Normally I like to stay clear when writing of religion. I find that too often, the people who I would like to think would be the most tolerant because of their religious beliefs are sometimes the most intolerant when it comes to others’ take on those beliefs. In short, a lot of people can’t take a joke when it comes to religion.
With that said I really am going to touch on the fringe of religion because the controversy which I am bringing up only partly has its roots in religion in one way and not another. I speak of the hoopla concerning the upcoming commencement address by President Barack Obama at Notre Dame University in Indiana.
Simply put, some Catholics don’t want Obama to speak at the Catholic-run university because of his supporting pro-choice. When I say some I mean not a majority. A Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday showed that 56 percent of American voters and 60 percent among Catholic voters think that Notre Dame should not withdraw Obama’s invitation to speak at commencement. Of the latter group, 49 percent of Catholics who attend religious services weekly say Obama should be allowed to speak while 43 percent of that group disagree. Of those who attend services more infrequently 70 percent of those Catholic say Obama should not have his invitation withdrawn as opposed to 26 percent who do not.
A CBS News story today points out how a vocal minority, including outside anti-abortion agitators, do not care if they ruin what is a special day for hundreds of students and their families. People such as anti-abortion activist Randall Terry would like to see the commencement disrupted to get a point of view across.
There is a parallel with this mob rule by the minority right now and the current desperation shown among the extreme right wing elements of the Republican Party. The mindset is that if they yell and scream and hold their breath until they turn blue and take their ball and go home they’ll wind up getting what they want. In short, it’s a childish position.
While the right to free speech is among this nation’s most treasured, the way some people use that right is just downright unbecoming.