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June 21, 2006
Good luck, Mr. Whitney
This is Gabriel Whitney, reaching to hug President Bush during Monday's commencement at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Ensign Whitney had a tough time at the Academy. According to The New York Times, his family wore t-shirts emblazoned with some interesting information about the soon-to-be graduate.
Mr. Whitney's sister, who works in an advertising office, had designed T-shirts for the 15 family members who attended the ceremony. Mr. Whitney's many difficulties in reaching graduation were emblazoned on the front of the shirt: 4,872 demerits ("painful"); four and a half years on academic restriction ("wounding"); two visits to the committee that weighs student expulsions ("agonizing"); two reprieves from the admiral ("necessary"); and six years of school with only an undergraduate degree to show for it ("humbling").
The back of the shirt, which bore a photograph of the midshipman and the American flag, celebrated his crowning achievement: "Passing all licensing exams, first try: Priceless."
The class anchorman, overcome with joy, gave the president an unexpected hug; the Secret Service deemed the 6'7" lug to not be a threat.
A heart-warming story, right?
Well, not if you're a Bush-hating leftist member of the entertainment community.
Playwright Christopher Durang has a less-than-amused response to the hug.
Some people sure can be happy. The young man in the picture above lives in an alternative universe from me, clearly. Upon his graduation from Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y, he was overcome with an irresistible desire to hug President Bush.
Bush had given the commencement address, since he seems to like and need to give at least one speech a day. The article didn't say what the President said, but I should imagine it included the words "post 9-11," "stay the course," "step down once they step up," "has made America safer," "they hate our freedom," and "I believe it is my destiny to spread freedom throughout the world, causing death and destruction while I do so." Well, perhaps not the last sentence.
But this young man is just SO HAPPY to see the President, I felt like I was looking at an alien creature.
The article (from the New York Times) includes that he said to the President: "you're the man!" And that he had trouble getting through the Academy, having received 4,872 demerits, he was almost thrown out twice, and he got his bachelor degree there in 6 years rather than 4.
He has no immediate plans except to "achieve greatness someday." But for now "I'm trying not to think farther than the next couple of days." His view of the President is so different than mine -- is the young man not too smart? does he not read the newspaper? is it exciting to see a President no matter what? does he only listen to Fox News? does he feel the President is protectng us all? But he sure does look happy.
That's all. Just felt struck and ... confused by the photo. Time to take my antidepressant. (That's a joke. I don't take one. I'm willing to FEEL my depression.
What a snarky, supercilious bastard. I'd posit that you have to be a retard from another planet to not feel a little happiness for the guy. I thought it was the artsy-fartsy types who are always whingeing on about "empathy" and "feelings," but I guess those sentiments are reserved for Third World types and unwashed, patchouli-scented moonbats, rushing to hug Comrade Castro or some other totalitarian dictator, redeemed by his hatred of the West and the eeeeeevil capitalists.
One of the comments left at the Huffington Post to Durang's bilious vent was quite well put.
Mr. Durang, what the hell is the matter with you?
Is this the best you can do - smear graduates of the service academies because you despise President Bush? Has Mr. Whitney harmed you in some manner that you elected to omit from your article? I suspect not.
It has never been the President who has defended our country; rather it has been, and will always be, the men and women (like the one in the picture) who volunteer to stand in between you and anyone who would do you harm.
You make a point of noting Mr. Whitney's transcript, as if that is something of which to be ashamed. Mr. Whitney was free, during his tenure at the Academy, to give up and return home (perhaps to write self-serving blog articles) but he remained. And that deserves nothing but your utmost gratitude.
Between the two people depicted in this photo and the author, there is one embarrassment to himself and his country. And that is you, sir.
I'll second that.
Congratulations, Ensign Whitney! Thank you for your service. And don't let the Christopher Durangs of the world get you down; the only thing you could have done to please them is refuse to shake the president's hand -- and burn the flag while wearing a Che! t-shirt.
Fair winds and following seas.
Posted by Mike Lief at June 21, 2006 02:04 PM
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That's great, and kudos to HuffPo for posting the responses. Now we have to check out our dvd of Mister Roberts and get a bowl of popcorn ready as a tribute to Gabriel Whitney. That's an accomplishment for him, for our benefit.
* * *
Doug Roberts: How did you get in the Navy? How did you get on our side? Oh you ignorant, arrogant, ambitious ... keeping sixty-two men in prison 'cause you got a palm tree for the work they did. I don't know which I hate worse, you or that other malignant growth that stands outside the door
Capt. Morton: Why, you stinking little...!
Doug Roberts: How did you ever get command of a ship? I realize in wartime they have to scrape the bottom of the barrel, but where did they ever scrape you up?
Capt. Morton: There's just one thing left for you, Mister. A general court martial!
Doug Roberts: That suits me fine, court martial me!
Capt. Morton: You've got it!
Doug Roberts: I'm asking for it! If I can't get transferred, I'll get court martialed off! I'm fed up! But you'll need a witness. Call your messenger - I'll say it all over again in front of him. Go on, call him. You want me to call him?
Capt. Morton: No. You're a smart boy, Roberts. But I know how to take care of smart boys. I hate your guts, you smart college guys! I've been seeing your kind around since I was ten years old ... working as a busboy. "Oh busboy, it seems my friend has thrown up on the table. Clean up that mess, boy, will'ya?" And then when I went to sea as a steward ... people poking at you with umbrellas. "Oh, boy!", "You, boy!", "Careful with that luggage, boy!" And I took it. I took it for years! But I don't have to take it any more. There's a war on, and I'm captain of this vessel, and now YOU can take it for a change! The worst thing I can do to you... is to keep you right here, Mister, and here is where you're going to stay. Now, GET OUT!
* * *
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 21, 2006 03:24 PM
As I read the dialogue you posted from Mr. Roberts, I can hear Henry Fonda and James Cagney in my mind, arguing in the captain's stateroom.
What a great film. And let's not forget Jack Lemmon as Ensign Pulver.
Doug Roberts: Frank, I like you. There's no getting around the fact that you're a real likable guy.
Ensign Pulver: Yeah? Yeah!
Doug Roberts: But ...
Ensign Pulver: But what?
Doug Roberts: Well, I also think you're the most hapless, lazy, disorganized, and in general most lecherous person I've ever known in my life.
Ensign Pulver: I am not!
Doug Roberts: You're not what?
Ensign Pulver: I am not disorganized!
***
Doug Roberts: You pretend you want me to improve your mind. You've never finished one book I've given you to read.
Ensign Pulver: I've finished "God's Little Acre," Doug boy!
Doug Roberts: I didn't give you that. He's been reading "God's Little Acre" for over a year now. He's underlined every erotic passage and added exclamation points. And after a certain pornographic climax, he's inserted the words "well written."
***
Is there anyone who can watch Ward Bond read the letter from Mr. Roberts to the crew and not end up wiping away tears?
What a silly question. I'm sure Christopher Durang would remain dry-eyed and unmoved.
Posted by: Mike Lief at June 21, 2006 03:58 PM
The book scene is great. So many moments in that film. Of course, today's big heroes are also big zeros. Clooney, Pitt, etc.
Here's Ward Bond causing general trouble on the set with the rest of the cast.
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 21, 2006 04:36 PM
Ensign Whitney most likely has a learning disorder. Given the fact that it took him six years to receive a degree from such an institution, which prides itself on conformity and regimentation, to take two full years longer than his peers shows that it was a struggle. His joy at graduation should be celebrated by all of us. He is an example of the American dream; work hard, and it might take a while, but you'll persevere.
Mr. Lief, your use of the word "retard" is most repugnant. Persons with mental retardation should not be used to vilify aliens :) nor should that term be used to make your point. Eh hum...
You have a flair for wit and verbal repartee, why would you chose to use such a juvenile (and poorly chosen) term to make your point?
Posted by: Dawn at June 21, 2006 05:42 PM
May I step in to amend the sentence? (I'd posit that you have to be a retard from another planet) >
Let's posit that you'd have to be a rabid liberal from the Westside to ridicule such an achievement! Maybe Christopher Durang will feel rightly insensitive when he realizes the meaning of his words.
As for Mr. Lief, I always make it a point never to defend a prosecutor. Although I'm available if the occasion requires a good attack dog.
J/K, Dawn!
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 21, 2006 07:39 PM
Vermont Neighbor --
I enjoy a good dog attack and would encourange you to pack a lunch. Perhaps you should revisit my post to realize that I was not attacking as much as having a civil disagrement.
Posted by: dawn at June 21, 2006 08:33 PM
I've been done in by the Internet! I was joking at Mike's expense, not at you or towards you. Sorry. I didn't make that clear. (My attack dog tendencies, you know.) Your posts are always nice. Polite and genuine.
Yes, you brought up a good point. Many people take offense at the casual use of that word. I've seen many reponses addressing the same concern. Not here, but elsewhere.
Anyway, it was nice to bring in dialogue from an excellent film. I would never have the discipline to do any military training. I admire what these graduates are doing.
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 21, 2006 09:31 PM
And the thing about prosecutors is, you want to tease 'em endlessly with job-related jokes. They probably don't need any help on their choice of words, least of all on a chat board!
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 22, 2006 07:26 AM
touche'
Posted by: Dawn at June 24, 2006 09:48 PM