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August 13th, 2010
10:10 PM ET
Transcript: President Obama at White House Iftar DinnerTHE WHITE HOUSE REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT IFTAR DINNER State Dining Room Good evening, everybody. Welcome. Please, have a seat. Well, welcome to the White House. To you, to Muslim Americans across our country, and to more than one billion Muslims around the world, I extend my best wishes on this holy month. Ramadan Kareem. I want to welcome members of the diplomatic corps; members of my administration; and members of Congress, including Rush Holt, John Conyers, and Andre Carson, who is one of two Muslim American members of Congress, along with Keith Ellison. So welcome, all of you. Here at the White House, we have a tradition of hosting iftars that goes back several years, just as we host Christmas parties and seders and Diwali celebrations. And these events celebrate the role of faith in the lives of the American people. They remind us of the basic truth that we are all children of God, and we all draw strength and a sense of purpose from our beliefs. These events are also an affirmation of who we are as Americans. Our Founders understood that the best way to honor the place of faith in the lives of our people was to protect their freedom to practice religion. In the Virginia Act of Establishing Religion Freedom, Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion.” The First Amendment of our Constitution established the freedom of religion as the law of the land. And that right has been upheld ever since. Indeed, over the course of our history, religion has flourished within our borders precisely because Americans have had the right to worship as they choose -– including the right to believe in no religion at all. And it is a testament to the wisdom of our Founders that America remains deeply religious -– a nation where the ability of peoples of different faiths to coexist peacefully and with mutual respect for one another stands in stark contrast to the religious conflict that persists elsewhere around the globe. Now, that's not to say that religion is without controversy. Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques in certain communities -– particularly New York. Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. And the pain and the experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. And Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. (Applause.) And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure. We must never forget those who we lost so tragically on 9/11, and we must always honor those who led the response to that attack -– from the firefighters who charged up smoke-filled staircases, to our troops who are serving in Afghanistan today. And let us also remember who we’re fighting against, and what we’re fighting for. Our enemies respect no religious freedom. Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam -– it’s a gross distortion of Islam. These are not religious leaders -– they’re terrorists who murder innocent men and women and children. In fact, al Qaeda has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion -– and that list of victims includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11. So that's who we’re fighting against. And the reason that we will win this fight is not simply the strength of our arms -– it is the strength of our values. The democracy that we uphold. The freedoms that we cherish. The laws that we apply without regard to race, or religion, or wealth, or status. Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect towards those who are different from us –- and that way of life, that quintessentially American creed, stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today. In my inaugural address I said that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus —- and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and every culture, drawn from every end of this Earth. And that diversity can bring difficult debates. This is not unique to our time. Past eras have seen controversies about the construction of synagogues or Catholic churches. But time and again, the American people have demonstrated that we can work through these issues, and stay true to our core values, and emerge stronger for it. So it must be -– and will be -– today. And tonight, we are reminded that Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity. And Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been a part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan —- making it the first known iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago. (Applause.) Like so many other immigrants, generations of Muslims came to forge their future here. They became farmers and merchants, worked in mills and factories. They helped lay the railroads. They helped to build America. They founded the first Islamic center in New York City in the 1890s. They built America’s first mosque on the prairie of North Dakota. And perhaps the oldest surviving mosque in America —- still in use today —- is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Today, our nation is strengthened by millions of Muslim Americans. They excel in every walk of life. Muslim American communities —- including mosques in all 50 states —- also serve their neighbors. Muslim Americans protect our communities as police officers and firefighters and first responders. Muslim American clerics have spoken out against terror and extremism, reaffirming that Islam teaches that one must save human life, not take it. And Muslim Americans serve with honor in our military. At next week’s iftar at the Pentagon, tribute will be paid to three soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq and now rest among the heroes of Arlington National Cemetery. These Muslim Americans died for the security that we depend on, and the freedoms that we cherish. They are part of an unbroken line of Americans that stretches back to our founding; Americans of all faiths who have served and sacrificed to extend the promise of America to new generations, and to ensure that what is exceptional about America is protected -– our commitment to stay true to our core values, and our ability slowly but surely to perfect our union. For in the end, we remain “one nation, under God, indivisible.” And we can only achieve “liberty and justice for all” if we live by that one rule at the heart of every great religion, including Islam —- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. So thank you all for being here. I wish you a blessed Ramadan. And with that, let us eat. (Applause.)
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Jefferson never held a Ramadan Dinner. That is pathetic that this President would suggest to rewrite History. He is the President and should KNOW our US History. Jefferson held a dinner for the visiting Ambassador but not a midnight mass nor was it a Ramadan. In fact, Jefferson didn't change the menu either. We didn't have 200 years of Islamic dinners either. Mostly because we didn't get along with them. Never HAD! LOL As far as I understand Hillary was the first to hold a dinner in the 90's. Bush continued them after 911. However, I feel the law of Separation of Church and State may be in violation here myself. Doesn't seem fair for a Senator/Congressman to hold a Call for Prayer to be screamed at by the LIBS. But ok for the Presidents to hold religious fasting by Islamics in the WH?
Dear Brothers and Sisters ,
Please allow me to share with you a Quran verse on Christians and Jews, that's the resource of Islam , and not what people say or do.
113 Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book Christians, Jews )(are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
114 They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.
115 Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
Dear Brothers and Sisters ,
Please allow me to share with you a Quran verse on Christians and Jews, that's the resource of Islam , and not what people say or do.
"113 Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book Christians, Jews )(are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
114 They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.
115 Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. "
Whys is the White House hosting another iftar next week at The Pentagon? Isn't one enough? And President Jefferson might have hosted one for the Ambassador of Tunisia, but that was 200 years ago. I doubt this has been a yearly function. Pres/Sheik Obama seems to be very comfortable in the Muslim world, and we, as "freedom of religion," tolerant Americans have to accept this? The day Moslems stop killing Christians and Jews, and build churches and synagogues in their countries, is the day I might gain some respect for Islam. Until then...well, they don't belong among us, wanting us to comply with them yet not giving us the same courtesy.
anyone having an issue with this building being built on private property is part of a bigger problem in our country. emotional nutcases making mountains out of molehills. If New York zoning laws say it is okay, if the owner of the property says it is okay, it is okay. And all the rest of you nutcases need to shut up and stop being so ignorant. We allow the KKK to march in downtown cities on MLK day. We allow the Teabaggers to shout epithets at congressman of color. We allow artist to burn our flags and deface images of Jesus. We allow these things because of our freedom of speech/religion and our RULE OF LAW. It does not matter how it offends your sensitivities if it is legal. You have redneck bar owners in Georgia putting up the word "N-GGER" on their street signs and selling toy monkeys with Obama's name tag. and it was protected. You have men holding signs saying "iron my shirt" at Clinton's primary rallies and it was protected.
You all need to grow up and worry more about the kind of children you are raising instead of trying to force your emotional issues on the country.
Admit it.....ANYTHING Obama does will be criticized to the nth degree by the nutty couch professors. Hopefully, they aren't having children. maybe one day we can all get past this emotional hot-button based political system.
Hallowed ground? Is Gaza then hallowed ground?
Is the place where Israel massacred hundreds of innocent civilians in Cana S. Lebanon then, 'hallowed ground'?
The notion and arrogance of Americanism is evident in Obama's speech and he should make a note of it.
http://carmenisacat.blogspot.com/
Actually, there should be no mosques anywhere on the face of the globe. Why?
Muslim convert journalist Stephen Schwartz, American Jewish Committee terrorism expert Yehudit Barsky, and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer have all separately testified to a growing radical Islamist Wahhabi influence in U.S. mosques, financed by extremist groups. According to Barsky, 80% of U.S. mosques are so radicalized.
August 9, 2010 Germany shuts 9/11 plotters' mosque in Hamburg
Police raided the mosque on Monday and hunted for evidence of jihadist activities German police have shut down the Hamburg mosque where the 9/11 hijackers met before their suicide attacks on the US in 2001.
Police said they believed the Taiba mosque was again being used as a meeting point for extremists.
The cultural association that runs the mosque has also been banned.
A German intelligence report last year said radical Muslims had travelled to military training camps in Uzbekistan after associating at the mosque.
I have a solution that will make this mosque site work. Let's pool funds together and open Southern Style bbq restaurants surrounding the area. Our menu will feature PORK served every way possible. Do you think the Muslim community would be offended?
This is not a time to allow your emotions to run away with you. It is time for all Americans to use their common sense. Either side of the issue will grab ahold of an extremist example and try to use that as propaganda to support their victimization.
This is a time to stand strong in unity upholding the truth of facts. If you do not know if what you are going to say is in truth, a fact...hold your tongue. Knowledgeable people seek out the truth, then speak out. If you feel strongly against, or for a matter...know for yourself...why 'you' do feel this way...not why 'others' feel this way. By seeking out the facts, will you satisfy and strengthen your stance as an American. As a wiser truth-seeking American we will strengthen our Nation as a whole.
I believe that President Obama should not have expressed his opinion on the mosque specifically due to separation fo church and state issues. I do believe our great nation has advanced so dramatically in the last couple of centuries due to our freedom of religion and blending of multiple cultures within our borders. Many other countries around the globe who had not taken advantage of this philosophy of government had been stagnant for many many centuries.
I do also understand the Muslim community in lower Manhattan need for a mosque. The governor did offer state owned property for a relocation site, but this would not serve the lower Manhattan area. It is a difficult time for them to seek to build a mosque in their community due to the 9/11 ground zero. This is the time to set aside stubborness and work together with the community of Lower Manhattan as a whole. Their Muslim members will appreciate a shorter commute to a location, and the non-member community will have a voice as to what they see in their neighborhood too.
They need to understand that the discord that this has caused within their community, is not going to help them build a bridge. They can speak with any bridge contractor literally, and see that their stance is unsound. In order to build a bridge between a gorge, you need to make sure you have a stable support and solid foundation to both sides. A team from both sides works together, laying the planks to reach the center and complete a solid bridge for all to pass over. This bridge will last and not collapse. The community will not be fearful to cross this bridge.
Whether this is in another location or whether the neighborhood works to make the building design more acceptable within the neighborhood. The community has to work together and find an acceptable solution, before brick is laid.
I'm dismayed at the hatred being spewed by so-called "Christians" in this topic. I find it hard to believe that our President is actively trying to destroy/weaken our country; it's far more likely that he's trying his best to make improvements. Unfortunately, the political climate in our country is not conducive to that. A little "spin" on any topic can generate huge amounts of controversy, which can be a major factor in an election (remember the ridiculous fervor surrounding "death panels"). I've always believed that, as Christians, we should pray FOR our leaders. Pray that they have the courage to make the RIGHT decisions, regardless of what those who twist the truth for their own personal gain think. Am I wrong? I've always found that those spewing hate have unresolved issues to deal with, and are lashing out in the only way they know how. If you can't find a peaceful resolution in the teachings of the Bible, perhaps a therapist could help.
Isolating extremists is key.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9aw6Cnw0hY
Hmmm...he can host a Ramadan dinner, but cancel National Prayer Day, a non-denominational Christian celebration.
On 15 April 2010 a federal judge ruled in favor of a challenge brought by the "Freedom from Religion Foundation" which held that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. The Obama administration was actually the defendant in that suit, arguing in favor of retaining the National Day of Prayer.
Same basic truth? How about unsubstantiated nonsense?
I commend Obama for getting this just right – respect for others' religions is a core, patriotic American value!
I posted last night but it was rejected. Let's try again... I think this is disgraceful. His wife said the first time she was ever proud of America was when he was elected. I'd have to say that by his actions, many proud Americans have felt the opposite since his election. I have a brother serving OUR COUNTRY in Afghanistan and I hope they censor the news. I don't think our troops should have to hear this bull.
Guys, let's not get upset over this. Don't forget we raped this very land from Native Americans and claimed it as ours. We are no saints ourselves so shut up and let's be the bigger one.
Building of Islamic center with mosque, regardless of personal believes and personal qualities (I’m sure very enlightening) of people behind this project, the result will be the same – center promoting Islamic values. As long as stoning for adultery is a legal Islamic value, I’m in doubt it will promote tolerance. Freedom of religion is a fundamental American value; however it’s not applied to religious cults (and this was upheld numerous times). I’m not a legal scholar and I don’t know if promotion of stoning enough to constitute a “cult” designation. Anyway, as Islamic community is highly intolerant to any offence, it should be evenly sensitive to not causing offence to others. The supporters of this mosque should take an offer (multiple options have been reported including one from Governor of NY) for alternative site and let to use this site for NON-DENOMINATIONAL community center (same as designed, but without mosque on-site).
As for our President been a joke-of-nature (in the view of his constituency), well we deserve who we elected (dispute numerous warning signs) – as Winston Churchill said “Democracy is the worse way to govern, except for all other” (quoting from memory and may not be exact). I hope November will clear some fog…
Kim N wrote:Gregg: too late for a downfall, Bush already accomplished that. I have more hope today, than 2 yrs ago.
August 14, 2010 at 8:13 am
Well Kim you may also have hope for the stoning of women as in shariah: the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed; "sharia is only applicable to Muslims"; "under Islamic law there is no separation of church and state".
Under the shariah code women are buried in the earth up to their neck then stoned for being raped by dozens of Muslims.
There is one such woman in Iran as we speak.
Reported by Voice of America. Saturday, 14 August 2010
A New York-based prominent human rights group has expressed "grave concerns" that Iran will soon execute a women sentenced to death by stoning who purportedly confessed in a televised interview this week. The woman in the interview had much of her face covered by a black veil, and Iranian television blurred most of her image, making it impossible to verify her identity.
AND IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING: IF A MOSQUE BE BUILDT
– IT SHALL BE A PLACE OF MOURNING.
Yes, all Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) had there fare share of violence, terrible atrocities, injustice, and bigotry – just read the historic accounts and Holly Books. However, there is the difference: when Judaism and Christianity overwhelming mainstream-majority religious scholars re-interpreted this historic violence in non-violent metaphysic way, Islamic scholarly – mainstream(!) – still interpretation this violence literally and showing it as legal obligation!
Example: In the Jewish law disrespect to ones parents are a crime punishable by stoning to death. This law derived from the Ten Commandments and, therefore, too fundamental to be repealed or overridden. However, Jewish scholars saw the imbalance in crime-and-punishment in this case and put so high bar for proof (it should be in public and observed by minimum number of people and be in specific words and with particular intend and so-on and so-on), that this law became technically unenforceable already in times of Jesus 2000 year ago. Now, look at the stoning case for alleged (not even proven beyond reasonable doubt) adultery in Iran of year 2010 AC. Please, show me a mainstream widely respected Islamic legal scholar who holds active official capacity and publicly working on repealing stoning for adultery on a legal Sharia ground (not just for current individual case to “save face” of Iran on international arena, even this was never reported). Did you found one? No? Then maybe ANY recognized Islamic legal scholar? I would be happy to get big list of brilliant names, but I afraid it’s too much to ask. (I’m sure that many Muslim opposing it on the personal level, but I’m looking for a legal authority in Sharia)
It’s only one example and I can point to numerous others. If you want to dive in it, please look TORA (Old Testament) numerous cases of violence and it’s interpretation in Talmud (interpretations and Jewish legal writings) and in Koran and Sharia legal writings.
Well, you can say that Islam is 2600 younger the Judaism and 600 year younger then Christianity and Christianity of early 15th century just started to get over violence of centuries of Crusades (where, by the way, more Christians died then Muslims) and kept fires of Inquisition burning, but we live now and can’t wait another 600 years till Islam will mature to level of nowadays Christianity.
So, for building of Islamic center with mosque: regardless of personal believes and personal qualities (I’m sure very enlightening) of people behind this project, the result will be the same – center promoting Islamic values. As long as stoning for adultery is a legal Islamic value, I’m in doubt it will promote tolerance. Freedom of religion is a fundamental American value; however it’s not applied to religious cults (and this was upheld numerous times). I’m not a legal scholar and I don’t know if promotion of stoning enough to constitute a “cult” designation. Anyway, as Islamic community is highly intolerant to any offence, it should be evenly sensitive to not causing offence to others. The supporters of this mosque should take an offer (multiple options have been reported including one from Governor of NY) for alternative site and let to use this site for NON-DENOMINATIONAL community center (same as designed, but without mosque on-site).
As for our President been a joke-of-nature (in the view of his constituency), well we deserve who we elected (dispute numerous warning signs) – as Winston Churchill said “Democracy is the worse way to govern, except for all other” (quoting from memory and may not be exact). I hope November will clear some fog…