So Harrison Butker, place kicker for the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, was asked to give a graduation speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Before you comment, read the speech here or if reading is not your thing, you can watch the speech in its entirety here:
By the way, only 1.6 million had watched the full version as of this morning, according to YouTube. So, there are lots of hot takes from people who are basing their views on hearsay, video snippets, and what a friend-of-a-friend shared. They do not have all the facts (shocker).
Let us all agree, this should be an omni-partisan agreement, that in 2024, just read or watch the entire speech, comments, et cetera before commenting. This goes for presidential candidates (think media and Trump’s “bloodbath” comment regarding the auto industry).
Regarding Benedictine College, the institution that invited him to deliver the graduation speech, we should consider the student body. The Associated Press reported that “The fast-growing college is part of a constellation of conservative Catholic colleges that tout their adherence to church teachings and practice — part of a larger conservative movement in parts of the U.S. Catholic Church.” According to the school, “As a Catholic college, Benedictine College is committed to those beliefs and natural principles that form the framework of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it is committed further to those specific matters of faith of the Roman Catholic tradition, as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.”
Benedictine College “is one of a number of U.S. Benedictine colleges and is sponsored by St. Benedict’s Abbey and Mount St. Scholastica Monastery. The abbey has a current population of 53 monks, while the Mount monastery numbers 147 community members.” Did your college have 53 monks?
This is a religious college. It may not be your cup of tea, but that is why we have 932 community colleges and 5,300 overpriced colleges and universities in the United States today. Like churches, you have a myriad of choices for college.
Most of the Benedictine College graduates and their parents were receptive to the message… or did not feel the need to melt down. If you do not understand that, stop reading and carry on with your life.
Long story short, married people with families generally thrive (not all of them), but overall. This is NOT a novel and unique theory, this is reality.
That being said, live your life. Make the family you want. You can disagree with Mr. Butker and still be happy.
There are families in various sizes and varieties. Mr. Butker gave advice — that’s what he was brought in for — about the family life he shares with his beloved wife, which brings him peace and happiness. He wanted to share that message.
I have acquaintances where the wives make more money, had a better career trajectory and they decided as a couple, the husband would be the stay-at-home parent. Their families are thriving. Kids are happy. They are financially secure. That was their decision. And it appears to be a good one for them.
My oldest daughter is married, has a thriving career and a new mom. She loves her career and cannot get enough of her daughter. She is a great mom. She has decided to work and be a mom. A choice millions make, but it was her husband and her choice.
My youngest daughter is an attorney, not married, great boyfriend and enjoying her life. She is on the timeline that works for her.
I know many women who have had great careers and quit to have and raise kids. They have no regrets.
I know many women who had children and continued their career. They seem happy.
There are women who refuse or are hesitant to have children until climate change ends. That is their choice. Frankly, I encourage them to keep their promise. You can read more here and here.
What does this all have in common? It is their choice. We’re not China or Canada.
He gave his opinions to a small, liberal arts Catholic College with a receptive audience. His job should not be in danger – it really isn’t. He did not yell anti-semitic diatribes, or yell Intifada. He praised family life and motherhood as he sees and experiences it.
You do what is best for you, but people will have opinions about what is the best family life option for them.
And for the sake of Howard Cossel’s ghost, can many of you folks literally start getting all the facts before start yapping?
Note: the opinions expressed herein are those of Chuck Warren only and not his co-host Sam Stone or Breaking Battlegrounds’ staff.
