and we strengthen the middle class. we must restore confidence into who we are as the people. we are by and large, i've had this conversation and he is so proud that the building was named after his grandfather. we are, by and large, a nation of immigrants. that is why we must enact comprehensive immigration reform, recognizing that new comers to america reinvigorate our country. [applause] thank you. think of american traits, hope,

aspirations for better future for our children, determination, optimism. those who come to our country bring that spirit with them. that spirit of optimism of america. in coming here every newcomer makes america more american. so we have to pass this so we have the invigoration that continues to keep america number one. we must restore confidence in our democracy by amplifying the voices of the people and reducing the role of money in campaigns. annie has told us our founders have envisioned a government of democracy, a government of the many, not the government of the money. it is our task, yours as lawyers, mine as an elective official, ours together as citizens to restore confidence in our politics and our government. with your leadership we must

increase the level of civilty in politics and reduce the role of money. when we do, i promise you this, we will let more women, more minorities, more young people to public office much sooner and that's a is a wholesome thing for our great country. [applause] a great american labor leader once reminded us that the ballot box cannot be connected -- the ballot box is connected to the bread box. you cannot separate them. if we want to have more -- if we give people more say, if they are more equal in our democracy and what the outcomes of elections are, they will have a better chance in our economy.

stronger say at the ballot box, stronger role in the economy. it is up to you. it is up to you. now, to make this happen and these are just a few of the challenges we face right now where decisions are being made. president lincoln once said public sentiment is everything. i'm hopeful we can get these things done because the public know what is is at stake and that possibilities are then i think we get the better outcome. it's up to you, to all americans to make this happen, demand a change. put the power of democracy much more firmly in the hands of the voters. elections must -- elections and public policy must reflect the will of the people.

it up to you, tomorrow as lawyers, after you pass the bar, and in the meantime, to strengthen our democracy in the courts in public service, in day-to-day practice of the law, representing people, or perhaps in public office. who among you may take up that? that requires courage, that is not for the faint of heart. it is worth it and we need you. we need you to be in public office. it is up to you to have the courage to stand up for our values and keep the doors of opportunity open to all. from our history, from the bill of rights to the brown versus the board of education, to individual, political economic rights have been central to the strength of our democratic ideals. my charge to you is to build on that tradition and make that legacy your own.

to know that you have the confidence leaving here -- leaving here to have the confidence that legal education from this great and respected university and the morals to pursue the work of justice. as thurgood marshal declared sometimes history takes things into its own hands. today and in the future, the law school graduates class of 2013 of the university of baltimore must take history into your hands. when you do, your fellow americans and people across the country will look to each of you as i look to my father a long time ago and my brother sooner than this. when you do, you will ensure that the constitution remains the cornerstone of the american dream. we can keep the doors of opportunity -- i keep saying it over and over -- open to every american.

congratulations to all the graduates of the class of 2013. [applause] i'm honored to be a member of your class. as you go forward remember that you have a friend and a classmate in the capital of the united states. may god bless you. may god bless america. thank you for the opportunity. [applause] >> st. john's university in queens, new york recognized republican congressman peter king for his work in congress in the aftermath of hurricane sandy. new york honored him an honorary law degree on may 19, despite a student protest of him being a commencement speaker.

here is his 10 minute address. [applause] >> it is my honor to introduce our honorary speaker peter king of new york. thank you very much. let me first of all, congratulate today's graduates. i wish you continued success. based upon the outstanding education you have received at st. john's the lasting friendships you have formed the enriching experiences you have shared and the life lessons you have learned at this great university.

we also commend and thank the father for his many years of dedicated service and for all of the accomplished in leading st. john's university to ever higher academic heights. it is an honor for me to be your speaker and to receive the honorary degree. as someone who grew up in new york city, queens, this moment is particularly meaningful to me. i'm well aware that some of you are more enthusiastic than others. that is what separates our country and our society from so much of the rest of the world. americans welcome the clash of ideas. they are not afraid to listen to opinions and ideas other than our own. we encourage free speech and do not attempt to silence those with who we might disagree. leading university such as st. john demand academic freedom and

refuse to be intimidated by political correctness. st. john's has the commitment to service and welcomes all students as the integral part as the st. john's family, no matter what their religion, ethical backgrounds. st. john's is rooted in the principle of the st. paul who dedicated his life to serve the poor, the needy, the sick and the victims of tragedy and disaster. these three sets of are needed today. we live in a world that is increasingly seduced by wealth, status, and worldly possessions. this is however, not the world of st. john's. that is why so many of you have donated during your years here

at st. john's to voluntary in nursing homes, soup kitchens and what you did during hurricane sandy. thankfully, it was these kind of valley use that the great people of new york and new jersey demonstrated when we stood together as one after we were ravaged by superstorm sandy last fall. sandy was the worst natural disaster to hit our region in 75 years. in new york alone, it was almost $33 billion in overall damage. more than 300,000 damaged homes, more than two million residents were without power, that is larger population of 15 states and over $300,000 in damage to hospitals and health facilities. this can go and an own. through the suffering and anguish, lesser people would have given up or worse, turned against one another or looked

out for only themselves. that was not the spirit of new york or new jersey. not only did we refuse to give in but communities came together. police officer, firefighters, e.m.t.'s, voluntary associates displayed uncommon bravery and concern. political and government leaders in new york and new jersey worked across party lines and state boundaries for the greater good. as you follow politics today, you know that is not the norm in our country. this unity proves to be essential. for the first time in recent history, congress was refusing to approve the natural disaster aid that was so desperately need.

the storm that hit louisiana and mississippi congress gave them more than $65 billion. after two months after sandy, new jersey and new york has received almost nothing. instead of trying to blame it on another party we fought as hard as we could. the governors from the two states and all our senators and members of our congressional delegations knew our obligation was the suffering people we represented and who so desperately needed help. governor christie and i in particular, have taken on the leadership of our own party. this was a small price to pay compared to our constituents whose homes were destroyed, who were without power, in many cases lost everything.

this was a tough, difficult fight. we finally prevailed and congress appropriated the money and recovery is under way and we'll come back stronger than ever. by making sandy, the suffering and the aftermath the theme of your commencement today. you have demonstrated your commitment to the ideal which is what st. john's university is about. today, you're entering into a world confronted with many critical challenges, severe economic instability, north korean rockets and the constant threat of terror attack, which is what we saw in boston last month. i'm confident as you go forward from st. john's you will successfully and courageously confront and outcome those challenges, doing what is right, whether or not it is happens to be popular.

the knowledge you have received and the ideals you have acquired and accept as your own, will guide your life as you make a lasting difference. i wish you well. thank you very much. [applause] >> i begin with integrity manyuse it is so essential. of you have no idea where you'll end up. a few of you may be surprised with where life takes you. i certainly was. in the end, it is not only what we do, but how we do it. >> i have to start by

committing this. give me one second. i am a professional, this will only take a second. when i opened -- woke up this morning and started writing my speech, i was thinking about my first month on campus in september when i was a freshman in the football team went into that season ranked number one in the nation preseason. onre was all this excitement campus and our first game was at wisconsin and we went up there , 21-14. our first game as crushing disappointment afterwards. i like you to think of that soaring expectation followed by crushing disappointment as a metaphor for elect 20 minutes with me. >> next weekend, more stories ,nd advice for graduates including fbi director robert mueller and florida gorn