Enough! Enough of this politics of personal destruction, enough of using graduation commencements as a pulpit to further an agenda that does nothing to enhance the lives of the citizens of this country. This is not to diminish the opinions of my fellow citizens who find abortion abhorrent and not an option let me assure you it is not an option of easy choice, but as a pro-choice American I prefer to give the woman grappling with this life changing decision her right to make that choice for herself.
For the small group of people who chose to picket a college commencement perhaps ruining the experience for students and their families, shame on you. This day wasn’t about you or your cause this should be a celebration of achievement at an institution of higher learning. Notre Dame a school associated with the Catholic Church is not a ministry or missionary, and nothing in the teaching of the Catholic Church runs contrary to the core belief system of President Obama.
As a community organizer helping the poor and under-privileged on Chicago’s south side he worked closely with the Catholic Church, a bond strengthened during his campaign. Steven Kruger the President of the National Catholic Democrats, shared this weekend while being interviewed on WBNW that to the contrary President Obama gave them great hope about tackling the major issues of the church and the bible, eradicating poverty and illness.
They differ on abortion, but why can’t we talk about what they agree on, the need for unwanted pregnancies to be diminished and how we can work together on that common goal. It is this type of attitude that will move us forward in this debate, the other divides us and does nothing to reach solutions, unless your agenda is to access blame and assign shame.
As expected by those of us who are willing to give this President the time and support needed to make the change this country needs, he handled this created conflict like all others with dignity and respect to those who disagree with him. Head held high he spoke with eloquence and purpose, not anger and derision, he showed himself a statesmen, and a President both attributes worth the bestowing of an honorary degree, per the Notre Dame tradition since 1950.
Faye Morrison
Ayer, MA
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