Thursday, May 08, 2008

Don't be an Idealist!(?)

As conservative as this P.J. O'Rourke "commencement speech" is, it is still pretty funny. In the spirit of creating conversation, and because graduation is right around the corner, check it out.

I found this part particularly challenging. O'Rourke advises our generation to refrain from idealism:

Don't chain yourself to a redwood tree. Instead, be a corporate lawyer and make $500,000 a year. No matter how much you cheat the IRS, you'll still end up paying $100,000 in property, sales and excise taxes. That's $100,000 to schools, sewers, roads, firefighters and police. You'll be doing good for society. Does chaining yourself to a redwood tree do society $100,000 worth of good?

Idealists are also bullies. The idealist says, "I care more about the redwood trees than you do. I care so much I can't eat. I can't sleep. It broke up my marriage. And because I care more than you do, I'm a better person. And because I'm the better person, I have the right to boss you around."

Does anyone care to parse words?

P.S. I wish the Bruin Republicans were half as witty as O'Rourke.

P.S.S. I don't actually agree with Rourke; I think he's about half-right. I definitely agree with his characterization of his generation, though.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This coming from Curtis, who wouldn't know a sense of humor if it kicked him in the tee- er, groin.

Brandon said...

Racism is just HILARIOUS!

Anonymous said...

Almost as hilarious as not understanding the difference between race and religion!