Can a Speech Change the World?

[babylonsister]

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=can_a_speech_change_the_world

Can a Speech Change the World?

In his Cairo address, Barack Obama sought to transform the way the United States engages with the Muslim world.

Terence Samuel | June 5, 2009 | web only


U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at Cairo University in Cairo, Thursday, June 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)


snip//

"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity," Obama said. "And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end."

This tactical shift -- from confrontation to cooperation -- is so fundamental that it will certainly revive the criticism that he is weak and naive and that he is making us less safe by apologizing to terrorists.

But Obama has fully embraced his inner pragmatist. He has made a point of challenging the status quo when that status quo is based on ideology -- I'm thinking of Cuba and Venezuela. He has made the once politically daring seem obvious, logical, and sensible.

It makes sense to try to fight the war on terrorism through ideology when the other side can't match you militarily but can beat you on the message front. It also makes sense to take away the other side's argument that they are disrespected and ignored. And it makes sense to talk about common interests and ambitions rather than stigmatize a whole religion by tossing it into the terrorist category. There's no guarantee this strategy will work, but it makes sense to try.

Obama did all of that in Cairo, and perhaps years down the road another president will give a triumphant speech in another Muslim capital, maybe in a state that does not exist today. And maybe then, Cairo will be remembered as the "Islam Is Part of America" speech or the "Hope of All Humanity" speech.

"Let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America," Obama said. "And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations -- to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity."

Hell of a speech. Don't you feel safer already?

[Cha]

1. Maybe! I know the way

bushites did it was because they wanted to escalate the hate and rev up the war machine.

It's amazing that Obama's way is so innovative in the 21st Century..but I'll take it!

[msongs]

2. his speeches can't even change "don't ask, don't tell" so far nt

[Deja Q]

3. Priorities over which stereotypes to be fought first, I suppose...

[babylonsister]

4. And there you are! I've been waiting for you! And you didn't

disappoint! So, when DADT is finally passed, what will you bitch about next? :popcorn: Take your time answering, I'll be here. :fistbump:

[scheming daemons]

9. Ah... the single-issue types... nothing else in the world matters...

[NYC_SKP]

5. Fewer people are joining extremist groups, as we speak... ...many fewer will die in the future

Fewer extremists, fewer lives being lost on both sides.

The potential of this change in dynamics cannot be overstated.

Color me proud-- for a change. :patriot:

[babylonsister]

6. Yes! Hopefully we've put the kibosh on creating extremists

by angering them. It's a great start.

[sarah553807]

7. It will be a speech studied many many years from now

[northernlights]

8. it all depends

n the follow-through.