I guess you don't know that Obama just extended keeping Gitmo open himself! Unfortunately, I do occasionally turn to the left loons at MSNBC to see what they are talking about and they are usually talking about a feeling going up their legs. But hear you go, this is a link to Obama resuming Gitmo after 2 years. This is from the lefts favorite news channel, MSNBC. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41957269/ns/politics/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41957269/ns/politics/</a> "But we wouldn't want any actual facts to get in the way of your ill-informed opinions." Maybe you should take your own advice!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
"I don't see the Democrats protesting Obama over him keeping Gitmo open or the fact that we are still in Iraq and Afghanistan." Inconvenient fact: Senate Republicans have filibustered every bill that appropriated money to close GTMO and move the prisoners to the US. Yet if you were to go to what can be legitimately called the left-leaning press, you will nevertheless find VERY sharp criticism of the president's handling of the situation at GTMO. But we wouldn't want any actual facts to get in the way of your ill-informed opinions. Good Night and Good Luck
VamosAzul
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
If you think that Democrats aren't upset with the way that Obama has handled several different issues, then you don't know what you're talking about. Many Democrats - including the so-called uninformed students - are upset with Obama over the very issues that you point out. But being disappointed with Obama and disliking Snyder's policies are not mutually exclusive, nor are they connected at all.
HADES
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
I agree with you 100%. The Universities around here tend to put their political spin on every subject; therefore, the students that don't pay attention or don't do their own research, they are going to follow what they have been taught. They need to think for themselves and not believe everything that people tell them. This should not be allowed in schools! If a teacher is caught preaching their political beliefs they should be fired.
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
"It just goes to show you that they really don't care. It was all a ploy to get their political officials elected!" This comment is dead on. The problem is, they're using a group of naive college students as political pawns to accomplish this goal.
Stephen Landes
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
ARyan Stanton: Free buses to take people to a political rally in Lansing? First, there ain't no such thing as "free". That means someone is paying for the buses. If it is the University I have a feeling that subsidizing a political rally is at least unwise if not illegal -- and a 15% cut in appropriations isn't a big enough cut. If it is some other group that is paying for the buses we deserve to know who it is. Michael Moore (he can certainly afford it), the Democrat Party? Maybe it is a public employee union (SEIU?). Please find out and update the article with this information. Thank you.
oldblueypsi
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:19 p.m.
"Free buses will leave campus at 1 p.m. by the Cube and return to Ann Arbor at 7 p.m." If the buses are "free", why come back so soon? Why not just head west on I-94 about 400 miles. I hear they need some backup support in Madison.
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
Where were these protests last year? Gov. Granholm spoke at graduation after having cut funding to higher education..........
VamosAzul
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
Governor Granholm wasn't the main commencement speaker. I guarantee that there would be significantlly less protesting to Snyder's appearance at graduation if he were only speaking for a couple of minutes (like Granholm) instead of giving the main address.
Stephen Landes
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Gee, Marshall, do you expect reality to have anything to do with what student protests are all about?
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
Hey, isn't George Clooney in town filming Ides of March, why not ask him Mary?
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
All of the adults here need to take a step back and reflect on our own behavior before pointing to the irresponsible, naive students. As a generation we have proved wholly irresponsible! On the federal level, we have cut taxes AND increased spending, leaving those students with huge national debts to repay. On the local level, we have failed to reign in pensions and benefits, leaving many communities with overwhelming legacy costs. We have been staring at double digit inflation in health care and we refuse to tackle this issue. Health Care Costs are the single biggest reason companies and local governments are in such dire shape and still we refuse to deal with the issue! So, who exactly is irresponsible and who has their head in the sand. Students today see what they are saddled with and they do not like it one bit!
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
To Grye: we seem to be in the minority unfortunately because the politicians who promises us everything and ask for nothing in return seem to get elected over and over again.
grye
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2 p.m.
Don't include me with the we. i've been complaining for years that govt overspends. The politicians have no idea how to be fiscally responsible. Too many people only want govt to the the social provider for everything. There needs to be a middle of the road platform that draws the best from both sides. Fiscal responsibility with compassion to help those in need. However need is not a right and there needs to be programs to help wean those in need to be productive members of society.
John
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
It seems to me that there are some people that need to get of their high horses, and no I am not talking about the students. Not wanting Rick Synder to speak is not about the fact that he is a conservative Republican. The point is his actions show a complete and utter lack of respect for education. "Congrats graduates, be happy your graduating now before i cut funding by 15%." It is a college graduation ceremony if upwards of 3000+ students don't want him there, then why should he be. It is our graduation. And if i hear one more obnoxious comment from people who have no idea what or who they are talking about I am going to be sick. Guess what if your not at Umich and your not graduating--mind your own business. At least we are taking a stand for what we care about, what have you all done lately?
sbbuilder
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
John Are you graduating? I'm wondering about the 'utter lack of respect' part of your comment. I'm also wondering about your education. Specifically your confusion over 'your' and 'you're'. Hope your education will serve you well. I'm sure there were well over three thousand students listening to Mr Obama's address who didn't want him there either. And, although many voiced their displeasure, I couldn't find a single person (I looked) who suggested removing him. Got to hear both sides, my friend.
knucky_thompson
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Yeppers, you have a nice graduation with my tax dollars and I'll mind my own business. Spoken like a true college student whiner. Don't take my tax dollars for your university or student loans then we can make it none of my business. Riot in the streets because your tution is to high. Get the real bad guy here.
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Were you protesting about Gov. Granholm speaking last year? Otherwise, you don't actually care about the stand you're taking.
antikvetch
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
Was Ahmadinejad unavailable?
bedrog
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.
I'm a democrat and to my fellow dems: ":get a grip and stop acting like brats!!". we were fine with an obama address...and snyder is a popularly elected counterpart from the opposite party with local authority and alumnus stature. He's also a non-crazy Republican ( unlike Palin etc) who seems to base his decisions on rationalism, not "faith', whether or not we agree with him. And that's to the good.
Marianne
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
He is a corporate shill. God bless the students for putting his arse on the curb.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
Indeed. In other words, stop acting like the teapartyists did a year ago when it was announced that Obama was going to be the graduation speaker. In other words, let's act like . . . . . . adults???? Perish the thought. Good Night and Good Luck
grye
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Thank you. He has been making decisions in an effort to try and balance the budget without having to raise taxes. Anyone else have a better plan, they ought to run for governor next time. They might even be offered the opportunity to address a graduation commencement.
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
Must be nice to live in a world where if you don't like someone's ideas, you just start a petition to ensure he doesn't even speak anywhere near you. Makes you wonder if the degrees at Michigan are worth what were in the past.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 7:06 a.m.
no
Joe Hood
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
See William Jennings Bryan, on U M folks not letting politicians speak in Ann Arbor.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
Oh, come on. Remember the flap over Obama's visit? Both were equally silly. What is amazing here is that people on the Right are saying what people on the left were saying a year ago, and vice versa. We are a silly people. Good Night and Good Luck
Mich Res and Alum
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
It's funny how the townie's are so quick to call students "ignorant," "naive," and having had a "liberal brainwashing." You'd think if these enlightened individuals were so, well, enlightened that they would not have to resort to brash generalizations or making snide remarks about how much of "Mom and Dad's money" students have given to the University. Many, many students pay their own way through school, stand to be in tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and face a bleak - though improving - job market. We will pay for the shortsightedness of the generations before us (no, believe it or not, it is not Obama's fault). This is not "students whining." Most students approved of Rick Snyder before he was elected. Yes, even in hippie Ann Arbor. However, since his election he has proposed massive, devastating cuts to public and higher education. That's what this is about. Students like myself are upset over the hypocrisy of inviting someone who wants to cut funding to public K12 schools to our graduation ceremony. As a future teacher, how am I supposed to react at commencement when I earn my Masters degree and hear Rick Snyder talk about the importance of keeping young professionals in the state of Michigan when his education cuts are going to force me to go out of state to find a job?
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 7:05 a.m.
quoting form some movie ie ssaw recnetly ... ok , maybe paraphrasing ... 'it is much easier to FIGHT for a princople than to LIVE UP TO that principle.' something aobut NIMBY resonates here.
sbbuilder
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
Mich res and alum 52% of my taxes says you're wrong. Second highest per capita spending per student in the world says you're wrong. International ranking in the low 40's for science/math etc. says you're wrong. We are indifferent to the value we receive from the money we invest in education.
Mich Res and Alum
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
This is not a union issue. It is people like you who blame the failure of the education system on "bad teachers protected by the Union" that are part of the problem. The failure is our nation's collective indifference towards the importance of quality education that is the problem. But thanks for attacking my profession with falsehoods. Only in America do we severely underpay our educators and then complain when they don't work miracles, even though they often are.
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
As a teacher in a state where there are far fewer children, you will be unemployed unless you have seniority under the current system. Snyder or no Snyder, you will have to leave the state to find a job because you have chosen a profession where the unions that represent you have no interest in excellence, only how connected you are to the union boss. Snyder is really your only hope here.
1bit
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Intolerance wears many guises.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
Indeed it does, from the left and from the right. Good Night and Good Luck
Pete Warburton
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
President Coleman is doing the correct thing ... let Mr. Snyder speak....keep his basketball tickets courtside but move them towards the center....make sure he gets the best suite for football...give him all the $4.00 water he wants.... All these "perks" could make funding cuts more shallow.
Elizabeth G
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Let's see Gov.Synder,wants to bring back manufacture jobs that left the State because of a Liberal Governor and Unions.she destroys the manufacture job market in her first year as Governor.They fled the State like someone yell FIRED! I have had enough of you cry babies GROW UP already stand on your own two feet.Apparently your parents wipe your rear end and bail you out like there is no tomorrow. I have (3) children and they went to Catholics Schools Thank god for that because this Mother would not put her yellow lab in a public school today.
Barb
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.
Wait, what? I'm not following. You want your yellow lab to go to Catholic School? Will Snyder do that for you?
Top Cat
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Just curious...when the "College Democrats" graduate, where are they planning on going to find work ?
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Mar 17, 2011 : 6:59 a.m.
with a profitabele capitalist ... and you had to ask?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.
"Should be no problem as long as they can say, 'Would you like fries with that?'" Very witty. Don't give up your day job. Good Night and Good Luck
Moscow On The Huron
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Should be no problem as long as they can say, "Would you like fries with that?"
1bit
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
Why work when you can get a handout?
grye
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Probably at some company founded by a Republican!
knucky_thompson
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
Don't you just love when these college students . They have no skin in the game. (How much in taxes have they paid?) Yet they have an issue how my tax dollars are spent. Just like a Democrat. They have nothing to talk about if it does'nt pertain to money.
knucky_thompson
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.
They need to with those 0 interest loans they got.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
They have more skin in the game than any of us since they will have to pay the interest and principle on all the money that we have been borrowing since the 1980s. At lest on the federal level, huge deficits began with the tax cut and spend policies of the Reagan and Bush administrations. State deficits mirror the economy and the decline of manufacturing, another trend accelerated by free trade and deregulation.
Diagenes
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
I am shocked that "progressives" would be opposed to listening to an opposing view point and making an informed decision.
Bill
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
I'm sure many would welcome the opportunity to listen and debate an opposing view, unfortunately Snyder has shown he does not participate in a democratic manner. He would rather push his agenda without consideration or input from those being impacted.
magnumpi
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
"hun"? as in "honey"? as diagenes says, i am shocked that the well-educated who are opposed are stooping to such words.
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.
you are shocked? oh wait, I'm not an enlightened college student therefor I am slow to ascertain the sarcasm...and those who have gone before this year's class know exactly what graduation is for....it's that long day seniors get to sober up before they pack up and head back to Mom and Dad's while they look for jobs.
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
That's not what graduation speeches are for hun
AnnArBo
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
Are you kidding me? Sounds like censorship or at the very least burying your head in the sand. The governer does not set tuition rates, blame UofM for that one. 1$ Billion endowment, unbelievable building spree, and you blame the state? UofM is a run away freight train when it comes to spending money, even with all the donations for building, those places have to be staffed and maintained, and guess where that money comes from. Welcome to the new reality, its called living within your means, remember that one? your grandparents used to talk about it all the time.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
Well the U has kept the construction industry here in business. At least there is a ripple effect on the local economy. The endowment is around 7 billion actually and I do wonder why a public institution needs such reserves.
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
oh so true....not to mention a big bo-honkin contribution to "re-build" the School of Law. I didn't even know any of those buildings were condemned.
Garrett
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
So Snyder was great beneficiary of public funds when he was going through school. The tax rate for the rich was also much higher when he was growing up... Where would these millionaires be without being subsidized by our tax dollars? The myth of the self-made man lives on!
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
I think students should have the final say when it comes to who should give the commencement speech. Furthermore, Ricky Snyder, in my mind, doesn't compare to past honorary degree recipients, former President Bill Clinton and current President Barrack Obama to name just two. Ricky has accomplished nothing, except getting elected. However, President Obama won the Nobel Peace prize prior to giving his commencement speech at University of Michigan. Mary, do not lower the bar.
ez12c
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : noon
Right on Billy.
Moscow On The Huron
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
"If students had the final say who knows who would be invited... Charlie Sheen?" Snooki.
Chase Ingersoll
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
And what was it that Obama did to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
grye
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
Interesting thought, however maybe this will be the first in many of life's lessons. Unless you are in charge, your say in the matter doesn't matter.
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
@1bit....and don't forget deciding on lunch specials each week as well!
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Gov. Synder is going to be given an Honorary Degree from UM? wow...
1bit
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
The students should also have a final say on who the President of the University is. As well as the Regents. Oh, and Athletic Director and Football coach. Well, all coaches then. And they should get to set their own tuition too.
lumberg48108
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Obama won the Nobel for not being George Bush for 9 months SNL 2009
Bogie
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Ya, he won it, only a few months after being elected. It just showed that the Peace prize is a joke. I'm not saying, our President didn't deserve it, but look at the time line. Back to the subject, I'm sure the facility is pushing these kids, with half truths. The professors are probably trying to save their cushy lifestyle.
Diagenes
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
If students had the final say who knows whowould be invited... Charlie Sheen?
Diagenes
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
What did Pres. Obama do to win the Nobel Peace prize except win election?
InsideTheHall
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:34 a.m.
The lad mentions tuition increases. Well, look at the salaries and bennies of the faculty & staff at UM. Is it Snyder's fault that the public sector unions have a gimmie gimmie attitude and who foots the bill????????? The student.....well probably the parents of that student. When Snyder comes on the stage they should be playing "When the walls come tumblin down" at max volume over the PA system.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.
Many of the faculty I know bring in more money than they are paid. Many could also increase their salary by leaving the U. I could not say the same about the administration.
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.
This is nothing more than sour grapes. Grow up.
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
5c0++H4d13y.....doesn't sour grapes make whine? ;o]
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.
<a href="https://www.msa.umich.edu/upetition/p/ReconsiderRickSnyder/" rel='nofollow'>https://www.msa.umich.edu/upetition/p/ReconsiderRickSnyder/</a>
Bill
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
More than 3,000 have signed the petition to reconsider having Snyder speak at graduation. He could do the right thing and turn down the opportunity based on how his presence will take away from the graduation from those deserving students.
InsideTheHall
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.
After 4-5 years of liberal brain washing a good jolt of reality will do them good. Wonder how many have "real" jobs lined up the day after graduation. Take the blame to Obama on that one.
HaeJee
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
I use to be an independent voter that leaned conservative, until I started reading comments like this from conservatives. I am not a huge fan of Obama, but he is not the cause of the recession. You can thank Wall Street and the Republicans that vote to reduce regulations.
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
I actually graduated from UofM. I wouldn't necessarily say the professors are guilty of liberal brainwashing(at least mine weren't), but there is/are a percentage of students who are essentially loud, obnoxious, Socialists. These people account for about 5% of the student population, but make about 75% of the noise.
magnumpi
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
why is it whenever someone has a differing opinion, they obviously must be Fox news junkies, "teapartiers"/"teaPublicans"? that stereotype/labeling is getting old.
groland
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
Yeah, all that liberal Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics has brainwashed young people to actually think in analytical terms. 90% of classes here have ZERO political relevance, so please keep your FOX news talking points to yourself.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:59 a.m.
Liberal brain washing? Can't wait for you to say that after Ricky Snyder gets done with our fair state! You'll be begging for logic (and a buck).
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
It's funny how the majority of people who post on here are so hateful towards "Liberals" and they have that typical Fox News argument. Change the channel.
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:28 a.m.
Keep this man away from the graduation this year. Perhaps we could tell him that we cannot afford his presence due to deep funding cuts. Who cares what his party affiliation is, it is simply contradictory to have him speaking when he is proposing such massive cuts. Go Blue Baby.
McGiver
Wed, Mar 16, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
Pay your own way , slacker, I did when I went to college. BTW, the Granholm increase your tuition or lower it?
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
Furthermore, Chris...... You're from Snyder's hometown of Battle Creek. How could you possibly hold this much disdain for a man who has become such a success from your same roots?
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.
Chris...... But she still gave a speech at Graduation. Where was the outrage? In your eyes, she is guilty of doing the exact same thing as Snyder. The only difference is that Snyder has a plan to take the state out of Federal receivership.
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
It sucks that they are only getting the governor...as if he wouldn't have come anyhow had they gotten a real speaker.
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
@Marshall Applewhite Who cares about Granholm. She wasn't the main commencement speaker.
Marshall Applewhite
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
Chris, I assume you were also very angry about Gov. Granholm speaking at last year's graduation? She cut spending to higher education last year.........
djm12652
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
So, even though the State of Michigan is in a serious financial situation, it is totally understandable that those living in the Blue and Maize Empire should not be forced to share the burden of the less fortunate. I mean c'mon folks...why should Ann Arbor's nice little school be affected by the issues facing people that have not been blessed to live in our little isolated world? Let alone have some guy they don't like be issued a passport into their fifedom!
Steve Pepple
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
A comment containing a personal attack has been removed.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:22 a.m.
I remember knowing it all when I was young, then life happens and you realize how little you know.
Marianne
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
Your corporate masters at Koch brothers inc. thank you for your support. signed, 60 yr old.
braggslaw
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 11:01 a.m.
Big surprise... I remember when I graduated .... I was amazingly ignorant and naive.
Marianne
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
Your Koch brothers corporate sponsors thank you for your support. signed 60 yr old.
braggslaw
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
Nope, more liberal. I went to work for a summer for one of those environmental groups canvasing... The whole thing was a scam: 1. Canvasers kept 1/2 the money (if people were stupid enough to pay cash 100%) 2. The hippies running the group kept the other 1/2 to pay salaries, benefits, and to pay for the gas, office rent and the vehicles. 3. About 1-2% went to do anything. It was very eye opening.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Mar 15, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
So you were a teapartying Republican that early in your life? Good Night and Good Luck