Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez has canceled a speech today at the University of California, Davis, School of Education commencement, university officials said.
Núñez had agreed to speak at the 4 p.m. ceremony in the Mondavi Center, but pulled out Tuesday because of a lingering labor dispute between the university and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Former President Clinton did the same thing at UCLA a few days ago.
I know that as Democrats both of these men had to do what they did, but that's part of the point. Backing out on a commitment at the last minute because of something political--and not even big political, but chickencrap political, and not at all related to graduation--I have words for that, but we'll just settle for "that's extremely poor form".
Update, 6/13/08: Clinton spoke here instead.
No Darren, neither had to pull out unless they had an escape clause written into their speaking agreements, something I very much doubt. That they did only shows their word is not worth keeping in their own minds. It is truly sad that politicians have so little integrity they feel it is permissible to break their promises. No wonder people distrust politicians.
ReplyDeleteI hope they were gracious enough to return the retainers from the colleges. Last I heard, Bill goes for quite a bundle. Of course, they could have spoken and then turned the money earned over to the strike fund for the workers and made more of a point via generosity.
ReplyDeleteNow Ellen, don't go making sense on us!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I let logic interfere with the plot again.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is the heighth of spinelessness. It does prove that Hillary is still looking to the future. I don't know Nunez but he too, sees it as necessary that he cover his flanks. It's good to know that these people are towers of jello in the face of pressure.
ReplyDeleteFabian thinks of himself as a Mexican, so why would he be interested in "American" politics?
ReplyDelete