Obama continues to rock the world. His speech in Cairo was dazzling. Here's a snippet:
It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share . . .
And to backtrack slightly:
I know there are many -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort -- that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There's so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country -- you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.
Full English text can be read here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09/
Obama is stepping up to a real Lincoln-for-the-world leadership role. I dig, and though nobody should agree with someone all the time about everything (even I don't agree with every little nuance), I do dig the gist and the direction, the scale and the scope. Epic. No matter what happens, this president is making a concerted effort like few -- if any -- before. Godspeed to President Obama and good luck to humanity!
Today's Rune: Flow. [Photo credit: Chuck Kennedy, White House.]
9 comments:
Oh my god, is it good to have a wise, hard-working and intelligent president?
meant "isn't it good?"
Certainly sounds good. I hope the words can change some things.
I'm not sure I really agree with some of his economic plans and such, but I'll be damned if the man isn't inspiring and a great orator.
IT IS SAD TO SEE HATE CRIMES ARE UP, GUN SALES ARE UP. PEOPLE HATE WHAT THEY FEAR. IF THEY WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT THE OTHER GUY, WALK IN HIS SHOES OR AS OBAMA SAYS, REALLY LIVE THE GOLDEN RULE AND DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE DONE UNTO YOU IT WOULD BE A BETTER WORLD. THE YOUNG AND OLD PEOPLE OF THE WORLD HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO LIVE IN PEACE OR THERE WON'T BE A WORLD TO LIVE IN.
Quite a speech, and it's proving to be quite a tour.
Eric, I basically agree. I love the words, now DO something...
there is a lot i do not agree with or like - but the man is quite an inspiration and really is remarkable
there are very few capable of inspiring and making us believe there can be a better way --- he is one of them
as much as we need someone like him right now - we also need to see follow up. i believe obama is one to follow up and try to accomplish what he says
he is smart, work hards and actually cares - unlike his predecessor. and that is driving the remnants of the gop crazy
As an Arab who happens to be Muslim, I was so happy to hear his speech. He sure have reached the millions of moderate Arabs and Muslims out there. He did tackle many good points though I was a bit conservative for not mentioning the siege in Gaza, but I could say I have never seen a US president ever get such a standing obation.
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