Zellocrats Separated from the Liberal Fold; Calvin College Update; Bush among the Catholics

Joe Knippenberg has two notable posts today, the first of which uses a word I hadn't seen before (and which gets all of nine returns at Google): Zellocrat.

Actually, Joe uses it in quoting a former student of his at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. She stopped by for a chat and, recalling that she was active in Democratic party circles during her school days, Joe asked her if she still belonged. Here's how he explains her answer:

She chuckled and said, "well, I’m a Zellocrat." She voted for GWB last fall, for reasons that are perfectly intelligible to anyone who pays attention to these matters. She has two handsome and lovely children, ages six and eight, so the "parent gap" comes into play. And she attends this church. So, in addition to the other cultural sticking points that make it difficult for her to return to the Democratic fold, there’s abortion and gay marriage. She might have voted for Joe Lieberman, she said, so she’s not exactly a "theocrat."

But until the Democrats can appeal to the Zellocrats on these perfectly obvious grounds, they’re playing a losing hand, not only (I think) in my part of the country, but all over.

The second piece deals with the President's commencement address at Calvin College tomorrow, and the work of some faculty members and students to express their displeasure at his appearance. (I wrote about the controversy Wednesday.) Joe links to an article in Christianity Today, "Bush Visit to Calvin College Exposes Divisions," which offers a good look at campus reaction and places the Christian Reformed Church (formerly Dutch Reformed) within the wider field of evangelicalism.

There were no protests, at least not inside the building, this morning when the President spoke at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. The speech is short and worth reading, as it demonstrates the President's comfort in addressing what, until a few decades ago, was seen as a foreign element in American culture.

The speech was humorous:

Thank you for that warm reception -- especially for a Methodist. (Laughter and applause.)

. . . The Catholic contribution to American freedom goes back to the founding of our country. In 1790, a newly inaugurated George Washington -- the first George W. -- (laughter and applause) -- addressed a letter to all Catholics in America.

Patriotic:

This morning we pray for the many Catholics who serve America in the cause of freedom. One of them is an Army Chaplain named Tim Vakoc. He's a beloved priest who was seriously wounded in Iraq last May. We pray for his recovery, we're inspired by his sacrifice. In the finest tradition of American chaplains, he once told his sister, "The safest place for me to be is in the center of God's will, and if that is in the line of fire, that's where I'll be." Father Tim's sister, Anita Brand, and her family, are with us today, and a grateful nation expresses our gratitude to a brave Reverend. (Applause.)

And unapologetically pro-life:

Catholics have made sacrifices throughout American history because they understand that freedom is a divine gift that carries with it serious responsibilities. Among the greatest of these responsibilities is protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.

After his commencement address at Calvin College tomorrow, I'll relay any news I can find about the address and the audience's reaction.