Honors

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Actor Martin Sheen, also known for his work as an activist, will be honored by the University of Notre Dame with its Laetare Medal.

The school announced Sunday it will present the actor, who played a U.S. president who graduated from Notre Dame in the TV series "West Wing," with the medal at its May 18 commencement.

Since 1883, the Laetare Medal has been awarded annually to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity."

Oh great.  The man who last year called conservatives "bastards" and a "dangerous bunch of fascists" and spoke at a LGBT fundraiser and is supporter of "gay rights" is being honored.  He is also has his doubts about 9/11 "chief among them is Building 7 - how did they rig that building so that it came down on the evening of the day?"

Q: What are your views on abortion?

Sheen: I cannot make a choice for a women, particularly a black or brown or poor pregnant woman. I would not make a judgment in the case. As a father and a grandfather, I have had experience with children who don't always come when they are planned, and I have experienced the great joy of God's presence in my children, so I'm inclined to be against abortion of any life. But I am equally against the death penalty or war-- anywhere people are sacrificed for some end justifying a means. I don't think abortion is a good idea. I personally am opposed to abortion, but I will not judge anybody else's right in that regard because I am not a woman and I could never face the actual reality of it.

Q: Which politicians do you admire?

Sheen: I don't really have a great deal of confidence in politics or politicians, but there are certain elected officials that I admire very much, such as Dennis Kucinich from Ohio, Barbara Lee, Congresswoman from Oakland, Howard Dean, who I'm supporting for President.

Personally opposed, but blah, blah blah.  Though I am thankful for when he spoke out on Terri Schiavo - oh wait that didn't happen. He backed pro-abortion John Kerry and this year he was a backer of pro-abortion Bill Richardson for president.  Well I guess since he has done good work in helping to raise money for retired religious, I guess supporting pro-aborts is no big deal.

The bishop in their document Catholics in Political Life said:

The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.

Posted by Jeff Miller at March 2, 2008 2:19 PM