Writes Rick Burner:

I attended the commencement ceremonies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida,  this past Sunday. If you’re not familiar with it, Eckerd is a four-year private college nicknamed “Ivy league on the beach.” I had learned only that morning that General Petraeus would be the commencement speaker.  I was not expecting much.  You don’t get to be a four-star general by being too controversial.

I wasn’t expecting much—but Herr General delivered even less.  His speech writer (“my ghost speaker”) attempted to entertain and inspire the troops à la Bob Hope. It was mildly entertaining, “If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving isn’t for you.”

The true gem of the day came when the Eckerd College president Donald Eastman presented Petraeus with his honorary Juris Doctor.  Eastman first listed some of the General’s wonderful accomplishments—slaughtering Bosnians, Serbs, Iraqis, Afghans, etc., etc. Eastman, of course, used the words “serve” and “service” rather than “slaughter.”  Once the crowd had reached the proper state of mental numbness he ended his listing with the reason that Petraeus was being honored that day: For promoting peace between nations through greater understanding of cultural differences.  He called this gun-for-hire a voice for peace and compared him to Elie Wiesel.

As I sat there, stunned to silence by the enormity of the lie, I heard a choking sound.  My 17-year-old, Simon, was mumbling, “I can’t believe…he didn’t say…blatant…”  I turned to look at him and did a double-take.  There were tears in his eyes!  “We need that congressman here to jump up and shout, ‘You lie!'”, he said quietly.

Attempting to lighten the mood, I whispered, “At least you can tell Mom that the ceremony was so moving it brought tears to your eyes.”

“I didn’t cry!” my young stoic replied, wiping his eyes.  “I’m going to get some coffee.”  He stood up and walked toward the entrance of the tent.

I’m an Eckerd College alumnus.  Simon’s Mom was the new graduate we were there to honor that morning.  Simon is currently attending high school at St. Petersburg College.  Next year he will receive both his diploma and his A.A. degree in the same week.  Like most youngsters his age, he’s trying to decide what to do with his life.  He’s thinking of becoming a plumber or auto mechanic.  He has no desire to attend any college or university.

The Best of Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.