libertarian dad

I did not get the opportunity to watch President Obama’s speech in Cairo this morning.  When my local news switched over to carry the speech, I was getting ready to head out for my paying job out in the real world.  So I only got to see bits and pieces between brushing my teeth, showering, and getting dressed.

Having not seen the entire speech, I am in no way able to critique the content or effectiveness of the speech.  There was one segment of the speech that did stick with me, and tells me all I need to know about the Arab world and their view of the Unites States.

President Obama gave a synopsis of his life and experiences with Islam.  To quote the President, “So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.”  That last statement drew an immediate and loud round of applause.

The next statement the President makes tells me all I need to know.  Obama continues, “But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.” This statement was met with no immediate reaction, but silence.  Eventually some polite applause came, but the initial silence was telling.

They want their world, their culture, to be respected and honored.  They do not want to extend the same courtesy to us or others.