Notre Dame Protester's Shouts Included In Official White House Speech Transcript

President Obama told Americans that he would be pushing for more transparency in government. Today his administration really took on that call by including a protester's shout in the official transcript of the President's Notre Dame speech. The transcript was emailed to the press after the speech.

In the run up to the speech, news reports highlighted protests by anti-abortion activists who disapproved of the Catholic university's invitation to the pro-choice Obama. While the numbers of protests were small compared to the attention they received, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs noted on Friday that the President would acknowledge the controversy in his speech. The President did so by calling for common ground on the issue of abortion. He also asked that people "do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature."

For the White House to acknowledge a protester in an official transcript really highlights the controversy, giving a heckler, temporarily, the same volume as the President. On the flip side, the reaction to the heckler was also included in the emailed transcript. The chorus of "Yes, we can!" and "We Are ND!" carried forth the stronger message that the President received a huge, warm welcome from the student body. Perhaps, by showing the reaction of many to one protester, the White House was able to show how much smaller the group of dissenters was compared to those who were open and excited to listen to the President.

See the partial transcript below:

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release May 17, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana

3:06 P.M. EDT

(this is excerpted from below the third paragraph in the speech)

THE PRESIDENT: I also want to congratulate the Class of 2009 for all your accomplishments. And since this is Notre Dame --

Story continues below

advertisement

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Abortion is murder! Stop killing children!

AUDIENCE: Booo!

THE PRESIDENT: That's all right. And since --

AUDIENCE: We are ND! We are ND!

AUDIENCE: Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

THE PRESIDENT: We're fine, everybody. We're following Brennan's adage that we don't do things easily. (Laughter.) We're not going to shy away from things that are uncomfortable sometimes. (Applause.)

Comments

[Manuel Fernandez-Cabrero]

It is sad to read how ignorance and fanatism has taken over faith and integrity. I will keep to my core beliefs till the end. However, I am afraid we will all pay for this madman's and his croonies poor decisions in the short run. My faith will never allow me to digress from what I know is right regardless of my own self interest. I do it because I know what is best for my family. We will live to see the end of this culture of death and deceit.

[DeloresT]

I can remember when women and girls used coat hangers and went to unliscenced people to get abortions. Some of them died along with the baby. I don't want to see a return to that. But in the old days women didn't have the 'day after pills' or all of the types of anti-pregnancy options available now......I don't know why anyone (except in the instance rape) should require an abortion. Nevertheless, if men had to choose between having a kid or an abortion, there wouldn't be any babies being born.

[Vurz]

I remember those things too. And I never want us as a country to go back to that.

One of the main problems is that we don't really inform people that those options are out there. Our sexual education has been being run by people that think that vaccinating your daughter against Cervical cancer is wrong because that gives her permission to have sex, so it's no wonder that information is spotty at best.

The places with the most information are usually being picketed by anti-abortion folks, so it's no wonder that many people pass them by.

[jujchicago]

Okay, well the first thing to remember is that it is not a vaccine against Cervical Cancer, but rather a vaccine against a virus that can cause it. There is a big difference, and while I think each family should make their own choice in the matter, it is irresponsible to market it as a cure against Cervical Cancer (as the commercial's do).

Talk about information being spotty.

[bejou]

Congress should pass a law that every second conception be aborted. This would help the environment and eliminate the necessity of war to keep population controlled. I am very serious.

[fredisfred]

Mandatory abortion? No way, no how.

[bobbyperu]

Every sperm is sacred.
Every sperm is great.
If a sperm is wasted,
God gets quite irate.

[Newthron]

I'm just checking. . .well, I like that.

[Aja321]

I do not believe anyone is Pro-Abortion..people are either Pro-life or Pro-Choice..I myself as a woman am pro-choice..People are fighting for their rights to choose what they want to do. If you don't agree with abortion for whatever reason, then don't do it. If you say for religious reasons, then that's your reason, not mine. In a country of freedom of religion, pursuit of happiness and so forth, i should not have to have your religiousness stuff down my throat about what you think is right for me. Life begins when you yourself feel that it does. If a woman has an abortion then that is her cross to bear not anyone else.
I'm no history buff or government buff, but isn't there something stating separation from Church & State or Church & Law.

[NonLeftist]

"Life begins when you yourself feel that it does." Hmmm. Interesting comment. Life for me began at about 25. I also think that anyone over 35 has outlived their usefulness and should be aborted. Maybe we can put them into camps and harvest their organs as we see fit.

[t iessa]

LOL!!!

[bobbyperu]

I would be in favor of you being aborted today.

[scat]

I believe your statement is incorrect pro-life and pro-choice. Both terms are derivatives of the original arguement. Reproductive rights and abortion, which was roe vs wade.

Both terms are marketing phrases to make each stance more acceptable.

You are in fact really pro-abortion if you have bought into the marketing of pro-choice or anti-abortion if you are pro-life.

Simple fact, accept it.

[Roses]

Now you are the one who is incorrect, Everyone is prolife, iIf you aren't into necrophilia). No one is really pro-abortion (unless you are into sadism). The correct stances are pro-choice or anti-choice.

[Newthron]

The pro-life Christian conservatives. . .

Manipulated souls, among manipulators, living in a world of hypocrisy.
Let me make it clear: IF MEN COULD GET PREGNANT, WE WOULDN’T EVEN BE TALKING ABOUT THIS. I MEAN PERIOD.

But then, they are hammering us with the “stem cell life has already begun” argumentation. This is another intense blast of hypocrisy again. And it becomes painful to stand there, and listen to their pathetical outrage.

Again, I want to make my point sound loud and clear. MEN MASTURBATE AND WAIST BILLIONS OF SPERMATOZOID. LIFE. BUT HERE, THEY ARE STRANGELY SILENT ABOUT IT. SOOOO!!!! Why this isn’t one of their vigorous crusade.
The matriarchal Church, has an old agenda, regarding women. They fear her multiple gifts, seen as power. Therefore, they want to control the woman’s body from A to Z.

[Newthron]

I ment to write "WASTE BILLIONS." I can get carried away sometimes.

[zmjz01]

I'm a fan of Newthron and Aja321.

[NonLeftist]

Wow. I would consider therapy were I you. That guy who broke your heart freshman year really did a doozie on you. Life is way to short for your close-minded hate.

[fredisfred]

Oh yes, personal attacks are always the best way to win an argument.

[isadora]

Note the protesters that showed up as the commencement neared. Randall Terry, the former used car salesman who found a new vocation opposing birth control (see his anti vasectomy column in a Christian magazine) and posing in clerical vestments in Time magazine. Barney Frank is so right about this gang when he says that they believe that life begins with conception and ends with birth. I have gone nose-to-nose with such individuals and when one brings up serious issues involving children these simplistic ding dongs always seem to have the same reply: We can't use abortion to solve 'social problems' (their euphamism for something really bad happening, but not to them). Famous pro-life newsmakers include Charles Manson, the Christian child abusers named Dollar from central Florida (who abused eight ADOPTED children and were Christian home schoolers), the KKK killer who shot the three unarmed civil rights workers in the early '60's and was convincted many years later, and Susan Carpenter-McMillan who was the publicist for Right to Live for half of California for TEN YEARS who was later revealed to have had two abortions that she had kept secret. Look beneath the hype and much is viisble.

[Newthron]

It is true. I Like your comment.

[DudleysPa]

"Barney Frank is so right about this gang when he says that they believe that life begins with conception and ends with birth."

That, of course, is a little nonsensical. But, it does seem that the care for life some so vehemently express, simply evaporates once the fetus becomes someone else's wretched urchin that requires medical attention, education, etc, etc.

Most people I know personally are pro-choice and also seem to be a darn sight more pro-life than those we normally indentify with the latter term. I have one suggestion: Let's start calling the two sides "pro-choice" and "anti-choice". It's more accurate!

[Manuel Fernandez-Cabrero]

The episode at Notre Dame was nothing more than the most cowardly posturing by an educational facility who is looking for federal funding and national recognition. By doing so they have become the merchant of the temple who sacrificed their beliefs and disrespected Salomon's Temple to make a profit. Be it in loans or influence it is still wrong. The hierarchy of ND, although very ellocuent, showed the ignorance to what this man living in the White House really represents. Unfortunatelly they will live to regret honoring him and his work.

[Jesusismygrace]

The Catholic Church has other issues they need to worry about explaining to the Lord. You really need to read up on their history

[sheikwil4]

The only only that is ignorant is you and those stupid protestors, where were you all when the Priest were raping those boys, you sat back and said nothing, you low life cowards.

[bobbyperu]

Of course the catholics would be against ab0rtion. It limits the numbers of boys available for the priests to molest.

[Jazzier]

Right on! ND's hierachy and Obama are hypocrites! The ND introduction of Obama was taken out of a DNC talking points manual. Shamefully political.

And Obama as usual, played both sides -- when in fact, his past and present record proved that he is the most radical anti-life president we've ever had. According to him our differences are "irreconcilable" but let's keep talking about adoptions, counseling, etc. HUH? What's new....pro-life community have been doing that for years.

Next on the Obama agenda are abortions paid by taxpayers through the Obama universal health care plan.

ND proved that it is no different than any ultra-liberal school.

[C0Y0TE2]

Jesus is recorded THREE times as commanding Christians to "sell all that they own and give the money to the poor." Obviously a socialist doctrine which is rejected by most Christians, who intently focus BELOW THE BELT.

Modern Christianity is S E X - C R A Z E D !!!

There is not a single literal anti-a.bortion message in the Bible, but there R several that argue that kllling children, women, unbelievers and slaves is acceptable.

[Jazzier]

"sell all that they own and give the money to the poor".......this is exactly what the Catholic Church and its members have always done and continue doing HERE AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.......whereas the new Obama socialist government is focused on Obama and enriching himself and bigger government ONLY.

"Sex-crazed modern Christians"..??? Does that somehow exclude ALL of the 60s free-lovers who now share their ideas with their children.... the feminist movement that demanded sex freedom outside of marriage without responsibility..... secular beloved Hollywood producing movies encouraging more sex, free love and nudity.....the secular Left who pride themself in their open sexual prowess, but condemn others for their moral "choices" ........the ultra-liberal sex education in school from Kindergarten to passing out condoms in high school......or the Supremes calling porn "freedom of speech" and last but not least, Obama including PAID abortions in his universal health plan.

Who's S E X - C R A Z E D???

BTW, there is NO "single literal abortion message in the Constitution" either.......again proving this was a State right to be determined by the states only!

[timetosecede]

People who want to give microscopic cells the same rights and status as a human being are distorting the realities of biology to such a degree of ridiculousness that intelligent discourse is impossible!!

The ONLY way to drastically reduce abortions is BIRTH CONTROL, and the protesters are guilty of causing more women to seek termination by reducing access to the best means of preventing pregnancy in the first place!!!!

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, women had better keep their pregnancies a SECRET as long as possible.....since Mother Nature spontaneously ABORTS a large number of all pregnancies because of imperfections in the fetus, she might be accused of having an abortion & be subject to arrest and forced exam!!!

[petalpusher]

Back in the day before Roe V. Wade, many women who miscarried were subject to questioning when they arrived in the ER a total mess and having a miscarriage. They were often suspected of doing this to themselves with a coathanger or something.

What really amazes me is how so many of these people who are so against abortions are also against using the pill, claiming it is an abortaficient. The pill's primary function is to prevent ovulation. It also thins the uterine lining (which is why many women with endometriosis and such take it for medical reasons) which creates a hostile environment for a fertilized egg to implant. This- in their eyes is also considered an abortion. It's not. Many women pass fertilized eggs all the time, birth control pills or not. This is what happens when you get medical advice from religious fanatics rather than scientists or doctors.

[loki]

post 2

The more anxiety and uncertainty we feel, the more we adopt superstitious behavior and rituals to help shepherd us through. Dr. Martin Lindstrom who has spent the last 20 years using MRI, fMRIs and a plethora of scientific methods to identify and map how the brain, and humans react to marketing techniques and what works and what doesnt. Superstition and Religion both become a major factor in controlling peoples lives during unknown or fearful situation, and is long term factor in people who can not cope with live itself and need something , anything, to make them believe that there is someone or something in control. If people believe that God, or a magic trinket will protect them and see after their well being,then they find comfort in those superstitions and believe so strongly in them they will viscountcy support them. Basically, there is no difference between someone who strongly believes in God, and someone who strongly believes in a magic stone. If the belief is strong, it will be a controlling factor in all aspects of their live. The biggest difference is the magic stone doesnt have 2000 of marketing and promotions to draw in millions of people world wide.
and another fact is that people feel secure and comfort in belonging to a group. So superstition and group security makes Churches very powerful

[biglover]

I have been around long enough to remember when abortion was illegal and women were resorting to having some quack stick coat hangers up into their uterus to end the pregnancy. It was not a nice time

[loki]

Read an interesting quote that really puts things into some perspective.
" The sense of having special powers buoys people into threatening situations, and helps soothe everyday fears and ward off mental distress" newyork times : Benedict Carey.

more in post 2

[arpaul]

"Rush" had a caller this afternoon who identified himself as a not-so-proud parent of a member of Notre Dame's class of '09. He said he and many in attendance staged what he called a "silent protest" by not applauding.

Hey, that's my kind of protest: you drink the punch, eat the cookies, but don't clap! I guess it would have been a real imposition to speak your piece and/or speak it outside.

For my generation, our aim was to stand up and be counted. This parent decided to sit down and not be counted. He displayed the cowardice of his convictions.

[Manuel Fernandez-Cabrero]

Silence is no dissent! He who chooses to stay quiet after someone else speaks against his core of beliefs is either agreeing with the speaker or in the least a coward. Maybe secretary Elder was right abouit most of us americans.

[swan1]

Obama in NOT FOR ABORTION he is for CHOICE. Why can't people grasp this distiction? I don't drink but I believe people have the right to. BTW why don't people protest what causes pregnancy? I have never seen CHRISTIANS boyott hotels and motels.

[loki]

because its not the message that the RNC is pushing to promote hate in America.

[Manuel Fernandez-Cabrero]

For true catholics and christians there is no choice. The fact that the alternative to life is death and in the case of abortion, murder, is not acceptable to our beliefs. So, you can't HONESTLY be straddling the fence like Mr. Obama wants. You either condone murder or choose life. Which even he admits are irreconcilable differences.
I disgustingly heard the whole speach from the recent occupant of the White House. To me it was nothing new, simply another example of let's say what they want to hear to keep them quiet. I am too old to fall for that swindle.
Being a history buff, after the ND entertainment I watched a documentary about the attempts to depose Hitler in Nazi Germany. It is amazing how hard it is to discern the difference between the raise to power from both men. Interresting...

[biglover]

You are off your rocker if you think in anyway Obama and Hitler's rise to power was even closely related.

[Jo]

Manuel, don't be so self-righteous with the concept of "honesty" when it is you who are being dishonest here. The real issue is when does a collection of cells become human life, i.e., when do the cells take on a soul? And that's solely a matter of religious faith. It cannot be proven empirically; indeed, it cannot be proven at all. There are a number of different beliefs as to when "life" begins: when sperm meets egg; at conception (and no that's not the same as sperm-meets-egg); when the fetus becomes viable (and that's a whole other debate, albeit one with some science behind it); at delivery when the fetus takes its first breath. None is any more right than the other because they are all based solely on faith. The citizens of this country are as diverse in matters of faith as in any other characteristic such as hair color, eye color, skin color, cultural background, IQ, sexual orientation, etc. The government of this country, including President Obama, represents all of its diverse citizens. The government of this country, including President Obama, is prohibited by our Constitution from imposing a set of religious beliefs on its citizens. And, Manuel, if you were being honest, you'd have to admit that "religious beliefs" include the the answer to when life begins.

[patrickhenrypress]

Leaving the problems when abortion was illegal aside...

So, Manuel. How do you feel about war? How about the death penalty? Why do so-called Christians seem so adamant about "life" when it isn't born, yet so blithely send sons and daughters to war. Would you, as a good Christian, become a police officer or a member of the armed forces, carry a sidearm and shoot your fellow man?

When the phony Christians march, get jailed and risk death to protest war and the implementation of the death penalty, you'll have some credibility. Until then, you're just a bunch of starry-eyed fanatics out to impose your misguided belief system on the rest of us.

[like a ginsu]

As a history buff you should be (but apparently are not) well aware of the game called "First Person to Mention Hitler Automatically Loses All Credibility"

[patrickmcdougal]

I am a Catholic, I voted for Obama, I am Pro-choice. One thing that confuses me is that the church is against test tube babies but they are against embryonic stem cell research. They believe that the only moral way to create human life is through intercourse, yet any of the byproduct left over from the practice of "test tube babies" must be treated the same as a human. This just seems full of crap. I don't know.

[petalpusher]

They're against test tube babies and stem cell research because both involve destroying embryos. (In IVF, many couples have unused embryos that later end up destroyed. Stem cell research just wants to use these embryos for research when they would have been destroyed anyway)


Though I am pro stem cell and pro choice and I disagree with the church's stance on these things and many others, I will concede that this particular view is at least consistent.

[petalpusher]

What I don't get is those who have no problem with using invitro, but say they are against stem cell research. That baffles me.

[Roses]

I believe any invitro is against the churches teaching as well. That's not to say individual Catholics don't use it......just like a majority of individual, American Catholics also use barrier methods and artiicial means of birth control.
The very large Catholic families are not with us anymore.

[elr50]

As a woman, I am very proud to be an EX Catholic.