I have always been a big Notre Dame fan for a variety of reasons.  My Dad grew up in an Irish neighborhood in Ohio and his family was always fans of Notre Dame.  As I grew up and learned more about Notre Dame, I became a fan for other reasons.  Notre Dame refused to compromise their standards.  Whenever Notre Dame Football goes through a down cycle, the same topics come up.  It is said that Notre Dame’s standards are too high so they can’t recruit the best athletes anymore.  Somehow, ND eventually turns it around and starts getting good athletes and winning again, without lowering their standards.  With President Obama being awarded an honorary degree from Notre Dame, they have compromised their standards.

            Notre Dame’s move from the conservative ideals of the Catholic Church was not a quick one.  The long liberalization process is detailed here: How Notre Dame drifted away from the Catholic Church .  Proponents of Obama will say that Notre Dame is a University and there should be open discussion on topics like abortion.  I agree, there should be open discussion on areas of the abortion topic.  I think there are instances when abortion is the best choice, such as if the pregnancy threatens the mother.  Who decides how much threat is enough?  These are topics to discuss.  However; this is not about discussion.  This is about bestowing an honor on someone whose belief system is entirely contrary to the Catholic teachings.  Would anyone suggest that a black college should invite a leader of the Klan to speak and give him an honorary degree?  Notre Dame is not a state college; it is supposed to be a Catholic University.  Yes, critical discussions should be held.  That is different than honoring someone who goes completely against the teachings of the church.

            The other problem with this whole “open discussion” argument is the very people making it.  These are the same people who see no problem at all with the near monopoly the left holds on the public and secondary education system.  There is no open discussion on evolution or global warming, it is taught as absolute fact.  I took several Sociology courses at two separate state universities (my college career was long and meandering).  There were no opposing arguments offered regarding Karl Marx.  I didn’t even hear about Friedrich Hayek (The Road to Serfdom) until after college.  These are the same people who invite a man like Mahmoud Ahmadenijad to speak but protest Ann Coulter.  These are the same people who attack Carrie Prejean for being against same sex marriage but for breast implants.  Open discussion my ass.

     Here’s what Sarah Palin had to say on Obama speaking at Notre Dame: Hot Air: Palin hits Notre Dame for recognizing Obama .  I like her more and more all the time.

Here’s a link with more details on the actual speach Hot Air: Obama at Notre Dame, let’s be open minded about child murder