Barack Obama's (and America's) Victory at Notre Dame
Barack Obama's graduation address at Notre Dame was a victory for the President and for the United States. From the moment he walked onto the platform, to when he was conferred the honorary doctorate, to during and after his speech, the applause for President Obama was overwhelming and continuous - apparently making up for the months of hype which gave much too much prime-time press to the most radical elements of anti-abortion movement.
At the announcement of Obama's address three months ago I guessed three interruptions of his speech, and I think I got it right. But those who did the interrupting were completely diminished by the spirit of reconciliation and respect exhibited by the President and the graduating class of Notre Dame. President Obama confirmed his approach which is sincerely aimed a creating a middle way for this most divisive of issues. In surrounding himself with both pro-life and pro-choice voices, the president is at least aware of the compelling arguments on both sides and he approaches them with respect. The President did not shy away from the difficult questions at hand but addressed them head on, reminding all of us (including Catholic voters) how fortunate we are as a nation.
The anti-abortion protesters who dominated the news running up to Notre Dame's graduation remind me of similar anti-abortion activists who came to Princeton University last year. They set up their massive photos of aborted fetus and began to scream invectives at students as they went to and from classes. This did not go over well. At one point the student president of the Princeton Pro-Life group went over to speak with them to tell them that their tactics were counter productive -- he was, in turn, called something akin to satanic.
While I am pro-choice, because I am at a University that values the free exchange of ideas and difference of views I have had the opportunity to have the anti-abortion position clearly laid out for me. This openness of debate has added to the subtlety of my thinking about the issue of abortion and made me more sympathetic to the passion exhibited by those on the other side. As President Obama said at Notre Dame, the pro-life movement is no longer filled with caricatures.
Ultimately, the biggest winner today was Notre Dame. I watched their entire graduation which showcased talented students, an exciting faculty, and the University President Rev. John l. Jenkins, C.S.C. whose speech equaled President Obama's and showed that he is encouraging an environment of academic and intellectual freedom rooted in a Catholic social conscience. Well done President Obama, well done Notre Dame, well done America.
Abortion clouds Obama's Notre Dame speech - USATODAY.com
Notre Dame's Obama invite outrages some Catholics - Faith & Reason
President Obama to deliver Notre Dame's Commencement address ...
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Abortion is a complex issue. It has been around for centuries and also happens spontaneously though our discussion focuses only on that invoked through human intervention. Even if it is politically banned, it won't go away but return to the dark alleys and seedy hotel rooms of the pre-Roe vs Wade era and where it is practiced in places where it is not legally sanctioned. Frankly, I think it has a purpose of forcing us to think differently about what we are and why we are here in this physical manifestation. The questions are when does life begin and what defines life? How does consciousness arise out of the mechanics?
Or do the 'mechanics' arise out of consciousness ?
Real Irish support Obama. Many Irish fight for Obama. Obama is a great Irishman.
BRAVO to Notre Dame
RULE 4: "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules." If the rule is that every letter gets a reply, send 30,000 letters. You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules. (This is a serious rule. The besieged entity's very credibility and reputation is at stake, because if activists catch it lying or not living up to its commitments, they can continue to chip away at the damage.)
RULES FOR RADICALS
First, thank you so much for this well-written article.
The ND speech gives me hope that while the nuts get the most press, the majority of us are reasonable, thoughtful people just trying to do the right thing.
And it seems to me, that contrasted with the President's grace, the nutters look even nuttier. Maybe all the media exposure in this case was not such a bad thing. President Obama certainly provides a welcome perspective.
This group is not "pro-life" -- they are anti-abortion. I don't know why they try to disguise that fact. Pro-life would suggest that they were against killing -- against war, against the death penalty, and as far as I understand it, there is no correlation (or maybe a negative one) between a person being anti-abortion and being pro-life.
The anti-abortion movement has gained the reputation of being full of crazy people because some of their members, certainly the most extreme, have bombed abortion clinics and tried to kill the patients and the workers, assassinated doctors who perform abortions, and assaulted and tried to ruin the lives of women who had abortions. So yes, that does qualify as crazy-acting folks. If the anti-abortion group does not want the reputation of being crazy, they should throw the crazies out.
The comment about "even Catholics" being able to accept Obama's speech sounds odd to my ears, raised Catholic, and friends with many. Not only do many Catholics support the right of women to make that decision for themselves, but I've actually known of priests who sanctioned women in having abortions (when the women was the carrier of some dreaded gene, and the fetus had a high risk of being born with this terrible disease). So as always, the Church and its members don't really see eye to eye on this, although most members keep their mouths shut because they don't want to be kicked out.
It's interesting how someone can be pro-life and pro-death simultaneously, isn't it?
There was another time in history when men decided they had the moral RIGHT to decide who was human. Who was equal to an animal and could be bought and sold. Elliminated if desired. I believe humanity prevailed in that battle too. People of color have their RIGHTFUL place because of the battle.
I have yet to hear the media report on the ovations given to President Obama. The coverage has focused on the protesters, few of which were actually students.
They rather sensationalize the few limited disruptions and focus on the wing-nuts. CNN's Fredricka whitfield did a good job pointing out how well the President was received. Suzanne Malveaux also touched on how there were only about a hundred or so people out there making noise, but a majority of those who'd worn the cross and fetus feet on their caps actually remained seated for the entire speech, even clapping at some parts, even though they had written instructions to walk out. I think President Obama showed his mettle by addressing the controversy head on and coming out the victor for it.
weed --
The reason the media was focused on the protesters -- and not the graduating students -- is, b/c this was a Foxsnooze-generated (and engineered) protest, from beginning to end, and, like the teabagging (hehehheh) parties, Foxsnooze wants to make sure that everyone else is following their lead . . . and if they're not, why not??? -- are they un-American, or something????
The object is not to report reality -- it's to frame reality in a context which suits Foxsnooze's purposes . . . specifically, the overthrow of the democratically elected government of the US -- by whatever means necessary. As long as they can throw gasoline on the fire, they can keep the rabble roused up, right?
Hey, it worked before! -- in 2001 -- and, again, in 2004. So, why not?
Agreed 100%....and tht is what will help heal this Ctry...the more tht we see President Obama approach issues with maturity, respect, consideration, intellegience, and informative we, as a Ctry will change along with it....It is no conicedence tht when BUSH was in office the Ctry was full of hate, and ppl were angry and unhappy, but now tht we have a positive, optimistic, healthy, prosperous, kind, communicative, intellegeint leader tht energy too will flow out into the Ctry as it is happening now and we, as a Ctry will take this trun together with a strong leader....and because tht is so, ALL OF AMERICA WILL BE BETTER OFF AND HAPPIER, and we may even remember something about ourself along the way!!
Let's see if Notre Dame president Jenkins will be fired over this, as he should.
Where's your head?
You get one guess.
If God didn't want us to question and think He would have made us all Republican.
HA! Perfect!
President Jenkins showed the perfect example of a mature approach to dealing with someone with whom you hold an opposing view, while still being able to honor that which you find honorable. If one was to fire those who show such a sterling example to our children, then all that would be left are people who share our views and a closed minded approach to addressing conflict. You'd be left with Alan Keyes, and hypcritical bishops, who are able to oppose a stunning example of a family-oriented president, but have no trouble supporting child-mole-sting priests and death-penalty advocates like the former president.
I, for one, appreciate everything I saw yesterday at the commencement. It was mature, enlightening, and a true example of christian teachings on how to love and respect one another.
As a Notre Dame alum, I have sent Fr. Jenkins a wholehearted message of support. He obviously had the full support of Fr. Ted Hesburgh, the former president who is so widely respected. I am very proud of my university today.
Let me quote what I think sums up the President's tone:
"But remember too that the ultimate irony of faith is that it necessarily admits doubt. It is the belief in things not seen. It is beyond our capacity as human beings to know with certainty what God has planned for us or what He asks of us, and those of us who believe must trust that His wisdom is greater than our own.
This doubt should not push us away from our faith. But it should humble us. It should temper our passions, and cause us to be wary of self-righteousness. It should compel us to remain open, and curious, and eager to continue the moral and spiritual debate that began for so many of you within the walls of Notre Dame. And within our vast democracy, this doubt should remind us to persuade through reason, through an appeal whenever we can to universal rather than parochial principles, and most of all through an abiding example of good works, charity, kindness, and service that moves hearts and minds."
Well said!
"the most radical elements of anti-abortion movement. "
Many of us that are pro-life aren't "radical", but disagree completely with our President's views on this topic. His vote on partial birth abortion is a deal breaker for me. He will never have my vote until he changes his view on this horrible procedure. (And...yes I've heard all the arguments about "the health of the mother"....blah blah blah.....the health of the mother should not even enter into this debate as the baby is already coming through the birth canal when this barbaric procedure is performed)
and yet NOTHING was undertaken or done while the Republicans were in power for the last 8 years..............and NO mention of reversing roe vs wade .................if you are a one issue voter ...............as it seems you are..........you fit right in with the "pubs
Exactly.
No such thing as partial birth abortion, that's a made up term. Unless you're a trained medical professional you have no authority to make life or death decisions. Still radical and crazy after all these years.
I think the term "partial birth abortion" came into use as a way to describe the legal medical procedure that dilates a pregnant woman's cervix, pulls the baby out feet first leaving only the head inside, then, with a sharp instrument, puntures the head so the baby can pass through the dilated cervix. They needed a term to describe the situation of when the baby presents alive & kicking. Obviously, puncturing the skull does the job, but the child is alive before that, hence "partial birth."
I agree with this statement. Partial infers that the birth process has begun leading to the understanding that this is a human being that is being, in effect, murdered. I'm pro-choice, but let's be smart about this people. Do we really want this to be something we practice regularly?
Ok, but can you agree to work towards fewer unwanted pregnancies? Better health care for mothers and babies? Is it an all or nothing for you? Will you refuse to reach any concensus on reducing abortions as much as possible? You could, if you wanted, continue to hold your views and try to prevent all abortions and at the same time agree to reduce them. THAT is what the President is asking you to do.
"Ok, but can you agree to work towards fewer unwanted pregnancies" Sure, but removing funding from programs that promote abstinence is not a good move. These programs have made a difference....not huge, but a positive difference.
"Better health care for mothers and babies? " Interesting comment given the fact that I am a health educator and work directly with mothers and babies that receive Medicaid in my state. I can tell you that pumping more money into expensive government programs is not the answer. And, the only pregnant women that can't get Medicaid are those "rich" middle class working people whose employers can't afford to pay for their health insurance. Because we view our small business owners as "rich" and don't provide any assistance to help them help their employees, we force our pregnant mothers to quit work so that they qualify for Medicaid. (Something is wrong with this plan)
"Will you refuse to reach any concensus on reducing abortions as much as possible?" I would love to reduce abortions completely. I would love to see less teenage pregnancy, more birth control, and yes....even Plan B!
In Illinois, then Sen Obama opposed legislation to give medical treatment to babies who survive a botched abortion, saying if the chid survives and were deemed to be a "person" who had the right to live, then the law would "forbid abortions to take place." The president's legal opinion holds that a woman's right to choose overrides an unborn child's right to life.
LIFE is the first of the inalianable rights endowed by our creator (Declaration of Independence.) Yet, instead of respecting life, we now defend the actual killing of the most innocent life among us -- the child in the womb. And in Illinois, live babies who survive botched abortions are put out with the medical waste.
people like you couldn't the truth if you life depended on it. you and jcsophie misconstrue why Obama voted against these measures.
I gather the health of the mother blah blah blah it's not that important, after all women are disposable. tsk tsk tsk.
Okay, tell me how the health of the mother is at risk when the baby is already coming through the birth canal to have this procedure performed? I understand that when there is a viable risk to the mother that we have to rely on our physician to make the call, but the particular procedure that I am referring to has nothing to do with the health of the mother. It is a gruesome procedure.
I applaud ND for their welcoming ovation of President Obama. I thought President Jenkin's speech was awesome! I am so happy we have a thoughtful President who does not shy away from discourse on difficult subjects. I felt very proud of President Obama, President Jenkins and the students and families attending ND's graduation! What an amazing commencement!
To gloriousbeing from disgustedAmerican,
Your idol is a total disappointment to lots of Americans. He panders to the left, is instituting socialism in our country, is more focused on the media coverage, and is a puppet to the left. Stop idolizing this guy. He is a one term prez with his unAmerican ideals.
One term prez . . . ???? who exactly do you see beating him in 2012?
I think you better hurry on back and watch some more Fix News . . . although you seem to have all their standard talking points memorized to repeat verbatim, I'm sure they are spewing some new kind of hatred that you need to brush up on.
Better yet . . . you better find some kind of hobby or something to keep yourself busy cause it's going to be a long EIGHT YEARS for you.
Blah blah blah socialism blah blah panders to the left blah blah blah media blah blah.
Translation: You got nothing.
The term "unamerican" always gets under my skin. Who gets to determine who is unamerican? Gonzo obviously suffers from projection and blames our current president for all the things our last president is guilty of (just switch the left with the right).
uhh socialism... the boggie man is coming too..
There seems to be a collective swell of something like euphoria at each new revelation that our country is now in the hands of, at last, a person of incisive intellect, warmth, honesty, dignity, and the emotional maturity to be able to relate to and respect differing opinions and cultures. A sigh of deep relief. We can trust this man, we can be proud of him when he represents us in the world community.
There were times during the campaign when Obama was referred to as "transformational". This was not an understatement.
I think Obama has matured in his presidency. He has found that Bush was right all along on range of counterteroroism issues, warrantless wiretaps, Gitmo, military tribulnals, and rendition.
And to top it off he took the action of not releasing pictures of the detainees in Iraq.
I think he is putting us more at ease finally.
Wow. What's the weather like in Opposite World today?
I think you are confusing an intelligent measured leader for your 8 year walking talking void. But, if it will get you to put down the teabags, stay out of people's personal lives, and generally shtfup, enjoy your delusions...
When to anti abortion folks support healthcare and education, I'll believe it's about life and not votes.
The GOP, in the process of flailing desperately to identify and capitalize on any polarizing issue, has failed again. The crowd was civil, the number of "protesters" miniscule and the message was reasonable and calming..definitely what Obama's detractors did not want to happen.
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