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White House reacts to critics of Obama’s Notre Dame honors
 President Barack Obama
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.- The White House has responded to opposition to President Obama’s appearance at the University of Notre Dame, claiming that only "one group" is organizing a boycott and pointing to other groups who support the president’s commencement speech and reception of an honorary degree. "I think there's one group organizing a boycott and, as best I can understand it, there are 23 groups that have formed in support of the president's invitation," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said, according to ABC. The "one group," ND Response, is a coalition of 11 pro-life groups including Notre Dame Right to Life, the Notre Dame Law St. Thomas More Society and the Notre Dame College Republicans. Gibbs’ reference to 23 groups concerned a letter written to University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins by groups such as the African Student Association, the College Democrats, the Notre Dame Peace Fellowship and the Spanish Club. The letter criticized "those who would rather divide than work together for common ground and for the common good." "We are concerned that in narrowing the focus to one aspect of life that has often proven polarizing and divisive many have lost the ability to recognize the other aspects of President Obama’s work that continues to uphold the principles of justice and solidarity," their letter said, according to ABC. Gibbs claimed that 97 percent of the students supported the decision. However, ABC reported that this claim misstated an Associated Press story which said that of the 95 Notre Dame seniors who wrote to the student newspaper The Observer, 97 percent were positive. Gibbs also cited a Pew poll reporting that 50 percent of Catholics supported Notre Dame’s invitation to Obama, while only 28 percent opposed it. However, that poll also reported that 45 percent of those who attend Mass at least weekly disapproved of the decision, while 37 percent approved. "The president understands the right of anybody in this country to disagree and to exercise their disagreement in that way. I think it's important to understand it appears as if the vast majority of students and the majority of Catholics are supportive of the invitation the president accepted. And I know he's greatly looking forward to seeing them," Gibbs said, according to ABC. More than 2,900 students will receive degrees on Sunday, of whom 2,001 are undergraduate seniors. Subscriber comments:
Published by: Rose
Salt Lake City, UT 05/19/2009 03:08 PM EST
Well Amy, if you watched the ND commencement exercises then I guess you saw that your theory about what would be discussed was blown out of the water. I resent you calling my church tyrannical.
Published by: Craig Rickard
KANWAL 05/17/2009 04:44 PM EST
When this is over some people need to dust off their brain cells, open their other eye as well and trot off to an Ecumenical service to see how it's done. Good to see so many Catholics with renewed motivation and passion.
Published by: Amy
Bolingbrook/IL/USA 05/17/2009 10:58 AM EST
I believe that much ado is being made about nothing. I have personally been through two commencements. The speakers usually talk about what it is like to go out in the world, what lessons they've learned in life, and usually an advocation to use education for service. I have never heard a commencement speaker talk about abortion. This overreaction is exactly why there is a separation of church and state. We do not want the tyranny of the church involved in our government, especially the Roman Catholic church.
Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 05/16/2009 09:50 PM EST
President Obama knows exactly what he is doing. Father Jenkins opened up the door to the worlds foremost abortionist and has given him a platform to "spin" to our students how there is no diffrence between "pro-choice" and "pro-life" and the action of choosing abortion over life is equal. He hopes to divide us as Catholics and our cherished Catholic beliefs in life for the unborn. And if we let him he will do this! Let us pray fervently to Christ and Our Holy Mother that his presence and message will only activate and motivate us Catholics to futher resist his efforts to support and advocate worldwide abortion and stem cell research!
Published by: NetherLands
Netherlands 05/16/2009 01:43 PM EST
Classic Obama-tactics, as other commentors have said. Besides, should we be surprised a guy who listened for 20-odd years to the hateful rants of the Nation of Islam-loving rev. Wright to be hateful to Catholics? He knows Catholics will decide the elections to come so better to crush them now, in his mind.
Obama Bought The Presidency
Published by: Lynn
Carbondale, IL 05/15/2009 12:58 AM EST
Gee, the ND Valedictorian is going to Harvard Med. School; wonder if Obama can pull any strings for her?? That's just what is needed: another "Catholic" heatlh professional that completely misunderstands the sanctity of ALL life.
Published by: Michael
South Shore, Ky. USA 05/14/2009 08:06 PM EST
Well, Obamas people are trying as hard as Jenkins people are to make this look like the opposition is a small group of Wirdo Catholics who do not reflect the teaching of the Church..Well we know better, and Sunday will tell the tale..
Pax
Published by: sam,Dallas
irving,tx 05/14/2009 07:47 PM EST  Rate: Bad
Looking at comments posted in here,one wonders whether these are christians or some extremist hate mongering people so blinded by cynical campaigns that are equal to jihadis. No difference whatsover between these 'pro-lifers'(who aggressively advocate gun violence,war,racism and the death penalty) and the Taleban.They pretend to protect life while none of them care about people already alive.No wonder they have no credibility at all amongst catholics and the world.They have exposed themselves for who they are,pure hacks who use 'religion' to advance their dirty politics.I would never attend a vigil organized by such radicals,,even the good Lord would not listen to their prayers.They are just as vile as the Taleban.How come Obama continues to be ever more popular and blessed by the Lord? Obama will come to Notre dame and show what Jesus teaches,,,'even when they hate you,love them even more',,. Thats why he has gotten alot of good will from the world because he is out to care for everyone,even the fake prolifers from Notre dame.Understand this ,abortion and homosexuality in the world is not gonna be changed by governments and religious edicts because these are realities intrinsic to the way of life today,whether we like it or not.Our church knows better than any other entity,especially when dealing with paedophile clergy.Yet we hear very little about how to tackle these evils.In all this,the loser is the catholic church,not Obama,as it shows alot of confusion on church dogma.
Published by: Dennis
Michigan 05/14/2009 06:59 PM EST
This so called President of the United States knows exactly what he is doing. Read all about Saul Alinsky the Russian Jew Communist agitator.
Published by: Ken
Lodi, CA; USA 05/14/2009 06:38 PM EST
Again I would note that this scandal is not about president Obama per se. His involvement is only incedental. The real question is why a so-called Catholic university somehow thinks they do not need to follow the dictates of the magesterium of the Catholic Church?
If ND does not want to be Catholic, it should be honest enough to say so. IF ND in fact wants to remain Catholic, it should be humble enough to be obedient to the Catholic Church.
Published by: J C
Rockford/IL/USA 05/14/2009 04:55 PM EST
Pray for the unborn.
Pray for the conversion of sinners. Pray that hearts will not be hardened. Pray that all may see the true 'lies'.
Published by: bjcass
mooresville,nc 05/14/2009 03:55 PM EST
Everybody who protests on Saturday will be smeared and trivialized by Gibbs and other Obama staffers.It is so obvious that everyone who will not fully support their agenda will be demonized.That`s their style.Get used to it.
Published by: B Smith
Washington, DC, USA 05/14/2009 03:12 PM EST
Does the tone of the comments sound like an administration that is reaching out and trying to end the divide.
"Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned"
Published by: Ken
Lodi, CA; USA 05/14/2009 03:08 PM EST
While to non-Catholics this matter might seem complex, it really is quite straightforward. To be clear; this controversy is not about Obama; he is only incidental to it. The controversy is about the relationship between Notre Dame and the Catholic Church.
Notre Dame currently operates under the banner of being "a Catholic University", by which of course the folks at Notre Dame routinely and publically imply they are in communion with Rome. Considering that fact, it seems reasonable that a university that wishes Claim it is Catholic, should in fact follow the magisterium of the Catholic Church. If ND no longer wishes to follow the Meagisterium of the Catholic church, if ND no longer wishes to be a "Catholic university", that is fine; this is America and in any case, it is no crime to not be Catholic. In fact if it so chose, ND could change its charter and become a fine and wonderful secular university. But folks running ND seem to want things both ways. They want to operate under the banner of being "Catholic", and at the same time; they do not want to follow the Catholic Magesterium. If the folks in charge of ND were honest with themselves, with the Church, and with the students and alumni, they would thoughtfully re-consider their charter; they would take a serious look at separating themselves, organizationally, from the Catholic Church.
Published by: Panama City Tom
Panama City , FL , USA 05/14/2009 02:27 PM EST
The Administration's Stinky BO Spin is Out of Control:
The truth is: 1. 362,600 persons oppose Notre Dame's plans in a petition. 2. Rasmussen Reports that, by a 60% to 25% margin, U.S. Catholics say Notre Dame should obey guidelines issued by the U.S. bishops and refrain from awarding an honorary degree to the president. Among all Americans, 52% oppose the honor and 25% support it. 3. The Prefect of the Vatican's highest court said Notre Dame intentions are “rightly the source of the greatest scandal.” 4. Civil disobedience by former U.S. Presidential contender Alan Keyes and Pro-Life Activist Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry accentuate the scandal. 5. 13.9 Million Dollars has been withheld by alumni of Notre Dame. 6. One Third of the U.S. Catholic Dioce's bishops, currently numbering 68, have publicly stood up with public opposition to Notre Dame's plans and their disobedience to the U.S. Catholic Bishop's admonition of 2004. 7. 2009 Original Laetare winner, Mary Ann Glendon refused to accept the Notre Dame award in deference to Notre Dame's decision to violate Catholic ethics.
Published by: Jack
Canada 05/14/2009 02:16 PM EST
Gibbs is a gifted deciever.
Published by: haskell
South Carolina 05/14/2009 02:12 PM EST
In my 9:45 a.m. post, I asked the rhetorical question, "Have you folks ever heard of Lucifer?" This apparently has caused some confusion amongst the obamavoters. Let me clarify. I was thinking of the Lucifer of Isaiah 14:12, and 'Paradise Lost' fame, not plain old satan. I encourage you do do a bit of homework, and discover some fascinating analogies. Thanks.
Published by: Lankester
USA 05/14/2009 02:03 PM EST
I guess 71 Bishops isnt enough for the White House. Poor judgment by both Notre Dame and the White House. Heresy.
Published by: NGJ
Seattle 05/14/2009 01:40 PM EST
Didn't the Pharisees label Jesus Satanic? Gibbs doublespeaks almost as often as Nancy Polosi. He says we have a right to protest but intimates we are a small, unenlightened minority of Catholics. I think he is going to be surprised. We aren't violent or prone to retribution but prayers are going up and they will make a difference. Patience is a virtue we must cultivate. God's will be done. Thanks be to God!
Published by: Al Castellanos
New York, NY 05/14/2009 01:18 PM EST
This public dissent smells of the worst kind of hypocrisy that there is: the political kind. This is so obvious a political maneuver of the radical right piggy-backing on a religious movement to for an utterly non-religious motive.
If one saw the same level of scrutiny and outrage of, let's say, the Fighting Irish football team and coaching staff that would be one thing but we don't. The only reason is because they aren't politically relevant. When it serves these same idealogues to be anti-Catholic, that is what they will be. In the meantime, enjoy your self-righteous indignation.
Published by: Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Canada 05/14/2009 12:58 PM EST
Only ONE group?
White House hack Robert Gibbs is playing the old trick of isolating the opposition, make them appear as outsiders, not main stream, not with it. By implication, Gibbs and his ilk are the good guys.
Published by: Ted
Lewiston, ID, USA 05/14/2009 12:25 PM EST Rate: Regular
My, my, my ... such vitriol. Satan will come to conservative Catholics, appearing to be one. Life does not end at birth. I work among the abysmally poor, some of whom die for lack of what many take for granted. Their needs too are "life." This is not a zero sum game. The last administration gave lip service to life. Give this guy a chance to work for the needs of life that has been born.
Published by: Beth Collins
Rogers, AR 05/14/2009 12:25 PM EST
I know that I responded in opposition to Pres. Obama along with atleast 300,000 who signed a petition to not have him come to Notre Dame. Why else would he come to Notre Dame that to try to promote his agenda of totally "pro abortion" and "pro choice". Seeing as how Fr. Jenkins is on the Foundation Board of some International Operation who promotes pro-abortion and measures to elminate unwanted babies doesn't speak much for the Catholic Faith. I'm sure there is some good that the organization does but eliminating life would be at the top of what is worst about it. I do believe that all who are in favor of abortion and "killing" of anyone will be charged at some point in time. I am sure glad that I don't have to answer to Him about that one.
Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 05/14/2009 12:11 PM EST
Today perception is everything.
Published by: NOEL CUSIMANO
PEARL RIVER, LA. /USA 05/14/2009 12:07 PM EST
The president and the white house engage in lies and distortion.
Refer to Isaiah 5:20
Published by: E.D.
U.S.A. 05/14/2009 12:06 PM EST
It's interesting that the White House cites a poll of how many students support Obama receiving honors and speaking at Notre Dame, considering the significant amount of non-Catholic students now enrolled at ND. This sleight of hand, to imply strong Catholic support, by pretending all students at ND are Catholic has not fooled me.
Published by: SkyKing
Havertown, PA USA 05/14/2009 11:58 AM EST
Please Note that when Abraham (Gen 18: 14-33) bargained with God to save Sodom from destruction, he secured God's agreement that if a minority of 10 just persons were found in Sodom, He would not destroy the City. Today the majority of promoters of Evil behavior (Homo behavior & baby killers) seem to have power in the USA. Pointing to a so called majority support of death culture opinions is not justification for Honoring a President who espoused Homo-behavior and Baby killing. Justice will eventually come to those in this so called majority who espouse and put into laws the death culture.
Published by: Russ
Alexandria, MN USA 05/14/2009 11:50 AM EST
What can be more important for the "common good" of all of humanity than respect for all life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death?
Published by: Brennan
Colby, KS USA 05/14/2009 11:22 AM EST
I would hope you would refuse Obama the right to speak @ your commencement exercise. Why in the world would you allow this joker w/ his socialist views & pro-abortion issures to speak @ a Catholic school?? Don't be fooled by him!!!
Published by: Warren Anderson
Victoria, BC, Canada 05/14/2009 11:20 AM EST
This recent White House intervention is nothing short of an attempt at a divide (the Church) and conquer tactic. Obama's camp will try to fudge the numbers, but the numbers that count are the dollars withheld to make clear the point that Fr. Jenkins was wrong and Obama's policies are not to be condone by offering him an honour at a Catholic (?!) institution.
Published by: Fish
Ball, TX 05/14/2009 10:34 AM EST
Yes he scoff's at you all. I suppose he just figures that you did not vote for him anyway so why should he care what you think?
Published by: Bill Sr.
Jacksonville, FL 05/14/2009 10:16 AM EST
The letter criticized "those who would rather divide than work together for common ground and for the common good."
This comment from "The White House" says it better than any of us could possibly put it together that this president and his administration can and will say anything in an effort to blind us to their hypocrisy and straight out lie to the American people about their intentions. Are they saying that Obama’s three (count them 3) votes to allow a born alive infant from an unsuccessful abortion to be left to die from lack of proper “health care” in a medical clinic or hospital simply because the mother and/or doctor didn’t believe it to be human even when all of HIS peers in congress believed it to be a child and deserved the right to life supportive treatment was an effort on Barack H. Obama’s at “working together for common ground and the common good”? It’s hard to believe the man is a “Christian”. This man and his “liberal agenda” brought to us in no small part by unsuspecting and misguided Catholics who felt obligated to elect a “black” man to show they were not “racists”, have already wreaked havoc in our housing, financial, and industrial complexes in three months. This has put millions out of their homes and jobs not to mention their all out assault on the church’s culture of life initiatives or the many broken promises to be “transparent” and not raise taxes on the middle class. How much evil do we think we should be “opened to” for “negotiation”?
Published by: dAVID LARSEN
scituate Mass. USA 05/14/2009 10:13 AM EST
The one true and Holy God is above all. Peace in the world is to give God praise for all his infinite blessings. Life is the greatest of those blessings. Common ground is in the life that all share in community with each other. Only God can prune the "Tree of Life". If anyone cuts off just one branch of that tree than it is as if they cut out their own heart. All must support all life.
The common ground that all mark is time and that is life for the glory of the one true God,to love and to serve him. There is no god of the secular humanist as he would make that god himself and the political agenda of a "political correctness"that is self-serving.
Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 05/14/2009 09:47 AM EST
As each day goes by the president's qualifications for the title of "anti-Christ" become clearer.
Published by: haskell
South Carolina 05/14/2009 09:45 AM EST
Any of you folks ever hear of Lucifer?
Published by: veritasgood
Fort Wayne 05/14/2009 09:34 AM EST
It would seem from this article that Catholics going to Notre Dame have not been served well by all those who helped to form them. This includes their parents their grade schools & high schools, and their parish priests have dropped the ball. Only a minority of these students really understand the great evil that abortion is; how bigoted and crass it is; how demeaning of women it is; how destructive it is to families and our society. I am saddened that these Catholics are not formed well enough to discern the truth from all the false glitter & promises of our fallen world.
Published by: albert marek
dallas tx. 05/14/2009 09:12 AM EST
How many Bishops approve Obama's appearance at ND? 65 Bishops (at last count) disapproved.
Published by: Waiting and watching ND
VA 05/14/2009 09:12 AM EST
The WH comments are arrogant, dismissive and derisive and sound much like the deceptive and damaging rhetoric spewed by Mr. Kmiec during the election.
The WH is obviously quite happy to claim a 'majority' Catholic seal of approval while marginalizing those pro-life voices who are so inconveniently in their way of advancing a pro-abortion agenda. This weekend will be a revealing test for Father Jenkins and his faithfulness to true Catholic identity.
Published by: BobN
USA 05/14/2009 08:45 AM EST
Obama and his supporters are blinded by their own egos. The aare the ones that do not see the whole picture nor do they understand the Catholic mind. God help them all.
Published by: What?
Mars 05/14/2009 08:22 AM EST
This is liberalism to a T!
Published by: Joe E.
Rochester, NY, USA 05/14/2009 06:44 AM EST
The Spanish Club?! I didn't realize they held so much sway! Maybe I'll join as a person aware of the Spanish language, and rescind his invitation.
Published by: James Chang
Lahore 05/14/2009 05:23 AM EST
Obama appears to be the anti-christ and is against everything that christianity forbids. He is much in favour of Islam and to please muslims because he has muslim connections in his blood.Lets see what his next 100 days are going to be and what good is being done for the USA and the world.
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