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 Writing History Larger
by Tom Campbell
May 21, 2009
Few of us remember what was said at our graduation. Sometimes the words spoken were not memorable but such was not the case when Vice President Joe Biden spoke to the graduating class of Wake Forest University.
Biden’s plain-spoken rhetoric struck chords of truth and called forth the best in those who, charting a new course in life, urging the graduates to “take history in your hands and write it larger,” also adding “…we're either going to fundamentally change the course of history, or fail the generations that come after us, because change will occur. Non-action is action. We're either going to fundamentally revive our economy or we're going to fall behind.”
The Vice President challenged his audience, and us, to imagine a future where there was energy independence, affordable health care, and opportunity. Indeed the only way those goals will be achieved is if we as a nation can imagine those things and more. The winds of recession have deflated our sails but we must respond to the bursting of the economic bubble inflated over the past few years.
Joe Biden’s altar call to those present at Wake Forest is also our imperative for action in North Carolina and America. We may not have what we once had but we have what we need to rise again with purity of purpose, an unquestioned work ethic and our unequalled ingenuity and innovation.
The high point of the speech was when Vice President Biden sent forth his audience saying, “Imagine … a country that once again leads the world by the power of our example and not merely by the example of our power.” What a marvelous and inspiring imperative.
We love great wordsmiths who can turn a phrase into a powerful and memorable point. John Kennedy inspired a previous generation in his inaugural address, saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Some in that graduating class may not remember this commencement message but we can only hope many will hear and heed the Vice President’s message.
Change will occur. Non-action is action. We are going to make things better or fail those who follow. We can write history larger. |
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