Two final words on Huerta's speech
I am genuinely disappointed with the negative reporting and subsequent reaction of Delores Huerta's commencement speech at CSU Bakersfield on June 13.
When I was halfway through my first semester at CSU, Fresno, back in 1979, I was amazed how much I had learned about the world around me. Education opened my eyes to different perspectives that I had never been exposed to.
No one should be shocked by this. This is the purpose of education; to expand the mind of the student and provide the tools to analyze and articulate their thoughts and focus on the world around them.
Ms. Huerta's commencement speech did nothing more than articulate her intellectual perspective and positions on current issues on our society. If the students are bickering, then they have learned nothing. If the majority of complaints are generated from those in attendance, then too bad if their shallow minds are unwilling to accept an idea different from their frame of mind.
It was a speech, not an indoctrination. It was, in truth, a part of the educational process.
DAVID A. TORRES
Bakersfield
Editor's note: Wondering about all the fuss? Huerta's commmencement address is posted on Youtube.com (accompanied by derisive commentary from members of the audience at Cal State Bakersfield) at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoLqLdlMHecHer June 16 UCLA graduation speech is at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cufT2xWJ5o
