The month of May spells commencement–graduation exercises around the country. Yes, some colleges and universities are jostling to get the ‘best speakers’ to inspire their graduates as they start off on new careers and challenges.

And which universities would be so lucky to have President Obama say yes to their invitations: Notre Dame and Arizona State Universities, reportedly among others. But to say the least the president is getting a flack from some Catholics . Why? He shouldn’t have been invited given his stance on stem cell research and abortion. Can you believe this nonsense? Should he participate however, he will be conferred with an honorary degree, which is usually the case for all commencement speakers.

But it gets worse. From Arizona State University (ASU) where Mr. Obama is scheduled to speak on May 13, another fire storm has developed. Yes, ASU will not honor protocol to extend an honorary degree to the president, although in the past they have extended such courtesies to : a Prime Minister of Canada, Caesar Chavez, Wu Qidi, Chinese vice minister of of education, among others. But to President Obama a resounding NO.

Is it that he’s qualified to speak, but sorry… on the rest, his attributes fall behind? Apparently that is the case. If this was meant to be an insult…ASU has made a point. And a shameful one!

Of course, a buzz around the issue has developed; and ASU is said to be changing its mind,. But their reasons for with holding of such an honor? Politico reports Michael M. Crow, the president said “Considering that the president is at the beginning of his presidency, his body of work i just beginning. Its normally awarded to someone who has been in their field for sometime.” Can you believe this response ?

Presiden Crow, as is said in the vernacular “disses” the POTUS, and should be made to eat crow. Really! But will the president refuse this invitation? Cannot tell, but I would. Given how good-natured and even-tempered the president is, I am sure he will accept their apologies.. but in age of political correctness., this from ASU is in your face. Fierce!

But can you imagine an excited group of students ready to hear a message of hope from someone who literally has moved his way up from the middle classes to become the leader of the free world? How do they feel about this?

I recall my graduation, and I am asking..who was the speaker again? Oh, I bought a video copy of the event…I will do a replay.

Of course, commencement is never really about the speaker, but the graduates. Always wanting to hear a story– a narrative of someone who really made it to the top, despite: setbacks, challenges, discrimination, racism, sexism…you name it.

So with all this as a backdrop has ASU gone too far? Should the university in fairness revoke the invitation and ask favorite son, Senator John McCain, or daughter, former governor, Janet Napolitano and Secretary of Homeland Security, to do the honors? I say yes..yes!

That will only occur if the President apologizes to the graduates at ASU.. and rejects the invitation. But that would be bad politics and bad public relations. The president, unfortunately, might just have to swallow hard and with a stiff upper lip– show up at Arizona state on May 13.

Of course, I wouldn’t… but I am not the president. On this, politics plays high on the agenda. The president will be there? And that’s just too bad! What say you!

VernaSmith