As a Saint Mary's student, I have to weigh in on the debate about having President Obama speak at Notre Dame's Commencement since it affects our community. Discussions of Catholic identity and prestige aside, I am curious if anyone in the administration considered the impact such an important political figurehead will have on the travel plans of the other schools graduating that weekend. Yes, it is all very exciting that the president has agreed to come speak - Notre Dame shares the honor with Arizona State and the Naval Academy, setting them apart from the long list of Ivy League schools (even the president's own alma mater!) whose requests for his presence were declined. But really, inviting Barack Obama takes graduation traffic to a whole new level. Those of us who will need to leave on Sunday for long car rides home are facing a nightmare of security measures and road closures. It was a tad inconsiderate, to say the least, for Notre Dame to put such a burden on the families of Saint Mary's and Holy Cross students.
Other than that, congratulations to Notre Dame for nabbing the president. It is an honor for my brother school - I just hope the teleprompter doesn't malfunction.
Sarah Falvey
senior
LeMans
March 23
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