Barack Obama's (and America's) Victory at Notre Dame

[cal04]

Paul Raushenbush
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/barack-obamas-and-america_b_204411.html

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.

(snip)
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.

[graywarrior]

1. Rev. Jenkins speech was incredible.

Pres. Obama was inspiring and showed compassion and strength. I'm glad I was able to watch this afternoon. The students were fantastic.

[movonne]

2. It was wonderful...

[pacalo]

3. In a country that has lacked mature, sound judgment in leadership, Obama is clearly the adult.

I love his common-sense style:

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — President Barack Obama strode head-on Sunday into the stormy abortion debate and told graduates at America's leading Roman Catholic university that both sides must stop demonizing one another.

Obama acknowledged that "no matter how much we want to fudge it ... the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable." But he still implored the University of Notre Dame's graduating class and all in the U.S. to stop "reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words. It's a way of life that always has been the Notre Dame tradition."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/17/obama-notre-dame-speech-n_n_204343.html

[clarence swinney]

4. SO PROUD I COULD SPIT

OBAMA IS FIRST NON POLITICAL PRESIDENT

He does not make decisions based on politics.

Ed Crane, founder of Cato, said "everything the Bush administration does is political"

Obama is brilliant

Obama has knowledge of governance like Clinton

Obama has always been a NICE PERSON.

Obama a great asset=SMILE is awesome

I am so very very PROUD to have him as my PRESIDENT

[e-mail]

[Psychic Consortium]

5. Yes he makes decisions based on what is best for the American people.

What is fair, what is right.
He does it in his way, his time.
But the result is goodness.

[Wednesdays]

6. K&R

:kick:

[Cha]

7. Yes, it's another Victory

for our Country. Thank you, President of Notre Dame,Rev. John l. Jenkins, and President Obama.