A few interesting observations I've found in the aftermath of Mary Ann Glendon's bombshell yesterday...

First, the quote of the day:  "Mary Ann Glendon is probably the most powerful spokesperson for the Catholic viewpoint in our world today."

Who said it?  Father John Jenkins, CSC.  March, 2009. 

Is this not the smartest thing he's ever said?  Yes Father, and in rejecting what many consider "the most prestigious award in American Catholicism," she just made your words very prophetic.

While many other "Catholic" colleges are following ND's tragic lead this spring, one is not.  Notre Dame can certainly learn something from Providence College.  The Denver Post reports the college has blocked a campus speech by former Colorado Congressmen Tom Tancredo.  The school has said that Tancredo's stance on illegal immigration "directly contrasts" with Bishop Thomas Tobin's of Providence.  Providence College issued the following statement:  "If a similar request to host a speaker on this topic is made in a future semester, the College will encourage and facilitate a format that allows for multiple points of view to be expressed." 

Sound familiar?  Sounds like academic freedom without compromising truth to me.  And immigration doesn't carry nearly the moral weight that abortion does.  Granted, Obama is not expected to speak on abortion (heaven help us if he does!), as Tancredo was to speak on immigration... but something tells me this decision to deny Tancredo's speech also means the politician shouldn't expect an invitation to give Providence's Commencement Address... or an Honorary Degree in International Ethics any time soon.

So, what does Jenkins do with the Laetare Medal now?  Obviously, he must try to restore honor to the Award itself (good luck finding someone as deserving as Ambassador Glendon!) , but he can't again offer it to someone honorable enough to reject it.  Tricky spot indeed.

Finally, it was interesting to read what the Medal itself has inscribed in Latin:  "Magna est veritas et prevalebit."

Translation:  "Truth is mighty, and it shall prevail."

Amen to that!