http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/us/politics/18obama.html?ref=politics
On Sunday May 17 Obama made a commencement address at Notre Dame on abortion. Obama did not speak of taking sides but rather spoke of, “open hearts, open minds, and fair-minded words;” to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and support women who keep their child. Still many protesters waited outside campus shouting “baby killer” and speaking out against having a pro-choice advocate speak at a Catholic Institution. Was the decision to have President Obama speak of abortion at a Catholic school ok? And was this just a typical protest? Thoughts anyone?
Thursday Morning Open Thread: To Boldly Go…
3 hours ago
10 comments:
I think that Obama was trying to demonstrate that although he and some students at Notre Dame may have different beliefs relating to political and religious topics, such as abortion, but that is okay and instead of focusing on differences that separate Americans it is important to focus on the tings that unite them.
I also think that the people who decided to protest outside of the graduation were overreacting. I support people in voicing their opinions, no matter if I agree with their premise or not, but I don't think they approached the situation in the appropriate manner. Thus, instead of gaining support or attention for their cause and their arguments, people are going to focus on their inappropriate actions and "grotesque" signs.
I like the fact that Obama confeonted the issue. It seems to me like too many politicians step lightly around such issues or refuse to act on them because they are afraid of ruining their careers. I also like the fact that Obama is concentrating on the cause of many abortions (unwanted pregnancies) rather than just debating about whether abortion is right or wrong with other politicians. Maybe we'll finally have some action on the issue.
Speaking about abortion at a Catholic school is okay. But obviously, if what you have to say doesn't include the words "no" and "abortions" next to each other, the reception of said speech will not be pleasant. Yeah, I guess it's good that he is being "upfront" about it, but really, it doesn't do a whole lot of good to preach to a choir that isn't singing your tune.
I agree with Nelia Barkhodar about the protesters overreacting a little bit. Obama went to ND to give a a speech talking about supporting women who are pregnant etc. not advocating abortions. While he may have a different opinion than the people at the Catholic university and the protesters, it was obvious he was trying to avoid advocating for abortions. I think the protesters made Obama's appearance more about their difference in political opinions than about his commencement address as ND. I feel a little sorry for the students who had to endure the protesters heckling, but it sounds like the crowd supported Obama more than them.
While i believe that the protesters had the right to be at ND and protesting, i agree with Mr. Kessler who said, “If these groups wanted to make a difference, they could have better used their money on homes for unwed mothers.” The article made it seem like the protesters made a situation out of Obama's speech and his presence there that should not of been.
Abortion is a very sensitive topic for many. I think that Obama's commencement address was aimed more at preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place rather than abortion itself. Every year, 1.2 million abortions are performed. All in all, I felt that he handled himself very well and that the protesters were definitely crossing the line. Everyone has freedom of speech, however, it is one thing to voice your opinion and another to verbally abuse someone. Also, I understand that people have different religious beliefs, but protesters should not have criticized the President for stating his beliefs. In regards to abortion, I am more or less pro-choice. I believe that people reserve the right to make their own decisions, especially in regards to abortion.
I also agree that these protesters are simply changing the idea of what the speech was truly about, like Ana said these remarks could just be hinting at the fact that women's health needs to be important to us. One of John McCain's large mistakes was talking about "women's Health" while making mocking quote gestures. These protestors may not realize but their disgusting image and words do not make people want to stop abortions, it just makes people want to burn their signs.
I do understand that these protestors could be angry, but at the end of the day do we really care? They just look like loonies waving disgusting images about.
We are trying to make a large change in our nation, it would be great if more people could try to support it.
Abortion will always be one of the issues that will never truly be settled. it is not a black or white situation, there will always be a gray area. personally being a pro choice person i like the words Obama chose to portray his views. very neutral. like Oliver I'm glad he addressed the problem but not only on abortions but other aspects of unwanted pregnancies.
Obama didnt do anything wrong here. There are always going to be people that are "hating" and those were the protestors outside the school. He was there to talk about abortion and not take sides. He was being polite about it by basically saying that people need to be cautious and if someone does get pregnant then make the right decision for themselves. Yeah and I agree with Nelia that the protestors are not making themselves look good. They arent making me feel like I want to join their cause.
President Obama took a rational approach to this issue, pointing out that unplanned pregnancies should be prevented no matter what your stance on abortion is. I agree with him because if the members radical right wants to stop abortions, they have to accept the use of contraception. It does not make sense to advocate ending abortions and simultaneously rejecting all preventative measures except abstinence. This is as ridiculous as saying we want to stop tooth cavities but we're against the use of tooth paste? Also, what difference does it make that Obama talked about abortion at Notre Dame, a Catholic school? After all, it's not a monastery.
I think Obama knew what he was getting into when he commented on abortion with a pro-choice twist at a Catholic school. How could he not? I think that he was trying to stir up the crowd a bit and get people talking about their pro-life and pro-choice beliefs. As we know, the more discussion we have with people with different beliefs than us, the more of an open mind we have. I think Obama may have just wanted some more open discussion about abortion at an institution filled with people who are notoriously pro life in order to open up their minds a bit.
I think it's a little naive to think this guy went to a graduation and advocated a woman's right to abortion (however so slightly) and thought that it would go unnoticed. I mean, c'mon, he's our President, he's smart. He had to have some ulterior motive.
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