u235

The ol' Catholic university seems to be in a bit of a quandary these days, at least ever since they invited Obama to speak (and he accepted). Now keep in mind, N.D. is prestigious. Almost the definition thereof. In the past they'd had plenty of new Presidents come speak, regardless of denomination but... this time it's an issue.

Why?

My guess is that the religious-right is grappling with the fact that their ideas no longer carry political weight. Whereas in the 80's they had to "like it or lump it" the last eight years gave them a taste of power and influence that they're having a tough time weaning off of, rather like Heroin. On the one hand they want to appear educated, principled, open-minded enough to invite Obama, on the other, they're having an awful time getting slapped with the realization that he is indeed America's President.

So it almost appears like a deal with the devil: Invite the current President and demonstrate that a prominent catholic university can attract the very head of the nation to speak to its graduates, or renege on the invitation based on the "principles of Catholicism" being superior to the nation within which the university resides.

So which is it? Are they Catholics before Americans or Americans before Catholics?

Seems like a sticky situation. Still everyone will have a lot of soul-searching do to before the commencement is over. Everyone that is, except the President himself. After all he was elected to be who he actually is.