President Conquers Notre Dame With Fair-Minded Words

Against a backdrop of protesters shouting their disapproval of a president who affirms a woman's right to choose, our commander in chief gave a masterful speech that envisioned an America where those of us who disagree, even vehemently, could engage with each other in ways that expand understanding instead of shutting it down.

In short, we must find a way to live together as one human family.

It is this last challenge that I'd like to talk about today. For the major threats we face in the 21st century -- whether it's global recession or violent extremism, the spread of nuclear weapons or pandemic disease -- do not discriminate. They do not recognize borders. They do not see color. They do not target specific ethnic groups.

Moreover, no one person, or religion or nation can meet these challenges alone. Our very survival has never required greater cooperation and understanding among all people from all places than at this moment in history.

Unfortunately, finding that common ground -- recognizing that our fates are tied up, as Dr. King said in a "single garment of destiny" -- is not easy. Source: Barack Obama Notre Dame Speech

President Obama did not shy away from the red-hot issue of abortion either. At one point, he spoke past the audible protest coming from the audience and addressed how those of us who have opposing opinions can perhaps talk to each other using "fair-minded words."

That's when we begin to say, "Maybe we won't agree on abortion, but we can still agree that this is a heart-wrenching decision for any woman to make, with both moral and spiritual dimensions.

So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies and making adoption more available and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion and draft a sensible conscience clause and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women."

Understand, I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away. No matter how much we may want to fudge it. Indeed, while we know that the views of most Americans on the subject are complex and even contradictory, the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable. Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.

In my opinion, on the 55th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education, President Obama gave his finest speech since his seminal address on race, "A More Perfect Union," in March of 2008.

Community Discussion
+ Norte Dame: That Was Painful