Lack of humility

I would feel remiss were I not to comment on E.J. Dionne Jr.'s defense of Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins and President Barack Obama ("Preacher Obama: The President Scored a Touchdown for Tolerance at Notre Dame," May 19).

When Mr. Dionne writes that Mr. Obama "opted for humility," he fails to mention that on four instances as a legislator in Illinois he voted against preservation of the life of an infant whose life was designated to be terminated but survived. Is that humility?

Regarding the Freedom of Choice Act, which does not honor "the conscience of those who disagree with abortion," Mr. Obama has stated that should that act pass the legislative bodies, he will sign it.

Father Jenkins praised Mr. Obama for appearing. Who invited him?

Finally, I disagree with Mr. Dionne's statement in his last paragraph regarding the "Catholic right" that "they lost." Respect for life, whether it be the life of the unborn or that of the elderly, is simply a manifestation of love for one's fellow human as characterized in most religions.

EDWARD G. KELLY, M.D.
Upper St. Clair