Anti-Abortion 'Extremists' Got Nothing on Prez

Zealous Notre Dame protests will further hurt their cause
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 17, 2009 11:34 AM CDT
Anti-Abortion 'Extremists' Got Nothing on Prez
Alan Keyes, former Republican presidential candidate, is arrested during an anti-abortion protest Friday, May 15, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana.    (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

Randall Terry and other “Catholic extremists” will lead protests against President Obama’s speech at Notre Dame today—but their anti-abortion zealotry will only continue to hurt their cause, writes Frances Kissling in Salon. “The idea that anything goes in fighting abortion died” in the ‘90s when providers were shot, but that hasn’t stopped an “unapologetic” Terry from parading a blood-covered doll around the campus.

Some 74 American bishops are also standing against Obama’s speech and receipt of an honorary degree. But Notre Dame is likely following the lead of a former university president who “decried the bishops' unyielding opposition to abortion.” The “smooth and disciplined” Obama will probably keep quiet on the issue in his speech, but if he mentions it, he’ll do it in terms that helped him win over a portion of Catholics in the election.
(More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X