Lol, my thoughts exactly. I was just flipping through the channels and came across Fox News - they were not happy.
There are some solid points in that article, such as: * don't talk about "the Muslim world." * don't talk about democracy -- talk about justice. It didn't read as frothing at the mouth to me, though sure, it was negative, and sure, it was already negative about some elements you know will be in the speech. But for a FOX editorial, it was fairly coherent and intelligent in some elements.
Actually, I agree with what was written pretty much from top to bottom. I don't see how it's negative...or unreasonable.
Saw his speech, he didn`t say anything new, but the message was clear and concise. Overall very well put together, I liked it. Problem is its not going to change anything.
It was a very good speech. But it was just a speech. The reaction by Israel and Muslim countries will be more interesting than the speech itself.
via TPM -- MJ Rosenberg breaks down eight messages in Obama's Cairo speech. Cairo Speech: Fair, Balanced And Not Backing Down Mission accomplished. For the first time in memory, an American President spoke to Muslims and Arabs not as antagonists who need to take certain actions before achieving US acceptance but as equals. Not only did the speech specifically reject western (and American) colonialism, its entire tone was the antithesis of colonial. This is a profoundly different American voice, one that will do much to advance American goals rather than to sabotage them. Arab leaders who were listening to this speech might want to consider a similar speech of their own to their people. That is not going to happen. But they have to realize that this speech will significantly raise expectations among their own people. This is the kind of speech they have never heard before, and they will expect more of it. But from their own potentates next time. The President conveyed eight distinct messages. 1) It's a new day. Not only is Barack Obama not Bush, he isn't any of the other 43 Presidents either. And he explained exactly how different he is. Amerca is a great country, not least because it elected a half-Muslim, half-African. We are not who you may think we are. We are still America. 2)Islam is part of the American fabric and always has been.He knows Islam and honors it, like the other great faiths -- but with his special connection. We oppose the violent extremism of a segment of Islam but understand that the vast majority of Muslims reject that path. 3)9/11 was a crime against America and humanity. We are at war with its perpetrators -- Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Iraq was a "war of choice" and we are getting out as soon as we can. 4)We oppose violent extremism by anyone. 5)We are committed to Israel and to Palestine. Both peoples have a right to a safe secure state. Palestinian terror must stop. So must settlements. He will work to end this conflict. The language here was utterly evenhanded and emotional. He cares deeply about this issue. And, although he intends to push Israel hard on settlements, etc, he understands and shares the feeling Jews have about the country created in response to the slaughter of six million Jews. He will not do anything that endangers Israel's real security but, at the same time, "America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own." 6)We will keep talking to Iran about a resolution of the nuclear issue. It is entitled to have peaceful nuclear power. His goal is to prevent a nuclear arms race in the region. 7)Freedom of expression, democracy, and full rights for women are essential in the Muslim and Arab world just as in the west. 8)We intend to work with Muslims to remake the world. They are not our enemies. Conclusion: "It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today. We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another." The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace." The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.co...fair_balanced_and_not_backing_down/?ref=fpblg
actions will certainly carry more weight...but changing the tone is important. words convey ideas which can be very, very powerful.
well, that went over well: "Speaking about a policy of pursuing a war against extremism and working towards two states for peoples on Palestinian lands is no different from the policy of his predecessor, George W Bush." Spoiler
