Word: snub
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Every time Harvard-affiliated groups insult prominent Americans they detract from the University's ability to influence the political evolution of the United States. Maybe Meese, like his boss, should simply snub Harvard and refuse to come on May 20th. He would then join in the slow but sure removal of Harvard from the crucial political debates of our time...
...other hand, perhaps our indignation over this snub is another example of Harvard arrogance. Sure, other presidents have made it here for anniversary celebrations. Harvard has had luminaries like King Juan Carlos, Alexander Solzhynitsin, Olaf Palme, Giscard d'Estaing, and even Burt Ward visit recently. But it took four years for Reagan to find the time to meet with any Soviet leader, and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachov still gets put on hold when he calls to wish Ron a happy birthday. So who are we to complain...
Aside from creating a media event, Prince Charles' arrival will probably blind most who would even consider questioning a snub to Reagan. With all the hoopla only a 3,000 man press corps can create, the problem of setting decent precedents for future anniversaries will be lost. Some would say Reagan is lucky to have the privilege of honoring us and shouldn't expect us to return the favor. But as the American head of state he deserves a degree as much as Prince Charles. Both should get honorary Ph.D's, when, or if, they come...
...mistakes made so far for this event are not especially grave, but they are unfortunate. Since past convocations have taken many forms (with and without degrees, large and small, etc.), no time-worn traditions are being violated. So at least planners have not broken with tradition just to snub Reagan. Their actions have only been petty. But worse is the lack of precedent for the future. Here was Harvard's chance to set a precedent of having Presidents at birthday celebrations. That alumni and others really care about recognition from the government is amply proven by the enormous efforts...
When New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange announced last week that he would not be participating in the July Foreign Ministers' conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia, he said that his action was not a diplomatic snub. Had Lange, who also holds the Foreign Affairs portfolio, chosen to attend, he might have met there with U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz to discuss U.S.-New Zealand differences. The relationship between the two longtime allies soured after Lange and his ruling Labor Party banned port calls by nuclear-powered or -armed U.S. Navy ships. In retaliation...