Hypocrisy Perfected!

The right wing members of the Catholic Church continue to stomp their feet and pout. They just can't stand the notion that Notre Dame has invited President Obama to speak at Commencement this May. Under the pretense that Obama is "pro-abortion," they believe Obama's values are inconsistent with the spiritual teachings of the Catholic Church. Even the local Archbishop in Cincinnati has jumped on the anti-Obama bandwagon..

When former President Bush spoke at Notre Dame's Commencement in 2001, I don't believe I heard the same outcry from the Cardinal Newman Society or my local Archbishop. If the "culture of life" litmus test determines who should be invited to Notre Dame, it is a new exam.

Former President Bush, although anti-abortion, was a strong advocate for capital punishment. During his tenure as the Governor of Texas, Bush approved 131 executions; more than any other state. I am not a Catholic theologian but the last time I checked, I believe the Roman Catholic Church consistently opposed all forms of capital punishment.

As a newly elected President, the more conservative members of the Catholic Church and Notre Dame welcomed Mr. Bush with open arms. I do respect the religious beliefs of others. Persons of integrity can honestly disagree with Obama's stance on choice. In this instance, I believe this far more about political grandstanding than a genuine disagreement regarding abortion.