And you know, he may actually to decide to speak about something else ...

 

But what if he didn't? Besides, I can only speak for myself as a faithful Catholic and I think it is wrong.

No, I don't think that is it. It's more like, why give a platform to someone whose viewpoints directly oppose your own?

 

Isn't that what Hitler said?

 

An extreme analogy, yes, but certainly to the point.

 

You cannot disallow dissenting opinions. Its not healthy. In fact, I'd argue that allowing a dissenting opinion shows to the students how strong the Church's/school's belief is. It would actually send a positive message to the students.

 

Instead, now students are going to wonder who else isn't allowed to speak at ND simply because they are not in lockstep with the Church.

3TL - you're telling me that when your kids get older, say 16 or so, that you're going to tell them what they believe in?

3TL - you're telling me that when your kids get older, say 16 or so, that you're going to tell them what they believe in?

 

No, I'm hoping by that time I won't have to tell them what to believe, they will have learned. My job is not to tell them what to believe as adults, but to guide them where they make their own best decisions.

 

Using your Hitler analogy, would you expect a national association of Jewish believers to invite a Hitler devotee to speak at a celebration on the basis of allowing opposing viewpoints?

 

What about inviting David Duke to a national meeting of the NAACP?

 

There are intellectual differences and dissenting opinions and then there are deep philosophical differences. I personally believe that President Obama's views on the sanctity of human life and convenience and the Catholic Church's are in total and direct opposition.

A few observations and thoughts:

 

1. Like it or not, Obama is the face of disrespect for the sanctity of life for millions of Catholics and non-Catholics.

 

2. To many, both Catholics and non-Catholics, Notre Dame is THE Catholic university in the United States.

 

3. Offering opposing views, even if radical, is seen by many as a function of colleges and universities. However, this is not merely an issue. It is one of the utmost issues to many Catholics and non-Catholics (If we do not defend the sanctity of human life, what else really is there or true substance in this life?).

 

4.This is a commencement ceremony at the preeminent Catholic university in the United States (maybe in the whole world) and not an appearance at the student union or at the Young Democrat meeting.

 

5. Although this is particularly disturbing at Notre Dame, it should be equally disturbing at any other Catholic university. Academic freedom is one matter. However, adherence to one's most reverent beliefs is far more important.

 

6. Obama will never mention life issues if he is allowed to speak. He is a lot of things and among them is that he is smart. He knows that he makes his political points and he furthers his agenda merely by being there even if he limits his talk to the history of Fighting Irish football.

 

7. This is a serious matter.

Using your Hitler analogy, would you expect a national association of Jewish believers to invite a Hitler devotee to speak at a celebration on the basis of allowing opposing viewpoints?

 

What about inviting David Duke to a national meeting of the NAACP?

Neither analogy is appropriate here ...

No, I'm hoping by that time I won't have to tell them what to believe, they will have learned. My job is not to tell them what to believe as adults, but to guide them where they make their own best decisions.

 

.

 

How do you suppose they "learn" if they are not exposed to opinions that differ from yours?

Neither analogy is appropriate here ...

 

Why? The Catholic Church believes in the sanctity of all human life and Obama is on record as being the face of the opposition. To many Catholics, he is a direct threat to the lives of the unborn.

A few observations and thoughts:

 

1. Like it or not, Obama is the face of disrespect for the sanctity of life for millions of Catholics and non-Catholics.

 

2. To many, both Catholics and non-Catholics, Notre Dame is THE Catholic university in the United States.

 

3. Offering opposing views, even if radical, is seen by many as a function of colleges and universities. However, this is not merely an issue. It is one of the utmost issues to many Catholics and non-Catholics (If we do not defend the sanctity of human life, what else really is there or true substance in this life?).

 

4.This is a commencement ceremony at the preeminent Catholic university in the United States (maybe in the whole world) and not an appearance at the student union or at the Young Democrat meeting.

 

5. Although this is particularly disturbing at Notre Dame, it should be equally disturbing at any other Catholic university. Academic freedom is one matter. However, adherence to one's most reverent beliefs is far more important.

 

6. Obama will never mention life issues if he is allowed to speak. He is a lot of things and among them is that he is smart. He knows that he makes his political points and he furthers his agenda merely by being there even if he limits his talk to the history of Fighting Irish football.

 

7. This is a serious matter.

 

Does the Church allow dissension? In other words, will the Church kick someone out if they are pro-choice?

Why? The Catholic Church believes in the sanctity of all human life and Obama is on record as being the face of the opposition. To many Catholics, he is a direct threat to the lives of the unborn.

No matter how strongly you feel about his position on any issue, Barack Obama has done nothing to have his presence at any event compared to that of Adolf Hitler and David Duke.

How do you suppose they "learn" if they are not exposed to opinions that differ from yours?

Are you serious? Do you think they live locked in my basement without television or any other interaction? Heck, middle school is bad enough. My kids have already had to defend their faith at the ball park, soccer field, etc. They "learn" far more than just what I teach them.

No matter how strongly you feel about his position on any issue, Barack Obama has done nothing to have his presence at any event compared to that of Adolf Hitler and David Duke.

 

I was using Clyde's Hitler analogy. I am not comparing Obama to Hitler or Duke--forgive me if it came across that way. But I do feel he and his agendas are a threat to human life. We are getting off track here, let me try and go back. I personally do not agree with Pres. Obama speaking at the commencement at Notre Dame or any Catholic institution. Whether that is right or wrong in your eyes, it is my opinion.

Random comment: THE Catholic University in America is The Catholic University of America, located in Washington DC.

 

Really has nothing to do with the argument...just wanted to throw that out there.

I was using Clyde's Hitler analogy. I am not comparing Obama to Hitler or Duke--forgive me if it came across that way. But I do feel he and his agendas are a threat to human life. We are getting off track here, let me try and go back. I personally do not agree with Pres. Obama speaking at the commencement at Notre Dame or any Catholic institution. Whether that is right or wrong in your eyes, it is my opinion.

 

 

I oppose abortion as much as anyone. Would you have an issue if Bush had been invited to speak? His policies on the death penalty and the war in Iraq were in direct opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church as well.

I think it is a wonderful thing. He is a self made man, who is highly intelligent with a great academic background and good family man Oh and he is the President of the United States. So what if you don't agree with him on everything politically or religiously, I thought Notre Dame was an academic institution why wouldn't any academic institution want the POTUS to speak at thier commencement?