Today in American Dharma: Obama Addresses the Muslim World from Cairo

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. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.) 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 hearts of billions around the world. It's
a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today. - President Barack Obama, 6/4/09

Today, June 4th 2009, President Barack Obama made an address to the Muslim world from the University of Cairo in Egypt, in this speech he covered such topics as terrorism, nuclear programs, the Israel-Palestine disputes, and in general Islam and the West. This speech was a very interesting one because I noticed some things (besides the fact that an speech like this would have never come out of the last administration) : the call for religious tolerance, the mention of only the Abrahamic faiths, and the well thought out use (imho) of the Koran. What the impact of President Obama's speech will be, I couldn't say. However, I felt it was very well done to attempt to promote religious tolerance between the American people and the Muslim world. How it will be received in a country in which sore feelings are still felt against Muslims because of al Quida and the incidents of 9/11. All of these Obama addresses but mostly from the perspective of the people he's addressing: the Muslim world. But what do Americans all over the country feel about this outstretched hand of diplomacy and religious tolerance? Will they be willing to put aside their differences and preconceived notions of Islam and unite as a country to work with the Muslim world? Will they even care to listen to this speech? I'm waiting to hear more reactions to this speech to find out.


Transcript: A New Beginning: Obama's Address to the Muslim World