Notre Dame: Obama's Speech

Text of Obama's Notre Dame Speech
(The Washington Post put it online before Obama finished speaking. He stuck to his script.)

The teleprompters are in place -- not your typical commencement ceremony.

The Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, gave Obama an impassioned introduction. While heaping praise on Obama, Jenkins spoke of the need for open, respectful dialogue with those we disagree. He was interrupted with applause repeatedly.

Jenkins also stated that abortion and embryonic stem cell research violate our Catholic values. That, too, received applause.

When the introduction was over, Obama was given a lengthy ovation.

Obama began his speech by congratulating the graduates.

He joked that honorary degrees are hard to come by, referring to Arizona State University snubbing him.

"So far, I'm only 1 for 2 as president."

Shortly after he began speaking, Obama was shouted down by protesters.

One screamed "Abortion is murder!" "Baby Killer!" and "You have blood on your hands." The crowd responded quickly to drown him out by chanting "We Are N.D."

Here's another account of the interruption.

The crowd booed and students chanted back to quiet the protesters.

Obama said, "We're fine."

He continued, but was interrupted again.

This time Obama and the crowd ignored the interruption.

Obama described himself as a Christian. I'm not aware of any Christian denomination that supports abortion.

Obama quoted Martin Luther King, "The single garment of destiny is not easy."

Interesting that Obama would raise that imagery. It made me think of the "seamless garment" being used to symbolize a consistent ethic of life. Kind of awkward.

Obama preached vigorous debate, fighting for what we consider right without demonizing those on the other side.

Of course, he talked about finding common ground. Of course, he talked about working together to reduce abortions and unintended pregnancies. He promoted adoption.

Obama said we SHOULD adopt a conscience clause for health care professionals. That stands in opposition to his support of FOCA.

He spoke of using "fair-minded words" and having "open hearts, open minds."

Obama spoke of faith and God. He talked about the Golden Rule, volunteerism and service.

Throughout Obama's speech, I was struck by the cries and squeals of babies in attendance at the ceremony.

Obama closed with this:

I will not pretend that the challenges we face will be easy, or that the answers will come quickly, or that all our differences and divisions will fade happily away. Life is not that simple. It never has been.

But as you leave here today, remember the lessons of Cardinal Bernardin, of Father Hesburgh, of movements for change both large and small. Remember that each of us, endowed with the dignity possessed by all children of God, has the grace to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we all seek the same love of family and the same fulfillment of a life well-lived. Remember that in the end, we are all fishermen.

If nothing else, that knowledge should give us faith that through our collective labor, and God's providence, and our willingness to shoulder each other's burdens, America will continue on its precious journey towards that more perfect union. Congratulations on your graduation, may God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

After the speech, Jenkins again sang Obama's praises.

Respectfully, I would suggest that Obama consider recognizing the human dignity of the unborn.

When Obama says that each of us is "endowed with the dignity possessed by all children of God," he obviously doesn't consider the unborn to be God's children.