Obama's Cairo speech

[almaty 19]

One of Obama's big ideals is setting a good example, no matter what other countries choose to do. He did this in the closing of Guantanamo, among other things.

In my opinion, Obama didn't apologize as much as many expected him to, but stated the truth. We are not perfect either. This country has been involved in some pretty messed up things. It's time to be realistic. I love this country for the fact that we learn from these issues and grow and change as a democracy should.

Agreed, negative attention is brought upon Islam because of extremists who "give it a bad rap" so to speak. But if us, as Americans, were open enough to understand that groups of extremists that misinterpret the basic founding of their religion do NOT speak for an entire population, this scapegoating would not be an issue. As a whole, discrimination is wrong, period.

P.S. I am friends with Muslims... and none of them happen to be terrorists.

I don't want to get all nerdy on you but....

Terrorism is cross-cultural, global. In our culture, it is not prominent but in many it is. Not only in the middle east. For example, in my husband's country, Peru, there are terrorist groups in constant combat with their government.

Here's a quote from a great article that this reminded me of from the Political Psychology journal that I read in a PoliSci class - The Psychology of Terrorism

"...psychological explanations of terrorism were still immature, but he suggested an integrated theory in which individuals who are predisposed to engage in terrorism due to developmental factors find certain needs satisfied by joining underground groups." - in impoverished areas such as Afgahnistan, Iraq and even Peru - where the disparity between rich & poor is extreme, their basic needs (i.e. food, shelter, family security) can be met by joining such groups and so the logic behind it may be in many cases, just this.

So sorry for my rant, but I feel that in order to understand why and how Obama made his speech the way he did yesterday, we aught to dig a little deeper into the issues, that's all.

At any rate, it was a speech. It was a damn good speech too. And I amicably agree to disagree with some of you posters

spot on..little sister

[nowhereman 1]

Tamara- so what did you want him to do? to start war with Egyptians? I still don't get what you are saying because you say I don't believe they're all extremists/terrorists...but you can't deny that there are some who are....so what do you want him to do regarding them? even though no matter what you believe the majority are not and that's whom he is addressing....Do you think Egypt is not holding those terrorists down? Since the 9Os there has been only two attacks since then and everyone was caught. Egypt worked so hard -of course with ignorance to human rights- to control those ppl and infact did for the longest time.

But I will say this yes the view of America is distorted to most Egyptians and they were very happy to finally see America lending a hand rather than a hammer on the head! A lot of ppl are already changing towards America and yes it is very smart because extremists will have no where to go if this change keeps taking effect. I don't think making enemies will fix anything.

Egypt was the wrong place for him to be IMO, but besides that... look at what happened today, suicide bomber kills 30 in Pakistan that has nothing to do with the USA. Suicide bombers last year were constantly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq over and over again. I feel like he apologizes for America for the wrong thing, which IMO he keeps apologizing that Americans have bad views about muslims. I dont think thats Americas problem. Extremist or terrorist muslims have made that problem for themselves and their own religion, we did start imagining those things up. And also IMO, I have been under the impression that alot of those countries do not like America bcz America supports Israel which technically is their number one enemy. So, would the moderate muslims befriend us if America gave up support for Israel? and even if that happened, the extremist or terrorist would still hate us.

Also another thought... Does the governments of any of those countries that have suicide bombers boldly get on tv or come to America to apologize for thier own peoples actions? Do any of those countries have thousands of their own people going to other countries helping feed the poor, or build orphans homes, or send troops out to help make peace.

Obama is trying to set a new tone & I applaud him for that. The Bush administration alienated a lot of muslims with their rhetoric & they even alienated many Americans with their rhetoric... for example the "if you aren't with me you are against me" speech or the ####### (I think this was mostly Cheney) that if you disagreed with the president you are being unpatriotic (which is pure BS & total hypocrisy, since Cheney is now blasting Obama for his policies).

Like or not, agree with it or not, but our country has lost a lot of credibility worldwide because of the actions & policies of the Bush administration. Critics see Obama's overtures towards the muslim world as a sign of weakness, but I think it is just the opposite... it takes guts to admit mistakes & try to mend frayed relationships. If we are to be successful in the war on terror we need the cooperation of moderate muslim nations... this isn't a sign of weakness but rather a matter of practicality.

[Susita 175]

Tamara- so what did you want him to do? to start war with Egyptians? I still don't get what you are saying because you say I don't believe they're all extremists/terrorists...but you can't deny that there are some who are....so what do you want him to do regarding them? even though no matter what you believe the majority are not and that's whom he is addressing....Do you think Egypt is not holding those terrorists down? Since the 9Os there has been only two attacks since then and everyone was caught. Egypt worked so hard -of course with ignorance to human rights- to control those ppl and infact did for the longest time.

But I will say this yes the view of America is distorted to most Egyptians and they were very happy to finally see America lending a hand rather than a hammer on the head! A lot of ppl are already changing towards America and yes it is very smart because extremists will have no where to go if this change keeps taking effect. I don't think making enemies will fix anything.

Egypt was the wrong place for him to be IMO, but besides that... look at what happened today, suicide bomber kills 30 in Pakistan that has nothing to do with the USA. Suicide bombers last year were constantly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq over and over again. I feel like he apologizes for America for the wrong thing, which IMO he keeps apologizing that Americans have bad views about muslims. I dont think thats Americas problem. Extremist or terrorist muslims have made that problem for themselves and their own religion, we did start imagining those things up. And also IMO, I have been under the impression that alot of those countries do not like America bcz America supports Israel which technically is their number one enemy. So, would the moderate muslims befriend us if America gave up support for Israel? and even if that happened, the extremist or terrorist would still hate us.

Also another thought... Does the governments of any of those countries that have suicide bombers boldly get on tv or come to America to apologize for thier own peoples actions? Do any of those countries have thousands of their own people going to other countries helping feed the poor, or build orphans homes, or send troops out to help make peace.

Obama is trying to set a new tone & I applaud him for that. The Bush administration alienated a lot of muslims with their rhetoric & they even alienated many Americans with their rhetoric... for example the "if you aren't with me you are against me" speech or the ####### (I think this was mostly Cheney) that if you disagreed with the president you are being unpatriotic (which is pure BS & total hypocrisy, since Cheney is now blasting Obama for his policies).

Like or not, agree with it or not, but our country has lost a lot of credibility worldwide because of the actions & policies of the Bush administration. Critics see Obama's overtures towards the muslim world as a sign of weakness, but I think it is just the opposite... it takes guts to admit mistakes & try to mend frayed relationships. If we are to be successful in the war on terror we need the cooperation of moderate muslim nations... this isn't a sign of weakness but rather a matter of practicality.

I agree.

[HLM 1]

Tamara- so what did you want him to do? to start war with Egyptians? I still don't get what you are saying because you say I don't believe they're all extremists/terrorists...but you can't deny that there are some who are....so what do you want him to do regarding them? even though no matter what you believe the majority are not and that's whom he is addressing....Do you think Egypt is not holding those terrorists down? Since the 9Os there has been only two attacks since then and everyone was caught. Egypt worked so hard -of course with ignorance to human rights- to control those ppl and infact did for the longest time.

But I will say this yes the view of America is distorted to most Egyptians and they were very happy to finally see America lending a hand rather than a hammer on the head! A lot of ppl are already changing towards America and yes it is very smart because extremists will have no where to go if this change keeps taking effect. I don't think making enemies will fix anything.

Obama is trying to set a new tone & I applaud him for that. The Bush administration alienated a lot of muslims with their rhetoric & they even alienated many Americans with their rhetoric... for example the "if you aren't with me you are against me" speech or the ####### (I think this was mostly Cheney) that if you disagreed with the president you are being unpatriotic (which is pure BS & total hypocrisy, since Cheney is now blasting Obama for his policies).

Like or not, agree with it or not, but our country has lost a lot of credibility worldwide because of the actions & policies of the Bush administration. Critics see Obama's overtures towards the muslim world as a sign of weakness, but I think it is just the opposite... it takes guts to admit mistakes & try to mend frayed relationships. If we are to be successful in the war on terror we need the cooperation of moderate muslim nations... this isn't a sign of weakness but rather a matter of practicality.

I agree.

Nowhereman and susita83 are right on! I am glad some people are taking a sagacious look at the issue. Politics is complicated. I am surprised that Tamara has the audacity to say what she said. Terrorists do NOT care about their image; Obama is addressing the majority of Muslims who ARE innocent of these violent acts yet are mistreated/discriminated against. No it's not my fault that Americans didn't do their homework on the issue and choose to be fed by the media that all Muslims are the same! It is the same as the stereotypes that people have made about Catholic priests; so I have the right then to think all priests are pedophiles? Well after all they did that to their religion didn't they? My husband studies crime and US crime statistics show that African Americans make up 45% of the prison population when they are only 13% of the general population. Only an ignorant racist would argue that black people are inherently violent. Like the previous posts have argued; the issue of terrorism is very complicated and there is a need for an interdisciplinary approach to the problem rather than biased and shallow opinions.

[AngelSaint 0]

it runs in the blood.............

[alienlovechild 75]

The Bush administration alienated a lot of muslims with their rhetoric & they even alienated many Americans with their rhetoric... for example the "if you aren't with me you are against me" speech or the ####### (I think this was mostly Cheney) that if you disagreed with the president you are being unpatriotic (which is pure BS & total hypocrisy, since Cheney is now blasting Obama for his policies).

Now were all painted as racists or Muslim haters by people like you. That's hardly progress.

Like or not, agree with it or not, but our country has lost a lot of credibility worldwide because of the actions & policies of the Bush administration. Critics see Obama's overtures towards the muslim world as a sign of weakness, but I think it is just the opposite... it takes guts to admit mistakes & try to mend frayed relationships. If we are to be successful in the war on terror we need the cooperation of moderate muslim nations... this isn't a sign of weakness but rather a matter of practicality.

The U.S. doesn't earn any credibility with pointless gestures with flowery speeches. Still waiting for the Arab world leaders to admit to any mistakes for decades. If you don't know that's there intelligence being shared between countries you're still thinking like a grunt. There's a difference what Arab governments say and what they do behind the scenes. How many Arab or Muslim countries broke diplomatic relations over Iraq or Afghanistan? How many pulled out their economic holdings in the U.S.? Is it because they like us or they are being pragmatic in knowing which country can make a difference?

Lastly don't bother with the "you're calling all Muslims terrorist" #######. Posting that on everyone who disagrees you is just a tactic to stifle other opinions which is what you claimed Bush did.

[LaL 418]

it runs in the blood.............

####### does that mean?

[alienlovechild 75]

it runs in the blood.............

####### does that mean?

Nothing at all.

[AngelSaint 0]

it runs in the blood.............

####### does that mean?

Was just wondering if OBAMA does have Muslim background??? Just trying to connect facts about Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael in the Bible whom God put divine curse on him.

""""He shall be a wild #### of a man, his hand against every man and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." (Genesis 16:11-12 RSV).""""

hmmmm...just wonderin'????????

[Chica Yeyé 41]

it runs in the blood.............

####### does that mean?

Was just wondering if OBAMA does have Muslim background??? Just trying to connect facts about Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael in the Bible whom God put divine curse on him.

""""He shall be a wild #### of a man, his hand against every man and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." (Genesis 16:11-12 RSV).""""

hmmmm...just wonderin'????????

Dude, whatever it is you're smoking, stop. Really.

[AngelSaint 0]

it runs in the blood.............

####### does that mean?

Was just wondering if OBAMA does have Muslim background??? Just trying to connect facts about Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael in the Bible whom God put divine curse on him.

""""He shall be a wild #### of a man, his hand against every man and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." (Genesis 16:11-12 RSV).""""

hmmmm...just wonderin'????????

Dude, whatever it is you're smoking, stop. Really.

im not a smoker nor smokin' hot...lol... just posting my opinion...just wondering???

im not pro-politics and i dont want to participate in any political discussions...

im also NOT a dude but my husband calls me dude....Peace friend!

[Susita 175]

Now were all painted as racists or Muslim haters by people like you. That's hardly progress.

You're absolutely right. There is reverse discrimination going on as well. For example, not every Republican is George W. Bush and not every American is anti-Muslim. It's hypocrisy to say that "every American is anti-muslim" because it would be just like saying "every Muslim is anti-American." Just food for thought.

This is one of my favorite quotes from his speech, and it's so appropriate:

"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity."

The U.S. doesn't earn any credibility with pointless gestures with flowery speeches.

I agree with your statement, however, I don't believe that Obama's speech was "flowery." I honestly believe it was sincere and a huge step in the right direction. I absolutely agree that a speech will not fix everything, but the sheer act of being able (as the US President) to stand up and do what he did sets a huge example for us.

I am reminded of a few amazing individuals that made speeches that did make a difference

JFK, Martin Luther King Jr., FDR, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony etc... and these are only Americans I know of. I don't know if you'd all agree.

But we need to remember that these speeches were catalysts for further action - they don't act alone but in conjunction with society. They are motivators for society.

i.e. "My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." - JFK

[alienlovechild 75]

I honestly believe it was sincere and a huge step in the right direction. I absolutely agree that a speech will not fix everything, but the sheer act of being able (as the US President) to stand up and do what he did sets a huge example for us.

I don't doubt that Obama thinks he can bring the mountain to Mohammed. He's talked his way this far and right into the White House with few major accomplishments beyond having a silver tongue. The Middle East is a graveyard for aspiring American presidents looking to make headway. The phrase "peace in the Middle East" would be laughable if it wasn't for all the real problems of ancient region pegged to one man or policy. The peace is achieved when the parties see it is better than fighting and not suddenly being filled with goodness.

I am reminded of a few amazing individuals that made speeches that did make a difference

JFK, Martin Luther King Jr., FDR, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony etc... and these are only Americans I know of. I don't know if you'd all agree.

The events made their words significant before polls determined what people wanted to hear. I started this thread hoping somebody gave a hoot and the OP is hardly anti-Obama in tone. I'm on the White House email list so he's my buddy.

[Susita 175]

I honestly believe it was sincere and a huge step in the right direction. I absolutely agree that a speech will not fix everything, but the sheer act of being able (as the US President) to stand up and do what he did sets a huge example for us.

I don't doubt that Obama thinks he can bring the mountain to Mohammed. He's talked his way this far and right into the White House with few major accomplishments beyond having a silver tongue. The Middle East is a graveyard for aspiring American presidents looking to make headway. The phrase "peace in the Middle East" would be laughable if it wasn't for all the real problems of ancient region pegged to one man or policy. The peace is achieved when the parties see it is better than fighting and not suddenly being filled with goodness.

I am reminded of a few amazing individuals that made speeches that did make a difference

JFK, Martin Luther King Jr., FDR, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony etc... and these are only Americans I know of. I don't know if you'd all agree.

The events made their words significant before polls determined what people wanted to hear. I started this thread hoping somebody gave a hoot and the OP is hardly anti-Obama in tone. I'm on the White House email list so he's my buddy.

Playa Hata

[mawilson 2,133]

I take aim at your assumption that the Middle East is a civilization in decline. By what measure do you base this assumption.

By measuring their contributions to world thought and culture in recent years.