Saint Anselm works to encourage dialog among those of mixed opinions. That's how good discussions are formulated. It's not The Institute's job to stand on its perch and condemn abortion or any other political issue.

Steve, do you think the college shouldn't allow Jews or Muslims to speak on campus because they don't share our faith? Further, should the college ban conservatives from campus who favor the death penalty?

For one, Edwards gave a policy speech and did not take questions from the audience so no one could "call him out" on his speech. The NHIOP, where the event was held, is non-partisan, and a venue for the airing of all points of view (republican, democrat, independent, conservative, liberal, scholarly, etc.). As an alumnus, I'm glad to see that the college fosters an open debate on the issues. Isn't this part of the college's larger mission
as well.

Given Steve's comment above, abortion is the only issue in America at the moment. Poverty, health care, the war in Iraq, the economy, the environment, and how America is perceived abroad and by our allies are issues that should not be discussed/debated in an open and democratic fashion (Edwards spoke about many of these in his speech). Anyone who is pro-choice should not be allowed to discuss or take a stance on other "moral" issues effecting the country. Come on.

Are the issues of world literacy, health, and U.S./global poverty not important enough to talk about by the rich or do you have to be poor to discuss them? Are we not to lend a hand to those that need it. What is our moral responsibility and obligation to god to those that are in need of assistance.

Being able to discuss all issues in an open and democratic fashion is what makes this country strong and the envy of the world.

To Brian's comment – Okay, maybe John Edwards is a hypocrite. Can you name the last U.S. president who was elected that was poor. I could just as easily provide a link to Ronald Reagan's 600+ acre ranch (sold for $6 million in the late '90s) or Bush 41's Kennebunkport spread and W's Texas ranch, Nixon's residence, Kennedy's residence, etc. Given Brian's view, John F. Kennedy should have not pushed the country to address poverty and voting rights in the early 1960's (Kennedy was rich and white).

Come on people, if anything, the college encourages open dialogue on all issues — some it is likely to agree with and others that it disagrees. Are not dialogue, openness, and hospitality also part of the benedictine values.

It is really sad when people are so single minded as to close their mind to important issues of the day. And by the way, I'm not a John Edwards supporter. But I'm willing and open minded enough to listen to what he has to say as well as other candidates, ask questions when the opportunity allows, and make my decision based on that.