My petition
In the name of multiple of my friends and acquaintaces who have expressed to me and others, directly or indirectly, via facebook, observer letters to the editor, and casual conversation, I decided to post a request on the Notre Dame Alumni Network Discussion thread on linkedIn.com.
This was a petition asking the members of this particular network to refrain from venting and ranting about thoughts on economic, morals or politics President Obama might have that don’t align with those of the Catholic Church, on a public manner that would encourage others to lobby for the protesting of Obama’s invitation, as such demonstrations would disrupt our commencement ceremonies.
I do not, by any means, show my political preference, nor do I defend any particular individual or institution. I simply ask of those in the group to help me with my cause, which is to give our graduating class the oportunity to share a quiet and peaceful ceremony, much like those before us have enjoyed (with few exceptions)
In asking for this simple favor that does not ask or expect people to change their personal opinions,I found people who are unwilling to show compassion for our cause (100% apolitical) claiming a duty to defend their moral fiber. Advocating for the rights of the unborn and framing themselves as self-righteous Christians who want nothing but oh-so-hateful Obama to be uninvited from this commencement ceremony. Like Tim McGuire, a 1985 graduate who found himself being a great Christian and clearly showing me his respect for others, his tolerance of what he cannot change, and his obvious desire to “do upon others as [he] wish[es] they do upon [him].”
If you are interested in knowing what what he wrote as a response to my petition, read the quote I posted below….
