Janet CollinsObama and the Muslim Handshake
January 21st 2009 11:53
Shaking hands with the those in the east is something that reflects Obama's pacificist tendecies. No more war mongering. No more aggression. Diplomacy is his call for the day.
Barack Obama is committing to shake hands with those in the east. It has been a long time coming but to me it is probably the most welcome change in a new government in the United States.
Aggression is now a thing of the past. Embracing other cultures and working with them is now a strong point in the new administration..
It was this part of Obamas inauguration speech that took me in the most:
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
A pacificist and a person who wants what is best for everyone. You can’t object to that, can you?
Good on you Obama!
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Comment by Anonymous
If only the East understood true peaceful wishes and did not interpret them as a weakness so often.
Peace is a wonderful thing if it is not fostered upon you through coercion, but through true respect for your dignity and freedom.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I missed this post, and it is such an interesting one ... and controversial.
I agree with Anonymous above but also witht he ideal behind what Obama was allowed to take office for (by those who socially enginerr all US movements) ... I am reminded that there is nothing like an outside thrid party enemy to make two warring factions cling to each other like lovers in the night *chuckle* aah witht he oil running out and the economy falling back from the edges of total greed, it looks like that day has finally come... and I think Obama is perhaps the very best choice to make the peace with his own roots and those of many of his Afro-American constituency?
So many intriguing twists and turns as it all plays out, are there not?
Lilla ...
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Thank you so much for your comments. I agree with all of them. If anyone can bring East and West together, Obama can. That's not to say he won't have some huge hurdles along the way and perhaps it will never happen. At least he doesn't have a strategy to invade first and ask questions later.
Thanks a lot for the comments.