http://www.prlog.org/10073331-in-pennsylvania-law-school-commencement-
richardson-lays-out-steps-for-renewing-us-relations.htmlIn his address, Governor Richardson challenged the 2008 graduating class to combine their new skills with passion, reason and courage, and urged them to work in the public interest. In the speech, Governor Richardson outlined America's past experience and current need for courageous leadership, and laid out initial steps for renewing America's relationship with the world by returning to its traditional support for human rights, the rule of law, and international law. Governor Richardson called on the United States to lead an international effort to protect people trapped in situations like Myanmar and Darfur, when their governments fail to protect their own people.
Remarks by Governor Bill Richardson
As written for delivery
University of Pennsylvania Law School Commencement
Dean Michael Fitts, Dean of Students Gary Clinton, Honorary Fellow Jared Genser, Juris Doctor Class President Scott Reich, Masters of Laws Class President Matteo Erede, to this accomplished faculty, distinguished guests and the 2008 graduates-welcome and thank you.
It's customary to tell a commencement audience how honored you are to be at their graduation. But I want to tell you something – I really mean it. I know how much this day means for all of you. And to share in it is something very special. You've been working at this for three long years. (For some of you, maybe a little longer!)
And there are few days in life that will truly stay with you the rest of your life. This is one of them. You will remember your friends exactly as they are this day. You will remember your parents and wives and husbands and relatives – and for some of you, your children – you will remember them exactly as you see them. Graduation days have a way of freezing things in your memory.
You may not remember who spoke here today – and I won't take offense – but twenty years from now, you will remember that you hugged a friend and said goodbye, fully intending to see them again... only neither of you realized it would be the last time you would see each other. That's how life tends to work out. But the memory will stay. Just as the larger lessons you've learned at this great institution will guide you and teach you long after you've left these grounds.
When in Philadelphia, it's customary to quote Ben Franklin. And he was right when he said "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." (Of course, Ben probably didn't have to pay the interest on student loans.) But your investment has been more than just money and years. Whether you wanted to or not, you've invested part of yourself in this place. And it has returned the investment.
In New Mexico, a place with over four hundred years of history, we tend to take the long view. And I've reached a point in life where – unless I live to be 120 – the longer view is probably the one in the rear view mirror. Which means when you reach my age, you more often tend to give advice than take it. Although being a Governor, I've got plenty of people who are more than happy to tell me where to go fly. But in the spirit of giving advice, I will pass on a few things that have worked for me. And I will try not to sound too old.
The best quote I know about the future was by Robert F. Kennedy forty years ago, "The future does not belong to those who are content with today---apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike----or timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the great enterprises and ideals of society."
Let me repeat those values, because they are important---Passion, Reason, and Courage. These are some of the values that I have tried to live by. These are qualities we need more of in this country. It's my firm belief that should you combine these values with the superb education you have earned here, you will have a tremendous impact on this world.
First, have an uncommon passion for common problems. I'm an optimist. I firmly believe that the problems facing our nation and this world can be solved. This law school has the strongest commitment to public service of any in the country. I know that while every student here is required to serve to the community---teaching in local schools, providing free legal counsel, and many other efforts. I think it's far more telling that the vast majority of students here have far surpassed that commitment.
I expect that as you served these communities you saw things that made you think---injustice in a system-real needs being unmet---unfair and unequal treatment. Solving these problems requires passion. I think if you were to look for role models, I ask you to look no further than the outstanding professors of the University of Pennsylvania.
