Published: May 11, 2009 10:08 pm      

Lift up, inspire, Mr. President

THE ISSUE:President Obama’s Notre Dame commencement address.

OUR VIEW:President’s visit shouldn’t be to debate social policy.

Reader Pat Weaver of Galveston sent us a letter that demands your attention – not to mention that of President Obama and, in particular, the many opponents and supporters of this country’s abortion laws who plan to voice their opinions at the University of Notre Dame’s graduation ceremonies Saturday.

“With all the controversy over President Obama speaking at Notre Dame’s commencement, why doesn’t he just politely bow out?” Weaver wrote. “There was already one demonstration last weekend. Imagine what it is going to be like on graduation day!

“The Catholic hierarchy is against it. Over 300,000 people, so far, are against it. This could ruin an otherwise joyous day for all concerned.

“I can understand the students wanting him to appear. Everyone wants to meet the president, no matter what their politics. But for many other reasons, he should just bow out!” Weaver concludes.

Since the president accepted the school’s invitation to give this year’s commencement address, many Catholics have condemned the administration for the overture. They’re angry Obama supports abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research. Archbishop Raymond Burke, the first American to head the Vatican supreme court, called Notre Dame’s offer to address its graduates “a scandal.”

The president’s visit to this country’s most identifiable Catholic university shouldn’t be to debate social policy. It should be to congratulate its graduates, encourage them to volunteer in their communities and lift up those in the social and economic margins.

It should be to inspire them to practice the teachings of Jesus.

It’s our hope that, as years pass, Notre Dame’s Class of 2009 proudly remembers the president attended their commencement – not that his presence intruded upon the celebrations of their classmates, friends and families.