Edward R. Murrow's ghost

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 7:10 p.m.

Longfellow: Sorry, but you are incorrect. It is the Declaration of Independence refers to inalienable rights, not the Constitution, and the D of I, while laying out a justification for revolution (Ever read it? Brings tears to my eyes every time I do), it has no legal authority bearing whatsoever. Indeed, you will not find the words "inalienable rights" anywhere in the Constitution. Try finding them. You might find actually reading the document to be an informative exercise. In that exercise you will find that the Bill of Rights does not guarantee the rights it cites. It says "Congress shall make no law.... " Nothing in the B of R stops states from infringing upon those rights, and many did. It was not until well into the 20th century that the 14th Amendment came to be seen as preventing states and local governments from infringing on those rights you hold so dear, and it left it to the federal government (which you hold in such low esteem) as responsible for protecting those rights. Now, you may not believe any of this, but a good high school civics class would confirm it as correct.

stunhsif

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.

I love Chai Tea, especially from Star Bucks, that scumbag company that acatully demands a profit from what they sell. Make mine fat free with skim milk and sucralose!!!!! Good old Neil Young sang that song that while he was high as a kite. Let's all head up to the diag and have a redo, shall we?

jns131

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 10:45 p.m.

Chai? I had family at Kent State. That was the longest 10 minutes of our family's lives ever. They just came out with new video evidence of what happened at Kent State and something about who shot first. If there was one. Lost the link but still looking for it. Great points you made.

Bill Wilson

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 8:55 p.m.

Philosophically, the Bill of Rights is concerned with avoiding infringement by the government upon the rights of the people. Civil and Criminal Law are meant to balance that by focusing on the infringement of rights by individuals and non-governmental groups. So any discussion such as this one must take into account the equal weight of civil and criminal law. Amazing how people like Tru cannot see the forest through the trees. Let me help you, Tru: Philosophically, the Bill of Rights is concerned with avoiding infringement by the government upon the rights of the individual. As you've been told, and you seem to wish to side-step, the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights are inalienable: the Government did not give them to us, and they cannot take them away. If an issue arises as to public safety, the remedy must apply equally to all... not just those who are associates of those temporarily in power.

robyn

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.

Tru Said: That is, after they've been thoroughly searched and background checked. Thank you - that's so very communist of you! LMAO! I really hope you're kidding because that's just wrong!

robyn

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.

Ugh - this weather... If it were my graduation - the weather would be the bummer. Not the people. Tru - I understand what you're saying about the 'time and place' - as I've stated before - I do lean in that direction. But just because I do - my personal view about it should not interfere with other that do not feel the same. As for this being a 'private' event. First of all, U of M is a public university, by accepting funds they have lost the right to act autonomously regarding events - especially those they have opened to the general public. They chose to offer tickets to the general public for this occasion. That too can open a whole new set of laws. Think 'tail gaters' that are assembled to support the team but do not have tickets - they can still gather outside of the stadium. And it doesn't matter if they are rallying for the Wolverines or the opposing team. The Constitution does have a tendency to waiver back and forth in rulings on Constitution Rights, but their job is not to interpret what their own personal feelings are INTO the Constitution - it is to make sure they rule in a way that defines what the Constitution actually says. The waivering is due to SC Justices interpreting the laws according to their own views and opinions. Why do you think it's such a big issue when new nominations begin? There are those who believe the Constitution is a 'living document' that is subject to change with society's changes - others believe it is a foundation that cannot be weakened by changing it's meaning according to whatever belief system is popular or predominant at any given time. People have the right to assemble at this graduation - those who do not think people should assemble have the right to think what they want and NOT be part of the assembly. As far as what people think about people coming in for this protest - they come from all over - just like the graduates. I'm staying home - we ave an important soccer game today - well soccer is ALWAYS important to a 10 year old (so is every other sport!) Try to chill out and enjoy the day - I really feel for those who live in Ann Arbor - nothing like having to plan a trip through town and have to deal with the crowds and traffic.... Nah - not cool at all.

Edward R. Murrow's ghost

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.

Mike: No one is saying the protesters can't protest. They are saying that they think the protests inappropriate--a big difference, and expressing that opinion is.... free speech!! As an Obama supporter, I say to the protesters: have at it!! It is, indeed, your right. Had Bush II come to town I'd have been there to protest (though the site likely would have been miles away--no nasty stench of democracy for King George II). To the graduates and their families: this is an unfortunate but predictable outcome of having any president at your graduation. Enjoy the day.

mike from saline

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 6:07 a.m.

Ok folks, let's keep it simple. Forget all that blah, blah, blah, about "Congress shall make no laws". Remember, this is Ann Arbor!! Here are the new rules; The definition of a racist, is anyone who disagrees with a liberal! Rule #2, When the left talks about free speech.......They're talking about they're speech, not yours!!!

InsideTheHall

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 6:05 a.m.

Raining on the Stadium Bridge, not much happening as Ann Arbor remains asleep. Plenty of Tim Horton doughnuts on hand. Come on down and join the resistance.

Graz

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 5:23 a.m.

@tru2blu I commend you for expressing yourself using very reasoned comments. Unlike many, you've shown how to present your position in a thoughtful manner and with reference to factual information. I just wanted to comment to those that say that we are condemning those that are going to protest strictly because they are expressing a view that we disagree with. Speaking for myself, I have to tell you that that is hogwash. Although I think that the Tea Party folks are struggling under a large amount if misinformation, I would be of the opinion that they are wrong for staging this protest as would be any "leftist" group in attendance...even if they were there to protest against things that are true or protesting to advance a progressive agenda. I agree with Tru2Blu in the assessment that this isn't really a free speech issue. Truly this is an issue where your rights may allow you (or think that they allow you) to act like jerk, but that desn't make it right or proper for you to do so. To the commentor that mentioned the advisors that the media has labeled as "czars", please research the use of advisors or "czars" in prior administrations. You will find that other Presidents, including GWB, used advisors such as this extensively. I may be mistaken in this view, but there are too many people that are getting outraged when President Obama does something that was accepted practice by Republican presidents. This is only because there are certain political commentators that play loose with the facts, are making large amounts of money by stoking the fears of people and are forwarding the adgenda of their corporate sponsers.

robyn

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 1:16 a.m.

Wow Tru.... I appreciate your personal feelings - but people participating in a rally - protest - whatever you want to call it is NOT about your personal feelings. What about the people who will be there waving signs in support of the President? That can also be disruptive and distracting to a commencement. If you say that a large group of people assembling to support the President is okay - but not a group that assembles to express their opposition to government policy - then you have just given up your 1st Ammendment Right. If it is taken from certain people - it must be taken from ALL people. If given to certain people - it must be given to ALL people. Every citizen of this country has certain rights - no matter what their political views are - when we decide that any view aside from our own is wrong - offensive - criminal - then Liberty has been lost. And if you think it's okay to take it away from one group - sooner or later you're going to be part of the group that has it taken away from them. Either we are ALL free or we are ALL bound. One of the reasons for such simple and undeniable rights.

robyn

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 11:38 p.m.

Hey Tru! I can support and agree with what you have stated. However, according to De Jonge v. State of Oregon (1973) - the USSC recognized how important this 1st Ammendment freedom is: "the right to peaceable assembly is a right cognate to those of free speech and free press and is equally fundamental." According to the Court the right to assemble is "one that cannot be denied without violating those fundamental principles which lie at the base of all civil and political institutions." NOTE: They do use the word 'peacable' - which all people who make the decision to protest or attend a protest should abide by. I would never want to see this freedom taken away from any person or group as long as they do so in a peacable manner - no matter what their political ideology is. It is very unfortunate that some groups do resort to violence, intimidation of others and/or hate speech and signage. I also do not condone any group doing that just because another has. - Or because it has become socially acceptable for some groups to behave in this manner. You know what's sort of funny about this SC case? It was about De Jonge teaching Communist docterine to a group of about 300 people. So based upon the case - which struck down Oregon's "criminal syndicalism" law that prohibited advocacy of "any unlawful acts or methods as a means of accomplishing or effecting industrial or political change or revolution" - people assembling for a cause of political change - which is basically what the TEA Party is all about is okay. Even more interesting - 'revolution' - which is one of the 'scare words' that the media use to describe the TEA Party movement is also within a group's rights. There have been a few interesting cases that have struck down rulings that hindered or otherwise 'burden' those who want to assemble - no matter what their ideology is. I think there was one case in which a group of 'Nationalists' were charged more for permits because there was thought to be a higher propensity to incite volence by people who objected to their rally. The SC said they can't charge more for the permit. I'm probably more of a 'purist' when I look at our Constitutional Rights - my belief is that when we allow courts to begin shading in grey areas - our rights become diluted and when that happens - we really don't have them any longer.

sweet_life

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.

I agree with DonBee - the right to free speech includes the right to protest. As long as the protesters are peaceful nothing should be done to limit their free expression. What's good for the left is good for the right. For all the negative things the right say about Obama, it is worth noting that President Obama has not created "free speech zones" as President G.W. Bush did in order to push protestors out of public view. It is interesting that this particular infringement on the Constitution was never an issue for the right. But of course if you were protesting against Bush's policies, you were being un-American, while if you are protesting against Obama, you are saving the country.

L'chaim

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:09 p.m.

"U-M officials said they are working with the city of Ann Arbor to make sure the protests are peaceful." That sounds ominous. That's what they did at Kent State, I think.

Dogfish120

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:02 p.m.

Although I am passionate about many things in life, I cannot for one imagine (or understanding the thought process) of a individual who is willing to travel a extended distance to mindlessly wave a small sign in advance of their ideas. What is most depressing is many in this country form their political "stance" on the thoughts, actions, and stereotypical associations of common media rather than on advent research. This is not a protest, but merely an example of cows in a pasture mimicking each others actions, and expecting magical results.

DonBee

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:36 p.m.

@Tru2Blu76 - Sorry, so long as the protesters do not turn violent, they have the right to wave signs, sing, shout, fly banners behind planes (provided the FAA allows flights) and other protesting tactics. When I was in college a sitting president spoke 3 times at our institution. In every case the protesters out numbered the students. This was more and 30 years ago. Protesting Presidential events is part of what happens. You invite the President, you invite people who disagree. I feel for the students are graduating, we graduated amid protests. I wish them the best day possible. They, like we, need to ignore the protesters and enjoy the day. Free Speech is a right, regardless of your position on issues. It is the 1st amendment to the Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

townie

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.

"Where are the jobs Mr. President, where are the jobs?????" Yes, President Bush, what did you do with all those jobs?

Will

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

"When you invite a President to speak at a graduation, you sign away all rights to a "quiet nonintrusive" cermony. You get what you ask for." That's just plain ridiculous!

Brad

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8 p.m.

"And remember half of Ann Arbor did not vote for Obama." No, I don't remember that at all. I guess that must be the half under 18 or something.

InsideTheHall

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 7:45 p.m.

Oh the Libby LEFT is in a tizzy because there might a few signs protesting the President's policies. If it was BUSH they'd be signing a different tune. Could someone in the first three rows ask the President a simple question: Where are the jobs Mr. President, where are the jobs?????

Jon Saalberg

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 7:17 p.m.

@UNITY4all: The reason these people are coming to protest is their hatred of this President is pretty breathtaking. Common sense and reason don't have a whole lot to do with any of the rhetoric from this group, so one shouldn't expect them to start now. I, for one, plan to voice my support for this President, as I'm sure most inside the stadium will do.

johnnya2

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 6:39 p.m.

djm12652 says "just because someone's parents brought them into this country illegally, doesn't mean they are entitled to become citizens" If the child was born on US soil the 14th amendment would say you are wrong. I know that pesky thing is so annoying isn't it. Life would be so much better if you could send all the brown, black, and yellows back where they came from. By the way, if the people are in the country illegally ANY person who hired them to do any job is a criminal as well. Every single CEO of a company (IBP) or the contractor that hires day laborers at Home Depot should have to go to prison for their crime. Every restaurant that hires a dishwasher without proper documentation should be closed and the owners and managers hand cuffed and sent to jail. The undocumented alien problem is being run in the same way the FAILED "drug war" is. If you cut of the demand for drugs it won;t be profitable. If you cut off the demand for cheap labor nobody would see a benefit in crossing the border. If it meant feeding my family and somebody told me you had to sneak into canada to do it, and not tell them you are an american citizen, I would be the first one over there. If you wouldn't you are either a liar or disgusting human being for caring more about the law over feeding your family

robyn

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.

UNITY4All: This graduation is very personal to you and your family - I really do understand how you feel. In some ways I do have to agree with you and I'm not even personally invested in this event. What you have to understand is that the people there to protest are not there because of the graduates - just as the people who will be attending just to see the President - or outside of the stadium supporting him - are not there for the graduates. This is your Dad's Big Day - don't let the side show be a distraction to your happiness. Congrats to your Dad too.

UNITY4all

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.

I donot understand why these people would come to protest agaisnt anything at a time like this. My father will be one of the graduates on this very special day. Their hard work looks like it will be rain on because of some people that like to come to protest against what? Stay home!!! We do not want you there!!!!We are there to see our family smile on this good day!!! This day is for those hard working students.This day is for them!! I didn't see you at any of Bush vist tomichigan! i wonder why??? STAY HOME!!!

robyn

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 6:03 p.m.

It's not unusual to have protestors at a commencement ceremony when the special speaker is a President. There were protestors from the "We Object" group at Furman college when GW spoke at the commencement. And there were a lot of protestors at Oklahoma State when he spoke at their commencement. I believe both of these were in 2008. At least the TEA Party groups have sent out notification to all of their members that they will not allow them to bring objectionable signs. The signs and posters must be 'family friendly'. I really don't get the people who make nasty comments about TEA Party people, they are not violent, they are not racist, they are pretty much regular - everyday - working class people. I have seen some of their rallies -in person - and have not seen anyone act violently toward anyone else - I have not seen them destroy public (or private) property. Yet - while one of Bobby Jindal's aides was beaten so severly that her leg was broken in 5 places earlier this month in New Orleans while she and her fiancee were leaving the SRLC - no one seems to care about that. The protestors there were threatening and nasty. They were NOT TEA Party supporters, they were Obama/Health Care supporters. (Look up The Hayride - Allee Bautsch) People have the right to protest, and every President has his fair share of non-supporters. But I really doubt that the people who will be at this venue will cause any problems. I'd go - but my 10 year old has a soccer game - to me that's way more important than Obama. I actually LIKE my kid. LOL!

bedrog

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 5:54 p.m.

tru blu..im with you on this one, especially given that certain protesting groups..notably the so-called "jewish witnesses for peace".. have policies that seem to begin and end with simply "be obnoxious" ( and call it "protected free speech").

genericreg

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.

TruBlu, it is inappropriate to protest this event, but your facts are questionable. Most of the students probably got in-state tuition, made possible by the rest of us funding the University - you know, the University that will not allow us to use its facilities or attend its events? The U may behave like a private institution, but we pay for it.

John

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.

Um, Ron, more than half of Ann Arbor did not vote at all... so your reminder that "half of Ann Arbor did not vote for Obama" is pretty meaningless and misleading. He carried Ann Arbor precincts easily. And President Obama was hugely popular with the students he will be speaking to on Saturday. Election results from the Michigan Daily: "In precincts here on the University of Michigan's campus, a resounding 83 percent of voters selected Obama, while about 15 percent chose McCain. The turnout in campus precincts was an impressive 45 percent." Congrats to the graduates who get to celebrate with our President!

Atticus F.

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.

These people have Obama derangement syndrome so badly, that they can't even stop thinking about Prisident Obama for one day. Let these students have their day...there will be plenty of other days to show your hate and intolerance.

ironyinthesky2

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.

Thanks,Edward, it was nice to hear Buffalo Springfield again!

djm12652

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.

@Ed...seriously? Do you think that people need to be told about the Buffalo Springfield? If you have to be told who they were and what they sang...you don't deserve to be a fan... @eyeheart2...c'mon, in A2 somebody disrespect another because of different beliefs...naw...never happen...that being said...Good Luck to the Grads...time to grow up now...LOL

bedrog

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.

re the so-called "jewish witnesses for peace" who will of course be out doing their exhibitionistic thing: their name embodies 3 lies out of 3..i.e. a number of the small cult are not jewish, they support endless pro-jihadist war, and are not 'witnesses ', instead being long time harassers of a local synagogue. well maybe their presence for the prez will give the congregants they've hassled for 7 years a sabbath in peace. one might also hope their 'over the top' style gets them arrested, as they are cheerleaders for terrorism, as documented in a recent series in the WASHTENAW JEWISH NEWS on their doings.

drosefree

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.

Seriously, if protests are going to "Ruin the day" for those graduating, or even come close, the problem is not with the those protesting. I've never formally protested in my life (not actually proud of that), however, I have graduated. The protests would have been a very minor blip on my screen...even if I disagreed with them! Congatulations and enjoy the day!

48104

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.

I focused on the Tea Partiers becasuse they are the ones planning to stand on the bridge. There is not enough room to stand on that sidewalk with the flow of foot traffic that will be going through there.

townie

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.

For what it's worth.... Paranoia strikes deep. Into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid. Step outta line, the man come, and take you away...

MB111

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

jan wrote: "If anyone who reads this is planning on going to protest, put yourself in the shoes of the graduates and their families. I can't believe you would want anyone distracting and deterring from the well-deserved day of celebration it is for them. Please stay home." The protesters have their own agenda and do not care about the graduates. Plus, they do have the right to protest civily. The University had to expect this upon issuing the invite - it is the American way.

ACertainMan

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.

For the Patriots: Ideas for your signs this Gradu... ek hemm... May Day. U.S. Army Trains to Take On Tea Party Kurt Nimmo Infowars.com April 29, 2010 www.infowars.com/u-s-army-trains-to-take-on-tea-party/ Obama Administration admits rationing panels exist in ObamaCare www.libertyscout.com/2010/04/27/obama-administration-admits-rationing-panels-exist-in-obamacare/ Whats behind the anti-tea party hate stories? Byron York The Detroit News www.detnews.com/article/20100429/OPINION01/4290336/1008/What-s-behind-the-anti-tea-party-hate-stories Obamas Shadow Government Alan Caruba Canada Free Press April 29, 2010 How many of these names do you recognize? Adolfo Carrion, Aneesh Chopra, Ear; Devamey, Kenneth Feinberg, Carol Browner, Ed Montgomery, Todd Stern, Cass Sunstein, Ron Bloom, and John Brennan. If none of them ring a bell, it is because they and others are all part of a shadow government of some thirty czars; advisers to President Obama who did not submit to the Senate confirmation process and are exempt from Congressional oversight. Full Article: www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/22590

MsMe

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.

I think it's absolutely disgusting that you protesters do not have enough class to know when and where is appropriate to voice your opinion! You absolutely have the right to voice your opinion but you have no right to ruin what should be a very proud and happy day for those whom are graduating. I personally do not agree with the majority of the Tea Party's views and this turns me off that much more. How completely disrespectful!! Congratulations to all the graduates! Please don't let these classless individuals completely ruin your experience.

Tom Teague

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.

I don't find much common political ground with Tea Party members, but would note that they and I share a common right to free speech. I hope that the graduates can temper bad feelings they may have about the protests tomorrow with the knowledge that they are witnessing (or hearing) a process that is critical to maintaining a vigorous democracy.

Homeland Conspiracy

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.

I'm sure "they" will sit up "Free speech zones" MILES away from the event.

naturally

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 1:04 p.m.

The protesters think it's all about them but this day is all about the graduates. Get over yourself -- this is a day of celebration for the students who have completed a great accomplishment.

chosen1

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.

Melissa is the probably the only person who is seeing other real issues with the commencement ceremony. This is a proud day for our graduates and our university, but some are treating it like its a chance to brownnose with Obama. This day is about the future leaders of our country and state, its not about Obama, his policies, or these glory hogs wanting to be on stage near Obama. Congrats to Melissa and the fellow graduates of our Great University. Hopefully you are able to enjoy the day as much as my class was in 1996

Atticus F.

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

These people have the right to protest all they want i suppose... Apparently they like the idea of another war in the middle east(Iran), torture, and $6.00/gal gas. As far as protesting President Bush...I did try to give him a chance at first, but it seemed like every decision he made was in the interest of destroying the middle class...Thats what I was protesting.

InsideTheHall

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.

48104: Who said anything about blocking the bridge crossing. We will be there in force and in a peaceful manner. Come join us we will have plenty of doughnuts and bagels.

David Briegel

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.

Top Cat, you mean like the benefactors to the Bush's, the KING of Saudi Arabia or their fixer, PRINCE Bandar (now disgraced!) You DO remember Bush bowing and holding his hand as they tiptoed through the tulips together in Crawford, right? Of course Saudi Kings meet with your approval! 17 of 19 were Saudi's after all! I like the Briarwood Mall suggestion! Me and the ACLU will defend their right as always! I do congratulate the graduates and hope their day is joyous!!! I will be with a friend whose daughter gets her MBA today!

Faith

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.

A quick online search shows about a dozen groups have posted invitations to their members to come to Ann Arbor and express their views while Obama is in town. The Socialist Party of Michigan plans to be there - as does the Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends... Pro-immigration rights groups also will be in Ann Arbor on Saturday, May 1... Melinda Day...said the Ann Arbor Tea Party group won't be endorsing any protest or rally events the day of commencement." Just to make it clear, the "Tea Partiers" are not the only ones coming to protest. As the article states, more than a dozen groups are coming. Why does everyone seem to focus on Tea Party members? (For the record, I am not one.) And the Ann Arbor (which is the one we should care about, in the context of this story, as the commencement *is* in A2) Tea Party is NOT endorsing and protest or rally events the day of commencement. As a side note: I do agree with djm12652, both about immigration and protesting on commencement day. And I'm a former protester from way back.

Jan

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.

If anyone who reads this is planning on going to protest, put yourself in the shoes of the graduates and their families. I can't believe you would want anyone distracting and deterring from the well-deserved day of celebration it is for them. Please stay home.

ironyinthesky2

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.

I've resigned myself to knowing I won't live long enough to see Political types learn to be appropriate. While they have the right, this is the wrong place for protests. Can't we all just get along and celebrate? Another option is to "protest" away from the stadium.

bunnyabbot

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.

everywhere Bush went people protested, tis the way it is and it is a right of the people. Doesn't matter why the O is here. As for the Tea Party being labeled old white rich guy (or some form of) there are a lot of dissatified armchair protesters of all walks of life that agree with them but don't want to join any groups, and that is their right. I am a white 35 year old woman, I am not in the Tea Party, although I agree with much of what they are saying, I do however have two friends who are "independants" and go to protests, and one happens to be a 63 black man and the other a 25 year old lesbian both who studied/are studying constitutial law.

bunnyabbot

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

everywhere Bush went people protested, tis the way it is and it is a right of the people. Doesn't matter why the O is here. As for the Tea Party being labeled old white rich guy (or some form of) there are a lot of dissatified armchair protesters of all walks of life that agree with them but don't want to join any groups, and that is their right. I am a white 35 year old woman, I am not in the Tea Party, although I agree with much of what they are saying, I do however have two friends who are "independants" and go to protests, and one happens to be a 63 black man and the other a 25 year old lesbian both who studied/are studying constitutial law.

Melissa

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

I'll be graduating on Saturday, and I have to say I'm very disappointed what this ceremony has turned into. From the 40+ "local dignitaries" that were given tickets, and that MEDC CEO, to the protestors, the focus has turned away from a celebration of our achievement to people not affiliated in any way with the University or graduation pushing political buttons. I hope security keeps those protestors far enough away that no one sees them.

Graz

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.

These planned protests during someone else's graduation ceremony are an indication of something very wrong in this country. This line of thinking of "Hey, it's all about what I want to say, I don't care that you want a graduation day that's about your graduation" is a small glance into the entire philosophy that has spawned such a political divide. This "it's all about what I want, I don't care about what you want" way of debating and discussing things is going to lead nowhere. The speaker that was invited is the President of the United States. Not just a "political speaker". These grads have a sitting President speaking to them, which is itself a very cool thing. I'd say that whether it was GWB, Clinton or Obama. But a look at the comments here shows that some folks listen to certain political commentators and allow what they say to stand as complete truth, which is another problem we face in healing the political divide. As for the comments on immigration; yes, we need to deal with the illegal immigrants in some fashion, but to simply say that they should have entered legally via something like Ellis Island is not taking into account just how much the immigration process has changed. And it doesn't take into account that some are here because their parents brought them and they have little recourse in becoming legal citizens.

racerx

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.

@brad-Thanks! @jlcmich-Gee, most recent polls suggest that Tea Party members are males over 45, white with higher incomes than average, sorta like that ghetto called Congress, but I digress. Sorry, but unless your a Native American, we're all immigrants!

Hunterjim

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.

Let me start off by saying I don't think this is the venue to protest the Persident. It is graduation day for the U0f M students and their familys. Having said that, I just wonder if it was President Bush or VP Cheney who was the speaker for this occasion, if the folks who don't like the tea partiers and other protestors would support anyone protesting Bush/Cheney. Give the nice fresh young graduates a chance to enjoy the day, and then go out, find a job,pay taxes, get a morgage, pay more taxes and find out what the real adult world is all about. Congratulations to all the graduating classes of 2010!

djm12652

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.

jlcmich...exactly...just because someone's parents brought them into this country illegally, doesn't mean they are entitled to become citizens. Illegal aliens should be deported if they are not willing to begin the process of becoming citizens the way so many do each year. I applaud those that have followed the law to become my fellow American and expect the criminal element to be expelled! It's completely disrespectful to the many immigrants that have come to America to become citizens because they wanted to experience the American dream. And for all of the protestors, right, left, and totally off the wall...your presence at a celebratory event that doesn't involve you is rude. Only in Ann Arbor [where bumper stickers and poster board signs count] would it be considered appropriate. Go protest in front of the White House and let the kids enjoy their day...and by the way...I am not, even remotely, an Barry O'bahama fan but respect my friends that are attending commencement and realize it's their day of glory and accomplishment! so all of the outsiders need to stay home!

Top Cat

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9:02 a.m.

I just hope the U of M saw fit to invite a member of the Arabian royal family, a communist leader or some other tin horn dictator so Obama has someone he is comfortable bowing to.

Joan

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 9 a.m.

I find it interesting that most of the people are being bused in and not from the Ann Arbor area. Hopefully they are kept far away or better yet they should keep those buses going to visit Bush and throw him a "Thank you for making our country so great" party.

48104

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.

Blocking foot traffic on the bridge is a TERRIBLE TERRIBLE idea. Hundreds of people will be walking that way to get to the stadium, thousands if football Saturdays are any measure. If the tea partiers want to make themeselves more unwelcome on this occasion, that would be a great way to start.

jlcmich

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.

I am not a tea party member, but I would advise those who think it is all white or all republican to look at the latest gallup poll. Also, I'll be interested to see how the local media portrays these individuals after-the-fact. Will they look for the one biggot that decided to show up, or show the truth, that these protesters are mostly very respectful. As for the pro-immmigration group, I also think they should call themselves the pro-illegal alien amnesty group, because that's what they are describing. Most American's relatives came here legally like mine via Ellis Island-we should expect the same from all generations. I say-Kudos Arizona.

ThaKillaBee

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.

@InsideTheHall - The money came, but Michigan used to pay off old debts instead of funding new projects.

Freemind42

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.

@inside the hall, you do realize that the construction at Pioneer High is federally funded as well as the renovations of West Park. The stadium bridge has been under "construction" for more than a year. Plus, it should please you that the government isn't intruding on your rights to drive on safe roads.

Jatra

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.

I am a UofM graduate from 2007 when former President Clinton spoke. There where many protesters there and I must say it was very bothersome during the walk into the stadium but UofM did a good job of keeping them out of the stadium. The private planes towing anti-Clinton banners low over the stadium was annoying but I assume that won't be allowed with a sitting president speaking. Congratulations to the graduates of 2010! Don't let protesters ruin your day, when you look back on graduation you really won't remember them anyway.

InsideTheHall

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.

Many of us will be gathering on the Stadium Street bridge that has been under construction for close to a year now and will remain that way because there is no funding to complete the project. This is ample eveidence of the Obama fraud. A shovel ready project yet no federal stimulus allowed....those rich Ann Arbor folk can fend for themselves.

Freemind42

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.

keep the government hands off of my social security! wait, what? oh yeah, most of the people who hate government interference depend on the government to survive.

Brad

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:17 a.m.

Maybe the tea partiers should just stay home in Livingston County. That way they won't have to deal with any non-white people.

Smiley

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.

"Pro-immigration rights groups" -- typical misnomer -- should be "Pro-illegal immigrant groups." It's about the legality of status period.

braggslaw

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.

Populist conflict with the leadership of this country is the way things are supposed to work. People have a right to peacefully protest the president if they believe he is wrong (on most issues).

cook1888

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

We are facing the possibility of the worst environmental/ecological disaster in America's history. I hope the President doesn't have his head up in the intellectual clouds while the bayous burn.

HappySenior

Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 6:55 a.m.

I am sure both law enforcement and the U of M have been planning for these protests. The U of M invited a political speaker. They wanted what they are getting. I trust the protesters will be kept off the crumbling bridge.