A Catholic university should welcome Obama
Kathleen Parker’s column (April 29), Randal Romie’s letter to the editor (May 2), and, for that matter, former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon’s declination of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal fail to recognize either the true nature of a Catholic university or Notre Dame’s role on the world’s stage.
President Obama’s scheduled appearance is not about supporting (or not supporting) either his pro-choice views or the pro-life views of many Roman Catholics; rather, it’s about Notre Dame continuing to open its eyes, ears and doors (and those of its student body) to all, in the true Catholic tradition.
And, importantly, it’s about having the first African American president in American history give the 2009 commencement address at the university and recognizing him with an honorary degree at the commencement ceremony. His presence will give a fuller meaning to the word “catholic.”
Hilary Rauch
Jamestown
The writer is a member of the University of Notre Dame Class of 1954.
Comments (7)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
I might buy this if the president were equally open to pro-life ideas, but, as usual, it is only those with deeply held Christian convictions who are expected to be "open."
Posted on May 10, 2009 6:57 AM
I haven't heard that Barack Obama has refused to talk or listen to anyone merely because they are pro-life, especially when the discussion has nothing to with abortion.
Posted on May 10, 2009 7:16 AM
I understand your argument, Ms Rauch, Catholics do have a tradition of opening its doors to all, regardless of their position or faith. I also understand the Bishop's dismay over President Obama's first political move as President was to expand abortions worldwide. It seems his actions speak louder than his words.
And I am certain President Obama might listen to dissenting opinions, but he has the power to reduce the deaths of innocent children by abortion and uses it instead to increase the slaughter.
Posted on May 10, 2009 9:15 AM
Great idea!
And maybe the NAACP should invite David Duke to speak and their next annual meeting...
Posted on May 10, 2009 11:23 AM
"he has the power to reduce the deaths of innocent children by abortion and uses it instead to increase the slaughter."
...he has no such power.
Posted on May 10, 2009 12:40 PM
Any university should welcome the POTUS regardless of beliefs. I'm sure Obama won't bring up the subject of abortion, he's not an idiot.
I understand protesters will be present, and that's good too. Freedom of speech and opinion.
I'll also take a guess and predict the protesters will not be violent such as the ones at UNC-CH when Tom Tancredo tried to visit. Hmmm...wonder why?
Posted on May 10, 2009 4:57 PM
" 'he has the power to reduce the deaths of innocent children by abortion and uses it instead to increase the slaughter.'
"...he has no such power"
Really?
Then by your logic, appointing a staunch right to life advocate to Souter's Supreme Court seat is not within his prerogative, should he desire to do so.
Where in the Constitution is that forbidden?.
Posted on May 12, 2009 5:16 PM