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PDF versionObama's speech at Notre Dame
by Heidi Schlumpf on May. 17, 2009
When a man in the cheap seats near the top of Notre Dame's Joyce Center interrupted President Obama's commencement speech, shouting "Abortion is murder," the crowd boo'd loudly, then errupted into the cheer, "We are ... ND!" To which Obama responded, "We're not going to shy away from things that are uncomfortable."
He didn't.
Obama tackled the controversy surrounding his speech at the Catholic university directly, calling for "fair-minded words" and a "presumption of good faith" to those with whom we disagree. Applause for this line: "Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son’s or daughter’s hardships might be relieved." (Read the complete text.)
Jenkins also mentioned the controversy in his introduction of Obama, but stressed the importance of dialogue, especially at a Catholic university. The crowd burst into applause when Jenkins pointed out that most of the attention has focused on Notre Dame's invitation to Obama, but little attention on his decision to accept.
"President Obama has come to Notre Dame, though he knows well that we are fully supportive of church teaching on the sanctitity of human life (interupted by applause) and we oppose his policies on abortion and embrynoic stem cell research. Others might have avoided this venue for that reason. But President Obama is not someone who stops talking to those with differ with him. (More applause) Mr. President: This is a principle we share." (Applause)
The cheers and standing ovation that greeted the president when he entered the Joyce Center were repeated when Obama recieved his honorary degree, which specifically cited his "willingness to engage with those who disagree with him and encourage people of faith to bring their beliefs to the public debate." The yellow crosses and baby's feet on the top of the caps of about a dozen students protesting the president's appearance disappeared during the degree conferral, as those students remained seated.
A man tried to shout down the president and was escorted from the center, just as the president joked that honorary degrees are "pretty hard to come by. So far I'm only one for two as president" (a refererence to Arizona State University's decision to not give him an honorary degree). He also joked again about his willingness to join the Bookstore basketball team named after him. "Next year, if you need a 6'2" forward with a decent jumper, you know where I live."
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The third interruption, again from the seats near the press box where parents and guests were seated, came, somewhat ironically, as Obama was saying, "Your generation must find a way to reconcile our ever-shrinking world with its ever-growing diversity: diversity of thought, of culture, and of belief. In short, we must find a way to live together as one human family."
His speech closed with a story--on this, the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education--about the Civil Rights Commission, which included former ND president Father Ted Hesburgh (who received almost as much applause as Obama). As the story goes, the group had difficulty finding a hotel or restaurant that would serve the black and white members of the commission together. So Father Ted flew the group to the university's retreat house in Wisconsin, where they hammered out what would eventually become the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
"Years later, President Eisenhower asked Father Ted how on Earth he was able to broker an agreement between men of such different backgrounds and beliefs," Obama said. "And Father Ted simply said that during their first dinner in Wisconsin , they discovered that they were all fishermen. And so he quickly readied a boat for a twilight trip out on the lake. They fished, and they talked, and they changed the course of history."
Obama implored the graduates to remember that lesson. "Remember that in the end, in some way we are all fisherman," he said. "If nothing else, that knowledge should give us faith that through our collective labor, and God’s providence, and our willingness to shoulder each other’s burdens, America will continue on its precious journey towards that more perfect union."
Actions are substantive and
Actions are substantive and lasting. Words are ephemeral and fleeting.
There has always been and continues to be a contradiction between Obama's words and actions.
Everyone is so mesmerized by his words, that they miss the actions.
He says he wants to reduce abortion, yet voted against a law requiring medical treatment for babies "accidentally" born alive during abortion procedures. These babies were being thrown in the garbage or left alone in utility rooms to die.
When it comes to being
When it comes to being PROLIFE, please think outside the BABY box!
This part of Obama's speech is meant for the three Bishops of Louisiana:
Archbishop Alfred Hughes - New Orleans, LA
Bishop Glen Provost - Lake Charles, LA
Bishop Sam Jacobs - Houma-Thibodaux, LA
"They worked for two years, and at times, President Eisenhower had to intervene personally since no hotel or restaurant in the South would serve the black and white members of the commission together. Finally, when they reached an impasse in Louisiana, Father Ted flew them all to Notre Dame's retreat in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin, where they eventually overcame their differences and hammered out a final deal."
Not much has changed in Louisiana with regard to Capital Punishment:
National Conference of Catholic Bishops
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20005
January 26, 1977
Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin
Capital punishment involves profound legal and political questions; it also touches upon important moral and religious concerns. In 1974, the United States Catholic Conference declared its opposition to the reinstitution of capital punishment. Since that time a number of individual bishops, State Catholic Conferences and other Catholic organizations have actively opposed the death penalty. Many have expressed the view that in this day of increasing violence and disregard for human life, a return to the use of capital punishment can only lead to further erosion of respect for life and to the increased brutalization of our society.
At the same time, crime in our society cannot be ignored; criminals must be brought to justice. Concern for human life also requires reaffirmation of the belief that violent crime is a most serious matter. It calls for seeking effective ways to prevent crime, insuring swift and certain punishment for its perpetrators, the reform of the criminal justice system, and steps to eliminate the complex causes of crime in our society.
I do not challenge society's right to punish the capital offender, but I would ask all to examine the question of whether there are other and better approaches to protecting our people from violent crimes than resorting to executions. In particular I ask those who advocate the use of capital punishment to reflect prayerfully upon all the moral dimensions of the issue. It is not so much a matter of whether an argument can be advanced in favor of the death penalty; such arguments have already been forcefully made by many people of evident good will, although others find them less than convincing. But the more pertinent question at this time in our history is what course of action best fosters that respect for life, all human life, in a society such as ours in which such respect is so sadly lacking. In my view, more destruction of human life is not what America needs in 1977.
The Catholic bishops of the United States have manifested deep commitment to the intrinsic value and sacredness of human life. This has led to our strong efforts on behalf of the unborn, the old, the sick and victims of injustice, as well as efforts to enhance respect for human rights. While there are significant differences in these issues, all of them touch directly upon the value of human life which our faith teaches us is never beyond redemption. It is for this reason that I hope our leaders will seek methods of dealing with crime that are more consistent with the vision of respect for life and the Gospel message of God's healing love.
The death penalty, with its
The death penalty, with its legal costs, is more expensive than life in prisonterms. Many in prison presently for lesser crimes would better benefit from community service requirements and rehabilitation counseling. Our prison system very much calls for reform.
From what I understand the
From what I understand the only reason he voted against this bill is because there already was a federal bill in place.
Yes, he did cast that vote,
Yes, he did cast that vote, but for other reasons, and because he was thoroughly convinced that extant law already protected children so born. Obama fully addrerssed the matter during his campaign. Please check this out. If a thing seems too horrible to believe, it is.
First off, we should
First off, we should recognize Obama is a politician. He refined his skills in Chicago, where politics is very, very important. Therefore, to change his positions, you must present viable political solutions.
We should continue to pray for an end to abortion, but those who challenge Obama politically may have the best success in helping to end abortion.
> Actions are substantive and
> Actions are substantive and lasting.
> Words are ephemeral and fleeting.
Fair point. Obama's rhetoric is often bold and inspiring. His actions, thus far, have been surprisingly timid.
Obama suggested in his speech
Obama suggested in his speech that all sides in an issue come to gether with open minds and hearts. The anti-abortion folks seem to have neither. We can all come together if we can discuss, respectafully, pro-life issues. In my mind and heart being pro-life is so much more than being anti-abortion as horible as abortion is. I applaud Obama's thrust on reducing abortions by addressing the situations women who seek abortions find them selves. This issue I would hope opens the door to true christian dialogue.
Actions are substantive and
Actions are substantive and lasting. Words are ephemeral and fleeting.
There has always been and continues to be a contradiction between Obama's words and actions.
Everyone is so mesmerized by his words, that they miss the actions.
He says he wants to reduce abortion, yet voted against a law requiring medical treatment for babies "accidentally" born alive during abortion procedures. These babies were being thrown in the garbage or left alone in utility rooms to die.
Obama is very slick at
Obama is very slick at equivocation: those who seek to protect human life are no better than those who seek to relieve suffering by taking a human life.
Since Jenkins is so hot to "dialogue" with those with whom he disagrees, why not invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the Notre Dame campus to express his views on the annhilation of Israel?
"Since Jenkins is so hot to
"Since Jenkins is so hot to "dialogue" with those with whom he disagrees, why not invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the Notre Dame campus to express his views on the annhilation of Israel?" Dwight askes somewhat ironically. Simply because the presupposition are - "good faith", love and the recognition/acknowledgement of self in other. Perhaps you missed that Dwight.
Obama is very slick at
Obama is very slick at equivocation: those who seek to protect human life are no better than those who seek to relieve suffering by taking a human life.
Since Jenkins is so hot to "dialogue" with those with whom he disagrees, why not invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the Notre Dame campus to express his views on the annihilation of Israel?
How refreshing it was to hear
How refreshing it was to hear the sane voices of Father Jenkins and President Obama calling for respect and dialogue. What a contrast to the self righteous arrogance of so many in the so called pro life movement. Notre Dame University is to be congratulated for having a voice of reason throughout the controversy surrounding this graduation event.
As a father of a teen, I
As a father of a teen, I understand that at times. I need to ground my son for poor behavior -- either that or take something --like facebook or his cell phone away for his poor behavior. I talk calmly to him, explain his poor choice in actions, and tell him his consequences. This is a beginging and a continuation of a dialogue.
If my son is a 6'2" forward who has just been elected president, neither of those facts change the third fact that he has made poor choices in his actions and needs consequences so that he can reconsider his actions.
Mr. Obama really has seen that the Catholic Church in america is divided between those who believe ALL of Jesus's and his Church's teachings and live them and those others who use their intellect to excuse themselves fro mamking tough decisions and compromise themselves and their faith.
This is by far the best
This is by far the best article on this very important and somewhat controversial event. After watching the entire graduation online, I feel Heidi Schlumpf characterizes the message and the tone of both President Obama and Fr. Jenkin's words. Never before have I been so proud to be a graduate of Notre Dame, a thoroughly CATHOLIC institution which modeled for all of us today what it means to engage with those we disagree without sacrificing our core values. Also, never before have I been so proud to be an American (though I still shy away from singing the song), and so proud of a political figure (the President nonetheless) engaging a third rail issue such as abortion with such directness and thoughtfulness. While I still disagree with his conclusions regarding abortion rights, I can say with all honesty that I respect him and have great hope that the common ground he referred to in his address can be reached.
This event was an incarnation of what Vatican II called for in such complex debates: "Unity in essentials, Diversity in non-essentials, and in all things charity"
I believe those who were
I believe those who were getting arrested and actively standing up for the not yet born in South Bend would probably agree with you: "Unity in essentials, Diversity in non-essentials, and in all things charity". The "essential" is life. The ways we achieve that end, the various approaches (e.g., "non-essentials") will be diverse. And in all things, "love". We love the sinner, but we hate the sin.
Thank you, President Jenkins,
Thank you, President Jenkins, for allowing the students at Notre Dame to have the privilege, once again, to have the President of the United States speak to the graduates. What an honor for the students! You recognized the importance of dialogue and President Obama is willing to listen to people who differ in opinion. That is what we need if peace is ever to happen between nations and within nations -- honest dialogue! Even people who differ with one another can be united through dialogue for we are all God's children -- loved equally by our God - even in our diversity.
Obama was more Christian in
Obama was more Christian in his approach to being open to those who don't share the same opinion, than the Bishops are. Fr Jenkins in his speech showed us how truly Catholic Notre Damne is. What a wonderful lesson in Catholic Christian theology we have seen played out at the graduation.
Catholics who chose to have
Catholics who chose to have abortions sin mortally. Catholics who support someone else getting an abortion sin mortally. Norte Dame honored a pro-choice politician -- yes the first African-American president and a popular one at that but still pro-choice -- they honored him -- was that a mortal sin? Father Jenkins will find out!
I was very proud of the way
I was very proud of the way Fr. Jenkins introduced the President. He is truly a man of courage and honor. He showed his Catholic Christian beliefs in dialouge with those with whom we disagree in cetain areas with the utmost charity. The same can not be said of many of the protesters who do not know how to disagree with christian charity and human respect. President Obama was gracious even to the protesters. He was not affraid to take on the serious issues and called for all people to discuss the issues with honest and repect for their beliefs. I was proud of Notre Dame and the President Obama.
Though not an alumnus, I am
Though not an alumnus, I am proud of Notre Dame Univeristy today; I am proud of its President and of your President. The defining characteristic of Christ and His coming, after His reconciliation of creation with the Father, is the directive of I Corintians 13- "If I have all the eloquence of men and of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing.If I have the gift of prophesy, understanding all the mysteries there are...and if I have faith ...to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all....In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love." Obama and the university President came off with a resounding "both-and" today.
I read somewhere today, I think it was the BBC world news, that the fundamentalist right, could be thoroughly embarrased if Notre Dame and the President of the US exhibited calm and conciliation. He did, they did, and more, they were Christian in the best sense. The pre, during and post commentary on CNN with a Jesuit of stature and a representative of the rightist Christian media simultainously reinforced these perspectives - the priest with respect and reason grounded in faith and reality; the "rightist", pugalistic rather than Christian, radical rather than reasoned, theatrical rather than profound remained unyielding in his self rightious indignation and comdemnation in the face of the Christ-like interface of a rightfully proud Roman Catholic University and a good, decent, brilliant young President of the United States. You are indeed fortunate.
I learned recently that I am to become a grandfather. This morning at mass, I incessantly uttered, in silence: "thank you Jesus; thank you Jesus...". If my daughter told me that she was to have an abortion (for any number of possible reasons) I would try to convince her not to, I would offer to take the child and raise him/her myself. If she persisted I would still love her; I would not reject her; I would never seek to have her criminalized...and I would seek to ensure her decision was "executed" in as save a manner as possible.
Let the dialogue
Let the dialogue begin.
Please note the various unkind characterizations used by anti-pro-lifers, even those who claim to be equally pro-life, like Richard McBrien. The esteemed theologian called the bishops "unwitting tools of the Republican Party" if they opposed President Obama's political performance at Notre Dame.
Others characterize pro-lifers as pugilistic, harsh, shrill voices from the cheap seats, as if incapable or undeserving of joining those willing to dialogue on stage.
Most, if not all, of the 79 bishops merely expressed opposition in a most civil manner, and for that they should not be mocked as "tools." Rather, they too should be cordially invited to continue the dialogue.
Let us HOPE that everyone who supported the President's visit join with those who were impressed with his message, by remaining open to dialogue. But it is important that the dialogue be civil, so let's exclude all those who engage in cheap name-calling, like those who call others "unwitting tools." Let's leave such cheap shot artists out of important discussion.
Let the dialogue continue.
Though not an alumnus, I am
Though not an alumnus, I am proud of Notre Dame Univeristy today; I am proud of its President and of your President. The defining characteristic of Christ and His coming, after His reconciliation of creation with the Father, is the directive of I Corintians 13- "If I have all the eloquence of men and of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing.If I have the gift of prophesy, understanding all the mysteries there are...and if I have faith ...to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all....In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love." Obama and the university President came off with a resounding "both-and" today.
I read somewhere today, I think it was the BBC world news, that the fundamentalist right, could be thoroughly embarrased if Notre Dame and the President of the US exhibited calm and conciliation. He did, they did, and more, they were Christian in the best sense. The pre, during and post commentary on CNN with a Jesuit of stature and a representative of the rightist Christian media simultainously reinforced these perspectives - the priest with respect and reason grounded in faith and reality; the "rightist", pugalistic rather than Christian, radical rather than reasoned, theatrical rather than profound remained unyielding in his self rightious indignation and comdemnation in the face of the Christ-like interface of a rightfully proud Roman Catholic University and a good, decent, brilliant young President of the United States. You are indeed fortunate.
I learned recently that I am to become a grandfather. This morning at mass, I incessantly uttered, in silence: "thank you Jesus; thank you Jesus...". If my daughter told me that she was to have an abortion (for any number of possible reasons) I would try to convince her not to, I would offer to take the child and raise him/her myself. If she persisted I would still love her; I would not reject her; I would never seek to have her criminalized...and I would seek to ensure her decision was fulfilled in as save a manner as possible.
I listened to President
I listened to President Obama's speech in its entirety and was never more proud of being an American and a Catholic. I have come to the conclusion that the only thing that we can do is do what we believe to be right and allow those who dissent the right to protest in whatever way they choose. I do like what they say or the way they say it but they do have the right to speak as do I.
I am more than willing to give this President the time he needs to carry out his policies. At the of his first term we can evaluate him on the "hot button" issue of abortion and on all the less sensitive issues. That's the only fair way to appoach this situation in the church and in society.
John Manahan
The President's statement of
The President's statement of purpose, respect and hope was far more Christian than the noise and vituperative comments by the local and hierachical community. We might well remember that Christianity is effected with words and sounds as well as by actions.
The President's statement of
The President's statement of purpose, respect and hope was far more Christian than the noise and vituperative comments by the local and hierachical community. We might well remember that Christianity is effected with words and sounds as well as by actions.
I think the strident voices
I think the strident voices we have heard from so much these last few months had a lot to learn from the civility that was evident at Notre Dame University today. I pray they were open to the lessons. Personally, I feel the group that should take those lessons to heart the most are those among the bishops of the United States who were so quick in their personal attacks of President Barack Obama which, quite honestly, an embarrrassment to me.
I especially agree with Ruth Kolpack's remarks:
"Thank you, President Jenkins, for allowing the students at Notre Dame to have the privilege, once again, to have the President of the United States speak to the graduates. What an honor for the students! You recognized the importance of dialogue and President Obama is willing to listen to people who differ in opinion. That is what we need if peace is ever to happen between nations and within nations -- honest dialogue! Even people who differ with one another can be united through dialogue for we are all God's children -- loved equally by our God - even in our diversity."
Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Sister, The Bishops words and
Sister,
The Bishops words and directions for honoring pro-chioce politicians we well thought out and discussed. Father Jenkins understood the Bishops directions very well but perhaps forgot the 'obedience' part of his vow.
I have read many letters from the Bishops to Father Jenkinsand they were to the point, polite and diplomatic such as one writes to an erring brother.
I have to wonder if you are a female religious of a Catholic order or a female religious of the Obama Order?
Professor Glendon recognized that a commencement speech is not a forum for dialogue but of honoring the commencement speeker and the graduates.
I agree with Sister. I agree
I agree with Sister.
I agree with John M.
The Bishops have put all their efforts into ONE issue only, as I hear folks in the midwest and southwest tell it. These adults are saying their children hear this, too. And, they are tuning out the Bishops! They hear it, but don't hear it. Their is so much insistence on only this ONE issue, it's not getting through, anymore, if it ever really did!
It seems to me that none of
It seems to me that none of the above really want to dialogue. You just want to state your views thinking that everyone should think and see things as you do. The issue of abortion is truly a private one and if all the laws of the country were to criminalize it, abortions would still take place. Pro-lifers of which I am one, think that because a certain political party esposes anti abortion that fewer abortions accur. Please tell me how the Bush administration reduced abortions and do not be emotional about this but statistical. I have seen more women of means(I am a nurse) have abortions than women who cannot afford them. I have seen more women who think it is an inconvenience have abortions than the poor of this world. The moral issue is not wether or not it is not legal, but whether or not the individual is willing to bear the inconvenience of sexual pleasure with the possibility of getting pregnant. You be the judge. But please, let us talk about this as tho Jesus was in our midst because I hope we will all be brother and sisters together striving to truly find the truth.
I was proud to be an american
I was proud to be an american catholic today. Fr Jenkins and Barack Obama are truly great leaders. I have hope for the future of the church and the country.
Was hearing the speech worth
Was hearing the speech worth the division that has been caused by Notre Dame's scandalous invitation? I do not blame President Obama. I think that time will tell. Happy Easter! Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Too Many mentions on this
Too Many mentions on this blog and others by the anti-Obama crowd almost using the same words [talking points?] 'Obama words can't be trusted' Obama is slick'
"words are not actions'
Who are they fooling?
They believed the Republican lies about being pro-Life for 38 years. The USA has 5 Catholic Republican appointed Supreme court justices who don't even talk a pro-life game.. Basta Basta
The article is very well
The article is very well written and I am glad for Notre Dame to carry on in spite of the protests. Let us pray for peace and dialouge. Thank you for all you are doing to promote truth in charity.
What has happened to our
What has happened to our sense of "obedience" to the Shepherd's of the flock?The Pope and our Bishop's have informed us and Notre Dame's president that this invitation and honorary degree to Mr. Obama is out of line and should not be given.
Our Church is not guided as a democracy with free thinkers getting their own way and making up the rules as they go. There is much to say about God working through humble obedience...leaving the arrogance aside.
Yes, it is not a democracy.
Yes, it is not a democracy. But that does not mean that there can't be other opinions amoung the faithful. Anyone who has an basic history of The Church knows that our leaders were often wrong and their being wrong has caused much suffering. The church you seem to be suggesting is a cult. I don't think that is what Christ had in mind.
What an exciting day for ND
What an exciting day for ND and thinking Catholics! and what a wonderful introduction by Father Jenkins! Thank God that he had the moral strength of character to stand up to these right wing and self-righteous bishops and their blind sheep who protested the President's invitation to speak at ND. I am a believer in Vatican II and am saddened at the movement of the conservative one-issue Catholics in this country!
The President was so eloquent in speaking truthfully and openly. I CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HIM DAILY!He is truly a God-send and a great statesman.
I sing praise for academic freedom of expression and freedom of conscience
which we witnessed at ND today!
Oh La-de-da...How eloquent is
Oh La-de-da...How eloquent is it that 4,000 American babies will get slaughtered today? Or shan't we think on that this fine spring morning?
As a Latino-Hispano man I
As a Latino-Hispano man I want to Congratulate President Obama and President Jenkins of the University of Notre Dame. I admire the students and faculty which supported the visit of President Obama. THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT". Also is a shame to see those white bishops and Hypocritical inferior and sick Catholics to protest such a great visit of President Obama. They are always the less in numbers towards the Holy Future. The Holy Future belongs to Obama and the President of Notre Dame , and all those students that show us the way to surpass prejudice and diffences. I bet you as a latino-hispano man that I am, that non of those bishops or "morones Catolicos "who protested Obama's visitation and degree would do a Charity for any black or latino child. They just want to show how stupid and weak they are when it comes to see a Black President of the United States of America. VIVA OBAMA!
Obama said, "the NEED for
Obama said, "the NEED for abortions should be reduced." That is like saying the need for child abuse should be reduced. There is no need for either abortions or for child abuse.4
I recorded the Notre Dame
I recorded the Notre Dame grad because I had to accompany the music for a Catholic Mass and, therefore, was unable to see the live presentation from CNN. I am so glad that I recorded it. It was a grace-filled experience. BTW, did Obama ever say anywhere that he is FOR abortion? My understanding is that he personally does not favor the practice, but understands that there are people who do and The President does not wish to condemn them. He has to be President for ALL the people.
I would like to see right-wing Catholic conservatives broaden their protection of life. Taking the life of a fetus is wrong. But life continues after birth. I do not care if 74 bishops say that taking lives by means of the death penalty or war is all right. Did it ever occur to Raymond Arroyo (EWTN) that bishops can be wrong? Doesn't anyone THINK anymore? Has the Catholic religion been distilled down to rules and regulations? Fr. James Martin, SJ, (America Magazine) was much more balanced and compassionate when he and Arroyo appeared on CNN during the ND Grad today.
It is heartening to see the high quality of graduates at Notre Dame. Perhaps there is hope!
From the NYTimes piece on the
From the NYTimes piece on the speech...
With mortarboard in hand, graduating senior Robert Kessler, 22, wandered among the protesters and shook his head.
“Some of these pictures are grotesque, and I don’t want them to be part of my graduation,” said Mr. Kessler, an Obama supporter. “If these groups wanted to make a difference, they could have better used their money on homes for unwed mothers.”
Want to help make that difference?
http://www.marillac place.ca
How times have changed. None
How times have changed. None of us who protested either Pres. George H.W. Bush's May 17, 1992 or President George W. Bush's May 20, 2001 commencement addresses at Notre Dame were ever as violent, tasteless and downright disrespectful as those who protested President Barack Obama on May 17, 2009. The big difference here is the direct involvement and "leadership" of the American bishops. An improvement? I think not. The proof is on You Tube!
C. McKee, (M.A. Theology)
ND '80
Rightfully protest against
Rightfully protest against war....and those who promulgate it. Innocent lives are lost.
But also protest against abortion....and those who promulgate it. MANY. MANY more lives have been lost.
I thought President Obama's
I thought President Obama's speech was inspiring. He dealt with the topic honestly and with humility. I appreciate Fr. Jenkins who invited his university in dialogue with other viewpoints. I respect the anti-abortion people who stood by their convictions. However, what I rejoice in is the fact that this event embolded many Catholics that were silent to speak their minds and to expose our hierarchy's partisan positions. The fact that our hierarchy is always willing to object to Democratic politicians but look the other way when it comes to Republicans, was exposed and will not be forgotten.
Proud of the ND
Proud of the ND students.
Notre Dane should first and foremost be proud of the Class of '09 who acted like the grown-ups in this whole thing more than their elders. Well done, grads, and congratulations.
I am catholic, pro-life and a
I am catholic, pro-life and a life long democrat.
But I am deeply saddened by most of these comments.
It seems to me the attitude of the most of the comments against the anti-abortion protestors and bishops are as vituperative and mean-spirited as the attitudes against which they are commenting.
Today, I feel proud to be a
Today, I feel proud to be a Catholic and an America, neither of which has been constistly true for me over the past decades. The president challenged America and the Church to open to a wider vision of life, not the narrow tunnel which focuses on life before birth, as important as that is, but one that embraces all humanity, that says that life in a cell on death row is just as precious as life in the womb, and that realizes that, whether abortion comes about through the actions of a medical professional and through the actions of those bombing the civilians of Iraq, the death of children is at stake.
The Church's narrow focus has made its words more and more irrelevant, not just to the nation as a whole but to Catholics committed to bringing Jesus' vision and, even more, Jesus world to reality. The president pointed to the Golden Rule as common to all people--we not only wish others to treat us as we would want to be treated, we also do not do to another what we would not want done to ourselves. None of us wish to be dismissed from debate if our view is unpopular in a particular community--the Catholic Church, however, has dismissed those who support embryonic stem cell research, those who protect a woman' right to her own body, and those who demand equal treatment of women is the power structures of the Church itself. Such hypocrisy makes the Church's message, even when legitimate, needed, and vital, seem like another piece of dogmatic persiflage thrust on complaint lambs afraid of the voices of their own consciences.
We have a president will to lead toward greater respect for life. Will the Church continue to be a force of opposition to honestly dealing with all life issues or will it join groups like the fundamentalist sects of the LDS, marginal and insignificant in the true dialogue of humanity?
I thought Obama's speech was
I thought Obama's speech was well thought out and reasonable. Now, about those anti-abortion bishops who said we were "at war:" How many of them were there? How many bishops and cardinals were at the demonstrations, in the picket lines, how many were arrested? Or - did the bishops get the front line troops all stirred up for action while they stayed back at the mansions and watched it unfold on TV?
AS I QUICKLY WENT OVER THE
AS I QUICKLY WENT OVER THE READER'S COMMENTS, THERE IS VERY LITTLE COMMENT THAT PRO-LIFE MEANS A-L-L LIFE. I ADMIRE PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR HIS STRONG SENTIMENTS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY. THANK YOU ANONYMOUS AND ANONYMOUS FOR MENTIONING THIS FACT. I AM AGAINST ABORTION AND ALSO BELIEVE IN THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH - CATHOLIC. IT IS SAD TO SEE THAT THE OPPOSERS TO PRES. OBAMA'S SPEECH ARE SO ALIGNED WITH POLITICAL PARTY AGENDAS AND SO FAR AWAY FROM REALLY PUTTING INTO PRACTICE THE GOOD NEWS THAT JESUS BROUGHT US! GOD LOVES US ALL OF US!
When John Kennedy was
When John Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency in 1959, he spoke to a
group of southern ministers who feared that, as a Catholic president, he would
be taking his "marching orders" from the Vatican. Kennedy assured them that as
a Catholic he would always respect the teaching of his Church, but as President of the United States, his Church would never dictate his responsibilities to all U.S. citizens.
President Obama candidly demonstrated on Sunday at Notre Dame University that while, as a Christian who respects the Catholic faith and understands its pro-life position and welcomes discussion on the issue, as president of all the people,he will uphold the law of the land so long as it reflects the will of
the majority.
How sad that the Vatican will not allow any discussion by its own bishops on non-doctrinal matters such as mandatory celibacy or women's ordination and annulment versus conscience in a doctrinal matter such as divorce.
Comments made here refer to
Comments made here refer to actions rather than words. I live in South Bend and for one month we have been accosted by actions, public violations of the law ... and bragging about it, pictures plastered all over vans and trucks that displayed nothing but total disrespect for the life of the unborn, rallies where one prominent speaker expressed her hope that Obama's plane would run out of gas and crash before he landed in South Bend. Are these the actions of which these people speak? I fail to see or hear the message of the one we claim to follow, the one who called us to "Love one another as I have loved you." I saw and heard that from both Father Jenkins and President Obama on Sunday. If we could only heed his words to have "open minds and open hearts." Is that too much to ask for in 2009? is it too much to ask some people to accept the fact that they lost the election and allow the President to be just that.
The most eloquent speakers at
The most eloquent speakers at the Notre Dame commencement were not Fr. Jenkins or President Obama, they were the babies that cried for most of President Obama's speech. These babies in the most moving and eloquent way gave voices to their comrades who cannot enter into the politics of "common ground" because their voices have been silenced by the politics of stupidity and immorality that led their mother's to choose to abort them, that is kill them. There are no laws, though, that name this killing the crime of murder. I would have been happier to have heard Fr. Jenkins declare, which he did not, "Let's give everyone a voice at the table called "common ground."
For all of you who thought
For all of you who thought Obama's speech was so eloquent..
that does not change the fact that 4,000 Americans will be slaughtered today through abortion.
I, too, think that Sunday was
I, too, think that Sunday was a good day at Notre Dame. But pride in the institution seems to me a bit misplaced. For surely there is some merit to the argument that Catholic universities ought not to confer honorary degrees on people whose actions so clearly violate teachings of the Church. Rather than pride in Notre Dame, my reaction is one of gratitude that, from the flawed strivings of conscientious and good willed people, God can bring enormous good. The good in this case, it seems to me, is a way beyond a stalemate—a way marked by mutual respect and guided by the hope of friendship. On this mark, I think it worth highlighting some words that Judge Noonan offered after his reception of the Laetare Medal:
“That’s the rub when your moral vision is clear and the other fellow’s is cloudy. You become impatient, the more frustrated if the other fellow is a friend – an old friend or a potential friend. Why can’t he or she see it? To satisfy that frustration by shunning or denouncing your unseeing companion will accomplish little beyond expressing your own exasperation.
Help your cause by hurting your friends? No. What does work is prayer, patience, empathy, and the love that encircles the other person, a fellow creature attempting to do what he or she sees as right.”
Hopefully Father Jenkins',
Hopefully Father Jenkins', President Obama's and Judge Noonan's speeches will get us and keep us talking, praying and acting in responsible and Christ-like ways...not condemning, shouting or accusing...that has proven to get us no where.
Please; if I can bring all of
Please; if I can bring all of this into the simple debate that originally was about Fr J and the Catholic church -
1. Fr J wanted to have the president speak and to be lauded by ND
2. Fr J's immediate "boss",the local bishop, disapproved once he was apprised
That is the contention that MUST be resolved even though the event is past.
Two people, in their remediation process, must come to know the absolute for a possible situation like ours in the future of our Catholic Church and Catholic Universities
The bishop and Fr J, "boss" and "subordinate", must resolve the crux of this.
Extraneous to this basic debacle are the pronouncements of the president and the percentage of opining voices on either side of the debate, because the Roman Catholic Church is the ultimate authority in this.
Authority for the invitation selection must be defined.
Our Catholic Church should be able to embrace its namesakes or relieve them from their church responsibilities.
I hope we can keep ND after this has been amended.
Education is the issue where
Education is the issue where all caring Americans should be pro-choice, because this is where we care for children after they are born. How can anyone call himself pro-choice when it comes to allowing mothers to abort their children, but against choice when it comes to helping parents educate their children?
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