Righteously or not, the University of Notre Dame has long been regarded as America's most prestigious institution of higher learning.  With that background, yet another inevitable clash between church and state has erupted over the university's intentions of having the new president speak at commencement, and receive an honorary degree.  (Funny, if Mr. Obama were as focused on the 'separation of church and state' as he and his left-wing comrades say, wouldn't speak at a religious private institution be a grave violation?)  Predictably, this has led to a flurry of soul-searching and debate over the university's actions.  Considering Mr. Obama's unabashedly pro-abortion background and the Papacy's unabashedly pro-life position, such a juxtaposition should surprise no one.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the subject.  Archbishop D'Arcy, doyen of the area's parishes, has announced his intentions to not attend, while the university administration has hurriedly tried to assure everyone that there is no conflict or hypocrisy in inviting the president.  Free speech advocates claim the president should be able to speak, adding that he is not going to be talking about abortion anyway.  Others point to Mr. Obama's position, and that, as leader of the free world, he invites respect, if not agreement.  Likewise, others point out that Notre Dame has had many previous presidents, from all different sides of the ideological perspective.

Here's a humble suggestion for Notre Dame, with the disclaimer that I am not Catholic and I am pro-life.  Do not withdraw his invitation to speak at commencement.  Regardless of his politics, he is an enormous successful man, achieving what is probably the most powerful position in human history, and would have many worthwhile insights to pass along to the graduating class.  It would be a mark of distinction to have the president speak at a graduation, and a worthwhile experience for the graduates.

However, Notre Dame should not confer an honorary degree upon the president.  An honorary degree is a recognition of laudable things accomplished, and approved of by a university.  For lack of a better term, it is a university's "stamp of approval" upon a person.  Notre Dame would be taking a unfortunate step in conferring such an honor upon the president, who would receive it for the political achievements he has gained, political achievements used throughout in the promotion and maintenance of abortion, something Notre Dame should not approve.