By now, my disagreements on policy and politics with our President are legion and well documented. But, as a fair-minded individual, I have to give the man credit when it is due him.
His speech in Cairo this week, while containing a few items I disagree with and a couple of minor historical inaccuracies, was on the whole brilliant and well-worded. After a couple of days of reflections upon it, I'd like to mention a few passages from the speech.
"I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt.
I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a
greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum."
Excellent greeting, but it would be nice for him to convey a greeting of peace from all Americans. Just a thought.
"We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the
world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy
debate...Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent
minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but
also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust."
Excellent, if perhaps self-evident, point.
"And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States
to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear." (huge
applause from crowd)"....But that same principle must apply to Muslim
perceptions of America" (mixed reception). "Just as Muslims do not fit a
crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested
empire."
Bam! Best line of the speech. Brilliantly written and delivered.
"Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack
Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so
unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone
in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that
includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy
incomes and education that are higher than average."
Even though his estimate of Muslims in the US is about two times too high, the thought behind the statement still rings true.
"In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with
Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a
grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of
all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is
my first duty as President to protect the American people."
A well-made contrast, putting a fine point on an issue that is too often broad-brushed.
"America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It
is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the
aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be
denied."
I'm glad to hear him say this so unequivocally. The entire Israel/Palestine portion of the speech was bold and searing in its frankness and truth. It was an even-handed rebuke in front of a biased audience, and he did not wilt from its delivery.
"No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a
single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through
consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and
participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place
the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political
process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do
not make true democracy."
(emphasis mine). While I agree with this statement, his relationship with groups like Acorn belie his adherance to this high-minded ideal.
I will not belabor the point, but the President went on to touch on nuclear weapons, democracy, religous freedom, and women's rights in the Middle East. Some will see this speech as kowtowing to Muslims, some will wonder why now it is ok to mention President Obama's muslim heritage when it was an outrage to do so a year ago (a fair point). This President has made his share of foreign policy gaffs in his brief tenure, many of which I have pointed out myself...but this wasn't one of them.
This speech took the moral high-ground without glad-handing or butt-kissing, but by simply stating right as right and wrong as wrong. It's nice to be able to say without reservation: "Well done, Mr. President". I don't expect it to last, but I'll enjoy it while I can.
Nolanbuck
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