President Barack Obama's Notre Dame Commencement Speech

Obama Calls for Understanding in Notre Dame Speech

By JULIE PACE, Associated Press Writer Julie Pace, Associated Press Writer – Sun May 17, 7:27 pm ET

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – President Barack Obama strode head-on Sunday into the stormy abortion debate and told graduates at America's leading Roman Catholic university that both sides must stop demonizing one another.

Obama acknowledged that "no matter how much we want to fudge it ... the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable." But he still implored the University of Notre Dame's graduating class and all in the U.S. to stop "reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words. It's a way of life that always has been the Notre Dame tradition."

One of the noisiest controversies of his young presidency flared after Obama, who supports abortion rights but says the procedure should be rare, was invited to speak at the school and receive an honorary degree. "I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away," the president said.

The Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, introduced Obama and praised the president for not being "someone who stops talking to those who disagree with him." Jenkins said too little attention has been paid to Obama's decision to speak at an institution that opposes his abortion policy.

Ahead of Obama's address, at least 27 people were arrested on trespassing charges. They included Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as "Roe" in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. She now opposes abortion and joined more than 300 anti-abortion demonstrators at the school's front gate.

More than half held signs, some declaring "Shame on Notre Dame" and "Stop Abortion Now" to express their anger over Notre Dame's invitation to Obama.

Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, "Stop killing our children."

The graduates responded by chanting "Yes we can," the slogan that became synonymous with Obama's presidential campaign. Obama seem unfazed, saying Americans must be able to deal with things that make them "uncomfortable."

The president ceded no ground. But he said those on each side of the debate "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."

He said he favored "a sensible conscience clause" that would give anti-abortion health care providers the right to refuse to perform the procedure.

Before taking on the abortion issue, Obama told graduates they were part of a "generation that must find a path back to prosperity and decide how we respond to a global economy that left millions behind even before this crisis hit an economy where greed and short-term thinking were too often rewarded at the expense of fairness, and diligence, and an honest day's work."

Obama's appearance appeared additionally complicated by fresh polls that show Americans' attitudes on the issue have shifted toward the anti-abortion position.

A Gallup survey released Friday found that 51 percent of those questioned call themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42 percent "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as "pro-life" since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.

Just a year ago, Gallup found that 50 percent termed themselves "pro-choice" while 44 percent described their beliefs as "pro-life."

A Pew Research Center survey found public opinion about abortion more closely divided than it has been in several years.

Pew said its latest polling found that 28 percent said abortion should be legal in most cases while 18 percent said all cases. Forty-four percent of those surveyed were opposed to abortion in most or all cases.

Gallup said shifting opinions lay almost entirely with Republicans or independents who lean Republican, with opposition among those groups rising over the past year from 60 percent to 70 percent.

The abortion issue also is front and center as Obama considers potential nominees to fill the vacancy left by the retirement this summer of Justice David Souter. Abortion opponents are determined to see Roe v. Wade overturned, but only four court justices out of nine have backed that position. Souter has opposed arguments for overturning the ruling.

The Catholic Church and many other Christian denominations hold that abortion and the use of embryos for stem cell research amount to the destruction of human life, are morally wrong and should be banned by law.

The contrary argument holds that women have the right to terminate a pregnancy and that unused embryos created outside the womb for couples who cannot otherwise conceive should be available for stem cell research. Such research holds the promise of finding treatments for debilitating ailments.

Within weeks of taking office in January, Obama eased an executive order by President George W. Bush that limited research to a small number of stem-cell strains.

On the Notre Dame campus, members of an abortion rights group also protested while a plane pulling an anti-abortion banner circled above. Tara Makowski of Seattle, who received a master's degree Saturday from the school, said she was dismayed by the way Notre Dame was being characterized.

"Seeing us being portrayed nationally as radical conservative has been really tough," she said. "People need to realize that the majority of students and faculty" favored Obama's visit.

But Bishop John D'Arcy, whose diocese includes Notre Dame, skipped commencement. He attended an open-air Mass and rally. He said he wanted to support the students protesting Obama's speech.

"All of you are heroes, and I'm proud to stand with you," he said.

Obama was the ninth president to receive an honorary degree from Notre Dame and sixth sitting president to address graduates. Other commencement speakers have included Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Before returning to Washington, Obama stopped in Indianapolis for two fundraisers. About 40 people attended a $15,000-per-couple Democratic National Committee event, which raised between $300,000 and $400,000.

About 650 people attended a second fundraiser for four Indiana Democratic congressmen. That dinner cost $250-$5,000 per person.

Indiana is a traditionally conservative state that Obama carried in the presidential election.

Associated Press writer Tom Coyne contributed to this report.
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TNT...The Librarian Trilogy - One of My Favorite Librarian Movies!

TNT - DramaVision

President & Mrs. Obama To Be Honorary Chairs of National Book Festival

Ninth Annual Event on Sept. 26 Will Draw Book-Lovers to the National Mall

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Library-of-Congress/Book_Festival/prweb2463664.htm

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 26, 2009 -- President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will serve as Honorary Chairs of the 2009 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress. Now in its ninth year, this popular event celebrating the joys of reading and lifelong literacy will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th Streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The event is free and open to the public.

"We are delighted that the President and Mrs. Obama are committed to bringing this inspirational event to people of all ages nationwide," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "The National Book Festival has become a true American institution. It is a joyous and very popular celebration of books and reading in the Washington, D.C. area."

The 2009 National Book Festival will feature about 70 award-winning authors, poets and illustrators in pavilions dedicated to book subjects ranging from history and biography to mysteries, thrillers, poetry and prose, and books for families and young people. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite authors, get books signed, have photos taken with PBS storybook characters and participate in a variety of learning activities.

The Pavilion of the States will represent reading- and library-promotion programs and literary events in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. trusts and territories.

The popular Let's Read America pavilion will offer reading activities that are fun for the whole family. The Library of Congress Pavilion will showcase the cultural treasures to be found in the Library's vast online collections and offer information about
Library programs.

The 2009 National Book Festival will be made possible through the support of Distinguished Benefactor Target and many other generous supporters.

The Library of Congress, the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, is the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Many of the Library's rich resources and treasures may be accessed through the Library's website, www.loc.gov, and via interactive exhibitions on myLOC.gov.

Public contact: Roberta Stevens (202) 707-1550, rste(at)loc.gov
Press contact: Jennifer Gavin (202) 707-1940, jgav(at)loc.gov

President Obama's Commencement Speech @ ASU Pt.1

President Obama's Commencement Speech @ ASU Pt.2

President Obama's Commencement Speech @ ASU Pt.3

Obama Turns a Dis Into a Lesson...BET News Blog

President Obama Turns a Dis Into a Lesson

BET Blog May 14th, 2009


Despite being dissed by Arizona State University, President Obama decided to show up anyway, turning a seeming outrage into a tender teaching moment. Last month, Obama - a former U.S. senator, Harvard University graduate, University of Chicago law professor, Grammy-Award-winner and proverbial leader of the free world - learned that he wouldn’t be getting the customary honorary degree because university officials concluded that his “body of work” didn’t justify the honor. To hear Obama tell it, there was something to learn from ASU’s controversial assessment. “I come here not to dispute the suggestion that I haven’t yet achieved enough in my life,” Obama told a stadium full of graduates. “First of all, Michelle [Obama] concurs with that assessment. She has a long list of things that I have not yet done waiting for me when I get home.” The audience roared. “…In all seriousness,” he continued, “I come to affirm that one’s title, even a title like ‘president of the United States,’ says very little about how well one’s life has been led. …I want to say to you today, graduates, class of 2009, that despite having achieved a remarkable milestone in your life - despite the fact that you and your families are rightfully proud - you, too, cannot rest on your laurels. … Your own body of work is also yet to come.” Echoing the theme he has hammered during and after the presidential campaign, Obama urged his listeners to reject the “greed and irresponsibility that has rippled out from Wall Street,” … and focus on serving America and mastering their professions. “That other stuff, the trappings of success may be a byproduct of this larger mission, but it can’t be the central thing,” Obama said. “Just ask Bernie Madoff.”



http://blogs.bet.com/news/newsyoushouldknow/obama-turns-a-dis-into-a-lesson/

ASU Commencement: Obama Giving Address Tonight

The Huffington Post - May 13 2009

PHOENIX — Arizona State University students are getting a graduation ceremony to remember forever.

Wednesday evening's ceremonies were to include the president of the United States, rock icon Alice Cooper, hundreds of security officials and a crowd likely to fill Sun Devil Stadium.

Seeing President Barack Obama deliver the commencement is the big draw and something that won't soon be forgotten. "No matter what your politics are it's going to be a very cool thing. When else can you say I saw the president of the United States give my commencement speech," said Sarah Larson, a 23-year-old education major.

Ismael Paderez, 35, of Phoenix, planned to arrive at the stadium at 3:00 p.m. Nothing, he said, would have prevented his family from attending the ceremony to see him get his degree in electrical engineering.

"I'm the first person on my father's side to graduate from college," he said. "With this economy ... and looking for a job ... I want to hear the president give a message of inspiration."

The pre-ceremony show was to include an appearance by Cooper, Mexican mariachis bands, a gospel choir and a marching band.

Following Obama's address, university president Michael Crow was to award five high school students with scholarships named after the president. The President Barack Obama Scholars program will offer them up to $17,000 annually to pay for tuition, books, room and board.

Virgil Renzulli, an ASU spokesman, said ASU hopes the scholarship will serve as a national model for universities aiming to make college more affordable.

"We know that for Arizona to be competitive and the U.S. to be competitive we have got to produce more college graduates," he said. "We hope this (scholarship) will have a lasting effect."

With the temperature expected to hit a high of 99 degrees, the day was shaping up to be a long, hot one for the expected crowd of 63,000, including 9,000 graduates. University officials are warning people to expect up to a 90-minute wait to clear security checkpoints, which will be managed by U.S. Secret Service agents.


Obama ASU Address: Watch The Commencement Speech @:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/obama-asu-address-watch-t_n_203240.html

Celebrating Career Day at Joseph S. Clark High School

Mrs. Germaine Carey-Palmer, our Reference Librarian & Information Literacy Instructor, spoke at Career Day on April 23rd, at her high school alma mater, Joseph S. Clark. She spoke to students about her career path to becoming a professional librarian and steps they needed to take to plan for their future as a professional in their desired field of interest. We're very proud of you Germaine!

Dillard University Alumni Reunion Week May 7th-10th 2009

Reunion is for ALL Dillard alumni, their spouses, and guests. This year our celebration highlights graduating class years ending in 4 and 9. All alumni are invited to attend this Family Affair!
More information can be found @: http://www.dillard.edu/images/alumnievents/reunion2009activities.pdf

Thursday, May 7
6pm-7:30pm Donor Recognition Reception (by invitation only) Kearny Hall (2nd floor)
8pm-Midnight “A Stroll Down Memory Lane” Dance - Albert W. Dent Hall

Friday, May 8
8am-4pm Registration - Kearny Hall (1st floor)
8am-9:30am “Golden Graduate” Breakfast (Class of 1959) - President's Home
10:00am-12pm Campus Tours
12:30pm-2pm Jazz and Champagne Luncheon - Kearny Hall- (2nd floor)
2:00pm-2:45pm Alumni House Opening
2:45pm-3:20pm Class Meetings - DUICEF
3:30pm-5:30pm Nat’l Alumni Association Meeting - DUICEF
6pm Baccalaureate Services - Avenue of the Oaks
8:30pm Pre-Commencement Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring the legendary recording artist, Ms. Patti LaBelle!
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-488-5252.

Saturday, May 9
8am-11am Commencement 2009- Avenue of the Oaks
6pm Reunion Banquet & Dance Class - Photos of graduating classes ending in 4 & 9
6pm-7pm Cocktails
7pm-9pm Dinner
9pm-12am Dancing

Sunday, May 10
10:00am-11:00am Reunion Worship Service - Lawless Chapel
11:00am-2:pm Cajun Rendezvous Picnic - Kabacoff Plaza

May Holiday Observances

ALS Awareness Month (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease)
American Wetlands Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
Better Hearing & Speech Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Month
Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
Creative Beginnings Month
Family Wellness Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Freedom Shrine Month
Get Caught Reading Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
Go Fetch! Food Drive for Homeless Animals Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Heal the Children Month
Healthy Vision Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
International Audit Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Jewish-American Heritage Month
Latino Books Month
Motorcycle Safety Month
National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month
National Arthritis Month
National Barbeque Month
National Bike Month
National Egg Month
National Foster Care Month
National Good Car Keeping Month
National Hamburger Month
National Hepatitis Awareness Month
(World) Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Meditation Month
National Mental Health Month
National Military Appreciation Month
National Moving Month
National Osteoporosis Prevention Month
National Photo Month
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Preservation Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National Smile Month (From May 18 to June 17)
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Revise Your Work Schedule Month
National Vinegar Month
Older Americans Month
Personal History Month
React Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
Sweet Vidalia Onions Month
Teen Self-Esteem Month
Tennis Month
Tay-Sachs and Canavan Diseases Month
Ultra-violet Awareness Month
Women's Health Care Month
Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month
National Family Month (5/10 to 6/21)