2008 Alfred E. Smith Dinner

On 16 October 2008 the 63rd Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner was held. The dinner was started by New York Archbishop, Cardonal Spellman as a fundraiser for healthcare causes (now run by Catholic Charities). Al Smith was the 1st Catholic candidate for president. With only a couple exceptions, during the Presidential election year, the Democratic & Republican candidates are invited to speak. Sen McCain spoke 1st this year, followed by Se Obama. In the spirit of bipartisanship here are both their speeches. Or should I say stand-up routines since that is what they really are.

McCain Pt. 1

McCain Pt. 2

Obama

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OK, now that we are past the humor on to something a bit more serious, the question that is being raised about the appropriateness of Obama being on the dias at a Catholic event like this. Esp given how radical his position on abortion is.

In an article, Deal W. Hudson raises the question What Are We Doing? He says: "The truth is, the first thought that came to my mind was a simple one: What are we doing here? If abortion really is what we say it is -- the gruesome murder of unborn children -- do our actions reflect that belief? And if those who support abortion are guilty of facilitating such a horror, how should we respond to them?

If this were 1855, would we be inviting pro-slavery politicians to take a break from a hard fought race, and share a laugh and a meal? As one who finds courage and inspiration in the example of the Radical Republican abolitionists, I just can't imagine it.

But isn't that what we're doing today? I know that wasn't Cardinal Egan's intention -- of course not. (I also recognize that I'm raising these concerns after the fact.) However, in today's media driven society, images matter. The sight of Obama and the cardinal palling around sends the message -- whether intentional or not -- that the pro-choice senator is fine in Egan's eyes."

After quoting from Cardinal Egan's August statement about Nancy Pelosi Hudson asks this question: "But how do we then square this with giving Obama -- or any pro-choice politician -- a platform at a Catholic event?" He goes on to quote from the Bishops statement ″Catholics in Political Life″ about honoring anyone who is pro-abortion: "They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."

He then goes on to ask: "Should we be honoring or featuring pro-choice politicians (from any political party) at Catholic events? The bishops have spoken out against this as regards the universities, but what about Catholic functions in general? Should we have a common policy?"

These are good questions that need to be answered. I know that the dinner is named after a politician, but what is the difference between that & say for instance, Obama speaking here at Loras? Nothing, in my mind.

Some may say, there is a difference, this wasn't to honor Obama, but to raise money. But, by making Obama 1 of the keynote speakers, it did honor him. But, I will admit there is a time & place for a meal with Obama. As Hudson concludes: "Obviously, Jesus dined with sinners and publicans -- true. But he didn't give them a platform to preach to the faithful. That's the difference here." & I would go on to say that as Jesus pointed out, it was to call the sinners to repentance. In this case, there wasn't any call by Egan or anyone else for Obama to repent of his pro-abortion stand.

This question won't go away. & it will need to be answered. & soon.