Recently I was asked to comment on Obama’s speech to the Muslim world. I think some people were expecting from me an outrage, or at least a moderate level of disgust, and words to follow.
However, in all honesty, I found the speech to be somewhat refreshing. Refreshing in all ways? No. In only the true parts.
True part one: America does have a muslim culture in it’s “pot” – some of these people have contributed to society, and have made our country better in many ways. I agree that this should be acknowledged.
True part two: All Americans should have the right to choose their religeon and practice their beliefs (accordingly to the degree that it does not infringe on another’s rights.)
True part three: It is time to stop seeing our differences, and look to our commonality. It is time to stop the extremists.
Also there were a few things I found to be contradictory and/or disturbing.
Disturbing Point one: We are we spending billions of dollars a year to help Afganistan’s economy when we have just created the largest deficit we have ever owned. It was highlighted as though it were a good thing.
Disturbing Point two: Why are we fighting so hard for one religion’s freedom, while trying desperatey to squash another’s? Last week a US court in Pennsylvania banned the reading of a child’s favorite book (the Bible) during show and tell. Where is the equality in Islam and Christianity?
Disturbing Point three: I’m not sure it is a brilliant strategy to belittle our previous leaders’ decisions when addressing other national leaders.
Just food for thought.:
It is important to help other countries, but not at the expense of our own children.
It is the unalienable right for people to practice their religion, and we should not stifle one over the other.
It is vital to promote peace, even if it will never happen. But it must be promoted without the weakening of our own country.
