Obama to Give Commencement Speech at Notre Dame

[Corki]

And now? I am ashamed. On graduation day, when we should be sent off into the world with the last moments of Catholic wisdom that this community can offer us in a world as difficult as we live in, when the capstone should be placed on our experience of true intellectual and spiritual formation…we are getting the opposite.

My graduating friends and I are determining our course of action. We are trying to find a respectful way to state our deep disagreements with the President and our incredible outrage at his being extended an invitation as well as an honorary degree.

Some have suggested skipping commencement altogether–really? Really? Why should we be forced to sit it out? We have earned this day of celebration. And perhaps our silent attendance, our sitting straight-faced through his speech, our lack of applause, can speak for us?

I am so frustrated, so disappointed.

I feel very badly for you. I graduated at a university that had President George H. W. Bush as its commencement speaker that year. The protests were awful and the students going to graduation had to be brought by bus into the stadium to protect us from the attacks. Inside, it was better but there were enough “insiders” who were unruly and disruptive. Many stood and turned their backs on the President when he gave his speech. I hope you have a more peaceful experience.

She informed me to feel rest assured that Notre Dame as an institution is very clearly and unwaveringly PRO-LIFE. … I was re-assured that the university is well aware of Obama’s pro-abortion stance. HOWEVER, she stressed to me how vital it is to the American Catholic Church that Obama’s administration hear the voice of the Catholic Church and put Catholic issues in the FOREFRONT. … He is coming as the President of the United States, and Notre Dame is the acting Church attempting to get the Vatican’s point across to this man and his administration.

This could turn out to be extremely positive. Don’t judge! He is still the American President and should be welcome on any university campus in this nation. If one cannot respect the man, then respect the office upon which he holds. He should be welcomed at Notre Dame.

Respect for the office, fine. Respect for his anti-life agenda, never. Welcome, no way! And don’t fool yourself. There won’t be any dialogue. The President will fly in, maybe get a brunch, go to graduation and get his ‘honorary’ degree, probably thank all the Catholics who made his election possible, and fly away. No discussion.

He is coming as the President of the United States, and Notre Dame is the acting Church attempting to get the Vatican’s point across to this man and his administration.

So now Notre Dame thinks it is the “acting Church”??? The Voice of the American Catholic Church??? How rude. There is no such church as the American Catholic Church. ND and its poster professor Fr. McBrien would like us to all believe that the American denomination of Catholicism is much more progressive and less dogmaticly old-fashioned than that pesky Pope in Rome. And if Obama isn’t listening to the real voice of the Church, the Pope and Bishops, why would he listen to Notre Dame?

I’m sorry, Domer, but please don’t take the Administration’s line on this one. The worst possible scenario here involves the truly pro-life, orthodox Catholic students and alums at ND to roll over and accept what is going on here. Yes, he’s the president, but he is not one who should be honored with a doctorate of laws from Our Lady’s University, as he is doing all he can to use the law to destroy human life at every turn.

Simply put, Obama is not coming for discussion of any issue. Nor is he coming to “hear the Catholic side”. The University has invited him to come give a speech. They haven’t invited him for a dialogue on Catholic issues, nor have they invited him to come hear from some of the greatest Catholic minds in the country. They’ve invited him to bestow his wisdom on us, not the other way around. THERE WILL BE NO DIALOGUE.

It is clear to me that this is a political move by Obama. He wants to look like he’s quelled the Catholic opposition, that he’s really listened to us. That is his art–listening–telling those with opposing views to his that he understands, but that he is still moving forward with his agenda, unchanged by this “understanding”.

You see, life issues have already been on Obama’s agenda, and he’s been on the wrong side of each and every one of them.

And now Our Lady’s University is going to honor him? Supposedly for some achievement apart from these actions? I’m sorry, but an honorary degree is bestowed on a person, taking into account all of their achievements. Not for just one. And Obama will be seen as being honored by what once was the greatest Catholic university in America for advancing policies that fundamentally oppose every aspect of the Catholic understanding of the dignity of the human person.

ok, I kind of “get” the commencement speech. From what I understand, universities make the “invitation” years in advance and wait for thier turn to come around. At least that’s what we were told when I graduated. Believe me, the higher ups in that liberal college town did not really want President Bush there. But the honorary degree is just stupid. What are they honoring him for? He hasn’t done anything yet. At least not anything that could be mentioned in the speech upon presenting the degree.

Has the Bishop made any statement yet?

 

[David_Paul]

the typical defense of all Catholics who say “Let’s DIALOGUE!”

Non Catholics do the same. It is how relativists and marxists win. They want dialogue. They want to start a dialectic. They have no absolute principles so they want those who do to start on the path of compromising theirs.

It’s a very effective technique.

 

[elts1956]

As an alumnus of Our Lady’s University, I too was outraged AT FIRST. However, I then contacted the highest people that I know at the university. One happens to be fairly high up. She informed me to feel rest assured that Notre Dame as an institution is very clearly and unwaveringly PRO-LIFE. They just began building an endowment for pro-life initiviatives and have contributed mega-dollars for adult stem-cell research (the alternative to embryonic). I was re-assured that the university is well aware of Obama’s pro-abortion stance. HOWEVER, she stressed to me how vital it is to the American Catholic Church that Obama’s administration hear the voice of the Catholic Church and put Catholic issues in the FOREFRONT??? Sure and the moon is made of green cheese. I was re-assured that Notre Dame is hoping that this invitation to be at the university will be a beginning to getting these life issues (as well as other important Catholic issues - immigration reform, poverty, social justice, ending war etc…) in the forefront of this administration. At a commencement address??? Obama is not coming to Notre Dame to preach about an anti-life agenda. No pro-abortionist would ever be so ignorant to do such a thing. He is coming as the President of the United States, and Notre Dame is the acting Church ??? attempting to get the Vatican’s point across to this man and his administration. Without common discussion NOTHING will ever get resolved in our favor (Catholics’ favor).

This could turn out to be extremely positive. Don’t judge! He is still the American President and should be welcome on any university campus in this nation. If one cannot respect the man, then respect the office upon which he holds. Obama would be welcomed at the Vatican without question or hesitation. He should be welcomed at Notre Dame.

Let’s pray that this visit helps get our precious life issues into the forefront of this administration’s priorities. Pray for a change of heart for Obama. If it happend to Saul, it can happen to Obama. Instead of the Road to Demascus, maybe it will instead be State Route 31.

I’m hoping for the best. Keep a positive attitude!!!

Since bo is coming to give the commencement address, where will he find the time and opportunity to debate? Also he is the one who is going to be doing the talk, talk, talk. When will anyone be able to have a sustainable conversation with him regarding pro life? The only way our life issues will come to the forefront is if we protest his being there.

This university you call “the acting Church” is not acting with a Catholic conscience.

It is a shame that the once most Catholic University in the United States no longer is. I know you as an alumnus feels badly about this, but whoever you talked to is a great example of the Obama school of talk.

 

[elts1956]

As an alumnus of Our Lady’s University, I too was outraged AT FIRST. However, I then contacted the highest people that I know at the university. One happens to be fairly high up. She informed me to feel rest assured that Notre Dame as an institution is very clearly and unwaveringly PRO-LIFE. They just began building an endowment for pro-life initiviatives and have contributed mega-dollars for adult stem-cell research (the alternative to embryonic). I was re-assured that the university is well aware of Obama’s pro-abortion stance. HOWEVER, she stressed to me how vital it is to the American Catholic Church that Obama’s administration hear the voice of the Catholic Church and put Catholic issues in the FOREFRONT. I was re-assured that Notre Dame is hoping that this invitation to be at the university will be a beginning to getting these life issues (as well as other important Catholic issues - immigration reform, poverty, social justice, ending war etc…) in the forefront of this administration. Obama is not coming to Notre Dame to preach about an anti-life agenda. No pro-abortionist would ever be so ignorant to do such a thing. He is coming as the President of the United States, and Notre Dame is the acting Church attempting to get the Vatican’s point across to this man and his administration. Without common discussion NOTHING will ever get resolved in our favor (Catholics’ favor).

This could turn out to be extremely positive. Don’t judge! He is still the American President and should be welcome on any university campus in this nation. If one cannot respect the man, then respect the office upon which he holds. Obama would be welcomed at the Vatican without question or hesitation. He should be welcomed at Notre Dame.

Let’s pray that this visit helps get our precious life issues into the forefront of this administration’s priorities. Pray for a change of heart for Obama. If it happend to Saul, it can happen to Obama. Instead of the Road to Demascus, maybe it will instead be State Route 31.

I’m hoping for the best. Keep a positive attitude!!!

I graduated in December, but this is my commencement weekend. I am shocked and appalled and more than anything feel completely let down by my university. I have defended Notre Dame for every year I have been here, defended the orthodoxy of so many of ND’s students and faculty while we worked together to address the problems here.

And now? I am ashamed. On graduation day, when we should be sent off into the world with the last moments of Catholic wisdom that this community can offer us in a world as difficult as we live in, when the capstone should be placed on our experience of true intellectual and spiritual formation…we are getting the opposite.

On top of this, we all know that Notre Dame’s peaceful and beautiful campus is going to be overrun by protesters on commencement weekend. That hurts more than anything. And I’d ask on behalf of all the graduates that those who choose to come protest the President please respect the graduates and the faculty. Allow the many celebrations outside of the President’s speech at commencement exercises to continue unmarred. Keep it civil, respectful, and Catholic. Keep the graphic abortion images away, the attacks on Our Lady’s University tame. There are going to be many graduates disturbed by Obama’s appearance at their commencement, so please leave us alone!

My graduating friends and I are determining our course of action. We are trying to find a respectful way to state our deep disagreements with the President and our incredible outrage at his being extended an invitation as well as an honorary degree. We are working on drafting a letter on behalf of graduating students and sending it to every possible outlet.

Some have suggested skipping commencement altogether–really? Really? Why should we be forced to sit it out? We have earned this day of celebration. And perhaps our silent attendance, our sitting straight-faced through his speech, our lack of applause, can speak for us?

I am so frustrated, so disappointed.

I understand your feelings exactly as they resonate with mine after the 2008 Presidential Election.

No, it is not fair that those of you who have worked so hard should be denied your day of celebration. That would be heartbreaking.

I hate laying a guilt trip on you, but will you feel you have really celebrated if you listen to this man’s words? Will you really feel you have celebrated, that you have stood up for the dignity of both the Catholic Church and this University which was once touted as the beacon to Catholic education if you listen to this person who is not shy about disdaining life, the freedom of conscience, the forcing of taxpayers to pay for abortion both here and abroad?

I really don’t know if I would have the courage to make a very noticeable statement regarding my displeasure in having this man present at my day of celebration. It would take great courage to stand up to public sentiment and send a loud and clear message that Catholics DO NOT endorse this man whether it be by one’s absence, or non response to his message. I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

This is a decision no one should have to make, especially on a day that says, “Here’s to You, you made it!!”

 

[elts1956]

chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/obama-to-give-commencement-at-notre-dame.html

For the love of God, can we please stop referring to Notre Dame as a Catholic university? Enough is enough.

Just went to this website. From what I gleaned from the posts, the students were the ones who voted to have him. A “Catholic” University?? But then I guess if one has the likes of Richard McBrien on staff at a “catholic” university, one has to expect a “little” liberalism. :bigyikes:

chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/obama-to-give-commencement-at-notre-dame.html

 

[peregrinus_WA]

Just went to this website. From what I gleaned from the posts, the students were the ones who voted to have him. A “Catholic” University?? But then I guess if one has the likes of Richard McBrien on staff at a “catholic” university, one has to expect a “little” liberalism. :bigyikes:

chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/obama-to-give-commencement-at-notre-dame.html

He should not of been on the ballot in the first place for the students to vote for him. Even then, the University has the right and duty to invalidate the vote in this case.

 

[Tsuwano]

The University of Notre Dame is indeed a proud Catholic institution and serves the Church in a variety of ways through its excellence in education and witness that faith and reason are not the antithesis of one another. It is an honor for any university to host a sitting President and listen to his views and policies. This does not imply agreement with those policies, but respect for honest dialog and a desire to discover those areas where there is agreement and where Catholic institutions can serve to make the Lord known in the culture and politics of society. Of course Notre Dame should host President Obama! To do otherwise would be the equivalent of sticking one’s head in the sand and hoping those policies we disagree with just disappear.

 

[maggiemay2u]

Just went to this website. From what I gleaned from the posts, the students were the ones who voted to have him. A “Catholic” University?? But then I guess if one has the likes of Richard McBrien on staff at a “catholic” university, one has to expect a “little” liberalism. :bigyikes:

chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/obama-to-give-commencement-at-notre-dame.html

I remember being young and stupid, too.

 

[KathleenElsie]

The University of Notre Dame is indeed a proud Catholic institution and serves the Church in a variety of ways through its excellence in education and witness that faith and reason are not the antithesis of one another. It is an honor for any university to host a sitting President and listen to his views and policies. This does not imply agreement with those policies, but respect for honest dialog and a desire to discover those areas where there is agreement and where Catholic institutions can serve to make the Lord known in the culture and politics of society. Of course Notre Dame should host President Obama! To do otherwise would be the equivalent of sticking one’s head in the sand and hoping those policies we disagree with just disappear.

This BHO another opportunity to brag about his Catholic Friends in in congress and on his cabinet. It gives him another opportunity to say that “catholics” support him. It makes those with weaker faith believe that they can be for BHO and not be against the teachings of Holy Mother Church. It give the impression that compromising on issues of importance is ok as long as you don’t do it yourself.

 

[tobiashope]

If something has your name on it it probably belongs to you. Notre Dame (OUR LADY)
belongs to the Church. There some (a lot) things that go on the their ESPECIALLY THIS ONE with Obama are not!!! To simply give up on the College would be a great loss. There are many great Cathoilc Priest and Lay at ND. All of use need to Call, Write and email the University. Perhaps alos the Bishop of South Bend/Fort Wayne, I am sure he bothered by this.

The Kingdom of God, like any Kingdom must be defended by its subjects
Make Your Voice Heard, especially ND alumini.

TobiasHope

 

[Darryl1958]

Non Catholics do the same. It is how relativists and marxists win. They want dialogue. They want to start a dialectic. They have no absolute principles so they want those who do to start on the path of compromising theirs.

It’s a very effective technique.

Being addresses by a pro-abortonist in commencement address and honoring him with a degree is not dialogue. It is not even dialogue. Calling this dialogue is just spin by those who see 50 million as a statistic.

Now if his words at the commencement were greeted with the silence of a candlelight vigil 50 million strong, that woudl be a dialogue!

But that is not going to happen, is it? The Catholics students voted for this pro-abortionist to be there.

 

[Lepanto]

Will Obama be appearing in the Vagina Monologues at Notre Dame?

 

[Lepanto]

As an alumnus of Our Lady’s University, I too was outraged AT FIRST. However, I then contacted the highest people that I know at the university. One happens to be fairly high up. She informed me to feel rest assured that Notre Dame as an institution is very clearly and unwaveringly PRO-LIFE. They just began building an endowment for pro-life initiviatives and have contributed mega-dollars for adult stem-cell research (the alternative to embryonic). I was re-assured that the university is well aware of Obama’s pro-abortion stance. HOWEVER, she stressed to me how vital it is to the American Catholic Church that Obama’s administration hear the voice of the Catholic Church and put Catholic issues in the FOREFRONT. I was re-assured that Notre Dame is hoping that this invitation to be at the university will be a beginning to getting these life issues (as well as other important Catholic issues - immigration reform, poverty, social justice, ending war etc…) in the forefront of this administration. Obama is not coming to Notre Dame to preach about an anti-life agenda. No pro-abortionist would ever be so ignorant to do such a thing. He is coming as the President of the United States, and Notre Dame is the acting Church attempting to get the Vatican’s point across to this man and his administration. Without common discussion NOTHING will ever get resolved in our favor (Catholics’ favor).

This could turn out to be extremely positive. Don’t judge! He is still the American President and should be welcome on any university campus in this nation. If one cannot respect the man, then respect the office upon which he holds. Obama would be welcomed at the Vatican without question or hesitation. He should be welcomed at Notre Dame.

Let’s pray that this visit helps get our precious life issues into the forefront of this administration’s priorities. Pray for a change of heart for Obama. If it happend to Saul, it can happen to Obama. Instead of the Road to Demascus, maybe it will instead be State Route 31.

I’m hoping for the best. Keep a positive attitude!!!

I’m sorry, but this sounds incredibly naive.

 

[Lepanto]

The University of Notre Dame is indeed a proud Catholic institution and serves the Church in a variety of ways through its excellence in education and witness that faith and reason are not the antithesis of one another.

Sounds like a pretty good description of Ave Maria University, not Notre Dame.

 

[Emily_Anne]

I was re-assured that the university is well aware of Obama’s pro-abortion stance.

 

[Emily_Anne]

Since bo is coming to give the commencement address, where will he find the time and opportunity to debate? Also he is the one who is going to be doing the talk, talk, talk.

Don’t you really mean, read, read read?!

Emily Anne

 

[maggiemay2u]

Domer1997;4971659:

"Common discussion! " What a grand idea. Perhaps someone can state the case for the Church by surreptitiously manipulating the teleprompter.

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! Maybe we can get the brainiacs from Caltech to do an updated version of the '61 Rose Bowl hoax where they changed Washington’s card section instructions…

Seriously, call, write and email the petition to everyone in your address book. Kill the ND switchboard with kindness. The outrage is especially significant when it comes from alum.

Emily Anne

 

[ChristinaM]

Since bo is coming to give the commencement address, where will he find the time and opportunity to debate? Also he is the one who is going to be doing the talk, talk, talk. When will anyone be able to have a sustainable conversation with him regarding pro life? The only way our life issues will come to the forefront is if we protest his being there.

This university you call “the acting Church” is not acting with a Catholic conscience.

It is a shame that the once most Catholic University in the United States no longer is. I know you as an alumnus feels badly about this, but whoever you talked to is a great example of the Obama school of talk.

I’m with you…I seriously doubt there will be any “dialogue.” Obama will be the one giving the commencement speech - HE will determine the message. Not the university.

He talks a good game about listening to opposing views but that’s all it is - talk. Just listen to his speech when he lifted the ban on federal funding of ESCR. He thinks our beliefs are mere “ideology” standing in the way of great scientific progress. Catholics who think he’s actually going to respect our beliefs are self-delusional. This is a man who doesn’t want his daughters “punished with a baby,” but some naive administrators at Notre Dame think he will change his mind because he’s invited to give the commencement speech? I doubt there will be “time” in his so busy schedule to debate with any professors or students. If anything, he will be fawned over and given the adulation he so craves. Why does he need to change his views? It’s clear American Catholics love him just the way he is. After all, they voted for him in huge numbers.

This is most certainly a political move. It’s Obama’s way of saying, “Thanks, American Catholics, for selling out your Church’s teachings and voting for me!” He really could not care less about the Catholics who oppose him.

 

[Rach620]

The Catholics students voted for this pro-abortionist to be there.

This is not true. Graduating students were not polled as to who they wanted to be their Commencement speaker.

How do I know? I’m one of them.

 

[Darryl1958]

This is not true. Graduating students were not polled as to who they wanted to be their Commencement speaker.

How do I know? I’m one of them.

I was indirectly quoting Post 25 in this thread,elts1956.

elts1956:

Just went to this website. From what I gleaned from the posts, the students were the ones who voted to have him. A “Catholic” University?? But then I guess if one has the likes of Richard McBrien on staff at a “catholic” university, one has to expect a “little” liberalism.