Huckabee Urges PHC Grads To Practice, Promote Self Governance

Students at Patrick Henry College are known for their ready access to top government and political leaders. That held true Saturday when former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee stopped in Purcellville to deliver the commencement address to the college's seventh graduating class.

Employing his trademark humor and strong dose of Baptist ministry, Huckabee urged the 63 graduates of the classical Christian liberal arts college to use their experience at the school to make a difference in the world-promoting strong moral values, self governance and adherence to the Golden Rule.

The nation's founding fathers, Huckabee said, would be appalled by the size of the federal government. The excess of government regulation and bureaucracy, he said, is caused by the failure of citizens to follow a strong moral code and to treat others as they would want to be treated.

Huckabee also urged students to focus on the next challenge ahead of them rather than trying to correct past missteps. He told the class of his training for a governors' bobsled challenge in Utah before the Winter Olympic games when a young instructor advised him to simply "steer for the curve ahead," noting that nothing could be done to change the performance on the path behind.

Huckabee recounted his experiences on the campaign trail as the southern governor emerged as a national champion of the Republican Party's conservative wing. In talks with reporters after the ceremony, Huckabee said that he continues to campaign in support of Sen. John McCain, the party's presumptive nominee, but said there have been no formal talks about the possibility of joining the ticket as a vice presidential nominee.

The college emphasizes coursework and internships in government service, journalism, history, literature and liberal arts. Students from 44 states attend the college. Of the 63 members of the graduating class, three were from Hawaii and three were from Loudoun County.

Huckabee noted that the students are coming to the campus to be trained as leaders.

"They are not just coming to get an education. They are coming to go forth from here as real leaders and as change agents," Huckabee said.

PHC Chancellor Michael P. Farris presented Huckabee with an honorary doctoral degree.

View Video: Make A Difference

View Video: The Founding Fathers Would Be Appalled