CNN

Maybe the Catholic clergy should look behind and see how many, if anyone is following them .... there's even a term for those who are independent thinking people: cafeteria Catholics.

This church as a long and bloody history (think Joan of Arc and the Inquisition) and a scandal ridden modern history (priests abusing children and the leaders covering it up – that's not what Jesus meant when he said "suffer the little children..)

Maybe this organization isn't as relevant as it used to be when the sheeple all followed the shepherd without question... those days are long gone.

Unfortunately a large percentage of the majority that backs Obama is made of non working dope smokers. We'll see how they feel when his 4 cent tax on a soft drink and $1600 taxes on engergy hit them later.

There sure are a lot of hypocrites out there!

BTW – CHUCK – you make one of the BEST arguments yet... these same Notre Dame fans take on all sorts of pro-choicers and pro-stem cell research when it helps them WIN a football game. They'll recruit anyone.

The issue has little to do with Obama and his views. It has much more to do with the right wing's desperation to set the agenda and to "punish" anyone who doesn't think like them.

It's also about hypocrisy and stupidity, ergo the posts here saying Obama is Muslim.

you mean a state school whose funding is determined by a GOP majority legislature didn't want to give him an honorary degree and the fundies are using his commencement speach invite as a platform for launching anti-choice yammering? shocker!

I am stunned by the bigotry and ignorance of those who oppose President Obama speaking at the graduation. They apparently don't grasp the difference between choice and abortion, let alone freedom of thought and speech. I graduated from a Jesuit university and am still recovering from a Church of Popes and priests who can parade passed the scourge of molestation while refusing to even discuss the complexity of issues around CHOICE not abortion, the distinctions of which this president, thank God, senses and sees. They furthermore ignore the history of the Church on this issue. These ignoramuses would ban St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine from speaking if they actually read their works. I'd like to accept that Laetare Medal myself, on behalf of women raising children alone. I'm glad the Harvard snob back out. Cathy Crosby

Notre Dame needs to decide if it's a real univesity, or a fake one where there's no free speech and everyone just repeats what the Pope/Dictator and his minions tell them. A real university encourages the free, open, respectful exchange and debate of ideas.

If Notre Dame wanted someone who believes in what they believe to speak at their commencement ceremony, they should have invited a Catholic to speak. What kind of idiot invites someone to speak and then criticizes what they believe in.

My Brother is 53 years old, lives in South Bend Indiana, and has seen a lot in his life. That said ,nothing he said is as wierd as the nut jobs that have invaded the city via walking protests, pulling semis with signs on them, and small airplanes with banners. He says its' as if the kooks have escaped the nuthouse and invaded the university. He told me he is ashamed of the lack of respect shown so far in anticipation of President Obama's arrival. On the other hand ultra conservative Arizona seemed pretty peacful last night when the president gave the commencment at ASU in Tempe AZ.

Obama is right on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The question is simple. If we can use a discarded Blastocyst from a fertility clinic to save a little girl from type 1 diabetes, then should we discard the Blastocyst or use it to save the little girls life? I have met an 11 year old girl who has kidney failure from type 1. The Catholic church says that given the choice of letting a young girl die or use embyronic stem cells to save her life, then the little girl has to die. If the people who want to outlaw embryonic stem cells are consistant, then they will have the same stance on people who support birth control methods that can destroy fertilized eggs. Methods such as IUD and birth control pills. If given the choice of letting that 11 year old girl die or using embryonic stem cells to save her, then I side with Obama. I know no cure is certain from stem cells, but that does not change the debate. The Catholic Church says death for an 11 year old is a better option than embryonic stem cell cures. I do not believe that a Catholic ,with a 3 year old type 1, would support their chuch's position.

The same hypocritical catholics who oppose Obama for stem cell research (which will HELP living beings) are FOR BUSH who KILLED THOUSANDS of innocents in Iraq.

Catholics are a single issue group. It is all about abortion, not about illegal wars, killing innocent civilians, torture, tromping on the constitution, lying, etc.

The Catholic Church’s doctrine is not dictated by polls.but if you are going to show one pole here are the results of a recent Rasumussen Polef which found 60% of U.S. Catholics say the university should not award an honorary degree to the president, and, “Overall, 63% of adults believe it’s important for speakers at graduation ceremonies of religious universities to share the views of the university.” Mr. Obama’s position on abortion is fundamentally different from the view of the Catholic Church, and many regard Notre Dame as the most prominent Catholic university in the United States.

I thought that another poll showing different results should be known to your readers.

The real issue here is not so much that he is speaking but that he is being given an honorary degree.

What would Jesus do?

Lets consult the only book we have, that attempts to quote him.
Zero about a Pope being the voice of God.
Zero about abortions.
A vast amount about helping the poor.

I would guess Jesus would not vote Republican.

Some people just take things a little to far, If you believed in God why are you people carrying on like you are. Every one on this earth do not have the same feeling or idea about the same thing,that is why we was all given a brain to think and come up with your on though.

Abortion, or in 21st Century-speak "Right to Choose", is still deliberate killing of babies for convenience. No mother will ever forget that she killed her own baby but would like to undo that killing and cannot.

I love the comment by Ann that the 'majority are idiots'. Nice. Do you attend ND, Ann? My guess is, no. If they want to have OUR President speak, and he agrees, so be it. And the person who said '95% of abortions are used as a form of birth control' – where the heck did you get your data? Just because you write it, doesn't make it true, and honey, most intelligent people don't take statements from an anonymous blog as fact. Maybe 95% of YOUR abortions were for birth control, but you are way out of touch with your statement.

For the liberals against Notre Dame revoking their invite to Obama, answer this. Should Berkley have invited Bush? You have to look at this both ways people.

Who conducted this poll??..this prersident swings in the wind in whatever way the polls dictate..the fact that he is being given an honorary degree doesn't speak well for a university with the prestige of notre dame..a degree for what??..being a community organizer??..once again education in this country sinks to a new low..how on earth can a jesuit institution invite someone who supports abortion to speak??..the president should has respectfully declined the invitation

Is the Catholic Church still against capital punishment? I couldn't tell by the way they welcomed George W. (executed more people than any other governor in American histrory) Bush with open arms.

The Roman Catholic Church in America is allowing a group of right-wing religious activists to take over. Soon these right-wingers will abscond with the word Catholic just like they have with the words Christian and conservative..

The article says SOME Notre Dame Students and alumni have expressed outrage the Catholic school invited Obama to be the commence speaker. Many, maybe most, think it's wonderful. There are on-line petitions of alumni that SUPPORT this invitation. Don't generalize based on the outcry of a few who are angry. One poster said "I could see the university's point if he were speaking on the subject of abortion"...this isn't the University's point! The University invited him. The most vocal critic is some whackjob who has no affiliation with the University at all but decided he needed to move his whole family to South Bend until graduation so he could protest. Yet, actions by people like him are the reason why posters here make ridiculous statements like "they don't teach science anyway." Contrary to what seems like the general impression of Domers among posters, plenty of us have many of the same viewpoints as the President, including those on abortion and stem cell research.

I wonder if every Football player that they recruit has to be Pro-Life to able to play on the team?

Methinks probably not.

I listened to President Obama's wonderful speech at ASU last night. People at Notre Dame will greatly benefit by his visit. And I am a catholic as well.

I'm so sick of the African-African Americans (Can't be just Americans) introducing race throughout these boards. Obama was voted in because of race. The new trend is Buy Black Only. (That's extreme racism) Does anyone else see this going on here? When racism should be on it's way out, it seems that some of America is very happy about bringing it back in.
It seems to me that racism in any shape or size will never leave. The Dems have to pay back the GOP, and now the blacks have to pay back the whites.
Can we ever really fix our country?

I don't believe he should have ever been invited. We will all be judged some day, and I have a lot less to fear than Obama has. He will find out what global warming real means.

I live in a predominently Catholic city. Most Catholics here in New Orleans would love for President Obama to speak. New Orleans as in Orleans Parish, which is mostly Catholic voted OVERWHELMINGLY for President Obama during the election. What does that tell you?

President Obama, Please, Do not Go. They do not deserve to have you there

I am going to recommend to my nephew, who was thinking about playing football for Arizina State to forget about it!!!.......If they can take these political stands with the POTUS...he doesn`t stand a chance....The same might go for Notre Dame ....these activities are definitely being discussed by recruits!!!!

Let the Catholics clean up their church before condeming others.

And the Pope supports priests who deny the holocast and do nasty things to little children. But HIM they will receive at Notre Dame with open arms.

Hypocrites!

Robin May 14th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

96% of all abortions are done as a form of birth control.

Proof please.

What ever happened to condems, the pill, and adoption?

Why you wicked wicked person bringing up birth control! Didn't you know that God only want you to practice abstinence?

Also, please share your experience giving birth to an unplanned child, and then giving it up for adoption? Having a part of your ripped away after feeding it with your body for nine months? If that's such an easy thing to do, I'd love to hear your experience with it.

Blah blah yadda yadda...this is all just a trumped up "controversy" by people who have a special interest platform....just like Arizona State, which gets all its funding detemrined by a Republican Legislature, not deigning to give him an honorary degree and using some fake reason for it (hint: they've given honorary degrees to people far less accomplished...do some research). If they chose a jewish speaker, would people be screaming in the streets about "how dare Notre Dame choose a speaker who doesn't believe Jesus was Christ the son of God!!!" No. They wouldn't. So they can shut up now.

Their Reslug leader, Limp-Dick ,gave orders to the few minority to rile things up and the ignorant jumped like the good blind sheep they are.

Behind it not Catholics but Rep and illuninati people

Pat F May 14th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Not this Catholic. Obama can stay in Washington and "cling" to his own religion (Islam).

Liar, Liar, pants on fire, Pat F.
You said you were a Protestant a couple months ago.

Well, suprise, suprise. It was a very small and very loud soap bubble minority... I would bet that the majority of the 'no' people aren't Catholics at all, but those bitter little Protestants from the South.

@ Mississippi Mike, who said "Those who do are the only ones that matter and they don't want any part of Obama."

Those who do are the people who attend Notre Dame and its alumni...not ALL catholics.

Who cares? Go or don't go. Why is this an issue? This is the kind of rampant small-minded stupidity that made me glad to leave South Bend after two years in that miserable little backwater.

Why did they not protest the Irak war.
The abuse of Priest
And more.
BO comes as the president of the USA and that is an honnor to a school!

WHat a world

We cannot allow our country to be hijacked by those who are caustic, vociferous and obnoxious. Those opposed to Obama's visit are loud, but they are a small minority, and the media should stop elevating and amplifying their tyrannical message.

What ignorant Reslugs refuse to understand is that they are not in the majority anymore and probably never will be again. young people don't like their backwards, prehistoric views anymore. Reslugs are dying out quickly.

Notre Dame is a University, not a Seminary. Every biology class at Notre Dame teaches evolution as a scientific fact. Humans evolved from non-human primates according to biology professors at Notre Dame. Facts are facts. Get used to it.

Many of us saw the interviews of the anti-abortion groups claiming President Obama is guilty of murdering children, these Christians have a mental problem. Today's religious zealots are like circus barkers who are selling myth for reality. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam will be a chapter in history books in the future that follows the pages with Greek Gods, Mayan Gods....of ancient civilization, and a new God will be born for future humans. Our great, great, great grand children will wonder in bewilderment how we made it, maybe we won't.

[...] CNN Political Ticker: An overwhelming majority of Catholic voters say the University of Notre Dame should not revoke its [...]

Jesus was a friend of publicans and sinners......He went to a wedding once, and turned water into wine......He 'palled' around with some who would be labeled 'unsavory' by our standards....Yet the President isn't worthy because a group of "One Issue Wonders" deem it so.....Exactly where do these holier than thouers fit on the God scale?

I am so sick of the Catholic church. They don't want people to practice birth control, they don't want priest to marry. They are against abortion, but have yet to stand up to and show any kind of remorse regarding the pedophilia and abuse of children that has been perpetrated for years, and is going to continue as long as you have these sexually deprived "holy men" in charge of the church. They really need to focus on saving the lives of the kids that are alive now, and stay out of people's bedrooms. I personally would have nothing to do with that religion. How in the world is a MAN "holy father", when the scriptures show that "no man is to call himself father but the one in heaven?" (Matt. 23:9) Did the church somehow skim over that little MAJOR commandment? Straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel...

If everyone who was against abortion didn't have an abortion themselves, abortion rates would drop 50%.

If the president speaking is so bad then, they should cut every football player or athlete that feels the same way as the President. Selective beliefs are funny. It's okay to pay for a student's education that believes in abortion, but you had better not let them speak:( They are trying to figure out why they can't get good recruits.

Why did the Reverend in charge of Notre Dame invite the President of the United States to speak at commencement if abortion was a moral issue for the university? C'mon, the uproar should be at the university Reverend who invited him, not at President Obama. I mean we're simply talking about commencement address. A learned school of higher education can't understand differences of opinion....geez. Abortion needs to be an issue separate and apart of politics.

you poor souls.....oh well, hell is not half full .....very sad some of the comments......

Steven in NC

Your true gender is Showing, Why is the women Responsable What about the Men Why cant they wear condoms.
Every woman should have a choise, To or not to have a baby.
even if she irrasponsable or NOT,
MEN want to Make the decisions as to if Women shoud have abortions or NOT Bring me ONE MAN who had been pregnant and only then can A MAN make a decision for A woman

I would like to remind my fellow catholics that the bible says we should pray for our leaders, and it is God who puts those leaders in position of authority. Therefore if God instructs us to pray for Obama and was chosen by Him, why should we bar him from speaking to our community?

I hope that the minority that is opposing President Obama receiving an honorary degree were also protesting George W Bush and other former President's from speaking based on their pro-death penalty stance. And I hope that they protested Bernhard Laws and the like that allowed certain priests to get away with molesting young boys for decades. Jesus came back for us to help those who are the most vulnerable in society (criminals, prostitutes, the poor and children). Where is the outrage when children are being abused, criminals are being murdered by our system, etc. from these same people. Think of the lives the President will be saving with affordable healthcare for children in America. But I digress... my point is catholics aren't a monolitic group. They can disagree on certain issues and agree on others.

Wow, that must be the First Sign of the Apocalypse: I agree with something that sniffit said.

I completely agree, sniffit. Based on your moronic posts, there is certainly no evidence or reason to believe that you have a soul.

I am a catholic and I am against abortion. And I see nothing wrong with the invite to speak at Notre Dame. It should be an honor to have the President of the United States speak at your University. President Obama is a well educated man. I doubt he is going there to preach what he believes but to praise and honor the graduates . Do they feel his presence will change people's beliefs? Besides we will all be judged at the end, and not by anyone person here on earth.

I could see the university's point if he were speaking on the subject of abortion, but this is a commencement address. I would think that having tghe Present (any President) speak at your graduation would be a priviledge and not become a political football.

They should not rescind the invite to Obama. But this is a school and alumni group with a serious superiorty complex, so you never know what they'll do.

I can't believe this is still an issue. Abortion? Really? Can't we move on to something more relevent? How about Euthinasia? I think that is a far more important issue than abortion.

What a bunch of dumb people, seriously-speechless

I said good bye and good riddance to the catholic church 40 years ago and haven't looked back. I just wish they would keep their religion out of my politics, my bedroom, and the rest of my life. If ya wanta be a christian, then practice the tolerance, love and forgiveness that the Christ preached, not the holier than thou B.S. that we keep hearing.

Do the 31% who say he shouldn't be at Notre Dame take the same position regarding high school All American football recruits
who share with Obama similar policy views? I think not!

Not this Catholic. Obama can stay in Washington and "cling" to his own religion (Islam).

All the people now have the freedom of think that means if you do not want to have it donot !!! but do not tel me what I have to do this is a country that does not tell you what to o make you to think and then make the action free at last. Thanks Obama to gave every body a chance of freedom

I, like most people, am opposed to abortion, and I have taught my children that. However, I am also opposed to big brother making personal decisions for people. So therefore, I am opposed to abortion, but also opposed to changing abortion laws. If you want to stop abortions, don't use the government as a method to do so; just teach your children to avoid situations that may lead to one.

One wonders where this Catholic anger was during the lying, warmongering, and barbaric torture of the Bush administration.

Perhaps they're hypocritical cowards who fail at making even half-hearted attempts at following their own religion?

Catholics, what a joke

@Ruty May 14th, 2009 12:43 pm ET
___________________________________________________

96% of all abortions are done as a form of birth control.

What ever happened to condems, the pill, and adoption?

@Phoenix86:

Care to share your proof, references, and research . . .

What is wrong with you people? Every case of abortion should be handled differently. You can't make one set of rules for every case. What about rape, incest or the severly deformed. Wake up americans and get some common sense. Abortion should not be used for birth control but there are exceptions.

Seems this poll indicates a majority of Catholics polled have "sold" their faith.

And this is why the only good thing to come out of ND is their football team...it's not like they teach science there. Gardens, and virgins and snakes! Oh my! Religion is a farce.

Watch out guys, make sure you are baptized so you can see these results, LOL!!!

We feel that Universities should be above and beyond certain agenda includin' gay issues that need closer look by other relevant bodies. They may utterly refuse to do so, but the University officials would do well to lay off such issues as not invitin' BHO.

Qui-Tam Relator May 14th, 2009 11:37 am ET

****************************************************************
For the real news that the main stream media and our government doesn't want you to see go to PBS.ORG FRONT LINE , "The Madoff
Affair". Do not trust this government, do not trust Wall Street and above all do not trust the Banking Industry they are all corrupt including the main stream media, they have been bought off by the top 1% in this country.
****************************************************************
Dude, stop spamming this crap in every blog, it's getting annoying.

34% OF CATHOLICS ARE INTOLERANT. WHAT A "GREAT CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO HAVE. Why not outlaw the Catholic religion and all the saints they pray to? We do not need the Vatican and the Pope telling Americans what to do and believe! They have changed their policies and attitudes over the centuries; like priests marrying. Priests should marry so they will not abuse children.

That says more about a lack of faith on the part of those who profess to be catholics than anything else. Obama is amoral and should not be speaking anywhere near anything remotely resembling christianity.

I'm Catholic. I did not vote for Obama. I am NOT against him SPEAKING at Notre Dame. However, to give him an honorary degree is absolutely over the line.

Don't go!!!!!!! Remember what happen to MLK when to many was against him being there.

All depends on who you poll CNN!

mississippi mike, get a freaking clue those that do not want thePresident of the U.S. to speak are the flipping minority

The Majority are idiots

It's no wonder I am no longer a catholic, and haven't been for 35 years.

Believing an invitation should not be rescinded is a lot different than believing the invitation should not have been offered in the first place. Let's ask the right question.

Obama will fake ND look as foolish as he did with ASU.

Notre Dame... who cares if he speaks or not... it is your honor to have him

you think way too much of yourself

shame on a once proud unniversity...Catholics are starting a downward spiral to secularism and i as a catholic will do nothing to stop them.

Obama spoke at Georgetown about month ago, no issues whatsoever.

Why not? He agreed to speak in front of thousands who don't share his political and moral beliefs. Can they not do the same and keep an open mind?

More people have been killed in the "name of God", or whichever religion people believe in than anything else.

"By the way water boarding while bad doesn’t kill but abortion does!"

That's gotta win some prize for rationalization. Someone at CNN please call the Ameican Psychiatric Association and find out whether they have a fitting award for it.

Well, isn't that nice. What CNN forgets is that a majority of people polled in the United States have no stake in Notre Dame. Those who do are the only ones that matter and they don't want any part of Obama.

I hear you Lawanda....It is all about color. They can all go to he double hockey sticks.....

I think it is the President that should be concerned with the catholic church. After all aren't these the same people covered the child sex scandals for years. By going to a catholic school doesn't Obama justify these twisted people. That it where is my picket, I'm going to protest.

GOP say they want small gov yet want to tell you what to do with your bodies and whom you should and should not marry. They 'say' they are pro life yet love war, hunting and support the death penalty. They say they are fiscally conservative yet will bail out a bank in a minute and fund an illegal war yet oppose efforts to rebuild this country. Hypocrites!

@ Robin, who said "Yes, let God sort' em out. My soul will be ready, will yours? "

Who said I believe I have one?

Why would Obama stoop so low and speak at the University of the Church (Cult) of the Child Molesters? They condoned and ignored thousands of documented cases for many decades!
Obama should decline the invitation.
Was Bush Pro-war stance OK with Notre Shame?

@ ANGIE IN PA, who said "Let Me get this Right the People who are against Abortion support the Bombing And Killing of Innocent Babies, Children, and Pregnant Woman THAT ARE LIVING In wars I dont see the Rationle in this!"

Check out whether the victims are Catholic or not and you might be off to a good start.

If you decide to kill a baby it should be your choice. But the law should not discriminate. The same punishment should be given to all murderers. Everyone always preaches for equality, but what about the equality for the babies of the country? I guess they don't matter to some people. Makes me sick. Knowing that God is the ultimate law brings me a little comfort.

I find it very interesting that when Obama had pastor Rick Warren at his Inauguration the left cried “foul and separation of Church and State” but it is ok for the President to participate in a public religious ceremony? You can’t have it both ways liberals.

I think it is just fine for Obama to speak there and it is also ok to protest it if you so believe.

@Robin

Don't have an abortion if you don't want one or it is against your God.

The God I taught my Sunday School classes is full of forgiveness, understanding, and compassion, not vengence, hate, and anger.

Sniffit May 14th, 2009 11:36 am ET

Indeed. And while we're all here on the mortal, physical plane, separating church from state is what allows us to strive to live in peace. Let God sort 'em out later.
-------------------------------–

Yes, let God sort' em out. My soul will be ready, will yours? (By the way, I'm not Catholic).

PSALM 139, all the way!

Let Me get this Right the People who are against Abortion support the Bombing And Killing of Innocent Babies, Children, and Pregnant Woman THAT ARE LIVING In wars I dont see the Rationle in this!

The Catholic Church has killed more human beings in the name of God than any other organization since the dawn of time. But never the delicious little boys....

Isn't something on fire somewhere? The amount of time CNN dedicated to this non-issue during prime morning time was absurd. It's a line item at best.

The Catholic church is totally irrelevant these days anyway, to who cares?

Someone wanting to discuss race does not make it a race card. This is one of the poor legacies of the OJ trial...that terrible word. If there is a race card, then Whites have been playing it for thousands of years. Why do Catholics/Notre Dame allow pro-death penalty speakers and not pro choice ones?

A clear case of the tyranny of the minority.

..

This is not just about being pro-choice. Obama voted against the ban on partial birth abortions and against legislation protecting born-alive failed abortions. His first few weeks in office he rushed to remove the restrictions on tax payer money being used to fund abortions overseas. I’m not sure how he rationalizes that it is ok to use tax payer money for this purpose?
He asked for this controversy in my opinion.

By the way water boarding while bad doesn’t kill but abortion does!

Did you folks ever hear of Lucifer?

People should remember that pregnancy was a capital offense for certain people during the Third Reich. Can anyone name just one perpetrator that was reprimanded or discplined by his Christian church for taking part?

perhaps if Obama was moles ting young children they wouldn't have a problem with him being invited.

How many of these protestors are affiliated with Notre Dame or the Catholic Church and how many are the same people who show up at any opportunity to try to force their religious dogma on others??

NOW they protest! No protests when innocent children's lives were being destroyed by predator priests, and I can't remember seeing much outrage about that case in South America where a mother, her child and doctor were excommunicated because the mother chose to have an abortion performed on her NINE-year old daughter who was raped and impregnated, and who the doctors determined would not survive the birth process.

Meanwhile the rapist is free to take communion, ensconced in the bosom of the Church. Where's the outrage?

Perhaps the Board of Regents (or whoever runs Notre Dame) should be replaced by a committee of citizens picked by the Administration.

Would not be unprecedented under this President. Maybe someone over at 1600 should float the idea.

Fair is Fair May 14th, 2009 11:23 am ET

Lawanda, I seriously doubt it's about color. With all due respect, if race relations don't improve dramatically in this country, we're all in trouble. Bringing out the race card on every topic surely dosen't help matters at all.

Lawanda may a point, Fair is Fair. There have been other pro-choice Presidents to speak and Notre Dame and there hasn't been this level of protest or dissent.

For all you posters screaming 'separation of church and state,' you're missing the point. This is a private Catholic school, not a random public forum. Catholic school are supposed to uphold Catholic values. Catholic schoold are supposed to stand for truth. You can find secular morally relative opinions elsewhere.

It appears your idea of free speech does not include dissent.
It is time for you to take your press passes and lay them on the graves of Walter Cronkite, or Eric Sevareid, or David Brinkley.
You no longer have the right to the title "Journalists"
SHAME

As I understand it Obama is not a Catholic, ergo is not bound by the teachings and Bulls issued by the Pope. He is not there to give a speach about Birth control methods, all of which are against church doctrine. He will speak about hope and the future of American's college educated youth despartely trying to find a job. Most of those critical of the invitation are conservative card carrying Republicans, that is to say hypocrits, just like the rest of us in one way or another. Whatever you guys, don't mess up the graduation ceremony. It is the grads day not yours.

The administrators of Notre Dame and Arizona State are setting a bad
and confusing example for their students and graduates. I surmise
they allowed all of this controversy to bring attention to their schools.
Unfortunately, it was all negative.

'About 65,000 people'

No. The petition has actually been signed by 365,000 people, which I'm sure our arrogant administration will simply consider as irrelevant noise. Sad. LIFE is at stake.

****************************************************************
For the real news that the main stream media and our government doesn't want you to see go to PBS.ORG FRONT LINE , "The Madoff
Affair". Do not trust this government, do not trust Wall Street and above all do not trust the Banking Industry they are all corrupt including the main stream media, they have been bought off by the top 1% in this country.
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"The church is on a different plane than our government and president. Sorry but it's the truth."

Correct. You can find government in "current affairs" and your silly religion in "mythology"

@ Oh My!, who said "The church is on a different plane than our government and president. "

Indeed. And while we're all here on the mortal, physical plane, separating church from state is what allows us to strive to live in peace. Let God sort 'em out later.

so Obama is pro choice and the church isn't and this means what? he will be a great speaker and I would be happy to have the president speak any time any were any place ..

this is america and freedom of speach and ideas is what makes us great. if the church doesn't like it get over it . this is the 21 c .. move with the times or be left in the dark

The president should not be speaking at the commencement..he should not have even been invited in the first place..whoever made the decision to invite him should be relieved of their job..a president speaking at the commencement at a jesuit university smacks in the face of the seperation of church and state..of course that only matters if the president is a republican..I hope that the protestors are so loud they drown out whatever the annointed one has to say..or they unplug his teleprompter

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sick to death of religion of any category being included in any political or government agenda. Separation of church and state has all but evaporated since the religious right wing nuts took over the GOP. And as far as abortion goes, it is legal and will stay legal. If you don't believe in abortion for religious or moral reasons...THEN DON'T GET ONE!

Absolutely back President Obama speaking at the fine institution of Notre Dame.. As a senior citizen who opposes abortion but believes in choice (yes, they can co-exist!) I think that it would be a very honorable day for the graduating class to have our president there!! Good luck, grads!

More mindless outrage from the religulous right, "you people" get angry over just about everything, don't you? Try this, pray and meditate.

it is as simple as this, if seeing and listening to the POTUS @ commencement offend you, then don't come, don't show-up and rain on everybody elses parade. Stay home and on the side lines in silence the way you did when little boys were getting molested. I don't understand the catholics, where was the outrage when these priest were destroying children lives, why didn't they stand up then to protest and protect the ones who could not protect themselves since they are so into protection of life? Being pro-life goes a lot deeper than being against abortion.

Coming from a non-practicing catholic, don't believe everything your priest tells you. Afterall he is a human being just like everyone else and he too sins from time to time. I don't support abortions, but sometimes we have to accept it in times of grave health issues for both the mother and/or the unborn child. I stand by President Obama when it comes to the abortion issue. Listen to his past speaches on this issue and I'm sure you'll all agree.

God Bless my American neighbours!

We know full well that if GWB was speaking, there would be war protests and picket signs, and that would be acceptable. They would be using their freedom of speech, since this is the land of the free because of the brave.

But freedom of speech is not acceptable when it is against Barack Obama. I do not agree with abortion, life begins at conception. Read Psalm 139 if you have any doubts. We have the right to be against abortion just like you left wingers have a right to praise it and love it.

Women should and do have the right to choose. To choose to or not to have unprotected sex. She then lives with the result. But when she caves in to primal instinct and conceives another person's life that life shouldn't be sacrificed to pay for the mother choosing wrongly. Just as if I were to get pulled over for speeding you shouldn't need to pay my ticket the baby shouldn't be made to die for mom's bad decision. And please all the pro-murder people don't say "Rape" or "Incest". as those are such a small % of unwanted pregnancies compared with recreational sex. If you don't cause the issue there won't be an issue.

It is called seperation of church and state.......................he is the leader of our country and is an outstanding speaker...... His invite should stand and those that don't want to attend shouldn't

First of all there aren't supposed to be churches anyway, if those so busy protesting Obama would really read the Bible they would knowthat,so anything they have to say is unimportant....they know nothing.
Second ...where were these people when Priests were abusing children, I saw NO protesting on that matter, I guess doing that sort of thing to a person is OK in the church.
Seems like they are turning Taliban- type with their unbending and warped sense of reality.

Lawanda, I seriously doubt it's about color. With all due respect, if race relations don't improve dramatically in this country, we're all in trouble. Bringing out the race card on every topic surely dosen't help matters at all.

Coming from the horse's mouth: Many of us Catholics do NOT PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH and this applies to both clergy and worshipers. I think it is an honor for any school to have the President at its commencement. President Obama is well educated, articulate and SENSITIVE TO PEOPLE'S BELIEFS. His delivery would no doubt reflect that. Amen!

This is the standard position of the Democraric Party
There is no right or wrong....only what polls well and what doesn't!
I'm sure those that support gay marriage have noticed their favorite
Democratic politicians backtracking as that issue is not polling well!

Instead Of worrying about the Unborn why dont they start Worrying about the Kids that are Living that are Homeless,Sick,Starving or Being abused! Go voulunteer somewhere and help the LIVING CHILDREN!

The GOP had control for years...why didn't they do anything about abortion?

It's one thing to take a stance, another to do something about it.

May 14th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Not to offend you Domers or the rest of the Catholic universities, but the President's views on abortion is a stupid reason not to have him give a commencement address.
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Really? Being against abortion is part of the Catholic faith. I wonder how many pro-choice dignataries are asked to speak at Planned Parenthood rallys?

What a Honor to have the Pesident speaking to a Graduation Ceremony. But they are some people who are so narrow minded, cannot see the benefits of having the views of the President. These are just activists with no merit. Teir only goal is top create conterversy and put forward their selfish intersts. We do not have agree in everything. But let's listen each other.

Their distinct view is of no significance or consequence.

I was raised Catholic. I stopped practicing many years ago. In many ways the Catholic Church reminds me of the Republican party–"do as I say, not as I do". I ran into too many hypocrites while a member of the Catholic religion. FYI–many "pro-life" supporters also back wars and torture. Their correct name should be "anti-choice" supporters.

A lot of conservative Catholics are dupes and shills for the Republican Party. They're dupes, because they don't undertand their own motives.

How tiring to have been a young adult during Roe vs Wade and now be forced to redress it over and over again. It is a NON issue brought up by a group of hyprocrits trying to keep the focus off the real issues this country faces. What type of bigot endorses church leadership that has for decades swept the abuse of its young children under the rug while vocally championing the rights of the "unborn"?

Good Lord, they INVITED him to speak!! If they're mad at anybody it should be the president of Notre Dame who forwarded the invitation to Obama.

Who cares? Is this really news? Quick question? How many think Obama should visit Ted Kennedy at his Hyannisport Compound?

The University student body and faculty should be honored that the President of the United States will speak to there. I guess if George Bush had gotten an invite, that would have been okay? Yet his record shows he is reponsible for so many precious lives that this country has lost in a senseless Iraq war and I guess it would have been okay with the possiblility that Bush administration supported torturing human life? The double standard needs to stop!

First of all this is not for debate on anyone level. It is my ritght as a woman. The other thing is, would that rather teens to continue to do things like leave a newborn in the trash can or something worse. I pray for those who are telling women what to do with their life or decision.I am not for or against abortion, you have been in that person situation to understand. Only GOD can judge.

nd requested gw bush to speak @ commencment and he promoted war. What cathlic or pope does that? Double standed? This just might be about color.

The question to me is not whether Notre Dame should rescind it's invitation, but whether President Obama should rescind his acceptance. Those protesting simply don't respect the tremendous honor afforded to their graduating class of having the President of the United States (and that President being Barack Obama) speak at their graduation ceremonies. How very sad!

The pro-life students should protest Obama's super pro-choice stance by standing up and turning their backs to him during his speech, just like the anti-war students did to the Bush administration. Also protestor with signs are appropriate too.

It's not the poll it's the principle. It's about where you stand and who you stand for. Looks like Jesus is not that important to Notre Dame.
Were talking about the WORD OF GOD. The church is on a different plane than our government and president. Sorry but it's the truth.

The Laws of the United States always trump Catholic teachings, or the dogma of any other religion or sect. That's inherent in our separation of church and state. President Obama is there as the leader of our nation. They should be grateful he accepted the invitation.

Not to offend you Domers or the rest of the Catholic universities, but the President's views on abortion is a stupid reason not to have him give a commencement address.

It is really horrible when our schools of higher learning let in differing views – just horrible. We all should be the same, with the same thoughts, same views, same clothes., same hair cut, ...

I think the Republicans tried their best to "stir the pot". Will the GOP ever stop with dirty politics?

This poll suggests that Obama was successful in duping a sizable number of Catholics in 2008. Will it happen again in 2012?