Friday, June 05, 2009

Obama's Cairo Speech

Pres. Obama delivered a speech in Cairo June 4th about “new beginnings” regarding US relations with the Muslim world. Yesterday also marked the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. I cannot think of a better day than yesterday to highlight the importance of diplomacy.

Twenty years ago, the Chinese government murdered demonstrators in Tiananmen Square because they had the audacity to petition for democratic and economic reform. After the massacre, the government banned all foreign reporters from the country and arrested anyone who might have been tainted by dissent. What happened in Tiananmen Square reminds the world that freedom of speech costs more than anyone should have to pay.

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There are countless special interests groups across the globe that would not benefit from peace in the Middle East. Pres. Obama challenged us to work against those divisive factions. We could coexist in conflict, which has been an abysmal failure, or we can work together against the things that have pulled us apart. This is how progress is made – to try something else when all previous efforts have failed.

I regret that the men and women who died in Tiananmen Square are not here with us. They may have appreciated Pres. Obama’s speech, especially this part:
“I have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people, the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.”

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know, I'm sure you do realize it. The massacred people belong to our generation.

LV

anony tu said...

Oh, look, a post! Let's rate this puppy.

First of all, it's about my president, B.H. Obama. From the git-go, this fact almost insures a good rating because, even as a 100% bonefidable, completely un-gay man, I am totally captivated by this man! like everyone else in the world who matters, I would welcome him to my bed anytime. I think it's the ears. Those cute, cute ears. They're so...

Anyway, I like Obama and am always happen to see a post here at Mojopost about him. It's obvious that Ms Po is equally attracted to him. She should get in line. Does she think just because she has her own blog and is a two time recipient of the Mike's Blog Round-up Golden Award for Independent Journalism that Obama might be more attracted to her than he'd be to somebody else? Take me for example.

I'm just going to have to come back later.

a.t. said...

Okay. 10.