Obama says US not at war with Islam

[citizenzen]

The Christian Science Monitor - April 6, 2009

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - As part of his effort to repair the strained Turkey-US strategic relationship, President Barack Obama today delivered a wide-ranging speech to Parliament, stressing the country's importance as one rooted in both Europe and the Muslim world and encouraging its leaders to continue on the path of democratic reform.

Obama also used his speech to reach out to the Muslim world, telling the applauding parliamentarians, "The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam."

Anybody got a problem with this statement?

It's music to my ears.

 

[Nick_A]

Anybody got a problem with this statement?

It's music to my ears.

It is fine as long as he doesn't go back on his campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian genocide on or around April 24 in order to kiss ass. If he goes back on this pledge and just becomes another genocide denier, then you'll read a post and a half.

 

[Pathless]

That's good, but even Dubya, with all his talk of crusades and good vs. evil, went out of his way to say that the US was not at war with Islam, so I don't see how it's particularly a ground-breaking development.

 

[nativeastral]

honesty is the best policy but politicians never are are they?

 

[wil]

We aren't at war with Islam.

What we object to is folks that convince kids or young men to strap bombs to themselves or fly airplanes into buildings.

These are fomented by groups calling themselves Islamic, yet the Islamic world indicates are not by their actions.

Similar to the Klu Klux Klan calling themselves Christians.

 

[seattlegal]

It is fine as long as he doesn't go back on his campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian genocide on or around April 24 in order to kiss ass. If he goes back on this pledge and just becomes another genocide denier, then you'll read a post and a half.

Yeah, that really adds to my nervousness regarding Turkey, the Kurds, and Iraq.

 

[citizenzen]

It is fine as long as he doesn't go back on his campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian genocide on or around April 24 in order to kiss ass. If he goes back on this pledge and just becomes another genocide denier, then you'll read a post and a half.

Obama Declines to Call Armenian Deaths in World War I a 'Genocide'

Post and one-half please.

Genocides in history

The above URL is a wikipedia page listing genocides including...

1. Europe
2. Americas
3. United States of America
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. France
7. Philippines
8. German South-West Africa
9. British Ireland
10. War of the Three Kingdoms
11. Great Irish Famine
12. Russian Empire
13. Qing-dynasty China
14. Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
15. Armenian
16. Assyrian
17. Greek
18. Turkish Denial
19. Soviet Union
20. Croatia
21. Nazi Germany and occupied Europe
22. Australia 1900-1969
23. Zanzibar
24. Guatemala 1968-1996
25. Bangladesh War of 1971
26. Burundi 1972 and 1993
27. Equatorial Guinea
28. Cambodia
29. East Timor under Indonesian occupation
30. Dirty War in Argentina
31. Sabra-Shatila, Lebanon
32. Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
33. Ethiopia
34. Iraqi Kurds
35. Tibet
36. Brazil
37. Democratic Republic of Congo
38. Azerbaijani Khojaly
39. West New Guinea / West Papua
40. Sri Lankan Tamils
41. Bosnia and Herzegovina 1992-1995
42. Rwanda
43. Darfur, Sudan

 

[Nick_A]

Obama Declines to Call Armenian Deaths in World War I a 'Genocide'

Post and one-half please.

Genocides in history

The above URL is a wikipedia page listing genocides including...

1. Europe
2. Americas
3. United States of America
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. France
7. Philippines
8. German South-West Africa
9. British Ireland
10. War of the Three Kingdoms
11. Great Irish Famine
12. Russian Empire
13. Qing-dynasty China
14. Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
15. Armenian
16. Assyrian
17. Greek
18. Turkish Denial
19. Soviet Union
20. Croatia
21. Nazi Germany and occupied Europe
22. Australia 1900-1969
23. Zanzibar
24. Guatemala 1968-1996
25. Bangladesh War of 1971
26. Burundi 1972 and 1993
27. Equatorial Guinea
28. Cambodia
29. East Timor under Indonesian occupation
30. Dirty War in Argentina
31. Sabra-Shatila, Lebanon
32. Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
33. Ethiopia
34. Iraqi Kurds
35. Tibet
36. Brazil
37. Democratic Republic of Congo
38. Azerbaijani Khojaly
39. West New Guinea / West Papua
40. Sri Lankan Tamils
41. Bosnia and Herzegovina 1992-1995
42. Rwanda
43. Darfur, Sudan

It will come if everything remains as is. But April 24 is the day of recognition. If he denies the Armenian genocide then I can say it like it is. My guess is that anyone without respect for the constitutional requirements for the presidency would not feel the depth of the horrors of genocide and why it is imperative to admit it wherever it raises its ugly head regardless of politics. But we shall see what we shall see.

 

[wil]

It will come if everything remains as is. But April 24 is the day of recognition. If he denies the Armenian genocide then I can say it like it is. My guess is that anyone without respect for the constitutional requirements for the presidency would not feel the depth of the horrors of genocide and why it is imperative to admit it wherever it raises its ugly head regardless of politics. But we shall see what we shall see.

What makes anyone think he will say anything on April 24?

Have the past few presidents made it a point to recognize the numerous genocides that have occurred??

Lastly do you wish to blame someone today for something that occurred 86 years ago...as the perpetrators are all gone who is at issue? Does anyone blame modern day Germany for its past? (note: I am still at odds with my countries past regarding mistreatment of natives and blacks as it was/is a national disgrace for a democracy based on individual rights)

 

[Nick_A]

What makes anyone think he will say anything on April 24?

Have the past few presidents made it a point to recognize the numerous genocides that have occurred??

Lastly do you wish to blame someone today for something that occurred 86 years ago...as the perpetrators are all gone who is at issue? Does anyone blame modern day Germany for its past? (note: I am still at odds with my countries past regarding mistreatment of natives and blacks as it was/is a national disgrace for a democracy based on individual rights)

April 24 is the national day of recognition for the Armenian genocide.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Armenian Genocide

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

You either understand this or you don't. We will not or should we forget the Holocaust because of time. We cannot consider the Armenian genocide as "unimportant." because of time. All this does is assure the next one.

We either admit them and stand up in defiance of genocides or we contribute to the next one because of supporting political indifference. I've chosen as part Armenian to stand with Jews and whoever else to admit genocides and call them what they are for mutual benefit. You can choose denial for political expediency but I've made my choice.

 

[wil]

I know what the day is. I guess I have to repeat my question.

What makes anyone think he will say anything on April 24?

Have the past few presidents made it a point to recognize the numerous genocides that have occurred??

 

[Nick_A]

I know what the day is. I guess I have to repeat my question.

No they have not. America sad to say has contributed to genocide denial. That being said, Obama promised to "change" this and admit the Armenian genocide and officially change policy. It was a campaign promise. It may be just an empty promise. We shall see around the 24th

 

[wil]

No they have not. America sad to say has contributed to genocide denial. That being said, Obama promised to "change" this and admit the Armenian genocide and officially change policy. It was a campaign promise. It may be just an empty promise. We shall see around the 24th

I don't know if not making a statement is contributing to denial. Is this something you feel has to be brought up year after year?? If a president had to make a statement regarding every memorial and day that has been recognized by this group or that or even just those sanctified by our congress

Regardless, I guess his opening remarks weren't enough for you. One mus admit when you are in a country you must use some decorum. I think he did quite well.

I know there are strong views in this chamber about the terrible events of 1915. While there has been a good deal of commentary about my views, this is really about how the Turkish and Armenian people deal with the past. And the best way forward for the Turkish and Armenian people is a process that works through the past in a way that is honest, open and constructive.

 

[citizenzen]

No they have not. America sad to say has contributed to genocide denial. That being said, Obama promised to "change" this and admit the Armenian genocide and officially change policy. It was a campaign promise. It may be just an empty promise. We shall see around the 24th

I can confirm that I found mention of this campaign promise in my searching the internet.

I think we can file empty campaign promises in the "history doomed to repeat itself" folder.

 

[Nick_A]

I don't know if not making a statement is contributing to denial. Is this something you feel has to be brought up year after year?? If a president had to make a statement regarding every memorial and day that has been recognized by this group or that or even just those sanctified by our congress

Regardless, I guess his opening remarks weren't enough for you. One mus admit when you are in a country you must use some decorum. I think he did quite well.

As a said I'm waiting for the speech around April 24. Either say nothing or use the term Armenian Genocide. To pssuy foot around it is just a lack of respect to a race that has suffered so much and demonstrating a callous lack of concern for reality that invites the next genocide..

 

[wil]

As a said I'm waiting for the speech around April 24. Either say nothing or use the term Armenian Genocide. To pssuy foot around it is just a lack of respect to a race that has suffered so much and demonstrating a callous lack of concern for reality that invites the next genocide..

So, 2 Bushes, Clinton, Reagan, you classify them as callous inviters of genocide. I find it quite interesting you hold this illegal immigrant to a higher standard.

I also wonder what other hurdles/expectations you have ready should he pass this one...after all we know campaign promises aren.t worth the website thwy are printed on....ie read my lips!

 

[Nick_A]

So, 2 Bushes, Clinton, Reagan, you classify them as callous inviters of genocide. I find it quite interesting you hold this illegal immigrant to a higher standard.

I also wonder what other hurdles/expectations you have ready should he pass this one...after all we know campaign promises aren.t worth the website thwy are printed on....ie read my lips!

Don't mix Reagan into that crew. He had the character and balls of a man required to stand up to genocide without fear of political ramifications. The Bushes and Clinton participated in genocide denial by refusing to acknowledge the truth. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Ronald Reagan

 

[citizenzen]

Don't mix Reagan into that crew. He had the character and balls of a man required to stand up to genocide without fear of political ramifications.

No fear of political ramifications?

Sounds like the perfect qualities for selling arms to terrorists... bypassing Congress... violating on the Constitution.

 

[Pathless]

As Americans talking about genocide, how 'bout them Indians? I hope Obama talks about them on, what, Columbus Day? I hope he talks about slavery and lynching and Jim Crow and racial profiling, too. We can talk about Armenians and Jews, for sure, but we should also look in our own basement and closet and clean up our messes there, or at least talk about them.

 

[Nick_A]

As Americans talking about genocide, how 'bout them Indians? I hope Obama talks about them on, what, Columbus Day? I hope he talks about slavery and lynching and Jim Crow and racial profiling, too. We can talk about Armenians and Jews, for sure, but we should also look in our own basement and closet and clean up our messes there.

Nothing can be cleaned up until genocide is equally condemned. Right now we only condemn politically incorrect genocides. Politically correct genocides like the Armenian genocide are just accepted as necessary to tolerate. As long as we maintain this selective condemnation whatever is cleaned up will just get messy again regardless of the finest speeches.