As regular as daffodils in spring, a few letters from self-absorbed seniors arrive at The Observer declaring that the commencement speaker is not worthy of their dignity. It probably never occurs to the writers that the speaker might be offended by their disdain. "The gentleman," Cardinal Newman once wrote, "is one who does not offend consciously." He did not discuss those who have not the wit to do so consciously. Had he so considered the matter he might well have judged them to be twits. By contrast: Kudos to the newspaper for the generous remarks about a distinguished alumna who will be welcomed by the vast majority of the Notre Dame family, the pretentious few notwithstanding.
Lawrence Cunningham
professor
Theology Dept.
April 2
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
