[annalex]

Important point:

Mary Ann Glendon refused the medal because her participation was spinned by Jenkins as justifying honoring Obama. NOT because Obama was to speak on the same day.

This should be clear from her letter you posted at #6.

It is important because Jenkins and his cronies are now spinning Mary Ann Glendon’s rejection as fear of “engaging”.

[livius]

I read that the actual speaking time given to the person at the award is about 5 minutes - it’s not a lecture or even a serious address. One of the things that Glendon objected to was that she was being used as eyewash, and I think this is still the case. She was invited before Bambi was invited, but she has been presented in recent weeks as ND’s “dialogue” with Bambi, although in a 5 minute award recipient speech, she was certainly not going to be able to do much of anything. She realized that she was being used after the fact to cover up Jenkins’ horrid politically motivated action.

I’m disappointed that Noonan, if he is really anti-abortion, would do this. His appearance is not a rebuttal or even a “dialogue” with Obama, but simply legitimizes Jenkins’ lousy actions.

[river rat]

"A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

I read this as meaning Obama's very public positions in opposition to Catholic positions was the PRIMARY reason for her refusal to appear in a non confrontational event with Obama or lend her prominence to any event honoring such a miscreant....President or not.

And for that - I salute and applaud this fine woman.