Cairo Speech: Fair, Balanced And Not Backing Down

[babylonsister]

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/06/04/cairo_speech_fair_balanced_and_not_backing_down/?ref=fpb

Cairo Speech: Fair, Balanced And Not Backing Down
By M.J. Rosenberg - June 4, 2009, 6:51AM



Mission accomplished. For the first time in memory, an American President spoke to Muslims and Arabs not as antagonists who need to take certain actions before achieving US acceptance but as equals. Not only did the speech specifically reject western (and American) colonialism, its entire tone was the antithesis of colonial. This is a profoundly different American voice, one that will do much to advance American goals rather than to sabotage them.

Arab leaders who were listening to this speech might want to consider a similar speech of their own to their people. That is not going to happen. But they have to realize that this speech will significantly raise expectations among their own people. This is the kind of speech they have never heard before, and they will expect something like it, but from their own potentates next time.

The President conveyed eight distinct messages.

1) It's a new day. Not only is Barack Obama not Bush, he isn't any of the other 43 Presidents either. And he explained exactly how different he is. Amerca is a great country, not least because it elected a half-Muslim, half-African. We are not who you may think we are. We are still America.

snip//

Conclusion:

"It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

[HopeOverFear]

1. "and may God's peace be upon you"

that was awesome.

[Cha]

2. I have

tears just reading this now..I can imagine hearing it when he gave it in Cairo.

.."potentates"..now that's a good word.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Stirring conclusion

and reminding Muslims that Jews and Christians are People of the Book, for the Talmud, Bible, and Qur'an make up The Book.

[8 track mind]

4. For the first time in my life

I can truly say that i am proud of my President!

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

5. It was a great, brave, and groundbreaking speech!

I honestly don't know how anyone can not recognize it as such.

[PretzelWarrior]

6. kick to keep Cairo at the top and not DADT

[Aristus]

7. I'm still relieved beyond measure that old man McCain lost the election.

"I can't vote fer him 'cause he's...he's...he's a Arab!"

"No ma'am, he is not an Arab, he is a good man!"

Sheesh. How intellectually bereft and culturally tone-deaf is that old crank???