(CNN) – Harvard Law School professor Mary Ann Glendon is turning down an award from the University of Notre Dame because she disagrees with the Catholic institution's decision to invite President Obama to deliver this year's commencement address.
The conservative, pro-life academic explained her decision not to attend the commencement ceremony and not to accept the Laetare Medal from the university in a letter to Notre Dame's president.
"I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree," Glendon wrote in the letter. She also said that she considered the decision to give Obama an honorary degree a violation of a request from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that Catholic institutions not honor individuals who act in defiance of the church's fundamental principles or give awards or platforms that suggest support for the actions of such individuals. Glendon, who described herself as a "longtime consultant" for the group of bishops, said the group's directive was "reasonable."
Glendon also said in the letter that she was concerned by the university's use of her planned involvement in the graduation ceremony as a way to balance Obama's appearance.
A commencement "is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame's decision . . . to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church's position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice," Glendon told Notre Dame's president.
After pointing out that Notre Dame's decision appeared to be setting an example that other Catholic institutions were following, the Harvard professor said it was "with great sadness" that she had decided she could not participate in the graduation ceremony nor accept the medal from the university.
Obama is also set to deliver the commencement address at Arizona State University and the U.S. Naval Academy.
From CNN Politics
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It's nice to see somebody standing by their convictions in this day and age. Well done Miss Glendon. Nice to see it's a decision not above a good professor's pay grade.
When do we get to the point that we cannot control everyone and everything. She is entitled to her opinion and everyone else is entitled to theirs.
It's good to see that some people have principles that can't be swayed by the office of the President.
Who cares what she thinks!! I've never even heard of her.
Well, thats the support Barack deserves.
My complements Mrs Glendon!
Good for you!
Never heard of her...and don't want to.
I can just picture the firestorm that would have erupted in the conservative world had this happened to President Bush.
Time for the caring, compassionate, and tolerant liberals at Harvard to run her out of town on a rail!
Mary Ann Glendon...taking cheap shots at anyone who disagrees with her religious views.
This is not the example of love, tolerance and forgiveness which Jesus taught.
I guess everyone must agree with her or she will become part of the right-wing attack machine.
I'm sure Prof. Glendon would love to live in a theocracy... as long as it followed her beliefs.
Much to her dismay, this is AMERICA, where people have FREEDOM to believe–or not believe–as they choose.
Religious ideologues like this person are no different from the Taliban in my book.
Get a life!
I'm sure plenty of people will rip her on this blog, but you have to respect a woman that stands up for her beliefs.
So, stay home and sulk!
Good God....
"setting an example".. of what? Is it because this president is black?
So, allowing torture and killing hundred's of thousands of innocent civillians to die for a war of choice is more Christian than allowing a woman the right to choose??
Liberal left leaning Dem's are advocates of an end to torture and ending bloody violent wars and then are locked out of so called Catholic ceremonies due to their position on allowing women the right to choose... while the warmongering chicken hawks who advocate death to "our enemies" even with lots of collateral damage but are also against a women's right to choose are the preferred speakers.... Christianity is turned up on its head and does not have a prayer in this country.
Who would Jesus bomb/torture?
Can you imagine? We have a history-in-the-making president and this dope, Mary Ann Glendon, boycotts him because she subscribes to magic and superstition rather than logic. What's funny is that she probably would have embraced Bush because he's pro-life, even though Bush is responsible for countless lives lost in two senseless wars.
obama is and always will be a disgrace to this country.
I'm sure everybody is crushed and crestfallen. Wait, who is this woman? Who gives a rat's behind?
Pro life actions should be shown between ones beliefs and God's Perfect principles. Being Pro-life should never be used politically as Mary Ann Glendon is doing. Don't know why republicans go to the White house to drink fine wine, only to return to the congress to vote no with the back of their fingers. One doesn't need a Dr degree to become a Christian neither can one proclain Godlihood by being Pro-Life.
Its her right to back out; it says a lot about just how intolerant the extreme right & extreme have become. She's spiting herself to get her 15 minutes of fame (or is it 5 minutes)?
Someone needs to tell Ms. Glendon that President Obama is NOT Catholic and is not required to adhere to the church's belief system. Is it any wonder that catholicism is on the decline? Their authoritarianism is a disgrace.
And where was this lady when G.W. was there? How many people did he execute? Isn't that also against church doctrine? What is wrong with these people?
I bet the hypocrites wouldnt have a problem inviting a Republican to speak who supported the war, supports the death penalty, is against lifesaving universal healthcare and medical research, and against gun control. "Pro-Life" is a joke. The only life they care about is that inside someone else's uterus.
My response – WAAAHHHHHHHH!!! She is obviously a well educated woman, but her mind is closed like a steel trap when she doesn't agree with the opinions of others. So be it, don't accept, take your toys and go home. How could someone smart be so stupid at the same time?
Nothing but your good ol' angry white person bigotry! She only serves to give Harvard a bad name. Silly, silly bigoted christains. Down with the party of white and let rise the party of common sense!
That tears it. Why aren't these holier than thou Calothics paying TAXES?. Do they have any idea of the burden they place on everyone when they deny a women a abortion?. How is it they can bulid multi-million $ shrines to jesus, but deny a child a decent chance of survival?. It makes me sick. F3333Men^^^
But if 'bomb-dropping' , torture loving, civilian-killing Bush and Cheney were being honored she would be crawling all over them.
Hypocrite!
Perhaps she won't mind if Harvard backs out of her paycheck! This kind of mindless nonsense needs to end. Most of the country is tired of this crap. Just check the polls.
At the least: foolish pride. At the most: political grandstanding. But if she wants to turn down an honor, I suppose that's her business.
The latest whinning from the RNC side of things " Obama will take away your health plan" and replace it with his own socialist plan. Why won't the RNC take a break? They tried these scare tactics during the campaign and it didn't work. Then he was a socialist, facist and don't forget the tea bagging party. Give it up already! More than 50% of Americans agree with him and what he's doing.
What a see you next Tuesday.
I am sure someone is going to lose sleep over this decision; it won't be me.
The President is not going to be speaking on his politcal platform; he will be congratulating graduates, parents, guardians, grandparents, as well as encouraging the graduates.
If a survey was taken, she would find that more than half of the females and males either know someone who has had, or they or their girlfriends have had an abortion.
No one condones abortion; the President believes that since it is not against the law, women should be allowed to make that choice if they desire to.
She deserves the award; Obama does not. Clearly another example that this nation is backwards.
Who cares? Seriously...she allowed to have her opinion, but the rest of us are allowed to recognize it's irrelevant. So I ask again, who really cares?
So what about all the current graduating Notre Dame students that may be pro-choice, gay, or something else that the Catholic Church doesn't condone or believe in? I know Notre Dame students that are pro-choice, that are gay, etc. should all of them not be allowed to graduate or not get a degree? If they do not want to give degrees to those who are not like minded, then they should start asking every applicant whether they are gay, or pro-choice, etc. and if it doesn't follow the Catholic Church, then don't admit them or let them graduate...right? Sounds pretty ludicrous to me.
Who cares? Seriously...she allowed to have her opinion, but the rest of us are allowed to recognize it's irrelevant. So I ask again, who really cares?
Next up, Catholics calling for Notre Dame to expel any student found to be gay "and anyone who supports them."
It's amazing that a Harvard Law professor, presumably an intelligent woman, could be so far gone into superstition.
Religion is a left-over from ages before humanity understood much of the world around them, or even realized that such understanding could be had by sufficiently subtle investigation. It survives today principally as a collection of divisive prejudices continuing a millennial tradition of cruelty and injustice.
I'm not sure how this women is so distinguished. She's obviously incapable of looking at the big picture, consistency of thought and reason.
Death Penalty = Bush
War = Bush
Ummmm.....So I guess she gets to decided what life is innocent and what life isn't????? Because the Catholic Church does not support the death penalty and hopefully they don't support war either. Why are "Pro-Lifers" (if you can call them that) so hypocritical?
Does anyone really care what Mary Ann Glendon thinks?
The Bible also warns against casting stones (i.e. not judging others). I guess she and the other protestors need to drop out of Harvard, lest they look like a bunch of hypocrites.
Proof that the Republican Party has politicized religion.
hmmmm, I wonder if this is political. Maybe she is just mad because Obama had better marks.
Applause for Prof. Glendon. Kudos for standing up on principles and refusing to be used as a token Conservative to "balance" Pres. Obama getting an honorary degree that he doesn't deserve.
Don't give her the award, who cares.
What a joke. Catholic or not, contrasting views or not, this man is the President of the United States. Just because he has different views does not make him an 'opponent.' This is why separation of church and state is a good thing. Last time society mixed the two, people burned at the stake. If you want to live where Catholicism has any more say then polite suggestions, go live at the Vatican.
I am going to being this post by saying that I consider myself a conservative and a Catholic, although I do not necessarily agree with all of the stances of both entities.
That being said, I think the calls for people to boycott the commencement, and for the university to rescind the invitation to the President, is absurd. Isn't it a bit hypocritical for the Conference of Bishops to call for not honoring individuals that take fundamental stands opposite the Catholic Church, when Nancy Pelosi was granted an audience with the Pope?
And that's not even getting into the topic of the Church's dirty laundry with pedophile priests. Let the President deliver the commencement address. It should be a moment that the graduates remember fondly and not something to be politicized.
Rather childish on her part. What is it she doesn't like about having differing opinions? Is she a republican?
amen !!!
Nothing defines inflexibility and intolerence more that the religious.
More blood has been shed and more loss of life attributed to religious differences than any other cause in history. When will these extremists ever learn about respecting and tolerating difference?
Proof again that the GOP is a one issue party to many of their followers.
Harvard doesn't look too smart for employing a professor who believe the world is flat!
President Obama, maybe you should ONLY speak at Black Colleges.........
I would could agree w/ her decision if the award was soley based on religious principles. Its obvious that is based on service and achievements. Seems like a personal or political orientation issue. She is sending a message. She'll probably still accept the award just not at the ceremony.
This is so foolish. President Obama is not the only president who are pro-choice. Actually, he is not as pro-choice as some of the others we had in the past. I have never heard the excuse of pro-life being used this much. I think it is a cover for discrimination.
People need to realize that Obama is a lawyer who knows the law. Abortion is legal and was before his adminstration and will be long after.
I wonder if she cancels all engagements if there is someone who does not agree with her position on issues.
Mary Ann Glendon, it is your loss. Too bad, people are so closed minded.
However, the far-right will condemn Obama on abortion, but WILL support Bush even though he invaded a country that had done nothing to us......... Iraq, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians, our own Troops, displacing millions of Iraqis!
Its hypocritical of the far-right to be for the baby in the womb, but not for human beings, in general!
Well, there you have it. Why honor a man who has accomplished what only a few men in the history of our country have achieved? I wonder what her position is on the grown men (priests and bishops) who sexually assault young boys?? That's probably OK by her since the church choses to protect those who do the crime. Hmmm. We can forgive the shepherds, but judge the sheep.
There's always some hack trying to make a photo op for something silly. This is about education, not abortion. Get over yourselve and the Cathlic Church has nothing to do with Obama Educational causes.
Good for Professor Glendon! I respect her.
I am finding our conservative right to be every bit as radical as the Islamic radicals. It frightens me to think that we would request a University to deny an honorary degree be given to a Harvard graduated with a Juris Doctorate based on a philosophic difference with the Catholic Church. Is this the days of Kings in Europe? Freedom of religion is what we founded this nation on!! I don't want Conservatives or Extremist telling me what to believe. This Right Winged tendency seems to forget that our Constitution seprates Church and State for a very good reason. Obama is brilliant, whether you agree with his politics or not.
With "great sadness", I say that seccession is not a bad idea for these people. Obviously, they can't work with anyone who disagrees with their point of view.
Good for Notre Dame for not backing down.
Well done Ms. Glendon!
I am very proud of MaryAnn Glendon for standing with God and his commandments against people( Obama ) who are muslum and for abortion. God will judge the university for it's choices. I always thought the catholics were not true believers, but followed where the money was.
Get over it....accept your award and keep it moving! No one will remember you for NOT accepting your award. She will regret that decision. Her peers will explain to her later that that was a bonehead move!
People have a hard time understanding these sorts of decsions by religous people.
She actually belives that abortions are bad, bad for the fetus, bad for the mother and bad for society.
And the answer is not, make it easier to get an abortion. The answer is to make an get abortion not the answer.
Whereas fromt he politicians point of view, its just a decision that garners votes one way or the other.
I fully support her position. Its good to know there are people who stand up for those who have no voice.
Maybe they can get Rick Warrne?
Who?
I'll bet Mary Ann Glendon wouldn't have a problem being on the same stage with fellow conservative Goerge W. Bush...
...and she's supposed to be pro-life?
...what a joke...
...Academia should give her her walking papers for being such a closed-minded hypocrite!
...I'll bet she's all for torture, and keeping America safe through preemptive war against sovereign nations that pose no viable threat to us...
...Conservatives are morally, spiritually, and intellectually bankrupt...
...and should NOT be allowed by the American voters to reorganize under some kind of political and ideological Chapter 11...
...I'm glad Mary Ann Glendon won't be on the same dais with our President...
...she's not fit to shine his shoes...
Doesn't say much for her. What a shame to have a mentality of "if you don't agree with me, I'm not going to show up." Ironic that this only seems to be a problem with this particular president. What else is going on here?
you go girl!!
God Bless President Obama, VP Biden, the First Families and "Bo"
but you'd attend if the President was one that was "Pro-life" yet started an unjust war and killed thousand's of babies ah just so long that they're brown, and orenge and in far away places, they're not considered kids
Well good for Professor Glendon, she should sit at home and sulk about the country not accepting her point of view on all matters of principle.
Professor Glendon can probably get an invite on the Rush Limbaugh show where she can demonstrate her intellect with one of her ilk.
I'd like to follow Professor Glendon around for two weeks without her knowledge and with a hidden camera. I promise you she wouldn't have anything to say about "moral consciousness" after what we'd likely see on camera. Plllease. If Jesus acted like that, he would never had eaten with or spent time with the publicans or the harlots, the very people who needed to hear his view and hear what he had to say. The Bible speaks against pharisidic elitism and moral grandstanding, where people go around saying, "I'm glad that I am moral and not like those others". Has anyone tried to just sit down with the President and share their testimony or their personal faith instead of throwing stones all the time? ((crickets, crickets)) Right. Exactly what I thought. And when someone does try to foster a positive relationship that could lead them to be able to speak into their lives (like Pastor Rick Warren) they get, well...crucified.
I am sure she attended events honoring Bishops who tolerated pedophile priests in their diceses, at the expense of the children that were harmed.
What hypocrisy.
Well, it is difficult to imagine who she thinks she is. Harvard is fine, she is not. Respect for the president is lacking in her attempt to show up the president and much more than half of the American public because of her beliefs which 50 years from now will be a joke. Religious beliefs in the past (and present) have cost millions of lives–dead cert killings nor pro life maybes. As a law professor she must be aware of this.
Well, if Professor Mary Ann Glendon is a Catholic, I hope she's been not going to Mass to protest the Church's practice of promoting, transferring and in general, enabling the pedophilic practices of several of its priests.
If she is attending Mass, I am very saddened by her decision to set the example of tolerating perverted and abhorrent behavior on the part of Catholic clergy that is in clear violation of the Church's teachings.
I applaud her for making a bold decision and following her morals without apology. However, if she's non-tenured, I bet she is gone by the end of this semester. Liberals won't stand a prof like her at a place like Harvard. I really hope I'm wrong.
good for her. she'll take some heat maybe even lose her tenure, but it's great to see someone stand against the machine.
When did so many people become God? Thay pass judgement on what is the divine plan and who is what.
This is a prime example of religion and no faith.
Apparently, academic freedom and respect for other views only means that Prof Glendon wants hers protected.
As a devout catholic I am dismayed over Notre Dame's decision. The University of Notre Dame, and much of he Catholic and other Christian Churches in the US, have lost their way. No disrespect to Mr obama, but inviting him is an affront to Catholic teaching and Church law. It is shameful and a dark day for ND.
what a big baby. he's the president of the united states. maybe it's because the media wasn't paying attention to such stories before, but i never remember hearing about liberals turning down honors because george bush would be receiving similar recognition. people disagree about issues, it's no reason to take your ball and go home.
Why are people taking everything so personal . It is really starting to get ridiculous. People have their own beliefs in life. No one is ever going to agree with everything someone does. I think this is pure childish and if that's how she feels, than she's not mature enough to deserve it . She is showing her ignorance and who cares if she doesn't accept this award. She is definitely not hurting the President. He will go on with business as usual
Not worth discussing.
Send Professor Glendon to Iran or perhaps Pakistan where she can find herself a nice Taliban who will protect her from the worldly issues of today...this is an example of an extremist person that is a US citizen who is allowed to be a "Harvard professor"....of course she is a conservative pro-life republican...
Quite blatantly, this is getting ridiculous. I find all of these supposed "pro-life" excuses as racist, unnecessary, and just a political jab at our new president. So, must ALL Catholic universities start background checking the social positions of our commencement speakers? I attend Villanova, and I certainly do not think so.
Spare me – Too bad like other right wingers she's not as concerned about a child as she is about an unborn fetus.
If the GOP and their followers (who are diminishing in numbers!) really care about life then they need to start caring about the health, education and welfare that should be provided for every child born in the US, regardless of their parent's income.
Its amazing that someone with a degree from Harvard (Glendon, not Obama) could be so naive and self-defeating. When will Catholics finally get it that provision of social services and education (things Obama wants to do) are more effective than legislation (things conservatives want to do despite the fact that it cause more problems than it creates). This is easily substantiated with research. Glendon is just engaging in another petty display like the one by Sarah Palin. BTW, if we listened to "pro-life" (a term that is a joke when applied to most of the people the conservatives want to elect) advocates, Palin would be one heartbeat away from being President. I can't even imagine how many people would die from her gross ineptness. There may be a lot of valid issues to take with Obama, but this isn't one of them. The sooner these narrow-minded conservatives begin seeing the forest and not the tree, the sooner we will seriously address the abortion issue. As much as i hate to say it, it is people like Glendon that make Christianity so unappealing to others. As far as Catholicism, I think Notre Dame has a better grasp on the Church's teachings than does Glendon.
If catholics and christians everywhere in this country were as devout in their religions as the Muslims are in their's this country would look a lot different to the world and would be a far better place. We have lost many of the beliefs and principles upon which this country was founded – "One nation, Under God...."
Unbelievable! Honorary degrees are given to all manner of individuals. President Obama is just that, the PRESIDENT!!!
You should be so honoured to be included in the same ceremony.
GET OVER YOURSELF!!!
Obama is promoting policies to reduce the number of abortions by supporting women who choose to keep the baby, by advancing family planning and sex education, and by promoting adoption. In contrast, the number of abortions increased under Bush's head-in-the-sand abstinence only policy.
So, which president is acting in defiance of the church's goals? The one who is acting to reduce abortions, or the one who increased them? Get over yourself, Glendon (and Catholics everywhere).
I can't believe that a Harvard professor said something like that ... we're in 2009 and Obama is not pro-abortion, he is pro-choice and he is a very good exemple : the same wife for 17 years ,very good father and very good husband. Sometimes I think that he is more conservative in family values than a lot of "conservatives" that I know. What a shame !!!
Yeah...JUDGE OTHERS – That's really in line with the whole Jesus thing isn't it......
Professor Glendon is using the wrong venue to stage her protest.
Universities are by definition a place to learn abd exchange ideals of different views.
If the President was scheduled to present her withthe medal, she would have reason to pass onthe honor. But to say she disagrees with his views and therefore won't accept it from the institution suggests she needs to quit her job at Harvard and move out of Boston. Harvard beng a liberal bastion and Boston having the same reputation..
If you are fighting for a belief, it should be at the proper forum- this isn't it. It appears she should not be given an award if as a professor she does not realize that!
Good for her! It is important to stand by your convictions! I find it quite arrogant of the leaders of Notre Dame University to not follow their core values.
How about you should decline to receive federalk grants and perhaps you can apply to the so called Holey See
Good for Ms. Glendon. She is right on. Conservatives need more people like Ms. Glendon who are willing to stand up and speak the truth instead of sucking up to everyone for political points.
Speaking of sucking up, Notre Dame seems to be pandering for popularity. Why else would one invite the Chief Narcissist to campus? In place of a honorary degree, why not just give him a mirror...so he can admire himself?
I respect her decision and it comes no surprise to me.... being a conservative herself, this is how she should behave. Though I don't agree with her viewpoint.
A commencement "is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame's decision . . . to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church's position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice," Glendon told Notre Dame's president.
The question l have for Mary Ann Glendon is: Does she agree with thought dissent in her auditorium, or is it black and white? This is exactly the reason that Catholic Church can not win the argument on abortion. For someone close minded it is not even an argument. How about education on condom use? How about having the catholic priest getting married and have family? How about reducing poverty by increasing education? All those issues should not be seen as separated from the abortion. Now, anyone will ask how is it having priests married has anything to do with abortion. When you go to church and talk about everyday issues, do you ask yourself what does this guy know about life??? The only way reducing abortion is by improving the life of our citizens. Then, this might be a push for some conservatives....
This is great news. The less these prehistoric thinkers have access to public forums, the sooner their theocratic viewpoints will disappear from our public discourse.
The single issue so-called Catholics like Ms. Glendon make me sick! It seems to be o.k. with them for tens of thousands of innocent people of all ages to be killed in the wars we involve ourselves with. They seem to lose very little sleep over what happens to millions of babies born into poverty. She should get an award for narrow focus!
I sure if it was bush Ms Glendon wouldn't turn it down. Just ask her.
well finally, someone does the right thing.............Congrats
The partisan hypocrisy on the part of the Church is overwhelming.
Another person who mad Mccain got slaughtered at the polls...who cares?
She should be ashamed. President Obama is a Harvard graduate, President of the United States of ALL the people. We, the public, are getting tired of these right-to-lifers who can't handle the truth – and the truth is that abortion MUST be kept legal, otherwise the back-street abortionists will be back in business. Keeping it legal, keeps women safe and protects their health. No one should judge another unless they walk a mile in their moccasins.
Oh Well!!!!!!!
The University of Notre Dame recognizes we are adiverse Nation of
Beliefs and Opinions which is our right as Americans. I do not believe President Obama is being asked because of his beliefs or opinions but because of wo he is. However, Ms Clendons exercises her right and her action shows we still are a very divided country.
Right on Professor Glendon. Stand your ground and practice what you preach.
Where was all of this righteous indignation when the Catholic Church was protecting pedophiles from prosecution?
wOW !!! those type of people are the ones to be scared of since they can be compromised with...but some how she doesnt get it
I'm curious about something. Many, many pro-death penalty Republicans have spoken at Catholic Universities (including Notre Dame). The Catholic Church has an official position condemning the use of the death penalty in ALL cases. Yet, all these hand-wringing would-be Catholics stayed remarkably silent when Catholic universities let those people speak.
Mary Ann Glendon needs to sit down somewhere and shut up. If you ain't part of the solution you are part of the problem.
I am glad that someone can stick to their principles. I know it must have been a very hard decision.
Note that at the event in which the captioned picture was taken, all religious symbols and icons were covered at the request of the administration. These requests are not made for similar events at mosques...hmmm. Hurray for Professor Glendon for standing up for her principles.
I really don't think he will be talking about abortion to the graduates. They should be honored to have our President at the event. He is a very busy man. People need to look beyond single issue politics.
Notre Dame? Is that a University? I thought it was a football team.
Don't know who she is, don't care to know who she is and don't care that she won't be in attendance, the ceremony will go on. So good luck and good riddance.
Oh good grief. It's not like they invited someone objectionable like Bush, Cheney, Newt, Palin, Rove, Rice or that bunch. They invited Obama, someone with integrity.
Good, let her be sad. If she wants to continue to be subserviant to and dominated by the mens' club that's her choice. Ms. self-righteous, goody two shoes doesn't deserve to be on the same stage as the President. How disgustingly narrowminded.
This does not surprise me. Why is this such a big deal when other Presidents have been honored in this same way? This wound is much deeper than what this professor would admit, but my opinion is this lady hurt herself because President Obama has not done anything to her or this school. We all know he works very hard and it is really sad the only way a person can express themselves thru hatred because we all know thats what this behavior is then they make new excuses. President Obama continue your good work and donot let people of this caliber steal your joy. May God Bless You!
Who cares what Glendon says or does..... not me.
I am so sick of these hypocrital so called "pro-life" conservatives. They didn't have a problem with Bush who is "pro-life" but yet he's for the death penalty. HYPOCRITS.
Politics is in everything, especially the Catholic church. We ALL have choices in life and that is what makes us so different . God created us all to be imperfect. This is how we learn. Some people have a real problem with change and to me those people are trapped and are stunning their growth. President Obama is not attending the graduation ceremony to give a speech on politics. It's a shame that the University is playing politics with the church.
The conservative, pro-life academic explained her decision not to attend the commencement ceremony and not to accept the Laetare Medal from the university in a letter to Notre Dame's president.
What is with these pro-life nuts. The world do not stop becasue of you nuts. Every body have their own believe and your believe is not the voice for everyone. GET OVER YOURSELF!
That away to go Mary Ann now we can add religious war to the conservative agenda, the group that looks for any way they can to beliitle and humiliate an elected President. Fortunately he is a bigger person than those seeking to offend.
So in the spirit of savings, the fact that this lady will not be going to Notre Dame to get her award will generate a savings for someone. Probably for whoever was going to pay for her trip, lodging and meals.
It certainly is your RIGHT, Ms. Glendon, to be a no-show for your award- however I wonder if a commencement is the "right place" in which to make a stand against your perceived issues with Pres. Obama. I would like to ask you, however, how many honors and honorary degrees Mr. Bush received during his tenure? I would also like to ask you, Ms. Glendon, what CONCRETE steps Mr Bush took – even ONCE- that tried to reverse the abortion laws in this country? I never noticed that the Republican Party many any changes to abortion law, during their 8 YEARS in control of the WH- and at least some 6 years in control of the House/Senate. Sounds to me like you are a sad and sore loser looking for a platform in which to elevate yourself.
If only the "rigidity" of the Catholic Church and Evangelistic Born Again Community could become "conscious" and realize that EVERY single human being who is born and walks their pathway to God every day of their life, could live peaceably and have no qualms of the opinions of others if they spoke their own truth and lived in the moment. The ego is a MASTER at turning the possibility of peace and acceptance into a "my way or the highway" mentality! How fortunate America really is now that we have a President who can speak his own truth, and reach out to EVERY human in the world in a desire to unify rather than to tear down. It is unfortunate this Professor who was to receive this award has chosen to listen to "ego" and refuse to "enjoy life and its accomplishments" on a day which will be filled with accomplishment of so many students who worked hard to earn their degree, and for a speech from a President, which will no doubt inspire many people that day!
This is really very troubling. I am truly saddened that Professor Glendon decided not to accept her award.
Her award is for her contributions and Obama's is for his. Why must we have total refusal when we disagree.
Shame shame
Sorry to hear that she is so shallow to think that everyone must think as she thinks. Certainly, she has her right to turn down the honor, but I think she shows her own small thinking & has disrespected Notre Dame in the process. LJ in NC
You conveniently left out that she was also U.S. ambassador to the Vatican under George W. Bush (who was one of the biggest death penalty politicians of our time...another issue which Catholics are also supposed to be opposed to).
It's a shame that there are those who are trying to politicize what should just be a great time and memory for Notre Dame graduates of having the President of the United States speaking at their commencement...something that very few will ever experience.
Another Bushee playing politics!
OMG!!!! I thought integrity had died at Harvard. At least Professor Glendon has the intelligence, honor and courage to stand up for what she believes in.
I guess academia isn't quite dead yet.
I wonder where Mary Ann was when all those Catholic priests were molesting young boys? What did she think about that? How can she equate Pres. Obama opinion about abortion in the same league with priests molesting young boys? Really, she does not need to be on the same stage with the President anyway--
Sounds to me like Notre Dame is not missing out is she doens't come there. Kudos to ND for bringing in Obama. it shows that despite fundamental misgivings, they are willing to be open to dialog rather tha the ussual head in the sand fundamentals.
So, if say Berkeley or Boulder decided to have Glendon speak at their commencement, I guess we would all have to get up in arms about this horrible conservative being inappropriate.
Hey Glendon, separation of church and state is a good thing! You're at Harvard, you should be smart enough to know better, but apparently even high IQ's can be blinded by blind faith.
An 'uncompromising opponent.' Who is really being 'uncompromising' here? One that believes in personal choice, not forcing tough personal decisions on people or the person that is believes in not only stripping personal freedom of choice away but also wanting the exclusion of those that don't agree with stripping away personal freedom of choice. Yeah, makes sense. Gotta love it, they'll go to bat for you all day long while your a fetus but once you get here its "keep your hand out of my piggy bank" and "pull yourself up by your bootstraps."
This is so sad.
What is really going on here? The church that sat back on its heals while their Bishops molested countless young boys for decades is in a frenzy because the POTUS (who happens to have a different social stance than them) is speaking at a Catholic University????
Wow...talk about having your priorities in order!
I mean, really... You can come up with a better excuse to hide the REAL reason.
These folks are so transparent...and what makes it worse is they don't even realize how they look to the rest of the rational and sane world.
This is out-right stupidity. Just stupid. Ignorant and stupid. Pres. G.W. Bush received one and was openly a user of the Death Penalty. This action, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL BELIEVE, is also counter in EQUAL light to that of abortion in the eyes of the Catholic belief, yet no problem there.
You say your Catholic (believing in Christ) yet you condone the death penalty; you say your anti-abortion; yet you pass judgement as Christ said we should not. God sees no crime or sin higher or lower, all sin is equal in the eyes of God.
Let the acalades be based on meretorious and academia not on thoeological hipocricy and populous double standards.
Amazing. So much of these "protests" are part political motivation and personal angst at having this young African American man lead this country. To forego a personal nod for herself because the President of the United States will be honored is just preposterous. What a waste.
Give the medal to someone else..........next
She wants 5 minutes on Hannity the Hater show
"The conservative, pro-life academic ..."
What? There is one of those?
I wonder what Jesus Christ would do when he disagreed with someone?
Now now Ms. Glendon, you are not following what the book says, love thy neighbor. Doesn't the book say something about being judgemental. And furthermore Ms. Glendon.......aww forget being nice, I hate you Jesus freaks. ALL OF YOU! You make me sick. You and others like you Ms. Glendon is the reason why I laugh at religion. Are you serious! What, Obama believes in your right as a woman to chose and that is so horrible????? Oh, but you will praise a man, the Pope, who is an admitted member of the Nazi party , yeah the same party that is responsible for killing millions of people. I wish I was one of your students so I could kick the crap out your hypocritical butt, you ignorant moron. This probably will not get posted but either way, I got it off my chest
How is it so hard to respect your President? If I can respect Bush while he's in office, you can respect Obama.
All I would like to say to Ms Glendon and all the Catholic's who are shamelessly making these noises about the Presidents invitation to the University is stop being Hypocrites and let other people go on to their business, after the scandal about the Catholic Bishop's you do not have room to criticize anybody, it is OK to commit these atrocities but it is not OK to be a pro choice, shame on you.
This turns my stomach.... Most of our Democratic Presidents and congressmen are PRO CHOICE... how does this make them PRO ABORTION.. If this Harvard professor feels so strongly she has made the right CHOICE for herself.., but she has slapped the President in the face..
Only wish she would had stood up when the Government went to IRAQ and killed innocent people so Bush could have his revenge.
for the love of christ..give me a break
he attented that school......................how dare ............
One wonders whether there would be such consternation over an invitation to a politician who supports the death penalty.
wait...i though ivy league institutions only give liberal points of view.
This is crazy. How am i supposed to igore smart people if I can't assume they all have liberal bias?
So, let her stay home.
Dumb decision. Lots of book smarts though. Big deal. So stay away. I won't notice. Won't change my life. Life will go on after your drama is long ended.
She must not be a very good law professor if she can't figure out that as a non-Catholic Obama is not bound by Catholic religious decrees. Nor am I, nor should any non-Catholic resident of the United States be. Furthermore, the power of the State should not be used to promulgate or enforce religious dogma no matter what the Head of State, or anyone else, believes. Constitutional Law 101. Perhaps she needs a refresher course?
Ms Glendon....well Someone has integrity. Not Notre Dame or President Obama.
The best thing for her to do is stay away. I am sure her presence will not be missed. If she doesn't want to accept the award, she doesn't have to. The President is going to be invited to deliver many commencement addresses during and after his term of office is over.
How narrow minded can one get???? Let it be, President Obama is only giving a commencement addresss and will not be changing the world in that afternoon. Lighten up!
A conservative Harvard professor? That can't be true.
Aren't Republicans always wailing that northeastern universities are full of America-hating, hyper-liberal, atheist professors?
Seriously people, he has a real degree. Why the outrage over the pretend ones? They're honoring the president. Deal with it.
She has some spiritual issues. I'm Catholic, I don't agree with
100% of the churches principles, but agree with the school
you can honor any person that shows exemplinary accomplishments
such as President Obama.
Her loss, maybe another college will extend her an invitation, however, she would be wise to accept next time, a pattern develops and no one wants to be associated with a person that continuously rejects offers.
How narrow and closed minded of her. Another instance of the right wing conservative Christians who don't even want to hear another person's point of view. Her loss, not theirs.
Tough Decision, but good for her. I am glad to see people standing up for their values, beliefs and FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!
"I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree"
Just... read that sentence... He's the flippin' president. Of course he can be awarded an honorary degree.
Grow the heck up.
Who cares what she says. It does not mean anything to me.
What is it about extremists and their inability to see nuance? The man is receiving an honorary degree in connection with the commencement speech. the degree is not a celebration of his positions with which Notre Dame disagrees. Making an issue out of this is like raising a stink when your pro-death penalty neighbor participates in a Knights of Columbus bake sale.
If it isn't one religious nut job, its another. Hey wake up guys, since when is our chief elected official only to be a boot-lick of fundalmentalists of Catholic or Protestant groups. Isn't he supposed to repersent a broader view?
As the US Ambassador to the Vatican and also as a "longtime consultant" to the US Council of Catholic Bishops, Glendon HAD to decline Notre Dame's invitation. Plus she has been feted over the years and won't miss this recent honorific. I am disappointed since allthis is in light of the PResident's speaking at Notre Dame. Neither he nor any one of us is soone-dimensional that if we are not for abortion, we have everything else in line with what the Church wants us to be. Too bad.
Hooray, somebody who is willing to stand on principle. Whether or not we agree with that principle pales next to the fact that there is a huge need for people who do not think this guy is a Messiah to be adored and unchallenged.
ridiculous. I can only imagine that Harvard is embarrassed by this woman
So what she's saying, is that she has a problem with the American Constitution.
President Obama does not advocate for abortion, he stands by the constitutional right to choose what ever is best for a woman. Why is it so hard for you people to just accept that it's not your right to tell me what I can and can't to to my own body. Just because abortion is legal doesn't mean that you have to have one...which is precisly why it is a choice. I would urge the Pro-Lifers, who are primarily republicans, to get your agenda straight and stop being so hypocritical. One minute you are crying because you don't want the government to get involved and the next minute you want to pass a law that would allow the government to dictate what a woman can do with her own body. Stop being so tyranical and just be content with your own beliefs...if leading the religious life is so fulfilling, why do you become so enraged by what others who think differently than you? Get a grip, your behaviors are totally irrational and your beliefs are contrary to America's spirit...The home of the free, not the home of the religious dictators.
THERE IS HOPE! With the liberal left taking it's TURN at bat I was concerned that mass saturation by the O media machine had turned every one's brains to mush. Congratulations to Professor Glendon for walking the talk.
No matter how well trained they are. Once they are ideologically blind. They are any better than the foolish fool as their idiocy gets exhibited. This is the greatest sign of incompetence and ignorance: I cannot be in a room with someone with whom I disagree on a matter. Everyone should see eye to eye with me in everything. This is my world, and therefore, this is the world. Imbecility, cretinist, divisiveness, intolerance, jealousy are few amongst the ocean of words that describe that lady's arrogance
Notre Dame is an institution of higher education. Why in the world wouldn't any institution not want their students to meet with the President of the United States? I don't think Obama is going there to promote abortion.
Every Biology course at Notre Dame teaches Darwin's evolution as the scientific explanation for the origin of man on the Earth. Does Ms. Glendon have a problem with that?
Someone needs to explain good manners to Ms. Glendon.
their is always apersons who will disagree with any thing said or done byreligious groupsgood or bad best hingis to disreguardthse people give them no newstime
Harvard Law School professor Mary Ann Glendon
Is a HERO! Thank You!
We have to keep standing up for our VALUES!
Enemy of the State-and Proud of it!
I applaud Notre Dame for standing firm amidst all of this extremist craziness.
Good riddance to your hypocritical butt....I've always heard the bigger the Christian or "goodie goodie" the BIGGER THE FREAK!!
Bravo, Professor Glendon for standing up for what you believe in! You will of course be chewed out by the press and your colleagues in academa.
I saw the headline for this story on my google news page and immediately thought, please dont let this be a discussion topic on CNN's ticker. And voila here we are. This story has been in the news cycle for weeks now and it has been discussed to death already. I mean who really cares if she backs out of attending the ceremony or accepting the award. There are, obviously, catholics who dont agree with pres. Obama's stance and are still going to attend the ceremony and there are those who will not. Cant we just leave it there? I mean who really cares if this lady accepts the award or not? Does her decision add anything new to the debate that hasnt already been said? These stories appeal to our emotions to react like pavlovian dogs, which often leads to distraction from the critical issues of the day. It also represents the same kind of un-objective thinking that got us involved in the Iraq War!
Pro life conservative? It's impossible. They believe in capital punishment and killing innocent civilians in illegal wars.
Hey, I have an idea, lets make a deal.
We'll call capital punishment and deaths of innocent people in wars 'late term abortions' if you call abortions "proactive capital punishment".
Works for me!
Deal?
Intolerance from a conservative pro-lifer? I am shocked.
Fundamental principles of justice? what a loon
Bravo Professor Glendon! Thank you for standing up to your beliefs and principles. I hope more people would do the same. God Bless!
To all you sanctimonious Catholics out there I would just ask, "What would Jesus do?" God loves us all whether we all believe the same thing or not. It is short-sighted, narrow minded and all those other cliches for intolerance, for Catholics to object to the University of Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama. My neighbor and I do not agree about the death penalty or gun control yet we learn new things from each other every week; we have lived next door to each other harmoniously for more than 30 years. I have not changed my mind and neither has he. President Obama is the president of the whole United States and the United States is part of the whole world. We all have different beliefs and ways of life and the only way we will learn from each other is to listen to each other. I urge the University of Notre Dame to welcome President Obama and to not listen to the narrow-minded and intolerant.
I will ask the question again! Where were these people when the priests were molesting little boys? Where was their catholic values? has Obama carried out any abortion in his own life or that of his family? This is utterly non-sense and a cover up of racial discrimination on the part of the individuals. As a professor at Havard, I suppose you must have heard that he graduated from that institution and I am wondering if you will have a change of heart against teaching there also. Please please please you so-called catholics, please remember that the God we serve do not discriminate. My 2cents.
I think you guys have a wonderful president. Why is there so much hate going on?
It's a free country and we can do what we want to do but this lady really
shows us how stupid a citizen of this country can be.
What a paradoxically self-righteous move on her part. Might I ask if anyone ever turned down an honor at a university because the school invited our warmongering former president to share at a commencement ceremony? None that I can recall, despite the Biblical command, "Thou shalt not kill." Wherein is the difference between abortion and war, especially in the case of unjustifiable war? Is war somehow more honorable or righteous than abortion? No, they are both abominations of humanity, but why the overattention to this woman who remains silent in the face of the thousands we've destroyed in the Middle East, but speaks up on an issue that is no more brutal? If we choose righteousness, let's choose it on all grounds, not just the ones that are politically or religiously expedient. If one wanted to speak out in behalf of all Biblical principals, there would be no government official who could elude admonishion, no political figure to speak at commencement ceremonies, and no self-righteous Catholic to turn down honors from Notre Dame in response.
Unfortunately you will find yourself ridiculed for this decision but congratulations on being strong on your own principles.
I'm glad that people are sticking to their principles. The constant attacks on conservatives will cause them to stick together even more, that's not good news for liberals who've been trying to tear apart the conservative movement since its inception.
Wow.... I feel like I can just leave the same comment on every post today.. once again the religious right getting in the way.. amazing.
Of course Mary Ann Glendon. That is your right! You turn down just what ever you want to turn down BUT leave President Obama out of it because of HIS beliefs.
YOU are an arregant air head to say the least and probably very undeserving of such an honor anyway. You are one of those people who try to force your belief of anything onto those who have other ideas of how life should be delt with. It's YOUR way no matter what.
Well, I'm sure no one will miss you at that commencement. I know I won't! You need to get over yourself and realize the rest of the world has a mind of it's own too and could care less if or if not you are along for our ride through life...
CARRY ON PRESIDENT OBAMA... YOUR DOING A VERY FINE JOB.
So, how does the self-righteous Mary Ann glendon feel about her Catholic Bishops performing sodomy on children in their charge?
Just like conservatives....when attempts to squelch opinions that don't mirror Rush Limbaugh's...they pull out of the game.....how's that for honest dialogue....
What makes this slightly ironic is that according to a recent gallup poll, Catholics are even more liberal than the general population when it comes to abortion, birth control, and gay marriage.
The Catholic Church has a 1500 year-long history of being dead wrong on some of the most important questions and issues of the ages. When someone like Glendon pretends to this kind of absolute knowledge and judgment, whether on behalf of the church or just herself, the proper response is, "so what"? When an institution like the Catholic Church loses all sense of proportion and humility and identifies itself not WITH a position or policy but AS a position or policy, it makes it awfully easy to think of it as a mind-control cult instead of a mystical manifestation of the principles of life. Those who do not respect differences or dissent are invariably intellectual cowards.
I wonder how many people were planning to come to the Notre Dame Commencement ceremonies hoping to get a glimpse of Professor Glendon. I’m guessing none.
Why do we need to know how this woman feels? Who is she anyway, other than someone who is trying to politicize something?
Although Ms. Glendon reserves the right to refuse to attend the ceremony and accept the medal, her actions, unfortunately, demonstrates a significant degree of immaturity. Additionally, her statement of the university using her to "balance President Obama's appearance" further indicates she is a bit conceited. What message are you intending to send to your students, Ms. Glendon? Please share when you have decided to climb down from your pedestal.
An obsure ex-ambassador from a place that is not even a country declining an award? Who knew who this person was before this story was published? Who cares?
All of this brouhaha about President Obama's commencement speech at Notre Dame is an orchestrated campaign by the political right. This isn't coming from the students and faculty at Notre Dame.
I am sure Jesus didnt preach hatred towards those whom we dont like. Why dont people prove to be better catholic.
That's what I love about conservatives, they talk about non-interference, but with them, it is either their way or NO way.
LOL, she "pro-life" but dosen't accept those who are currently LIVING............................right. WE!
it's not a republican convention lady! Some people just gotta have it their way or no way at all.
You go, Mary Ann!
This board will soon be filled with those people who will attack this professor for having the integrity to stand up for her beliefs. They will be the same liberals who cannot tolerate others beliefs or religion but believe themselves to be superior in belief and thought. Open your minds and understand other principles and values on this planet.
People need to get over themselves....and really act like children of Christ.......one of the biggest complaints the Jewish leaders of old had w/ Jesus Christ was the fact that he was seen w/ too many sinners, eating w/ them, and talking w/ them......when in fact he was ministering to them.....Jesus himself said (and i'm paraphrasing) It's the sick that need a doctor...not the well.......too many beleivers today have become such activist, that they constantly preach to the choir......Christ saves people from their sins, so that we can reach others, who need deliverance from their own battles w/ sin...... Notre Dame should honor Obama.....then while he's there, challenge him, w/ your beleifs and views......drop a seed, and let it grow.......
Is she serious? A law professor? I know this is not court, but cant you separate your religoius views from your common sense views for a moment? How can you preach this aspect in the classroom but not act it in your life. This is why conservatives dont get it and they never will.
This is a graduation for a university which happens to be catholic, NOT a graduation from a Catholic taught university. I went to ND, this is MY school, and I wont allow right wing extremeists Cathoics to underscore the wonderful education that came first at Notre Dame. I am proud to be an atheist alumnus.
The world will will move forward in spite of people like the professor.
Obama's not Catholic. Catholics must stop judging non-Catholics by Catholic standards. Don't like abortion? Don't have one. The same goes for everybody else.
it would appear that the American Catholic Church is going to break apart over this issue. Too bad they can't also feel the same way about homosexual pedophile priest.
I salute you Mary Ann Glendon...you are what America was built on, the freedom to express yourself without repercussion.
Additionally, I would also like to say that Miss California 2009 Carrie Prejean, you have the guts of a world leader, you should run for president.
Catholics around the world are rejoicing!
That's your decision and I respect it. Now go away and respect other people's opinion and stop the hypocritical BS.
And I'm sure she would have also backed out if someone who supported the Iraq War and the death penalty were giving the keynote, since the church is adamantly against both of those as well...
This is unbelievable. Where were these voices of "consciousness" and "reason" when G.W. Bush was stripping Americans of their rights and needlessly killing Iraqi civilians? If you are looking for the term used in the Bible to refer to those who keep His principles, it is "righteous" not "self-righteous".
Well, if she disagrees with anything that Obama believes, then she MUST be a racist. Right???
President Obama should do the right thing and not speak at the ceremony. It's causing more problems than solutions, and a good leader knows when to politely decline.
Professor Glendon,
I'm thrilled that you have decided not to participate in the ceremonies at Notre Dame. Feeling as you do, your presence would have put a damper on the events. There will be more than enough loonies there, who share your point of view. Your absence amounts to nothing more than one less faux soap boxer....Spare me your drama...
Yet this devout woman manages to work at Harvard without qualms....bizarre.
He is the President of the United States. He has not been invited to promote abortion. Its funny that the Catholic Church does not condone the death penalty but there was no outcry when Bush was invited.
I think she is completely right in not accepting the award. It is inconceivable to me that Notre Dame would even ask Obama to come to the campus, much less to speak there. It is a sad, sad time in America when our belief and faith in God, which is what our country was founded upon, is being condemned. We need to pray for our country and hope it survives Obama.
why can't you go and jump in the lake madam professor, with all your academic knowledge you act and think inside the box. Obama is the president of the USA nation and not the prolife nation which has blinded you to see the other side of coin.
Glendon – what a narrow minded person you are. I'm a catholic and I have no problem with the President giving the commencement speech at Notre Dame.
Let us get over it people. Like it or not Mr. Obama is President of the United States for the next four years. Each of us need to put aside our indidividual differences and work on what is best for the country. I am sure that there are more serious issues now facing the country than a commencement speech at Notre Dame or a Harvard professor refusing to accept an award because of how she feels about Obama. As far as I am concern, her refusal to accept the award is not reporting on CNN. It is only a publicity stunt. Please give the Professor some Cleanex tissue to wipe her tears!
In America, we all have the right of choice. While I disagree with the Professor's position, it is her right, as an American, to make it.
I do, however, think it is also reasonable for Harvard Law to examine whether this professor has sufficient respect for the First Amendment rights and responsibilities that she teaches its principles appropriately.
Our Constitution protects the policies and practices of the Catholic and other churches, both Christian and otherwise, by prohibiting in imposition of ANY church's dogma on the population as a whole.
To this woman I say so what. Until those show complete contempt for the sex abusers of the Church. All Bishops, Cardinals, and even the Pope are in no position to denounce the president. These clowns think for some reason that we the public would even listen to a group that protects these perverts.
Another whiny little conservative.I bet she would have arrived a day early if Bill(phone man)O'reilly or Ann(C) Coulter were guest speakers.Because as we know those two are really upstanding people.......
hmmmm, I wonder how many college students are on birth control at the University of Notre Dame?
And if she has a problem with the Churches stance on asimalation
"Defying churches fundamental principles"? That would include all who use a condom. Typical hypocrites.
What happened to the separation of church and state? These people seem to think that the way they feel about abortion,etc should dictate all future projects being done or not! Republicans will not bend on any issue that they feel is important, yet demand that the rest of us bend to their will. And if we don't , they whine and complain about no bi-partisanship in congress and no respect for their feelings. What about the rest of the worlds feelings? Fortunately, the rest of us are not so pious and narrow minded!
Abortion is a Symptom of a problem. The problem being women having unwanted babies. If people who were against abortion spent their time focusing on things that could be done to prevent unwanted babies, abortion would not be the issue it is today. The ironic thing is, probably the most successful way to reduce unwanted babies is discredited and unused by the religious community. That being sex education and the wide availability of contraceptives. They are, in effect, promoting policies that increase abortions.
"..fundamental principles of justice,"
So... refusing to allow an abortion on a woman who was raped by a direct family member and wound up pregnant because of it – that's justice?
Oh, sorry – I forgot – this is coming from the same group who thinks the Crusades were justified as long as the person doing it talks telepathically to an invisible man who lives in the sky who never answers but is convinced he's there.
Clumps of cells without consciousness are not humans.
It seems that some Catholics are turning into fundamentalist Christian Right wingers. He's the President of the United States for crying out loud! He's not just there representing Barak Obama ... he's representing the entire nation at this event. Also, he already has a HARVARD degree, he certainly doesn't need an honorary from N.D.
She is standing her ground for her beliefs just like the President has his beliefs. Think that is what the USA is all about – freedom of speach and freedom to stand on your principles.
To quote that sage pilotical philosopher Chris Farley " Well, la di freakin da". Last time I checked it was called a University hint rhymes with diversity. You right wingers make me laugh. Where is all your crap about "honoring the office of President" or does that only work when y'all are in charge?
To quote that sage pilotical philosopher Chris Farley " Well, la di freakin da". Last time I checked it was called a University hint rhymes with diversity. You right wingers make me laugh. Where is all your crap about "honoring the office of President" or does that only work when y'all are in charge?
To quote that sage pilotical philosopher Chris Farley " Well, la di freakin da". Last time I checked it was called a University hint rhymes with diversity. You right wingers make me laugh. Where is all your crap about "honoring the office of President" or does that only work when y'all are in charge?
If it was George W Bush...
...would she have turned down the award because of George W's stance on the death penalty making him an "uncompromising opponent of the Church's position"?
Oh right, as a "conservative, pro-life academic", she only feels moral outrage with Democrats over the abortion issue, but she is fine with Republican Texas Governors like George W Bush applying the death penalty to retarded people.
Another self-deceived hypocrite placing her politics over her faith in order to get attention...they are a dime a dozen.
And good riddance you Repug loser scum. The people @ ND don't want to hear their Right wing anti- american crud anyhow. Well I am not showing up b/c I will be trumped by a much better speaker, a much better human being, and a true american, well that does it I am out. I hate the GOP so much, if you see a conservative GOP punch them in the face.
Who would you rather have at your commencement? The President of the United States, or some obscure, self-righteous, single-issue, litmus-testing Harvard professor?
that's ridiculous!1 *rolls eyes* why stop there? Why not quit teaching at Harvard Law? I mean he did go there...
If this woman has ever, and I mean EVER, given a passing grade to a pro-choice student she is a hypocrite. And if she starts failing them because they are prolife she is descriminating.
Harvard has historically been one of the more liberal institutions, yet this professor seems to have no problem teaching there or collecting her paycheck from them. Where were her "principles" when she made her life choices?
Last I heard, the Catholic church also preaches tolerance and acceptance of different types of people and points of view.
Professor Glenden lacks the realization that President Obama is all the peoples president not only the ones that share her view!
Pro choice gives YOU the choice whatever it may be the choice is YOURS! No one made it for you.
Notre Dame is moving along with the changing times but some Catholics could not but remain the dinosaurs of our age!!!
Obama – Biden 2012!
Osama, I mean Obama is ruining everyones chance at their 15 minutes of fame because he insists on being there to show them up. Could we have a real president please? This puplicity hound crap is getting boring and we'd like to move on and prosper as a nation. Time to close the curtains and turn off the lights of spotlighting the token black man. There's a whole country that has issues to deal with and important things to accomplish. This nation is much bigger than a black celebrity.
i DO NOT know Mrs. Mary Ann Glendon's religious persuasion, nor is it any of my business, but what a hypocrite she is if she is in fact, Catholic or Christian, because as Catholic's we also learn to tolerate and love all others as Christ did !. . .True enough we do not all agree on President Obama's policies or views, nor should we, we just need to work together to help make this country better and stop fighting amidst ourselves, fighting other political parties, or other religious groups, we are tired of fighting !. . .Notre Dame, means: Our Lady, and I know Our Blessed Lady Virgin Mary, loved everyone, too bad, Mrs. Glendon seems to have missed that MEMO. . .
Amazing woman, to stand by her principles and decline the honorary award and truly stand up for what she believes in. Commendable, very commendable.
It seems Glendon is up-in-arms about President Obama speaking before the graduating class because he respects the "right to choose"; but, she's not so concerned about all those young men who have been molested by priests. Where's her "righteous indignation" over that? Or, what about the fact that GWB spoke to the 2001 Notre Dame class and not one peep from her about his record on the number of death penalties carried out while he was Governor of Texas – even though the Church opposes it as strongly as it does abortion.
"She stinketh of hypocricy", as Shakespeare might say.
Get over it Glendon! I'd rather hear the President speak. We do live in a world of diversity after all! He's not coming to talk about abortion. He is talking to many of our future leaders. Good job NotreDame for making this event happen.
Keep dreaming lady no one gives a rats a– whether or not you show up when given a choice of you or the 44th President please!
Will someone please explain to me why or how a non-Catholic should consider themselves bound to the principles of the Catholic Church? When did the Catholic Church assume primacy over the principles of all other religious faiths? Where I come from, that's called arrogance at the least, or even tyranny of a kind we've come to expect from the likes of fundamentalist Muslims.
Interesting that Ms. Stewart identifies Ms. Glendon as "The conservative, pro-life academic...", but does not similarly identify Mr. Obama as "The liberal, pro-abortion politician..."
An actual person of integrity. How rare is that. Read and weep Obamanauts.
Um, is she for the death penalty? Is Sam Brownback, Pat Buchanan? The Catholic church is against that as well.... why is this not being spoken out on..... is abortion somehow more important then something that has actually killed innocent people that had been born and had done nothing wrong????? THis lady is an idiot and so is the catholic church for being so one sided and not standing up to capital punishment more. As an ex catholic this is why the ex is in front of catholic for me.
Is the commencement speech about abortion? How discriminatory! The president cannot impart the knowledge he has gained as an educator and politician to inspire young graduates to serve their country and think about those less fortunate because he is pro-choice.
It is totally ridiculous and even Jesus ate and drank with sinners. Give me a break with this righteousness, where is the outrage with the sex abuse scandals that have ruined so many lives, I think its President Obama who should have refused the invitation, but then again he is far more intelligent.
Arrogance beyond belief." Honoring MY religious views regarding a social issue deserves to be rewarded by a liberal arts institution but HIS do not. When will these folks ever learn that America is NOT a theocracy and that the Catholic Church - no more than the Taliban - gets to determine civil law baed on THEIR brand of religious beliefs.
Oh, and by the way - the great majority of American Catholics GET THIS and respect it.
Arrogance beyond belief.
"MY religious views regarding a social issue deserve to be rewarded by a liberal arts institution but HIS do not."
When will these folks ever learn that America is NOT a theocracy and that the Catholic Church - no more than the Taliban - does not get to determine our civil law baed on THEIR brand of religious beliefs.
(Oh, and by the way - the great majority of American Catholics GET THIS and respect it.)
She is definitely given a bad name to Havard University.
Who cares the way i see it, it's a lot of people that are not willing to work with the President. I think it's just down right mean.
The mighty Repubs brick wall: But her conviction must be honored and accepted, whether we agree or not. I understand.
Who cares. This is our president. Nobody cares if you dont attend. Next
It is her right! Good for her for standing up for what she thinks is correct and moral.
I wonder if Obama will have all religious signs/statues covered?
If you don't want to bring religion into it, do not speak at a Catholic University!
Suit yourself Ms. Glendon. The world will move forward without you.
No great loss.
Good riddance to the "pro-life" Glendon because we know that pro-lifers are actually pro-death on most issues involving women, gays and minorities.
Then you ask why the Church seems to decline. We have become so intolerant that it's difficult to understand what is going. If different ideas are not welcome at the university specifically in America, then we are all screwed!. God Bless America!.
wow! is all I have to say Wow! that's a great way to send your message. NOT!!
These Catholics are a bunch of hypocrits. Jesus won people by showing them is unwavering love. He said through lovingkindness have I drawn thee. How can they expect to reach anybody in this fashion. I don't care what they stand for because to me they all seem to be nothing but hatemongers.
You can't hurt Obama. If you believe your principles are being violated. As a Christian Just pray.
conservative, pro-life academic ... she's an oxy-moron
WHO CARES WHAT SHE DOES ... or doesn't do
I'm going to guess that she as well, is a Republican
They line up like ducks in a row
And Quack Quack Quack they go
Obama could care less ... he's got a country to help us take care of ...
Don't let the door hit ya ...
If the only people that want to participate in the graduation ceremony are of the mindset that only speakers involved have to be 100 percent in line with the guidelines of the Catholic Church, then there can't possibly be but a very few that they could ask!! Get real!! He's still thePresident, and is due the respect of the office, not everyone follows the Church doctrine!! To rule out the possibility of someone speaking who has their own separate beliefs aside from those dictated by the Church is rediculous, that's what this counrty is based on, is having the right to your own beliefs, your own religeon, but I don't believe there's any where in the Bible that says if someone disagrees with the church you should throw them out like trash!! Wake up for God's Sake!!!!!!!
Good for her. Taking a stand for what she believes in.
i guess the catholic bishops are not aware that president obama does not believe in buying christmas or birthday presents for his daughters. why would they give him a honorary degree when he can't even celebrate christ's birthday.
Mary Ann Glendon is not "conservative." Rather, unlike the University of Notre Dame, she is Catholic.
This has truely gotten silly. President Obama is not going to give a speech about or promote freedom of choice for women in reproductive health. This professor should quit her job at Notre Dame because I'm sure that the University has people on staff who are prochoice. If she is such a purist, she should not even want to rub shoulders with people who are pro choice. Otherwise, she is a hypocrit and a political opportunist.
Dear Professor,
Where were you when the priests you are representing were molesting young boys? Does your action not show your complete hipocrisy? Give me a break, pls!
CNN, I know you wont publish this, but its okay! You can do whatever you want.