Paul Ryan Speech at Catholic College Unpopular with Students, Alumni

KatherineS

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He might be a good Catholic, but U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan's upcoming commencement gig at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., doesn't necessarily mean he'll be facing a friendly crowd.

The school announced earlier this year that it invited the former Republican VP candidate and 1st District congressman from Janeville for the May 11 ceremony, and the sparks have been flying ever since.

"I can't believe a person whose proposed budget for our nation that would do such harm to the poor working poor and middle class would be invited to speak at a Catholic college," writes Jane Mehrens of Kansas City, Kan., "I am extremely disappointed in this choice.
...

...goes on to take Ryan to task for his adherence to Ayn Rand's philosophy of selfishness....


"The Catholic view boils down to this: When tough budget decisions must be made, you don’t go after the poor first."

Ryan's selection to give the commencement speech at a Catholic college seems a surefire way to spark controversy, especially in light of the fact that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops panned his budget as inconsistent with Catholic values.

“A just spending bill cannot rely on disproportionate cuts in essential services to poor and vulnerable persons,” the bishops wrote last month.


Read more: Paul Ryan invited to give commencement speech; college gets an earful : Ct
 

Fantine

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The speaker at my college graduation was Jesse Jackson. My parents were disappointed, too (not that he wasn't a powerful speaker--he certainly was).

But when all is said and done, it's just one day.

If I were a graduate in the audience, I would look at it as a "know your enemy" lesson.
 
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KatherineS

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Oh dear. Maybe Ryan won't be making that speech after all!


Paul Ryan bucks church, backs gay adoption

Republican congressman Paul Ryan, who has touted his Catholic faith as evidence of his social as well as economic conservatism, has come out in favor of gay couples adopting children — a significant break with the Catholic hierarchy...

Paul Ryan bucks church, backs gay adoption | Sacred and Profane
 
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KatherineS

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Why are you surprised, Katherine? Paul Ryan is such an embarrassment to the Church in the area of social justice I'm not surprised that he's come out against the Church in this area as well.


I think it is a "finger to the wind" thing. He shafts the Catholic vision of economic justice because he is in bed with the Big Boys on Wall Street. Then he looks at the polling data and finds an anti-gay position is not helpful to him so changes his views.
 
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