Shh. Don’t Tell Anyone

I admit it. I’ve never understood the rah-rah enthusiasm for the University of Maryland. I’m not from these parts originally. I started out life in Cleveland, Ohio and I can’t remember anyone we knew being enthusiastic about Ohio State. When we lived in Connecticut UCONN was considered by many to be a “safety school” rather than a first choice. 

I’m not talking about the actual quality of those academic institutions. I’m talking about local attitudes. So I guess I arrived in Maryland with those engrained prejudices - - that one didn’t go to the state school by choice but because one had to for one reason or another.

Maryland is different. The outright enthusiasm and loyalty that people have for UMD is impressive. I couldn’t begin to list all the bright, capable, interesting and accomplished folks I know who spent their college years in College Park. And they’re over the moon if their kids are accepted there, too. It’s almost a religion.

Color me perplexed. 

I appear before you this morning to announce my complete admiration for the University of Maryland. I have been won over not by tradition, nor academics, nor the fierce terrapin mascot, but by a frog. 

There it is. I’m a sucker for Kermit. And, as far as I’m concerned, it’s a brilliant move to bring Kermit the Frog, a creation of the late Jim Henson UMD ‘60, to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony.

Institutions of higher learning are under attack these days. Intellectual inquiry and diversity of thought are now considered to be problematic at best. Imagine how difficult it might be to select a commencement speaker in this environment. The eyes of MAGA are upon you. 

Choosing a puppet might seem like a cop-out, a safe choice. But this puppet is no puppet, if you’ll forgive my choice of words. And that’s because Jim Henson was a true creative: visionary, playful, entrepreneurial, and not afraid to play around with the status quo. There’s intelligence in Kermit, and thoughtfulness, too. Whether one is drawn to that famous green frog because of his humor or awkward charm, those qualities can’t be separated from his innate yearning for goodness and his earnest understanding of his own imperfections.

Time after time we root for Kermit as he tries to bring his friends together to make something wonderful happen.

• Intelligence
• Thoughtfulness 
• Humor 
• Innate charm
• Yearning for goodness
• Understanding of once’s imperfections 
• Bringing people together 

Friends, this looks a whole lot like genuine leadership. Doesn’t it? Choosing Kermit the Frog isn’t a silly or academically unserious choice. It’s almost a subversive choice. If there is a path for genuine democracy in this country it most certainly will require more Kermits.

Shh. Don’t tell anyone.

And so today I salute you, UMD. Leading fearlessly forward with a frog to meet the moment. Well done. 

Village Green/Town² Comments