Well Said, President Obama

By Dr. Aslam Abdullah, TMO Editor-in-Chief

Peace and dignity was the theme of President Obama’s speech. Without mentioning the state of Israel, he sent a very strong message to those who turned Gaza into a gutter, that the United States would stand for peace and dignity for every man, woman and child.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer tried to give his own spin when he said that the President Obama sent two messages to the Muslim world. One that said that we will not tolerate your violent behavior and the second that we want to work together with respect for peace.

Wolf was trying to venting out his anger at the Muslim world by twisting President Obama’s words. President Obama talked about the enemies of the United States in general without any reference to any nation or religion.

Obama’s speech was a departure from the regular run of the mill type of speeches of past presidents. He made it known to everyone that he is in control of the United States and he is different from the others.

He inspired the nation to new heights and he reiterated his commitment to the supremacy of the constitution. That means that Guantanamo Bay prison facility will close soon.

It means that the US military will withdraw from Iraq. It means torture will not continue.

Some might say it means all those who violated the constitution including the past president would be brought to justice. There is a growing demand for that, and it is not far-fetched that the past president might be tried for war crimes if not in this country than in other place of the world.

Justice demands that both Bush and Cheney must not be allowed to run away from justice and charges of war crimes are brought against them so that no one in the future can attempt to repeat them.

President Obama’s speech was unique, as he reminded the people that a nation is built on sacrifice and taking care of the poor and needy. He asked every American to stand for those who are unable to take care of themselves.

President Obama was, in fact, echoing everything that Islam stands for in terms of taking care of the poor and the needy and in terms of maintaining honesty and integrity in public work. He elaborated on the divine principle of justice and freedom with reference to history and culture.

He referred to the United States as a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and he invited each to participate in the rebuilding of new nation. Obama is giving a new vision of America, an America that is humble and more attuned to the welfare of its own people rather than imposing its will upon others.

President Obama, what you said was something this nation had forgotten during the most turbulent times of the last president–who was not only playing with the lives of people but with their hopes and future.

President Obama, you have restored our confidence in government once again, and you have reminded us that if we are vigilant, our democracy and constitution will be restored to vigor.

President Obama, we hope that your words will be taken seriously by law enforcement officials in their relations with blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Muslims and other minorities.

11-5