Notre Dame Regents In Bed With Obama?
Much has been written and discussed about Notre Dame’s commencement invitation to president Obama. Virtually all blame has been focused on Notre Dame’s president Rev. Jenkins although he must get his marching orders from others, most probably the universities Board of Regents. Many have wondered why the Board of Regents has not reverse the invitation. As this article states there is No Likely Support From Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees For Rescinding Obama Invite because the regents may represent other interests more than they represent Catholic interests.
A great deal of criticism has been leveled at Notre Dame President, Rev John I. Jenkins, for his choice to honor President Obama at this year’s commencement. But Fr. Jenkins, like all university presidents, must consider the will of the school’s governing board. The Notre Dame Board of Trustees is a powerful organization, comprised of top international business owners, chairs of rich endowments, academic leaders, judges, attorneys, faculty, and prominent clergy. These individuals are typically very wealthy, well-connected and highly accomplished; many with broad interests outside the university. A closer look at the board and its affiliations might shed light on just how Notre Dame came to this decision.
The article goes on to examine the background and special interests of some of the regents. Not surprisingly..
Many of the influential alumni on the Notre Dame board are from the nearby Chicago area, and are part of the same Chicago power structure that President Obama ascended.
Chicago power at Notre Dame extends to political posts as well. Justice Ann Claire Williams was appointed by Bill Clinton in 1999 to the U.S. Court of Appeals 7th District.
The article goes on to describe the shady backgrounds of several other regents and concludes as follows:
In conclusion, a review of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame does NOT reveal a particularly strong Catholic identity. There are board members whose actions and associations put them in a position directly at odds with Church teaching and in line with the Obama administration. At the Notre Dame board we see a group of well-connected well-heeled individuals from all sectors of society, and at the most prominent levels. Taking a stand against inviting the President of the United States would likely jeopardize membership in the elite club where they travel. Therefore it is highly unlikely that there will be any movement from within the board to rescind invitation to President Obama.
Hat tip to Gateway Pundit
