Should Notre Dame ‘disinvite’ Obama?

Notre Dame University has invited President Obama to deliver the commencement address this year, and Obama has accepted. That has outraged many on the right (some of whom are capable of going from zero to outrage faster than a speeding bullet.)

Newt Gingrich — he of the three wives — says on Twitter, that it’s “sad … since his policies are so anti catholic values. ” Katherine Jean Lopez of the National Review calls the invitation “shameful.”

“Last week the president of the United States perpetrated an assault on human dignity. No statements or press releases will undo what Notre Dame’s position in the eyes of the world is in response: “Doesn’t matter.” We’ve got THE ONE. So much for the One to whom the school’s namesake gave birth…. At Notre Dame, the administration there just made a choice. They took a giant step away from their identity as “Catholic.” They would rather be of this world than the one they supposedly exist to bring people toward.”

Right-wing Catholic groups have are trying to pressure Notre Dame to withdraw the invitation. “It is an outrage and a scandal that ‘Our Lady’s University,’ one of the premier Catholic universities in the United States, would bestow such an honor on President Obama given his clear support for policies and laws that directly contradict fundamental Catholic teachings on life and marriage,” states a petition at notredamescandal.com that claims to have collected almost 110,000 signatures.

One point to put it all in context: According to exit polls, Obama got 54 percent of the Catholic vote in November, compared to 45 percent for John McCain. That’s better than he did among the general populace.

166 comments Add your comment

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
10:19 am

To C:

Yes you did. This side of eternity. More to follow.

AmVet

March 25th, 2009
10:20 am

I personally am loving the Reich-wing’s juvenile obsession over “THE TELEPROMPTER”.

We all know that the new President has nothing to do these days!

No economic meltdown due to the attempted corporate destruction of capitalism as orchestratd by Wall St. criminals and……..BushCo.

No pending ecological disasters as orchestrated by the enviro-raprers and……..BushCo.

No health care crisis and dying Americans as orchestrated by the titans of industry and……..BushCo.

No botched “War on Terrer” as led by the valorous chickenhawks of……….BushCo.

Why the hell isn’t the Up[pity One busy committing to memory every speech?

This is simply inexcusable.

G

March 25th, 2009
10:23 am

Now where is that USA-saving Rushpublicant budget plan? Has anyone seen it?

Boner was suppose to present it early this morning. Dang bonehead Boner!

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:24 am

Corporal

Every time I see you or any of you prompter-cultists mention the Presidents efficient use of modern technology all I can think of is…

Where’s your budget plan alternative?

Where’s your bank bailout alternative?

Where’s your education improvement alternative?

Where’s your energy independence alternative?

Where’s your middle east alternative?

Where’s your environmental clean up alternative?

Where’s youe health care alternative?

Perhaps, if there are any serious conservatives/ republicans left they might take a break from “Just Saying No” and offer a solution. Not sound bites and outrage…a couple hundred pages of policy paper perhaps?

Y’all got a poltitcal party, and your own fancy website….why not use it for something constructive?

ANd, that “ventriloquist dummy” quip was a great temptation for me to backslide and make the obvious joke….but it would be counterproductive. Kinda’ like talking about teleprompters when our home need serious help.

Here’s a hug….and have a nice day!

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:27 am

AmVet and G

I love you guys!!

We’re going tie one on at the next O of O meeting…..

We’re serving:

MartiNOs

DoritNos

BurritNos

G

March 25th, 2009
10:29 am

Rushpublicants really do make the best hypocrites, and they do it in such a way that truly endears them to all free thinking people throughout the U.S.

G

March 25th, 2009
10:32 am

Mrs G,

Can we also have: NachNOs and ChipNOs? And maybe MargaritNOs?

AmVet

March 25th, 2009
10:33 am

I’m trying to find some info on the Louisiana Flash’s “response” last night.

But all I could find was this:

Saying “the time for talking about the past is over,” Jindal said Republicans have begun to find their voice after back-to-back elections losses…”

Oh yeah. I agree! Run from your past as fast as your chickenhawk legs will carry you. But really, Booby, we all know you cannot run fast or far enough away from it.

But to the always dupe-able “faithful”, no question the GOP is renewed! Gawd be Praised!

All is forgotten! All is forgiven! HeadRush commands it so!

A few dark years ago I would never have believed my hopes for all of this would have come true.

Now that is faith, my friends!

Not in some oogity-boogity superstition, but in the goodness of the American people…

USA! USA! USA!

Wells

March 25th, 2009
10:35 am

What’s the problem with using a teleprompter? The wacko judge who swore in the President didn’t have a teleprompter and tried to memorize his lines and we see what happened with that.

marie

March 25th, 2009
10:35 am

An institution that has turned a blind eye to their priests’ shameful acts of sexual abuse of children and young people protesting a speech by a president who is simply trying to find a middle ground on controversial issues rings a little hypocritical to me. And this is not to reflect on the millions of devout Catholic who abhor such behavior.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:35 am

G

sounds deliciNOs

G

March 25th, 2009
10:38 am

AmVet @ 10:33, Louisiana Flash! and again I’ve had to clean my monitor!

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:39 am

Please don’t let Bobby flash!
Please!

AmVet

March 25th, 2009
10:40 am

Mrs. G, right back at ya!

We’re gonna take this great nation back from the right-wing thugs and buffoons.

One blog, one community and one state at a time…

Whatever

March 25th, 2009
10:46 am

Obama giving the ND commencement — doesn’t matter, as he is only able to say the words in front of him.

Therefore ND’s best position is to know in advance what the “message” is. Likely he will also ask if his likeness can replace that of “touchdown Jesus”….

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:46 am

Please don’t let Bobby flash….

Obambi's TelePrompter

March 25th, 2009
10:50 am

I’m so big and shiny now; you can see me from a mile away.

I see that you moonbats enjoyed what I made my little tard say last night; you’re welcome.

But I’ll tell you what, ring meats, either start giving me the recognition that I deserve or I’ll make Obambi look the bigger fool than he already does.

These are my plans!

Long live socialism!

NDSenior

March 25th, 2009
10:50 am

First off to the author, its the University of Notre Dame (not Notre Dame University).

Second Notre Dame is not all Catholics and it is not a seminary (although one is located on the campus). It seems like everyone is thinking it is a seminary, which is idiotic since females are allowed to attend. Notre Dame above all is a place for learning and growing. If we cannot even listen to those of opposing views, how can we ever really learn about what we believe in or grow in that faith?

The major problem I have with this debate is that these extreme Catholics only see the issue of abortion and no other issues. I completely agree that Obama’s view on a woman’s right to choose are completely against the Catholic faith, but we are forgetting his other policies and view that are completely in line with the church, such as service, healthcare and compassion for the poor and less fortunate.

Didn’t Jesus listen to all and treat those who were different from him with kindness and compassion? Shouldn’t we as Christians do the same?

I would be ashamed to say that I am a graduate of Notre Dame if the school disinvites President Obama. I feel it is a great honor for us that the President of the United States, the leader of the free world, chose to speak at my graduation when he could speak at pretty much any school in the country.

I just hope that my graduation isn’t ruined by some Catholic zealots trying to impose their views on the world forcefully instead of a sensible manner.

And by the way I am Catholic and pro-life.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:51 am

Of course we’re going to replace TD Jesus with TD Obama…but that’s just the start.

New York Harbor….Statue of Obama

St. Louis…..The Obama Arch

San Francisco ….The Golden Obama Bridge

Chicago……Obama Fountain

Florida – Obamaglades

and that’s just the start

The O of O has plans….lots of plans….

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
10:52 am

Mrs. Godzilla:

Well, well. Here’s something to chew on ……… a big gang of moderate Democrats in the Senate are messing with “T T T’s” budget plan right now. Even “they” have the alternative you asked about! He’s so worried, he’s going up on the Hill to browbeat them today (take “Mr. Telepromper).

Let’s put it this way. Neither you (housewife) or I (lowly Corporal) are great economists ……… however, “T T T” has only one goal in mind …….. redistribute the wealth – at the point of a gun if necessary (tax laws one can be arrested for). That is his socialist (or worse) goal.

There are numerous better plans out there (some being developed by Republicans and some by Democrats with some common sense) who realize his plans/debt are going to be a disaster. Did you not read what the EU president said this morning? A lot of people outside the U.S. are truly worried about this guy.

Cut taxes! Change laws so U.S. Corporations will bring their business back to this country! That will create jobs so people can “work” for a living instead of having it “handed” to them.

Now, I could address each one of your other issues but it would fall on deaf ears so I won’t waste my time.

The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar

March 25th, 2009
10:53 am

Mrs. G., you might be on to something there – nekkid pictures of leading GOPers like Piyush, Newt, Larry Craig, Scalia, Rush, etc. on billboards all over America!

It would reduce the pregnancy rate to zero, thereby ending abortion. AND THE POPE WOULD BE ECSTATIC!

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
10:54 am

ND Senior:

Tolerance – “The virtue of those who stand for nothing.”

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
10:54 am

Corporal

Please link to the plans you speak of.

lovelyliz

March 25th, 2009
11:03 am

G,

If a neocons aborts and no one “officially” finds out, did it ever really happen?

G

March 25th, 2009
11:03 am

Mrs. G,

North Carolina – Obama Duke University.

No, on second thought, that pathetic school of lower learning is nowhere near good enough to bear our intelligent President’s name.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
11:04 am

Nope. Not until you tell me what you think of the moderate democrats “alternative” plan to “T T T’s” plan. They don’t like his plan either. Your a democrat so complain to them not me.

G

March 25th, 2009
11:06 am

ll @ 11:03, according to the neocons, no.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
11:06 am

Mrs. G:

P.S.

There’s only one “housewife” that outranks this old corporal and it ain’t you even if you said “please” ………. do your own homework.

lovelyliz

March 25th, 2009
11:07 am

The pro-life teachings of the Catholic church do not start and end with abortion. If anti-choice is your only claim to being a pro-lifer, being a pro-lifer is not what you are.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
11:08 am

JAY: Have you seen this? Only one reason, the folks back home …..

HEADLINE/WASHINGTON POST: “Democrats Take Knife To Obama’s Budget”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032403493.html?hpid=topnews

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
11:09 am

Corporal

OH Boy, I think you god Jesus mad at you with that 10:54.

As I remember it he was a pretty tolerant dude.

Never nuked a Pharisee or anything……

Dusty

March 25th, 2009
11:12 am

Oh my goodness, all in a tizzy over Obama speaking at Notre Dame. So…..?

I might suggest that Obama speak at Liberty University next. That would show how “broadminded” he is. Spread the love around as long as it is politically OK. Catholics did vote a majority for Obama, didn’t they? You have to figure out all the angles, folks. Keep the sheep in the fold.

Wyld Byll Hyltnyr

March 25th, 2009
11:13 am

Whether Catholic or not (and I certainly am not) President Obama is not a life to be celebrated and emulated.

He has spread abortion (and thereby death of innocents) outside our borders and abdicated any moral authority by endorsing the creation, cloning, and killing of embryos.

Beyond that, once must truly wonder whether or not President Obama is a sociopath. Last night he spake that his budget would rtransion us from a “borrow and spend” nation to a “save and invest” nation. Since the nonpartisan (but appointed by Democrats) CBO estimates a $10 trillion increase in our nation debt at the hands of the Obama policies, how could anyone but A STONE-COLD LIAR SOCIOPATH make the “borrow and spend” to a “save and invest” transition staement? The sad thing is that the liberal sheople continue to bleat praise for Obama and kisss the ground above which this reprehensible sociopath walks.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
11:15 am

Corporal

Can’t link to an alternative plan by the conservatives/republicans?

Wonder why? Ain’t one!

James, Cool that you admit who runs your household.

Cheers and best wishes to your good wife!

(and I suspect nobody really is ranker than you!)

SaveOurRepublic

March 25th, 2009
11:20 am

If ND is to adhere to Catholic tenets, then they never should have invited (pro-abortion) “Bacrock Obuma” to begin with. I’m not Catholic, but I think any school that (supposedly) expounds the Christian faith shouldn’t invite a speaker/guest who supports something in direct conflict with Biblical principles. IMHO, they should rescind the invitation.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
11:21 am

To Bishop Godzilla:

Well now ……………..

Since you mentioned it, Jesus was tolerant or non-tolerant depending on the siuation. I try to follow that lead.

1) He was “very” tolerant of sinners who were humble enough to sit down with Him for a meal and listen to His message.

He was “very” tolerant of His disciples (and even his family) who were often confused about His true mission on earth.

2) He was “very” intolerant with the Religious rulers of His day because they rejected Him. He called them “vipers”, “white-washed graves” and told them “you are of your father the devil”.

He was “very” intolerant with the money-changers who were desecrating His Father’s House, calmly took the time to “make a whip”, and then physically drove them away; turning over their tables and scattering their money.

3) The trouble with “most” liberal Christians is that they only want to see, preach, accept one side of Jesus. That won’t get it.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
11:29 am

So corporal..

based on this post of yours:

Tolerance – “The virtue of those who stand for nothing.”

Jesus only “stands for nothing” part time.

I’m sure he appreciates that!

Question

March 25th, 2009
11:42 am

Curious what PresBO’s message to graduates will be — “Aspire to nothing as we (the government) will now be responsible for your care and feeding. Achieve nothing as we will take everything to ensure we are being fair and patriotic to those whose are irresponsible and contribute nothing to society.”… Last I would like to thank President Obama….Oh wait, that’s not my talk on the teleprompter….

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
11:51 am

Mrs. Godzilla:

You continue to dodge the real issue but I’ll humor you.

Tolerance – “The virtue of those who stand for nothing”.

This is quite simple. Anyone who practices “tolerance” and “always tolerance” and NEVER “intolerance” stands for nothing! Get it?

Jesus was both tolerant and intolerant – therefore He does not fit the definition of just “tolerant”.

Now …… what part of Jesus’ “intolerance” do you not like?

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:02 pm

Coporal
Dodge what original issue?

Of course it was simple, silly!

Your quote “Tolerance – “The virtue of those who stand for nothing.””

Was nonsense.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:03 pm

oh and

Corporal

If it had said

COMPLETE AND FOREVER Tolerance of everything- “The virtue of those who stand for nothing.”

It would not have been nonsense!

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
12:12 pm

Mrs. Godzilla:

You’re screeching …… calm down.

You obviously have trouble with hyperbole (which I often use) but that’s not my problem

Now, I ask again: What part of Jesus’ “intolerance” do you not like?

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:16 pm

Corporal

I don’t “screech” but it’s a cute way of you trying to get out of
problem you have now that Jesus thinks you think he was only part time standing for something.

When you use a quote, try not using one that’s stupid.

You’re gonna need hugs more than ever now!

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
12:16 pm

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
12:17 pm

Now, I ask again: What part of Jesus’ “intolerance” do you not like?

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
12:19 pm

Mrs. Godzilla:

Jesus doesn’t just “think” about me …. He “knows” me.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:22 pm

Yep, Corporal

and he knows your dancing around cause you posted a stupid quote.

but you’re lucky, he’s on tolerant time now!

You’re probably safe. A few Our Fathers on your knees might help!

Kamchak

March 25th, 2009
12:28 pm

@ CommunistAJC 8:47

“And it came out years later that Newt cheated on his wife.”

That should read “wives.” He served his first wife with divorce papers when she was in the hospital being treated for cancer. That made the news here in Atlanta. He was cheating on her with the second Mrs. Gingrich at the time. His second divorce was a particularly messy affair, that again, was in the Atlanta news. Just because you found out “years” later, doesn’t mean everybody was in the dark.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
12:39 pm

Mrs. Godzilla:

Don’t worry about answering that question. He “knows” what you think about His “intolerance”.

By the way, I don’t do repetitive “Our Fathers” on my knees or similar penance as some teach. Jesus warned against that just before He gave us that prayer as a model.

Matthew 6:7

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”

I just talk to Him as I would my Dad ………….

Well, the old Corporal has to go on patrol now. Check in with you guys this evening.

lovelyliz

March 25th, 2009
12:39 pm

There are plenty of Christians who think it’s anti-Christian to support the death penalty, the Iraq War (lots on dead innocents there), ignore the poor, etc., etc.

CommunistAJC

March 25th, 2009
12:45 pm

lovelyliz, yeah, their called Christians in name only. They don’t read their Bibles, don’t attend church and think Jesus was all about feeding the poor. At the same time these so-called Christians reject scripture.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:46 pm

Corporal

That’s how I talk to her….just like I would to my mom.

And of course he knows what I think and what I do and what I am…that’s a given for a person of faith.

CommunistAJC

March 25th, 2009
12:46 pm

And more bad news for the GUVVVVVVVVMINT.

Call for Help: Postal chief says agency crashing

WASHINGTON – Postmaster General John Potter said Wednesday the financially strapped U.S. Postal Service will run out of money this year without help from Congress.

The only lingering question, Potter told a House subcommittee, is which bills will get paid and which will not. He did say ensuring the payment of workers’ salaries comes first. But Potter also said other bills may have to wait.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090325/ap_on_go_ot/postal_woes

lovelyliz

March 25th, 2009
12:46 pm

Let’s say there is a list of the top 10 “pro-life” issues AND we’ll let abortion be #1 AND we’ll assume that everyone who says they are anti-abortion truly is and isn’t acting in the name of getting votes for anyone.

CANDIDATE #1 – Agrees with you on issue #1 and disagrees with you on issues #2 through #10

CANDIDATE #2 – Agrees with you on issue issues #2 through #10 and disagrees with you on issue #1

Are you or anyone else suppose to ignore the total record for one singular but important issue?

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
12:47 pm

corporal

just where does Jesus throw his support behind the death penalty?

lovelyliz

March 25th, 2009
12:50 pm

CommunistAJC

As do those who might actually read the Bible but who don’t comprehend any of it especailly when dealing with the least of his people, divorce, etc.

Corporal

March 25th, 2009
1:29 pm

Mrs. Godzilla:

Short patrol …. I’m back:

1) Regarding your 12:46

“He who hath seen me has seen the Father”.

Now, you can refer to God as your “Mom” if you want to but Jesus referred to Him (and all the ladies in the Bible did also) as Father. I don’t know where you got that (I’m just being nice – I really do) but remember “Satan can disquise himself as an angel of light”. Be careful.

2) “Just where does Jesus throw his support behind the death penalty?”

Excellent, thought provoking question. I have an answer for you, however, our dialogue/question asking is NOT going to be “one way”.

I previously asked you three times “What part of Jesus’ “intolerance” do you not like?” and you refused to address it.

You answer that and I will happily respond to your question.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
2:05 pm

COrporal

Of course, Jesus referred to God with a male pronoun. He was made in his image and likeness. Just like me – that’s why I use the feminine pronoun – as I was made in her image and likeness. One of the many very cool things about God….we are all made in God’s image and likeness and we are all sooooo different.

There’s nothing about Jesus that I dislike….Ok, one thing, he sets an
example that I at times find hard to follow.

I do dislike that stupid quote about tolerance and standing for nothing!

Irish 93

March 25th, 2009
2:42 pm

BTW . . . it’s the University of Notre Dame – not Notre Dame Univeristy.

None of today’s “outraged” protesters had much to say when pro-choice, pro-death penalty, pro-war, pro-torture Condoleezza Rice spoke at Notre Dame’s commencement. At least President Obama agrees with the Catholic Church on most of these issues.

Support the University’s decision. Sign the petition:
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/4ObamaatND

The Corporal

March 25th, 2009
3:32 pm

Mrs. Godzilla:

1) Thanks for a reasonable attempt at answering my question. See, it wasn’t that hard and it’s much more polite than being “one way”.

a) Since you find nothing about Jesus that you dislike I assume you like everything He said or did.

b) No, Jesus was not “made” in God’s likeness. He only took on human form as God Himself. Jesus was God from eternity past. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God ….”. “All things were made by Him”. “If you have seen Me you have seen the Father”. “I and the Father are one”. Jesus is fully God and as thus was never created. He was from the beginning. That is the basic tenet of Christianity. To believe otherwise is an attempt to de-deify Christ and false doctrine/heresy.

c) Man and woman are made in God’s image meaning we are triune beings with a body, soul and spirit (yet one person) much like God is a triune being yet “One”.

d) If Jesus taught all of his followers (including women) to pray, “Our Father”, why would you object to that? Not being a little rebellious are you? Be careful …. as I said before “Satan can disquise Himself as an angel of light”.

e) Jesus is returning to reign forever as “King” but not “queen”. I hope you will not address Him as queen.

2) Your question about the death penalty is a good one. There is no scripture saying “I am for the death penalty” (as there is none saying I am for jail terms for bank fraud) so we must infer based on the totality of the scriptures (I could give you many) taken in their proper context. With that in mind, I believe it is Biblical for certain heinious crimes and certainly murder. Remember, even the thief on the cross said “he justly deserved this”.

With this in mind, what more of a “death sentence” is there than eternity in hell. For everytime Jesus mentioned heaven, He warned of hell many more times. As a human being I don’t understand that but I don’t get to make the rules.

I hope I have answered “your” question. If not, fine tune it and I’ll try again.

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
3:48 pm

A. Thanks
B. Not all Christian’s go for that.
C. A very cool thing, like I said.
D. I trust the J man….no problem. Satan can also disguise himself as a marine.
E. Jesus returning to live as king, not queen? That’s good ‘cuz lot’s of fundamentalists have problems with Queens.

and last, so you can’t show where Big J supported the death penalty.

Gee that was fun!

Corporal, we are sooo very different.

I’ll keep you in my prayers!

Mrs. Godzilla

March 25th, 2009
4:02 pm

Oh and Corporal,

I suspect the folks in North Dakota (the other ND) could use both our prayers today.

The Corporal

March 25th, 2009
5:52 pm

Mrs. G.:

Enjoyed most of the exchange, even your “humor” (as opposed to debate) as long as the personal attacks are kept to a minimum.

Yes, they need our prayers as does the entire country.

Take care ………….

Dave R

March 25th, 2009
5:59 pm

Bosch, I aim to please.

OK, you’re crazy.

Richard Swinger

March 27th, 2009
1:33 pm

**AMDG**

Maybe if the President advocated doing the hoo hoo with little alter boys that might sit a little better with them huh?

Or maybe celebacy while really being a closet homo pedo??

Spare us all the self righteous drivel please.

GMan

March 27th, 2009
5:09 pm

Question… How many pro-capital punishment Christians are there on this blog?

GOP – Angry Old White Man’s Party… soon to go the way of the dinosaur!