This American Citizen Says Down With The Govt. Of Iran

It was 2:00 A.M. and I was up late working. CNN was covering the Grand Ayatollah Khomeini's hate speech, where he repeatedly called for the death of Isreal and the death of Great Brittain. Then he stood in front of the cameras, knowing full well the world was watching, and lied and threatened the people of Iran. He threatened to use violence against peaceful protesters. His speech was a joke and an insult to the international communities. I don't like the use the word often, but this man is evil and full of hate. This man is dangerous.
Khomeini holds just about all the cards. He has complete control of the military and dangerous plain clothed hired thugs who roam the city streets beating peaceful demonstrators. He also holds the loyalty of at least half of the ruling clerics who actually hold the power in Iran. He also has the support of thousands of Muslim people who follow blindly because of their faith. As I heard this man lead his congregation in chants of hatred toward Isreal and England, I had cold chills and a sick feeling in my stomach. These are words of war during a religous gathering, Friday Morning Prayer.
All of the trouble began when the Ayotollah decided to have a phony election. He allowed a debate, not smart enough to realize that candidate he supported, the incumbant president, is a comple moron and a pig. He did not realize that the people of Iran would come out in great numbers to insure that Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the piece of human garbage that he is, would not see another term. The election was predetermined, and the government of Iran announced the results early, declaring a landslide victory for the incumbent President. He then had his uniformed thugs storm the offices of the opposition and confiscate any proof or documentation of exit polls. He confiscated any evidence of vote totals that were contrary to the governments official results.
The only thing I hate more than being lied to, is being lied to with a really dumb lie. A lie so rediculous that there is no way anyone in their right mind would believe him. That is what this Ayatollah (which means sign of God) has decided to do. He has decided to be an evil dictator, and an oppressor of his people.
There have been 100,000's of people have been marching through the streets of Tehran, calling for their vote to be counted. Declaring that the voice of the people must be heard no matter how many peaceful people they shoot like dogs in the street.
In the early morning, the Ayotollah stated his case. He opened his mouth and lied as he led a religous service. His serpent tongue declared that it was the west that was intefering though President Obama has made no official statement against this terrorist regime. He said that there could be no corruption of votes because that would be against the law. He said that the protests are bad because it causes people to argue, and God doesn't want us to argue. He thinks
God wants us to listen to his crap. He also said that the election fraud couldn't exist because the President won by millions of votes. If it were closer, then he could understand how there could possibly be voter fraud even though that couldn't happen because it was against the law. He said that any protest should be in a court of law which he controls, and they should present their evidence which he most likely has destroyed. As I listened to this man lie on television, I imagined his words were coming out of the giant fat pig from the book Animal Farm by George Orwell.
As I write this blog, there are check points and members of the military checking cars for "trouble makers". They are arresting anyone they can who has an opposing voice.
However what he does not hold is the truth, and he does not have a brain. What this man doesnt realize is that this a different word then the one where he took over power by means of the Revolution. The people have found freedom of speech by means of technology. No matter how much they try to stop it, the people are now smart enough to get around any blocks the governement can throw up. As I write the blog, people from Iran are twittering, and using facebook.
What the Ayotallah did not foresee is that his actions and comments are not only an attack on his own people, but the people of the world who value freedom speech. Those of us with a voice are outraged by this crime against the human spirit, and the people of the world are helping in this fight. Everyday, hackers are attacking the government computers in Iran. When the government of Iran takes down one computer server broadcasting news of the atttrocities, some computer savy person is putting up another.
This Ayatollah doesn't realize that there is a new revolution, and he is on the wrong side. It is not only a revolution in Iran but in the world, the same way the destruction of the Berlin wall belongs to the people. I pray that the courage these people have shown thus far will endure. I pray that the people will not believes these lies and surrender to this blatant intimidation. This government in Iran is evil and these people need to be removed and schackled so this man can never have power again.

The G.O.P. - A Dangerous Hate Group

Last week, President Obama traveled to Egypt where he delivered one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard in my life. This man stood before the world, and attempted to reverse eight years of damage the Bush administration has caused to our reputation in the world. It was a speech that communicated to millions of people of the Muslim faith that America is not their enemy. As he delivered the speech, the far right and there media goons (Fox News, and that fat head Rush Limbaugh) were already preparing to spread their lies on Americas air waves.

Free speech is a right in this country, and Fox News has as much a right to spread lies and gossip as anyone. What is so dangerous about their behavior is that we are at war. There are American soldiers in harms way, and Republicans feel that it is prudent to raise doubt about the loyalty of our commander in chief. It is indeed treason to raise questions about the loyalty of our President to his country while in war time. Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe was quoted as saying "I just don't know who's side he (President Obama) is on." and claimed that his speech is Un-American.

Since when is it considered un-American to build better relations with other countries. Since when is it un-American to strive for peace and understanding with our fellow citizens of the world. What is truly disgusting is that this political party will tell you how Christian they are out of one side of their mouth while spewing hatred and lies out of the other. The Jesus I learned about in Sunday school was a man of peace. He said things like turn the other cheek, and love your neighbor. The far right would know nothing about that. They are religious when it is convenient. They will share their deep deep faith any time there is an election. I would argue that these people know nothing about what it means to be a Christian person. This was demonstrated when George Bush told the world that he knew we should invade Iraq because he prayed. God told him to attack Iraq. Jesus wanted George Bush to slaughter hundreds of thousands of Iraqis citizens. Perhaps Jesus whispered the lies in ol Georges ear, that needed to be told to fool America into supporting the war.

The fact is the G.O.P. has become a party of War Pigs, to borrow a term coined by Ozzy Osborne in his great song from the early eighties. Even in a state of drunken, drug addiction, Ozzy Osborne was able to identify the type of people the Republicans have proven to be. These people are not going to be happy until we help cause nuclear holocaust around the world. These people are proving to be Crusaders. Soldiers who kill in the name of Jesus. Once again, Jesus never told anyone to kill in his name. Hell, the man wouldn't even let his own followers defend him when he was arrested and crucified.

Fox news continues to blatantly choose to be complete whores for the extreme thinking of the far right. People like Sean Hannity, and the cast of Fox and Friends morning show purposely tell bold face lies when they report on the Obama speech. The purposely edit video clips to mislead the public. What Fox News and their loyal followers lack is integrity. Fox has no journalistic integrity, and the fans of Fox News have no integrity because they don't demand that the truth be told. They allow themselves to be brain washed by these pieces of shit.

I do believe in the truth, but you don't have to take my word for it. I am going to post the Obama speech, and you can read for yourself and the discover how slimy Fox News really is. And next time you see that idiot Sean Hannity lets his forked tongue spread lies, please quickly turn the channel!

Obama Speech In Ciaro

Transcript of President Obama's speech in Cairo

"I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and co-operation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognising that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilisation's debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognise my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquillity of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers  Thomas Jefferson  kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words  within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores  that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. 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.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation – including Iran – should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do 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. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit – for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations – including my own – this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities – those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek – a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; 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 is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. 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 heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

The Definition Of Marriage

The issue of gay marriage has become an issue that is dividing America. Seems you can't turn on the news with listening to some right wing nut job talk about how the definition of marriage is so important to maintain. It seems like the news networks are giving a voice to hate groups, who claim not to be hate groups, but defenders of the concept of marriage.

I have a very hard time believing that the definition of a word is so important to the anti-gay marriage folk. I wonder why the definition of a word is so important that you would deprive gay people the very American idea of life, liberty and the persuit of happiness. Are these people employed by the dictionary industry? Are they afraid that Mr. Webster will roll over in his grave because we are changing the definition of one precious little word?

I don't think the definition of the word marriage has anything to do with the issue at hand. I would even dare to say that anyone who uses that ridiculous arguement is lying. I believe that people who oppose gay marriage, oppose gay marriage for an entirely different idea all together. It would be too honest to come right out and say gay people are disgusting, sexual perverts. You can't come right out and call a group of people scum. Very few people in the anti gay marriage movement will come out and say that the gays make Jesus sick. You would sound like a nut if you say that God throws up a little bit every time he sees two boys sharing a kiss. However, this it what many people in this country believe.

I myself had anti gay feelings at one time. I grew up in a small town where the gays stayed in the closet like a good gay man should. I never saw gay men or lesbians holding hands in public. The gay kids I went to school with stayed in the closet, afraid of what people would think and do to them. My homosexual friends kept their life a secret because they were afraid of what people would say or do to them. They were right. If they would have come out, they would have been treated like perverted freaks.

Eventually, I grew up and became and adult. So did my gay friends. My gay friends realized they didn't have to hide who they were. They didn't have to keep their lives secret so that straight America felt more comfortable. Soon I realized that being gay was not a choice one made, sexual orientation is assigned at birth. No one hits the age of twelve, sits down at a table with a piece of paper to make a pro and con list of being gay. If that were the case, no one would choose to be gay because the consequence of being a gay person in America would be more than one could handle. No one would choose to alienate their friends and family. Not every gay person suffers this kind of oppression, but you will be hard pressed to find a gay person who has never heard ugly anti-gay speech directed their way at one time or the other.

The heart of the argument tends to come down to one thing. The Holy Bible. You see, there is a story in the Bible about a man named Lot who lived near the cities of Sodom and Gommorah. Sodom and Gommorah were evil cities evidently populated by the gays! One day Lot was visited by Angels, and when the people of the city found out that Lot had visitors, a mob formed who wanted to go and rape Lots friends. However Lot did not want give up the Angels to the mob, instead he thought it would be a good idea to give up his daughters for rape. After all, they were only women! I find it strange that Christian people would find anything useful from this story. If we are looking for truth, one would think that we would come to the conclusion that women were worthless life forms to be thrown to the mob to satisfy man lust for mass orgies.

I've never met any gay people who raped anyone. The gay people I meet are law abiding citizens who would never rape anyone, and would never want to have anything to do with some guys daughter. What kind of gay men were these who wanted to bang young girls? They must have been super gays in that city of Sodom and/or Gommorah! Maybe I'm a little stupid, but I don't see how one can read this Old Testament story and apply it to the world today.

In the end, it is the religious right who is leading the charge against the gays. As a Christian person, it is difficult to hear the lies that are told in the name of Christ. The Christian right will tell you they don't want the gays to marry because of the children. They believe that the children will be influenced to be gay if gay parents are out there telling the children that being gay is normal. It is funny to me to think that the Christian right believes that peoples sexuality can be influenced because someone presents a good argument. I would say that straight people can not be convinced to be gay anymore than a gay person can be convinced to be straight. I would say that anyone who believes that, is a little afraid of the gay feelings they may be suppressing.

That is not the only lie being spread by the Christian right. These people would prevent gays from teaching schools, even though it's a proven fact that the majority of child molesters in this country claim to be heterosexual. The fact is that most of the arguments against gays and lesbians are based upon fear, ignorance and belief in a book that is thousands of years old. How many beliefs do we cling to from the bronze age? Do we still believe the world is flat and that the universe revolves around the earth. Believe it or not, to believe that universe revolved around the sun was seen as blasphemy by the Catholic church only a few centuries ago. The leaders of the church were wrong then, and they are on the wrong side of this issue today.

It is time to take a hard look at our country, and why we believe the things we do. To say that our founding fathers were all Christian and this is a Christian society is a lie. Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin believed that organized religion was a plague on society. Yes, the Puritans landed on Plymouth Rock, however we did not become a Puritan society. If the church does not hold to the belief that all men are created equal, and all citizens should have the same rights under the constitution, then the church has no place in creating policy or governing. If the church cant have a basic respect for people of other faiths and beliefs, then the church should not have influence on the system of law that every American must live under. If the church leadership doesn't believe in the golden rule, and love your neighbor, then the church is lost. Why does the church have so much pull in our society anyway? According to most polls, only about 38% of Americans go to church on a regular basis anyway (the figures fluctuate depending upon whether our country suffers a natural disaster or terrorist attack).

Fortunately the Christian right is not the voice of the majority of Americans or the majority of Christians. Many Christians actually do care about people, and are not so concerned about what the loud mouth right has to say. The majority of Americans want there to be a real debate, with real ideas for solutions. What people don't want, and what the country can not have, are baseless argument built up lies and prejudice. This is an issue of peoples rights as Americans. There is no room for lies and hatred. There is no room in the discussions for arguments that are based on fear and prejudice of people that seem to be a little different. It is time for America to grow up!