Mr. Obama goes to Cairo
In the end, it's all about respect.
His detractors will say that he didn't introduce any new ideas. While they'd like to think that's a criticism, it isn't. It's a fact. It also wasn't the point of the speech to throw new strategies or initiatives into the stew.
The point was to show people who think we hate them that we treat them as equals, that we value their contribution to civilization, that we appreciate and understand their grievances, and that they will find a new, welcoming attitude from us if they approach with outstretched hands and open hearts.
Regardless of what everybody may have been expecting in his own mind, that was President Obama's goal in Cairo, and he accomplished it with his customary eloquence and grace.
Some may say that that isn't the way to treat these people, that they only respect you when you slap 'em around a little, walk tall, strut your stuff, rattle the saber, let 'em know who's boss.
Well, that hasn't worked very well to date, so what's the harm in trying the human approach?
CHAN LOWE has been the Sun Sentinel’s first and only editorial cartoonist for the past twenty-six years. Before that, he worked as cartoonist and writer for the Oklahoma City Times and the Shawnee (OK) News-Star.
Comments
Chan,
I was up watching the speech live this morning...and have been reading/watching/listening to responses & talking heads all day. Your comments above are almost EXACTLY the thoughts I've been trying to formulate in my own mind about this. Can't say it any better than you have. Great job and 'Thanks!'
Posted by: George Q. Public | June 4, 2009 6:19 PM
Thwump!
That's the sound of Chan's head getting sucked up Obama's rear because The One stopped short.
I agree, speak softly, however, you MUST carry a big stick. History has contually taught us this lesson. It'd be nice if it weren't true. There are a lot of other things I care to worry about and spend time, resources and lives on. But it ain't reality.
Posted by: dave | June 4, 2009 9:29 PM
Ah but Dave, we are carrying a huge stick. We are also using it. The idea is, to re focus the effort in Afghanistan... to push policy and propaganda to meet the strategic vision. Nothing this President has done, suggests that he will not continue the war aggressively... he is just re shaping it to meet a strategic vision he agrees with, which includes a increase of Combat power projection and focus in one country while we reduce our presence in another…
If you do not agree with his strategy, that is a different matter.
Posted by: PTC | June 5, 2009 2:02 AM
All he did was embolden our enemies. This approach works for Gandhi types but is a sign of weakness for a president. Yes he is loved by the people but alas not feared by his adversaries. He would make a good minister.All those who like this approach unfortunately don't understand the human male dominance instinct.It's innate.
Posted by: Gandhi | June 5, 2009 4:23 PM
Enemies...Weakness... Adversaries...Dominance instinct.
Fear.
Posted by: Phil | June 7, 2009 5:42 AM
Chan,
The Arabs' reply to the proffered handshake should have been "Do we shake it, or throw a shoe at it?"
Posted by: john vardamis | June 7, 2009 9:52 AM
Chan,
The Arabs' reply to the proffered handshake should have been "Do we shake it, or throw a shoe at it?"
Posted by: john vardamis | June 7, 2009 9:52 AM