Sometimes I have to wonder which reality some people live in. I found myself wondering this again this morning as I read Catholic World New's story concerning the University of Notre Dame's 2009 valedictorian.
Debra Haight not only sees President Obama as a "great leader," but she also finds it "unbelievable and incredible" that the university should "have the opportunity for the president of the United States to speak here."
Let's ignore the fact that unbelievable and incredible have the same meaning and focus on Ms. Haight's apparent lack of historical knowledge.
Can it really be said to be "unbelievable" and "incredible" for the President of the United States to speak at the commencement exercises for the University of Notre Dame when four Presidents have already done so? Presidents Eisenhower, Carter, Reagan and Bush have done so.
Presidents Roosevelt, Kennedy and Ford also spoke at the University of Notre Dame, although not at the commencement exercises.
Statistically speaking, Ms. Haight's surprise baffles the mind. Not counting President Obama, 9% of the Presidents spoke at Notre Dame's commencement exercises; 16% of the Presidents have spoken at Notre Dame at one occassion or another. Including President Obama, these statistics will rise to 12% and 18%, respectively.
When seven Presidents have already spoken at the University of Notre Dame, it really should not come as a surprise than an eighth President should speak at the same University. In what reality does Ms. Haight find herself?
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