<p>The debate boils down to these two quotes from the article:</p>
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[quote]
''On the levels of both moral principle and practical moral judgment, Secretary Rice's approach to international affairs is in fundamental conflict with Boston College's commitment to the values of the Catholic and Jesuit traditions and is inconsistent with the humanistic values that inspire the university's work," the letter said. It pointed out Pope John Paul II's opposition to the war in Iraq.
[/quote]
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<p>and the other side responding:</p>
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[quote]
''This is the only time these people have cited Pope John Paul II on anything," said the Rev. Paul McNellis, who is an adjunct professor in the philosophy department.
<p>I hear BC's PoliSci dept is ecstatic at snagging Rice as commencement speaker. She only does one per year, and that's a fine accomplishment for the school, whacko lefties notwithstanding.</p>
<p>careful where you draw the line. Some may be upset that her policies dont always fall in line with exact church teaching, however, how many conservative righteous catholics at BC support the death penalty. I bet most. that is not supported by the church, but some convientently forget or justify that away.</p>
<p>I had a social friend criticize my kids choice of college (choose UVA over catholic ), while she spoke to me with her low cut v neck shirt and new breast job. Yet somehow i was'nt a good catholic? how screwed up is that? </p>
<p>anyone who is against condi speaking is fine with me, as long as they are also protesting against the death penalty, giving funds to world hunger, marching for pro life and not practicing artificial birth control. otherwise, just sid down and listen. you cant have it both ways and have credibility.</p>
<p>the birth control thing, sorry, i would hope every collegestudent who is sexually active in any way is is practicing birth control and protection, don't care what the church teaches</p>
<p>Most catholic colleges and universities nowadays are catholic in name only and don't really represent the true teachings of the Catholic Church (Georgetown comes to mind). It would seem to me there would be very little protest at most catholic universities if a relatively liberal (pro-abortion) person delivered the commencement speech.</p>
<p>great, then protest condi because she and bush are just plain wrong, not because she is on the wrong side of catholic doctrine</p>
<p>"the birth control thing, sorry, i would hope every collegestudent who is sexually active in any way is is practicing birth control and protection, don't care what the church teaches"</p>
<p>She is on the wrong side of Catholic doctrine - pro-abortion, pro-birth control. Hope she reiterates that at the graduation after she finishes playing Liszt.</p>
<p>I think it's a heck-of-a-lot more appropriate for students who will be going out into the world and facing these issues directly than simply re-mouthing the sweet nothings of the Administration (which is, after all, her job.)</p>
<p>In 1975 as I was about to graduate from U of Michigan, the proposed commencement speaker was Henry Kissinger. The anti-war groups on and off campus rose up in loud protest. Kissinger begged off, claiming a conflict. The new speaker was Kingman Brewster, at that time of President of Yale. As I recall, he did a nice job, although I had a massive hangover at the time. But face it, he wasn't the world figure that Henry Kissinger was at that time. I have always felt short-changed. (And now D is finishing her 1st year at Y - what a turn of events.)</p>
<p>It's a commencement speech and she is Secretary of State during time of war. Let her speak and hear what she has to say. Even if you don't agree with it, the possibility is there for some real insight from someone closely involved.</p>
<p>The list of issues a person will face in life is virtually endless. Rather than discussing some specifics I would prefer opinions on how to approach life in general and how to deal with the typical ups and downs we all face over the years.</p>
<p>I used to have enormous respect for her, but she has now become just another talking head trying to deflect any criticism of Bush.. The latest was hitting the talk-show circuit to counter the statements of Colin Powell to the British press. BUT... this is not the Cafe, so back to the college issue. Many recipients of honorary degrees will be controversial in one way or another, so it's not a big issue to me. I'm also not Catholic, so I can't comment on the issues. If the school were not a Catholic school, I would have no problems with the choice.</p>
<p>What a bunch of babies. Rice is more interesting, more intelligent, and more deeply connected to higher education than any of the detractors here or on that campus. Is this what they've learned after four years of college? If someone holds an opinion different from your own, whine, suck your thumb, and feign a reconnection with your inner Catholicism that's been in abeyance for four years?</p>
<p>I think the controversy is due to racism and sexism. The students and administration at BC would rather see a rich old white dude give the speech. Yea, that sounds about right.</p>
<p>I would also have to wonder at the arrogance of people who would not be pleased and honored to have a speaker of Condoleeza Rice's caliber speak at their commencement. She is obviously a pivotal figure at this particular time in our history. Her personal views are her own, private, and should be left that way, I would imagine.</p>
<p>I should point out that it was Villanova, not Penn, that had the man inside the Big Bird suit as commencement speaker in '04. It was the selection of Jodie Foster as this year's commencement speaker at Penn that generated some grumbles, although I find that silly as well. What an interesting and articulate person she is.</p>
<p>I'm a left-leaning practicing Catholic who disagrees with much of the Bush administration. That said, I would welcome the chance to hear Ms. Rice speak. I hope they choose somewhat as controversial and interesting when S graduates from BC in 2010.</p>