Since Obama’s Notre Dame Commencement there’s been a lot of discussion about whether or not it’s possible for both sides of the abortion debate to ever finally find “common ground.” To settle our differences so that we can work together toward one common goal. It’s a nice thought, but, as Bishop Finn said when he was interviewed about the Commencement:

The direct taking of an innocent life can never be negotiated.

Compromise and negotiation is not possible when talking about a matter that is intrinsically evil. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t have a civilized discussion about it, at least. It seems impossible, given how highly emotional both sides can be, but John Stewart and Mike Huckabee managed to pull it off last week on the Daily Show. Of course nothing really got resolved, nothing ever does in these situations. But at least it was a more dignified approach to discussing something so divisive that hopefully encouraged those who witnessed it to think a little more deeply about the issue. (h/t AUL)