Originally posted by Tentickles
Here's what caught my eye:
It is interesting, though not particularly surprising, that the President played up his ties to Islam during his visit... something his campaign
downplayed during the election.
I'm trying to look at this from an analytical point of view but it's not working for me. Anyone else find his flip flopping disturbing?
Tent, this is not flip-flopping.
Nowhere has he claimed he was a Muslim, but rather played up his understanding of Islam and the Muslim faith. He does have ties to Islam via his
family. This is something stated on numerous occasions. There was no need to overtly express this during the campaign because it wasn’t about who
was close to any Muslims or had family that practiced.
He is trying to reach out to the Middle East.
A place where his understanding of Islam may be beneficial.
It is a relevant point to make.
Finding commonalities, even through Islam, is a way to lower the barriers.
This is not indicative of a vile person, a terrorist, or the anti-Christ. Perhaps his familiarity with Islam will help bridge the divide and ease
tensions. We all do this in some fashion to reach out to a new person or a group that we are trying to break the ice with.
Violence, condemnation, and dismissive attitudes aren’t working.
I am willing to try an olive branch approach. It’s a concept the last president seemed ignorant of, in spite of his Christian faith. Even still,
all Presidents pander to some extent, yet it seems unbelievable, offensive or astounding to see this one do it.
Let me ask you this, what is the problem with having ties to Islam, be it through a relative or close friend?
Is there something wrong with being Muslim, once being Muslim at some point, or having Muslim relatives?
I get the impression from all the shock that some people feel a United States President with ties to a religion other than Christianity is somehow a
threat to the world.
I think a lot of fears, paranoia and prejudices are being revealed of late.
These "Manchurian" conspiracies that are being batted around are pretty ridiculous.
I feel like some people are waiting for him to pull off his mask and reveal he is Osama Bin Laden.
- Lee