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The Spectacle Blog
Today the South Bend Tribune confirmed that former Notre Dame president and civil rights pioneer Fr. Theodore Hesburgh encouraged Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) to vote for the final health care bill. Donnelly, whose district includes the Notre Dame campus and who graduated from Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law, was among the “Stupakers” who hesitated to vote for the bill because of the included federal subsidies for abortions. According to the Tribune and to AP reports, the 92-year-old Hesburgh called Donnelly to convince him to vote for the final bill at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s request.
The Tribune reports that Donnelly said that “one of the deciding factors that led him to support reform was President Barack Obama’s promise to sign an executive order prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions.” His vote, however — and Fr. Hesburgh’s advice — came after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops updated their statement opposing the bill on pro-life grounds with the specific warning that the executive order did not change the fact that the bill would fund abortions. National Right to Life also maintained their opposition to the bill, stating that “A lawmaker who votes for this bill is voting to require federal agencies to subsidize and administer health plans that will pay for elective abortion, and voting to undermine longstanding pro-life policies in other ways as well.”
The revelation that Pelosi got Fr. Hesburgh to lobby Donnelly to vote for the bill comes at a time when the Notre Dame administration is trying to bolster its pro-life credentials. After facing criticism for inviting President Obama to be the commencement speaker in 2009, the administration, led by president Fr. John Jenkins, has undertaken a number of measures to highlight the administration’s pro-life stance, including Fr. Jenkins’s attendance at the 2010 March for Life in Washington, D.C. Even that event was controversial, however, as Fr. Jenkins was confronted along the march route by people upset at the administration’s refusal to drop trespassing charges against the “Notre Dame 88” who had been arrested in protest of Obama’s commencement address.
Pingback| 3.27.10 @ 3:51AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Fr. Hesburgh and Joe Do links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Mimi| 3.27.10 @ 10:46AM
TO FATHER &JOSEPH;: How could you have done this? And Joe you were dead wrong to have voted for this monstrosity of a law. When it comes to LIFE, their are no GREY'S The issue is either black or white! And "OBAMA" you trusted "OBAMA". He has lost the trust of the american people, so much so that he will never get it back. He has LIED, LIED, LIEDand LIED to adinfinitum! It's not just the beginning of life that is attacked by this law, It will greatly affect the end of life. The denial of care to seniors from their Government willnow, make todays insurers look trivial. Father, you and Joe were sucked in to the democrats illusion and placed another black stain on Notre Dame. " FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO" From a beloved, retired R.N. mother of 8 and .............Grandmother of 23
Teflon93| 3.27.10 @ 10:56AM
We cannot serve God and Mammon both.
Isn't it clear who Father Hesburgh and Father Jenkins serve?
J.C.Eaton| 3.27.10 @ 1:05PM
If true, this episode nicely encapsulates the Notre Dame evolution. From being a school dedicated to the Blessed Virgin,and turning out generations of mostly Catholic men who were themselves dedicated to her name; From employing future Cardinals in her theology dept. to employing world-class inventors in her science departments, this once inspiring place has towelled its' Catholic charter. The place seemingly has become what its' revisionists have wanted: a fairly well-thought of secular school. Good luck folks, methinks Fr. Corby, Cardinal O'Hara and Fr. Nieuland wouldn't be proud.
Yosemeti Sam| 3.28.10 @ 1:17AM
" ... The revelation that Pelosi got Fr. Hesburgh to lobby Donnelly to vote for the bill ...."
Sadly, a witchs' brew seems to have been mighty
tasty.
What a morality tale for Notre Dame students!
Charles J. Schubert| 3.28.10 @ 12:48PM
Dear Father Ted, As a long and faithful fan of yours, I cannot tell you how shocked and disappointed I was to learn that you actually allowed one of Congress' leading "Cafeteria Catholics" to gain your support for the abominable "Obamacare" health care bill. Father, what HAS become of the Catholic identity at Our Lady's University? I am one of those who are extremely concerned over the social/progressive direction we've taken since you handed me a degree in 1952. Yours in Notre Dame, Charlie Schubert
Famijoly| 3.31.10 @ 1:54AM
Charles, you can answer the question you direct to Fr. Hesburgh, "What HAS become of the Catholic identity at Our Lady's University?" by typing "Land O' Lakes Conference" into a search engine.
Brace yourself, however. "As a long and faithful fan of" Fr. Ted, what you will find will truly break your heart.
Even deepening my own sadness is that I was not shocked, not even surprised -- Yes, not even surprised -- to see the link to this story.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Chris M| 3.29.10 @ 9:33AM
According to the South Bend Tribune, Hesburgh did not tell Donnelly to vote for the bill. He told him to, "vote his conscience." See: http://www.southbendtribune.co.....01/3270301
Stop smearing Notre Dame.
Pancho| 3.29.10 @ 3:08PM
Chris M.
Fr. Hesburgh called Donnelly after Pelosi called Hesburgh. Uh, you're kidding right?
Kevin| 3.29.10 @ 8:33PM
"Stop smearing Notre Dame?"
The University is smeared with filth and seems to be proud of the stench. They need no assistance in "smearing" themselves.
Yes you are correct about the report in the SB Tribune...however Do you really think Pelosi was calling Fr. Hesburgh to ensure that Rep. Donnelly would simply "vote his conscience?"
Perhaps Fr. Hesburgh will soon issue a statement soon explaining that he encouraged Rep. Donnelly to follow the USCCB's lead and protect the sanctity of life....and to not undercut the Church's teaching at this critical time.
I am still waiting to hear some clarification.
Still waiting.
Still waiting.
What a shame. A shame for our nation, our Lady's university, Fr. Hesburgh, and for all who value respect for clear Truth and courageous Catholic Leadership.
Nancy| 4.3.10 @ 11:35AM
In order to be Catholic, our conscience needs to be formed in communion with God, The Creator Who has created all Men equally, endowing all Mankind with the fundamental, unalienable Right to Life at the moment they are brought into being (definition of created) at Conception. To deny this self-evident Truth is to deny not only the foundation upon which this Nation was created but the fact that it is God Who gives us Life from The Beginning.
Gary| 3.30.10 @ 7:59AM
If ND does not promote and teach Catholic theology and values, close the institution.
We have learned from our US Bishops, healthcare trumps abortion. The Bs just covered it by saying they, in the 12th hour, by stating they are against abortion. Where's the outrage? Where was the all out fight against this huge abortion bill?
The key Bishops are leftist secularists.
Nadine Hardin| 3.31.10 @ 7:47PM
I can't believe what I just read about Fr. Hesburgh and Senator Joe Donnelly, never, in my farthest thoughts - would I think this could happen. Unless some explanation is available, I believe in the following from my Catechism - it answers all!
First Century Teaching (2271)
From the first century, the Church has taught the unchangeable truth that every procured abortion is evil. Direct abortion (willed as an end or a means) is gravely contrary to the moral law. "You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish" (Didache). "Life must be protected with utmost care from the first moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes" (Second Vatican Council).
Excommunication for Formal Cooperation (2272)
Formal cooperation in an abortion is a grave offense to which the Church attaches an excommunication "by the very commission of the offense" (Canon 1398 and 1314). By this excommunication, the Church wants to make clear the gravity of the crime and of the irreparable harm to the innocent person, to the parents and to society.
Nadine
Joseph| 4.1.10 @ 2:45AM
Nadine,
I was rather surprised by your previous comment: "I believe in the following from my Catechism - it answers all!"
It reminded me quite poignantly of a selection from the famous American composer John Adams' opera, "Nixon in China," in which Madame Mao holds up a book written by her husband Mao Tse-Tung and loudly intones "I speak according to the book" See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpMQeJmKK2w
Fr. Hesburgh did not become a leader in the civil rights movement by standing idly by whilst social change was occurring all around him. He does not condone abortion by any means. Supporting this bill meant supporting the poor, diseased, and those without insurance.
This new law has caused countless rich white men and women to quake in their boots in indignation; I hope that this concern over abortion does not distract from the good that this law does for the poor and those disenfranchised from our healthcare system.
Joseph
Rian| 4.9.10 @ 1:40PM
Joseph,
I generally agree with you. You should not throw the baby out with the bath water. If the bath water is putrid or needs to be refilled, it is another story. While healthcare reform is generally supported by the vast majority of Americans, this kluge of pet projects and support for specific interests groups is not. We need good reform, not this.
I received two degrees signed by Father Hesburgh and the University. I respect many of the things he has accomplished in his 92 years. I also greatly disagree with many including this action. He is allowed to get it wrong some times.
What really caused me to comment, however, was your last paragraph....."This new law has caused countless rich white men and women to quake in their boots in indignation; I hope that this concern over abortion does not distract from the good that this law does for the poor and those disenfranchised from our healthcare system."
Wow! Where to begin. I am white. I work and support numerous charities and the poor. My wife gives away free healthcare to the indigent. I do not consider myself rich. I will be forced , at the barrel of a gun by the government, to give away more of my life (as defined by what I earn). In 2010, 47% of the US households will pay NO Federal income tax so I will be one those who pay for those new government dependents of this new healthcare "right." I take umbrage from someone who attributes my motives. I also feel compassion for you Joseph. You obviously suffer from some wealth envy, class envy and, even more disturbingly, it appears race envy.
Joseph, get an education, get a job, work hard and maybe some day you too join some of the people, their children, and their children's children paying for this government intrusion into our lives.
God bless. I'll pray for you and your gaining increased wisdom and respect for those who achieve and feel the morality should not be compromised.
Nancy| 4.3.10 @ 11:49AM
Joseph, it is possible to have a Health Care Bill that supports all Human Individuals, including those residing within their Mother's Womb. One cannot be preserving Human Life while destroying Human Life, simultaneously, which is why elective abortion is not Health Care and does not belong in any Health Care Plan, nor any insurance plan, including one that is part of the Health Care Bill that just passed.
Nadine| 4.13.10 @ 9:39AM
Joseph, I stand firm in my Catholic commitment and feel priests should do the same. We really do need to hear from Fr. Hesburg on this matter, as he as done so much and is so very respected and has been an inspiration for all of us. The article could have been misrepresented.
As far as all politicians go (like Rep. Donnelly), well - November is coming up. Maybe, just maybe, we can get in some leaders with a dash of honesty and a dash of integrity. If not, may God help us all!
God bless everyone!
Peter K. Connolly | 4.13.10 @ 1:31PM
Fr. Hesburgh continues to set poor example for the university. His leadership at Land O'Lakes was his first and biggest mistake. What a shame that the man has failed the Notre Dame community once again. Good to see "Chaz" (of Chaz &Jack;" fame still pitching fro our former values. ND might just as well take Mary down from the Dome and stop making a mockery of her.