On Sunday, President Obama was the invited commencement speaker before the 2009 graduating class of Notre Dame, and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree as is customary (Arizona State University notwithstanding). But as has been widely reported, his visit to the South Bend, IN campus was not without controversy. Conservative catholics attending and/or affiliated with the university protested and attempted to make a mockery of Mr. Obama’s visit due to his Pro-Choice stance on abortion. But in the interest of putting brain over brawn the President methodically dismantled his critics with their own doctrine.
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Before the President even arrived in town, protesters demonstrated against his invitation, with some graduates opting to skip their ceremony altogether. Once the President arrived and began speaking, a few die hard hecklers interrupted his speech with shouts of protest. Some students wore a cross and babies feet taped to the top of their graduate cap. Other students played a recording of a crying newborn baby in order to drive home their opinions against pro-choice. But Mr. Obama was not deterred. He did not shy away from the protesters and in fact acknowledged and embraced them. He tackled the issue head on, pointing out the differences between those on each side. But in the true spirit of Christianity, Mr. Obama won the day by simply turning the other cheek.`
His words were pure. His cadence was riveting: “The soldier and the lawyer may both love this country with equal passion, and yet reach very different conclusions on the specific steps needed to protect us from harm. The gay activist and the evangelical pastor may both deplore the ravages of HIV/AIDS, but find themselves unable to bridge the cultural divide that might unite their efforts. Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in an admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son’s or daughter’s hardships can be relieved. The question, then — the question then is how do we work through these conflicts? Is it possible for us to join hands in common effort?”
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“For if there is one law that we can be most certain of, it is the law that binds people of all faiths and NO faith together. It is no coincidence that it exists in Christianity and Judaism; in Islam and Hinduism; in Buddhism and humanism. It is, of course, the Golden Rule – the call to treat one another as we wish to be treated. The call to love. To serve. To do what we can to make a difference in the lives of those with whom we share the same brief moment on this Earth.”
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“Understand – I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away. No matter how much we may want to fudge it – indeed, while we know that the views of most Americans on the subject are complex and even contradictory – the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable. Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words.”
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All at once, a room that was at first stirring in protest was suddenly silenced under the weight of its own ideals. How could a room of supposed “Christians” continue to act so “UN-Christian” toward their invited guest? Mr. Obama’s message was textbook — a virtual masterclass. The room was silenced. The point was made. The tables were turned. The argument was won!
"All at once, a room that was at first stirring in protest was suddenly silenced under the weight of its own ideals. How could a room of supposed "Christians" continue to act so "UN-Christian" toward their invited guest?"@DJ- I have to Respectfully disagree with the premise of the above highlighted passage. From my observation of how the entire event played out, I was struck by the following:1st: Contrary to much of the hype and pure BS manufactured and peddled by cable news media, turns out a clear MAJORITY of Notre Dame students, the faculty_and American Catholics in general_actually supported the President being invited to give the commencement address.2nd: Not only was the majority of "haters" NOT students of Notre Dame__they were BUSED IN from other areas and relatively a handful in number compared to the THOUSANDS of students and guests who greeted the President with a rousing standing ovation_and then drowned out the few pathetic attempts by "haters" to disrupt.3. For reasons I've already stated, I'd say the majority of those who attended the speech did indeed conducted themselves in a most Honorable, inclusive and "Welcoming" manner_be they "Christians" or otherwise.The "haters" conducted themselves as_well, "Haters"_certainly NOT as "Christians" which brings me to your closing paragraph: "Mr. Obama's message was textbook — a virtual masterclass. The room was silenced. The point was made. The tables were turned. The argument was won!"Yes indeed. Pres. "O" was quite impressive:)
Point well taken TRUTHIZ.Yes, the student body as a whole was very warm and welcoming to the President. I was referring moreso to those critics both inside and outside the room when I spoke of the detractors the President silenced. His approach was more rational and more "Christian" than perhaps they were prepared for. He did a tremendous job!- DJ