It's time to bring back Gavin Newsom
Editorial
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Opinion
Originally published: 2/27/08 at 10:05 PM PSTLast update: 2/27/08 at 10:21 PM PST
Gavin Newsom may one day be the most famous Santa Clara graduate.
As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom, '89, has constantly been in the spotlight, whether he's trying out universal health care, dealing with a sex scandal or legalizing gay marriage.
Newsom is just starting his political career, and -- despite some of the political hurdles he's laid for himself -- he may soon outgrow his San Francisco digs and move onto the national political scene.
It's great to have such a high profile alumnus, right?
Not necessarily.
In an interview with The Santa Clara, Newsom said he has never been asked to speak at Santa Clara, but he'd jump at the chance if invited.
There are reasons why Newsom wouldn't be an ideal speaker at this Jesuit university. Newsom knows his views aren't in line with those of the Church.
"I always assumed it was 'cause, you know, stem cell and gay marriage, pro-choice," Newsom said about why he's never been asked to speak here.
Newsom may not make the Church's list of top 100 Catholics, but he should not be shunned from Santa Clara. The university should take pride in having a well-known graduate who maintains his Catholic faith, yet is courageous enough to make moral decisions that the Church disagrees with.
Santa Clara should invite Newsom back to speak and welcome him with open arms. He has his flaws, and the university may not align with his political views, but we should be proud that an alumnus is the mayor of a major U.S. city.
Graduation is approaching, and the university has yet to announce who will be the commencement speaker. While someone may be lined up already, we bet a call to Newsom's office would be met with a resounding, "Yes!"
As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom, '89, has constantly been in the spotlight, whether he's trying out universal health care, dealing with a sex scandal or legalizing gay marriage.
Newsom is just starting his political career, and -- despite some of the political hurdles he's laid for himself -- he may soon outgrow his San Francisco digs and move onto the national political scene.
It's great to have such a high profile alumnus, right?
Not necessarily.
In an interview with The Santa Clara, Newsom said he has never been asked to speak at Santa Clara, but he'd jump at the chance if invited.
There are reasons why Newsom wouldn't be an ideal speaker at this Jesuit university. Newsom knows his views aren't in line with those of the Church.
"I always assumed it was 'cause, you know, stem cell and gay marriage, pro-choice," Newsom said about why he's never been asked to speak here.
Newsom may not make the Church's list of top 100 Catholics, but he should not be shunned from Santa Clara. The university should take pride in having a well-known graduate who maintains his Catholic faith, yet is courageous enough to make moral decisions that the Church disagrees with.
Santa Clara should invite Newsom back to speak and welcome him with open arms. He has his flaws, and the university may not align with his political views, but we should be proud that an alumnus is the mayor of a major U.S. city.
Graduation is approaching, and the university has yet to announce who will be the commencement speaker. While someone may be lined up already, we bet a call to Newsom's office would be met with a resounding, "Yes!"
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Midwest observer
posted 2/28/08 @ 3:32 AM PST
One cannot maintain one's faith and make moral decisions that the Church disagrees with. I believe we call that "a contradiction in terms". He is free to profess whatever he wants, but once he declares his own moral judgment to supercede that of the Church, he is no longer "maintaining" his Catholic faith. (Continued…)
Doug
posted 2/28/08 @ 7:45 AM PST
It is hard to comprehend how one could argue that Newsom, maintains his Catholic faith, and yet makes moral decisions that the Church disagrees with. As a matter of fact the fact that he does so means he does not maintain his Catholic faith, and persists in grave sin. (Continued…)
Jason
posted 2/28/08 @ 11:46 AM PST
Gavin would make a great comencment speaker for this year (my) graduating class. I think we should have the school look into booking him.
Andrew Giustini
Andrew Giustini
posted 3/11/08 @ 4:15 AM PST
I completely agree with the premise of this article article: Gavin Newsom should be invited to return to Santa Clara to speak. One of the things I appreciated about my Jesuit education is that the Jesuits do not necessarily want you to agree with them and the Church, they want you to disagree with yourself. (Continued…)
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