Keeping Debate Open at Notre Dame
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As a fellow graduate of Notre Dame, I was pleased to read Kenneth L. Woodward's March 30 op-ed column, "Why Notre Dame Should Honor Obama."
One reason I voted for President Obama was his willingness to find middle ground on divisive issues. Clearly, the pro-life movement has made little progress over decades in changing the minds of those who are adamantly pro-choice, and whether abortions have decreased is debatable. If Mr. Obama has considered ways to prevent unplanned pregnancies as well as demand for abortions, isn't that a solution any Catholic would want?
On stem cell research, Mr. Obama is looking at both sides' views, weighing scientists' belief in stem cells' life-saving potential against the fears of Catholics and others that human life will be created solely for destruction.
It troubles me how fellow alumni, some Catholic bishops and other Catholics are responding to the invitation to Mr. Obama. Cutting off donations? Refusing to set foot on campus? (I notice that no one seems to be giving away their Notre Dame vs. Michigan football tickets yet.)
Where has refusing a proverbial seat at the table to those who don't perfectly mirror our views ever gotten any of us, other than more deeply mired in self-righteous indignation? I deeply hope that the Rev. John I. Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, does not waver and that he keeps my memories of a broad-minded, intellectually stimulating and social-justice-focused Notre Dame intact.
ANNE LEWIS
Arlington
