THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 12, 1994 TAG: 9406100025
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Short
DATELINE: 940612 LENGTH:
Gov. George Allen used the forum of the University of Virginia's graduation ceremony on May 22 as a way to further his political career while abusing privilege. On such a momentous day for the class of 1994 and their families, wise advice for the future would have been appropriate. The discussion of Allen's involvement with Disney was not.
{REST} As a student at U.Va. facing annual tuition increases and the elimination of my academic major program, I did not want to hear about Allen's ``help'' for higher education. Even if Governor Allen and his administration had made tremendous steps in the area of education, the day was not set aside to praise his work but rather to praise the graduates and their accomplishments. Anything politically motivated was uncalled for and out of place.
Many others attending the morning ceremony felt the same. One man sitting next to me (who is not a Virginia resident) turned to me just a few minutes into Governor Allen's speech and said, ``Didn't this guy just get elected? It sounds like he is trying to get re-elected today.''
Allen clearly abused the privilege to address his alma mater on graduation day. I hope in the future that politicians will keep their audience in mind rather than themselves.
HEATHER ALLEN
Virginia Beach, May 25, 1994
by CNB