“What exactly would using this language accomplish? What exactly would it change? Would it make ISIL less committed to try and kill Americans? Would it bring in more allies? Is there a military strategy that is served by this? The answer is none of the above. Calling a threat by a different name does not make it go away.”
Indeed. But calling things by their right names is always preferable to obfuscation and dissimulation. If there is an Islamic jihad threat, we should call it an Islamic jihad threat. One rhetorical question Obama notably didn’t ask was, “Would calling this threat what it really is help us understand the enemy better and formulate more effective ways to counter it?” To that, the answer is yes.
And his talk about refusing to “validate” al-Qaeda and the Islamic State is just ludicrous. Islamic jihadis aren’t looking to the President of the United States for validation. They aren’t looking to non-Muslims to validate their Islamic authenticity. This is just an excuse for not speaking honestly about the threat, and it’s a dangerous one, since it prevents our law enforcement and military authorities from understanding the threat properly.
“Obama goes on tirade against Trump over ‘dangerous’ Muslim ban, ‘radical Islam,'” by Kevin Liptak and Stephen Collinson, CNN, June 14, 2016:
Washington (CNN)President Barack Obama lit into Donald Trump on Tuesday, turning the tables to make the impassioned case that Trump is the one who’s un-American.
Obama’s extraordinary denunciation of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee was about far more than a personal intervention on behalf of Hillary Clinton in the ugly general election campaign.
The commander in chief’s fury, which seethed out of him in a stunning soliloquy on live television, amounted to a moment of historic significance: a president castigating one of the two people who could succeed him as beyond the constitutional and political norms of the nation itself….
“Where does this stop?” Obama asked Tuesday, condemning Trump’s renewal of his call for a ban on Muslim migration and claims that “thousands and thousands” of Muslims are pouring into the country with the “same thought process” as the terrorist behind the Orlando massacre.
“Are we going to start treating all Muslim-Americans differently?” Obama asked. “Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance? Are we going to start discriminating against them because of their faith?”…
“That’s not the America we want,” he said. “It doesn’t reflect our democratic ideals. It will make us less safe.”…
Obama also expressed fury at critiques of his foreign policy, pushing back against criticism for not using the term “radical Islamic terrorism” and calling the debate “a political distraction.”
“What exactly would using this language accomplish? What exactly would it change?” Obama asked during remarks at the Treasury Department. “Would it make ISIL less committed to try and kill Americans?” he continued, using a different acronym for ISIS.
“Would it bring in more allies? Is there a military strategy that is served by this? The answer is none of the above,” he said. “Calling a threat by a different name does not make it go away.”…
Much of the criticism has centered on Obama’s refusal to use the phrase “radical Islam,” which the White House argues unfairly maligns the entire Islamic faith.
In a brief statement following Obama’s remarks, Trump said Obama “claims to know our enemy, and yet he continues to prioritize our enemy over our allies, and for that matter, the American people.”
“When I am president, it will always be America First,” Trump said. He was expected to respond more fully during an evening event in North Carolina….
In his remarks Tuesday, the President defended his actions against ISIS, lauding the work of the U.S. military in going after terrorists. He said changing his wording about the threat would not alter those efforts….
Christianblood says
How can one fight an enemy they cannot even name?
Polk1970 says
Is their any doubt,to any honest person,that he LOVES Islam and Muslims.?
Christianblood says
Polk 1970 posted
(…Is their any doubt,to any honest person,that he LOVES Islam and Muslims?…)
It is not only Obama, the whole Western, politically-correct establishment
loves and favors islam and muslims but hate and demonize victims of global islamic jihad. Besides, Obama is the pure by-product of the society and the culture that elected him twice to be the president. Obama reflects the value system, the mindset, the dreams and the wishes of the majority of America who elected him twice to be their president.
PatientSaints says
They are desperately pandering to them because they know the powder keg they’re sitting on. Either we stand up to Islam and it gets ugly, or we submit to Islam and it gets even uglier. This is happening everywhere, regardless of Obama’s loyalties – along with the bribes to keep politicians playing the game.
The world is set to explode, it just has nothing to do with ICBM’s. Islam will force the choice. It’s an enemy unlike one we’ve ever known, enabled by our own technology. It’s as though we released the genie from the bottle. The 7th century unleashed on the 21st, how prophetic.
Angemon says
Christianblood posted:
“the whole Western, politically-correct establishment
loves and favors islam and muslims but hate and demonize victims of global islamic jihad.”
Citation needed
Besides, Obama is the pure by-product of the society and the culture that elected him twice to be the president.
“Obama reflects the value system, the mindset, the dreams and the wishes of the majority of America who elected him twice to be their president.”
First of all, citation needed. Second, the majority of a minority (the people who voted for Obama) is still a minority. Third, do you know what by-product means? My guess is you don’t.
Ex-muslim says
Christianblood
you are right 100%, Westerners hate Christians and other victims of islam but adore muslims/islam with deep respect and adoration. I have seen this with my own eyes and it happened to me after I left islam many, many times. I know islam will eventually destroy the West and then and only then, they will may be regret the love they have for islam and muslims and it is true that Obama reflects American people who voted for him two times, they have got the same mentality other wise they would not have voted for him.
Angemon says
Ex-muslim posted:
“I know islam will eventually destroy the West”
You’ve already told us you’ll celebrate if that happens. Along with your jihadi buddies, I’d wager.
Ex-muslim says
@ Angemon
CB is right in saying that the West hates Christians but love and favor muslims an as an ex-muslim I have seen that practically many times and it happened to me and others like me. You don’t like CB words because you are part of the establishment that CB is talking about. For example, jihadwatch reported a few days ago that US resettled thousands of muslims from Syria in may but only included 2 Christians among those thousands of muslim that was moved to America in May, is that love or hate? and similar things are happening every single day in the West, whether it is media, academia, politicians, religious leaders and even the Pope did the same thing when he flew 12 muslims to Rome but ignored Christians in that refugee camp. Is that love to you? You have no ground to disprove what CB is talking about and you only look more foolish when you try to oppose his factual points and his just Criticism of the West.
Angemon says
Ex-muslim posted:
“@ Angemon
CB is right in saying that the West hates Christians but love and favor muslims”
Oh, good, the usual backup brigade is here. Anyway, citation still needed.
“an as an ex-muslim I have seen that practically many times and it happened to me and others like me.”
Or so you say.
“You don’t like CB words because you are part of the establishment that CB is talking about. ”
I don’t like CB’s words because he lies. A lot. Anyway, citation needed – what establishment am I a part of? Burden of proof is on you. But you, like your “good cop” troll buddy, offer nothing to back your words.
“You have no ground to disprove what CB is talking about”
I can’t disprove what is not proved to begin with. As Christopher Hitchens wrote, “what can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence”.
“and you only look more foolish when you try to oppose his factual points”
Nah, the ones looking foolish are are you lot – I’m asking CB to back his assertions.
“and his just Criticism of the West.”
“Just criticism”? The streams of lies and BS he spurts out on a daily basis?
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
*snort*
For f**’s sake, the moron disproves his points when he claims to provide evidence to back them. Like that time he gave me a link and assured me it had evidence that the US spent billions of dollars to overthrow the Ukrainian government. The link said that that statement was false. And recently he used a site to claim that over 80% of Russians are Orthodox Christians but claimed the site was anti-Russian when I pointed out that it also stated only 10% went to church on a regular basis. The icing on the cake was when he claimed the article he linked to, which was a couple of weeks old, was written by someone who died decades ago – talk about “ghost-writing”…
LR says
Ex-Muslim…
It would be interesting to hear more details of your stories regarding, ‘West hates Christians but love and favor muslims’.
What I’m beginning to see is, many people really don’t think, or know ‘Jihad’ is part of Islam. And don’t know much about Islam period. (Me included).
I’m just learning about this stuff (outside of the specifics of the Taliban and Afghanistan), so just started to attempt to discuss with people ‘Jihad’, persecution of Christians and what various Imams in ME state. Some understand, some get depressed and don’t want to hear anymore, and some kind of wince a little and think of Islam as a ‘Religion of Peace’, or, Christianity and the Bible are just as ‘bad’/violent.
Seems not many know anything about Jihad/Islam, but we know about the oppression of ‘Christianity/the West’, so that is partly why some might ‘favor’ Muslims.
Many still see Islam as the ‘Religion of Peace’.
Peggy says
Maybe he thinks he’s Harry Potter.
Dacritic says
Sun Zi of the Art of War stated that to win a war, one has to know oneself AND the enemy. Obama is a stubborn, stupid man.
Manuele says
Vote the DEMOCRAPS out of the white house. That one step thean the rest will follow
John Marst says
Maybe Mr. Obama wouldn’t mind calling them Presbyterians with camels?
(In an adaptation from another poster on this site.)
Jay Boo says
Obama said Christianity was used to justify slavery.
Obama is a disgraceful two-faced hypocrite.
LR says
Well, put it this way. Some used the bible to justify slavery, and some used the bible to decry slavery. Isn’t that partly how it went?
jewdog says
I often wonder if this stance is just a ploy to hide ignorance of Islam. Someone who takes an interest in it and is knowledgeable about it would never talk that way.
PRCS says
I think he’s between a rock and….
IMO, by chastising, by expressing vein popping outrage at those who either don’t know what Islam teaches or who are too timid to tell/report the truth, he avoids having to personally admit there really is no such thing as “radical Islam”; an admission that would debunk the notion that Islam is being perverted by radicals and extremists.
STEVE says
Muhammad (and I don’t think anyone has ever been actually able to prove that he ever existed) stole from the old testsmene, the new testament and pagan rites to put together the koran…of course he even changed what he stole to fit what he wanted it to say..Even the word Allah was a pagan word, used long before Muhammad was even born, meaning “the God” and that was among many God’s worshiped by pagans.He mixed in alt of pagan rituals along with Jewish and Christian beliefs and teachings.
Here is one of hundreds of examples he stole…… from the old testament and of course you will .notice he changed it to suit his purpose…From the Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 20 Versace 10 through 14….”when you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives. If you notice among the captives,a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife. Bring her into your home and have her shave her head, trim her nails .put aside the clothes she was wearing when she was csptured.After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother then you may go to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. If you are not pleased with her let her go wherever she wishes. You must not sell her or treat her as a slave since. you have dishonored her. FROM THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION OF THE HOLY BIBLE.
Now check out what Muslims do with captive women and one can see what changes were made by Muhammad and his flock. There are multiple items like this in the Bible and pagan rituals.
mortimer says
Robert Spencer wrote: “Would calling this threat what it really is help us understand the enemy better and formulate more effective ways to counter it?”
This is the questions journalists should put to Obama and everyone on his team.
linnte says
And it is the one question Obama didn’t mention, deliberately of course. His advisors (Muslim advisors) tell him to not mention Islam. Duh!
eagle says
mortimer , you notice Obama listened to Trump’s statements? When was the last time Obama had a two way conversation with the public? When was the last time Obama had a two way conversation with anyone in the media the American people could participate? The American people need to send Trump some questions to ask Obama. I think Obama was on the defensive responding to Trump. Obama is afraid of one on one with the American public. Obama is doing a piss poor job of defending the American people.
abad says
That is because Obama represent the liberal elite in the United States of America.
And, he needs to be called on it. Donald Trump called him on it.
Trump is his typical shrewd businessman self.
Trump 2016
ich says
good point eagle
DD says
BHO obviously feels threatened with the distinct possibility his goofy executive orders and harmful legislation will not be around after Trump is elected. I find his usual “I don’t give a damn what you think” attitude challenged – SO refreshing…and overdue. He knows his days are numbered.
Peggy says
Real journalists are extinct.
Richie says
Imagine if FDR refused to call the Nazis Nazis
This is about Obama being sympathetic to the jihadists and I suspect a closeted muslim
IQ al Rassooli says
As a Muslim, Obama uses Muhammad’s modus operandi of Projective Identification whereby the criminal (Muhammad, Muslims, Obama) project upon their would be victims (Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Trump …) what they (Muhammad, Muslims, Obama) were or are intending to do to them
In this case~ “Are we going to start treating all Muslim-Americans differently?” Obama asked. “Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance? Are we going to start discriminating against them because of their faith?”
YES! YES! YES! For the sole and only LOGICAL reason because Islam & Muslims are the publicly self declared ENEMIES of ALL human beings who are NOT Muslims.
If and when Muslims RECANT this declaration of war and ACT peacefully should none Muslims have friendly relations with Muslims but NOT a second before!
Obama is using Islamic Taqiyah to facilitate the infiltration of Islam and their depraved Sharia in America.
Americans should always remember Karl Popper’s Tolerance Paradox:
” Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance.
If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant,
if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant,
then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.”
He concluded that we are warranted in refusing to tolerate intolerance: “We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant.”
We should therefore NEVER allow Sharia to soil our soil
Obama is WRONG! Trump is RIGHT!
Case CLOSED
IQ al Rassooli
Kafir & Proud!
Norger says
Treating ALL Muslims differently? Probably not.
Discriminate against Muslims? Define “discrimination.” There is no right to be free of suspicion for following a dangerous belief system. If you attend a radical mosque (and most of them are) you are a person of interest, same as a KKK member, member of the Arayan Nation or American Nazi party would be. Wahabbis and Deobandis in the police & military?! Hell no. You get the idea.
Special surveillance? In mosques, hell yes. Otherwise see answer to preceding question.
citycat says
Muslims are fear driven, maybe Obama too, and they will recanterate only when their fear of infidels is greater than their fear of Islam.
Which looks unlikely, as Islam is nothing without fear.
John Johness says
It is classic social worker mentality. It is not about the truth it is about feelings. The Jihadis are just misunderstood and with the right ‘program’ they can be just like us. Upsetting them can only ‘make things worse’. He is a frightened girl. Eventually this leads to Huxley’s SOMA (if you still have the power) or complete defeat, as it never works. Obama should have met my father who said there are just bad people.
a fool says
‘The tree is known by tis fruit!” What is there is to know? Look around what has happened to our country since the day he took office? It is all about HIM, nothing for was, is and and will be for the betterment of our Country, the USA! All was, is and will be for HIM, Obama alone! He is not an American Patriot! What is he? History will tell! Pray hard for him, may the God our Heavenly Father, His Name is “I AM WHO AM!” have mercy on him and all those belong to him! The Name of our God is not Allah!
John Stefan says
All right, let’s pray for Obama and all people who want to kill us, but let’s pray even more for our beloved country which includes the kind of government with which God has blessed us by our forefathers where there was not one lousy Muslim. We want to keep the Republic they have given us. But God help me to give up my life for the preservation of the Republic if called upon to do so. Just the other day a Muslim forced his way into the house and killed the husband at the door and then, most likely, by slitting the throat of his beloved wife he murdered her too. Well, God help me to shoot to kill such a murdering Muslim intruder first. God has given us common sense and my common sense tells me: protect yourself and your family and your property and your country and your friends from Islam and from the devil’s shariah law.
Carmel says
How comes , now , JW used more and more ISIL instead of ISIS ? I’m surprised.
linnte says
I use IS, or type out Islamic State. It does get weird using IS, because it looks like one is putting the word “is” in caps.
Wellington says
Obama is beyond redemption. He is an arrogant, not particularly well informed, insufferable leftist. Profoundly unfortunately, he is the President of the United States. But I don’t blame this underwhelming man first and foremost. No I do not. I first and foremost blame all the fools out there who voted for him for President, especially the rubes who voted for him twice. Democracy can survive only if the bulk of the citizens in a democracy are well informed and possessed of common sense and moral intelligence. Right now in America such “bulk” is in grave danger of no longer existing. For further proof of this just reflect upon how many millions will be voting for that inveterate liar and incompetent, Hillary Clinton, for President come this November.
Sog says
The Alinsky Progressive took over the Democratic party and ran the country into the ground for 7.5 years, and the Neo-cons before them did the same for 8 years. We have a tough climb out. We can’t make more mistakes, especially bringing in Hundreds of thousands of immigrants who’s perspectives are absolutely incompatible with Liberal Democracy.
The “Left” no longer includes the Hubert Humphrey Liberals, but only those that have no belief in the view that positive growth is incremental; They just want to wipe it all away and start again at Year Zero despite the huge damage such a despotic maneuver would do, as seen by the workings of Pol Pot, Mao, Stalin, and many many others.
Wellington says
I agree with almost all of what you asserted. I am, however, personally wary of using the term “Neo-Con” because there is often a subterranean, anti-Semitic element that is attached to it.
Besides, this term, “Neo-Con,” is vague and unnecessarily broad. Suffice it to say that the Republican Party of today is the Dumb Party and the Democratic Party of today is the Dumber Party. Yep, it’s Dumb and Dumber and we need much, much better than this. Not there yet. Better get there sooner rather than later. The preservation of freedom very much depends on this timing.
P.S. Even though I have several reservations about Trump, he is refreshing time and time again and is, thankfully, not politically correct. He is ignorant of many things he should not be ignorant of but he learns fast, is a patriot (a dirty word to liberals) and has courage. I will be voting for him in November. Also not to be overlooked is the alternative to Trump, one who is wretched to the core of her being.
abad says
Barack Hussein Obama is an imposter.
In fact when he leaves office, United States history between the years 2009 to 2016 will be referred to “The Nation without a President.”
Think I’m kidding?
No.
Huck Folder says
Empty chair?
Peter says
That is exactly my point .When you call a Nazi,a Nszi,a Communist a Communist and a Fascist a Fascist you are applauded bur when you call a muslim a muslim then you are called a bigot. Guess who the bigot is in this game!
Red Bee says
The President is adding to the fog* by erronously stating Islam and (the majority of) Muslims are the same thing (with his last sentence).
* See my website: “The Islamic Machine” (click my name)
Champ says
I absolutely *loathe* obama, and I am counting the days until that …man, is gone from the Oval Office.
Hope says
Oh, boy, am I with you on that one, Champ.
linnte says
Me too! He nauseates me!
abad says
Me too.
Thank God we have two-term limits for the presidency.
Peggy says
His replacement is not better.
It’s the two party system which needs to be changed. When neither party offers quality what do you do?
We have the same thing in Australia. Two major parties and we just keep rotating the idiots.
JMB says
At least here you can vote for the anti-immigrant One Nation Party, they may even get to hold the balance of power here in the senate.
And in other news, the High Court of Australia has gone against the wishes of real Australians and overturned an appeal against a mosque being built in the historic Victorian regional city of Bendigo.
RG says
@Peggy. If Donald Trump is elected, we’ll be far better off here in the U.S. He’s a rare find! People misunderstand him–just like you do. His heart and soul is for his countrymen, not for his Party, and certainly NOT for himself. He is NOT a narcissist, as people want to make him out to be. If he didn’t defend his record, people would walk all over him, because intrinsically people inevitably love to demonize rich folks! Trump has no sane reason to want the Presidency other than to help straighten out the mess created by Obama. If Trump were just on a “power trip”, as some seem to think, then he’s just a total nut case, because he doesn’t need the aggravation!!!
Pong says
We have now Australian Liberty Alliance. Vote for them. They are very strong on moslem issues.
We are not very good in Australia, many ill-informed voters, but I can’t imagine Australians would have voted for someone like Obama.
I am totally against democracy in its present for. One man – one vote system will eventually destroy any country.
Peggy says
Let’s hope his legacy doesn’t live on. Hillary must go.
somehistory says
Soooo…calling it “radical islam” maligns the whole faith!
From the report: “… Obama’s refusal to use the phrase “radical Islam,” which the White House argues unfairly maligns the entire Islamic faith.
…
As Ricky Ricardo might say, “That lets the cat out of the hat bag.”
We knew it, they knew it, we suspected they knew it, and now we know they knew it all along.
islam is islam is islam….no *radical*…no *moderate*…just evil through and through.
carpentaro says
Sound familiar? “What difference — at this point, what difference does it make?” HRC
Mubarak says
The president is a clever guy.
Every time we use expressions as “Radical Islam”, “Muslim extremist” or “radicalized Muslim” we pay homage to Islam as an inherently violent religion. Ironically even moderate Muslims and Islamic apologists often use these expressions themselves in polemic rejection, because they speak with two tongues and intuitively know their own religion, I surmise.
If Islam was a religion of peace radicalization and extremism in this context would spell profoundly peaceful Muslims. It doesn’t and it is an indictment of Islam.
And if it is not so, why don’t we call all these hateful and violent Muslims anti-Muslim bigots and Islamophobes?
So “what’s in a name?” A handle without witch you’re out of the game!
Islam in any edition will never come out smelling like a rose.
DRHazard says
I am no fan of Obama and generally think calling a spade a spade the best thing to do. But maybe there is more going on inside Obama’s head than denying reality.
Let’s say that there are Muslims in the U.S. who have become like allot of Christians; they just kind of ignore the the Quran they don’t agree with (or don’t bother to read). Now the President gets on TV and speaks the brutal truth – the scriptures of Islam contain explicit commands from God to kill non-Muslims, gay people, Jews, etc. That by itself might be enough to alienate them and, in some cases, enrage them.
These are people who, despite being Muslim, have never heard of read about those concepts. It will be interpreted as somebody who doesn’t know what he’s talking about condemning their faith and, since they still identify strongly with Islam, as a personal attack against them.
Further, in the long run it may be more beneficial to keep them believing that Islam is all about peace, even if it isn’t a fact. Besides, it won’t change anybody’s mind. People will continue to believe their own personal version of their faith. ISIS will continue to follow what they believe to be the example of Muhammad to the last punctuation mark and peaceful Muslims will continue to make friends with non-Muslims.
Anyone who has had an online text battle with an “Islam is Peace” Muslim has seen this. All you have to do is quote the Quran or Hadith and an “Islam is Peace” Muslim will quickly revert to name calling and become generally defensive.
Perhaps Obama actually knows, at least on some level, that there are numerous passages in the Quran and Hadith that advocate all sorts of abuse against non-Muslim, women, gays, etc. Maybe he is refraining from publicly speaking about it so that the less informed, more adaptable Muslims will keep on redefining their own faith in ways that are beneficial, or at least less destructive.
That’s pretty much how Christians evolved. The only difference now is the way ideas can be spread rapidly over the world and the development of modern weapons. But this was a lesson that the world in general should have learned after WWI and we all failed to learn it.
To put if more simply, a Muslim who believes that Islam is all about the good stuff, even though they are wrong, is better than a Muslim who takes it all literally. This along with the fact that you can easily turn a friend into an enemy merely by pointing out the truth. And everybody has seen this happen in others and themselves. Obama is, after all, a leader of a nation and not a spiritual instructor. He has different priorities.
If you disagree or see any faults in this logic let me know. But please be as specific as possible.
Bridgette says
Truly, he doesn’t think that deeply. He can’t even make a speech without the teleprompter.
Jerry says
I wholeheartedly disagree with you. What you seem to be saying is that “calling a spade a spade” is generally the better thing to do, but that Obama’s executive obligations precludes a similar approach in dealing with islam. You paint a scenario where Obama speaks the candid truth thereby “alienating” or “enraging” those muslims that “just kind of ignore the koran.”
First off, if they aren’t dutiful muslims and they ignore the koran there’s no reason they should be offended by the truth. Those muslims least of all should judge the president harshly for “calling a spade a spade.” And if these muslims are angered to the point of murder over the truth then that proves they were more loyal to islam than our right to speak the truth and live in peace. And if they are ill-informed about their own faith then that’s no excuse. You seem to be taking the same stance as so many others, we shouldn’t speak the truth because it makes muslims mad. This self-censorship deprives us of our freedom to express and sends the wrong message that terror works.
And I see no excuse for those muslims that “have never heard of read about those concepts,” either. If their “ignorance” about their own religion is offended to the point of terrorizing others then they are no better than the terrorists. If a muslim is a good person that respects the laws of this country and the rights of others then his umbrage will not extend to murder for those parts of his religion that he may “have never heard of” or “read about.” he may be offended, he may be emotionally hurt, but he doesn’t murder or terrorize because of it. And if you’re saying that we should live in denial about jihad because of what these “ignorant” muslims might do, then you are condoning crime and murder for all the wrong reasons. I don’t care if they are ignorant with islam, if they would kill me for speaking the truth then they are a muslim terrorist.
And as far as “refraining from publicly speaking” about “passages in the Quran and Hadith” in the hope that muslims “will keep on redefining their own faith in ways that are beneficial,” that’s nonsense. That’s like saying that not speaking candidly about the bad effects of crime we help criminals understand the virtues of honest living. On the contrary, speaking the truth will only reinforce their growing conviction and need for change. Typically when people are living to effect positive change in their lives they are best helped with an honest appraisal that affirms their good efforts. Treating muslims like “slow’ children who need to learn at their own pace might work with matters of small concern, but in regard to murder, rape, and bigotry, we owe it to ourselves and them to be courageously outspoken for right action and good morals.
I think you’re making a heartfelt effort to see things from another perspective, there’s nothing wrong with that. But I think you failed to present a good argument for Obama or anyone else abating islamic jihad with the hope of effecting positive change. There’s been far too much murder and terror in the name of islam for us to mollify ignorant or lackadaisical muslims with an obsequious handling of the truth. Our fate and destiny as a nation and people should never be determined by the ignorance or misguided loyalties of others. I think that’s axiomatic for any great nation. Your argument fails on all levels, for the smart muslims and the dumb ones.
Jerry says
P.s. I hope I was “specific” enough for you, you had requested that.
billybob says
Your logic is flawed. Who can predict how “Muslims in the U.S. who have become like allot of Christians” would react if confronted with the evils of Islam? In the first place, since Islam is nothing at all like Christianity, a lapsed Muslim will be nothing like a lapsed Christian. And if confronted with the aforementioned realities of the evils of Islam, it may just as well push this Muslim further way from the fold. You have only speculation. And yes, given time and space, Muslims can Americanize, but as soon as their population exceeds some tiny threshold they put up a mosque and form a community (or should I say – a coven?) they turn inward. They stop trying to integrate.
I particularly took exception to the phrase “That’s pretty much how Christians evolved. ” That was a silly notion that Christians needed to evolve. Christians were never savages like the people in Muhammad’s world 14 centuries ago. They were highly civilized. Christians are followers of Christ. Christ’s message never changed. It is immutable. There was nothing wrong with it that Christians had to “evolve”. If they followed Christ’s teachings, those teachings have been exactly the same all through the ages. Anybody who didn’t follow Christ’s teaching of course was not and is not a Christian.
somehistory says
All true. A perfect Man, Son of God, Anointed One, gave a perfect set of instructions to lead people to an approved relationship with our Creator. It needs no *updates* or changes. Followed correctly, the Christian today is the same as the Christians in the First Century, the ones who knew Christ in person. Christians today can *know* Him too.
abad says
I think Obama is a master at taqqiya
Cecilia Ellis says
Abad, I listened to his entire speech. Master of taqiyya that he is, one thing checked out: It seems there is a place called America.
(Note: Comment is a modification of a line delivered by a reporter in the movie, “Shattered Glass,” a true story about Stephen Glass, a writer for “The New Republic.” Glass fabricated sources, made up stories, and published numerous articles for that magazine.)
j_not_a says
You only have to ask your average neighbour or co-worker mr. nice guy muslim who just wants to live their lives like the rest of us how they feel about the Jews and Israel and then watch them go ballistic with hatred and rage in two seconds practically guaranteed.
CogitoErgoSum says
I have a question of my own, Mr. Obama. How is religious freedom in the U.S. protected by increasing the number of people living in the U.S. who belong to a religion that demands its followers either dominate or exterminate all other religions? Do you have an answer to that one, Mr. Obama? Go ahead ……… give it a try. And don’t tell me that Islam does not teach such a thing!!!!!!!
billybob says
Good point!
abad says
My guess that freedom will be done away with.
Right after he does away with the Second Amendment.
Isn’t that right, Obama???????
Jerry says
Obama’s speech was simply a list of equivocating questions for the purpose of muddling his stance on the important issue of islamic jihad. That way he makes himself less vulnerable to attack for his obvious preferential love for muslims and islam. Had he taken the time to answer his own questions honestly he would have exposed his own lack of courage in dealing with the threat islam poses to our culture and nation.
Q:“Where does this stop?”
It stops when muslims stop killing and threatening non-muslims for islam.
Q: “Are we going to start treating all Muslim-Americans differently?”
I can’t think of a better bunch of people to treat differently than muslims. Muslims are mass murdering and raping our kids and women, building violent enclaves, conducting violent and threatening riots, suing us for allah, costing us billions in defense and welfare, and degrading our freedoms through intimidation and terror. So yes, hopefully we will start treating them “differently,” as people who mean us the greatest harm.
Q:“Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance?
Only if you agree that a dangerous ideology causing mass murder and terror is worth surveilling. Apparently you don’t.
Q:”Are we going to start discriminating against them because of their faith?”…
“Faith” is not the problem, a doctrine of murder and war for god is something to be concerned about. It’s not “discrimination” to confront such a threat, it’s self-defense.
Q:“What exactly would using this language accomplish? What exactly would it change?”
Well let me ask you, what does ignoring the truth about islam change? I’ll tell you, it changes our capacity for clear thinking about a grave threat. When the bridge is “out” you don’t ask rhetorical questions, you act decisively with an honest message warning of the danger. Then you act to fix the problem in accordance with that truthful message.
Q:“Would it make ISIL less committed to try and kill Americans?”
Perhaps not, but nor could it make them more inclined. As Spencer said, they don’t get their inspiration and motives from non-muslims, they have the koran and allah as their guide. What it would do is create a confidence and trust with the American people to hear their “leader” speak the truth about the world’s most deadly “religion.”
Q:“Would it bring in more allies? Is there a military strategy that is served by this?
Since when does doing the right thing depend on what our allies think? We don’t consult them in regard to our values, culture, and safety. We work with a spirit of cooperation, this is true. But we don’t condone murder for religion, and we don’t compromise our sacred rights to appease the sick ideology that causes it. We stand firm in our convictions for truth and good morals whether our allies agree or not, or they aren’t allies worth having.
Obama failed in this hollow speech to be true for our nation and values. He sounded like a freshman in college trying his first debate. Maybe next time he should ask fewer questions and try answering some. We need a “leader,” not a “prevaricator.”
Lion of Judah's Cub says
Excellent!
Hope says
“Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance?”
DUH!!! Damned right, Barry. That is exactly what President Trump is going to do, you useless moron.
Bridgette says
There aren’t enough resources to surveil them all, I’d feel much better with deportation.
boakai ngombu says
someone should surveil the imams and those imams (from afar) who visit particular mosques
Richie says
How long after leaving the white house will Obama suddenly announced his converted to Islam? Clearly he is a Muslim now
linnte says
Richie, look for the video Dustyfae posted. Obama already admits to his Muslim ness. I am not sure which post Dusty put that video, but it proves Obama says with his own mouth he is a Muslim. This makes him a Taqyyia wielding liar by not putting this forward to the American people during his campaigns! Shame in him! And Democrats bought him, as I did, hook line and sinker. I am so ashamed of myself! No more though. I am a warrior against Islam, PC, and Leftist mentality!
Hope says
I go back and forth over the issue of Obama being a muslim. Is he actually muslim, or is he using islam to “fundamentally transform (destroy) America?” There is plenty of evidence to suggest that he is one, that’s for sure. However most religions, islam included, require adherents to believe in a doctrine and acknowledge a power greater than oneself. Obama is as arrogant and narcissistic as a person can be. I find it hard to believe he could embrace any doctrine other than his own Marxist ideology. And as for submitting to a Higher Power? I would suggest Obama has no god but Obama.
AnneCrockett says
名不正,則言不順;言不順,則事不成
“If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried on to success.”
Confucius, The Analects
linnte says
It makes me think of Jesus, when confronted by a man with a demon. Jesus asked the demon his name and the demon replied” we have no name for we are many, we are Legion” then Jesus cast them into a herd of pigs who ran off a cliff and died. Knowing the name of something, even in Pagan religion, is critical for understanding the nature of a thing. If a Pagan in worship, wants to help defeat an illness, say, they name that illness and banish it by symbolically removing the name(burning a paper with the name on it or covering the name in salt). Even Scripture says” what so ever you do in word, or deed, do all in the name of Jesus”. That NAME and understanding the meaning of that name, gives the name power. IMO.
Jerry says
I’m no fan of Christianity, but you make a good point. If Christ had equivocated on matters of faith and morals then the Christian plan of salvation would have been a still born hope. And if a leader of a nation equivocates on matters of great concern then he falls short with his appointed duty and people suffer. Obama can be great for his country and people by standing in defense of their values and national aspirations, or he can compromise with insincere mediation between good and evil. And that’s what so many of our politicians seem to be doing, moral equivalence is the left’s new meme. “We’re all equal!” even those that want to kill us because they think we aren’t.
I didn’t live during WWII, but it seems we had a clearer vision of what’s right and wrong, and we weren’t afraid to say it. But now in this new PC world we live in just speaking the truth is a crime if it hurts someone’s feelings. Maybe there are times when lying and living in denial makes sense. But I will never accept that lying for islam is good or proper. It’s far too evil and too many are dying for us to settle for platitudes, lies, and excuses.
abad says
Satan is the Father of this World we live in (2 Corinthians Ch 4) Satan is the Father of the Lie, the Great Deceiver, and Allah is the Great Deceiver.
I cannot make it any clearer than that.
Cecilia Ellis says
Abad, crystal clear!
Jerry says
Allah is the Great Deceiver.
You won’t get any argument from me.
Pong says
I consider that this story contains the biggest miracle performed by Jesus. To find a herd of pigs in Israel – is a real mirical.
PRCS says
Let’s be honest.
Does anyone here really believe BHO doesn’t know what Islam actually teaches, or that he doesn’t know the term “radical Islam” is PC nonsense?
What he hopes, IMO, is that he will never have to answer questions about Islam which will cause politicians, “journalists”, and other useful idiots to admit that “one of the “radical Muslims” are perverting “one of the world’s great religions”.
So, far, no one has forced his hand.
And, did anyone catch that lkjd&^%$3g moron Jeh Johnson telling Bret Baier that “Islam is about peace”?
The Vilest of Creatures says
If FDR had Obama’s narrative he would have said:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the some guys with red circles on their planes.
Cecilia Ellis says
Vilest, absolutely hilarious! Great line! ?
PRCS says
For Obama to say he doesn’t use the phrase “radical Islam” would be to tell the truth: there’s just Islam; amputations and all.
خَليفة says
It is amazing how arrogant Obama is. Use of the term ” inspired by ISIS ” – are you kidding me?
As an experiment let’s use a homomorphism ( formal language nomenclature ) and replace ISIS with KKK. Then, to say that an incident in one city was inspired by the KKK would mean what? What does the KKK stand for, what are its core beliefs which motivate its members?
If you ask those questions about ISIS as an inspirational organization the answer is the Koran, Sunna and Sira – basically, Islamic doctrine. Stated tersely, “Islam” is the motivation behind ISIS,
Bridgette says
His refusal to name the enemy is that to him, they’re not the enemy. You must have all seen the meme with Obola kissing that nazi Erdogan. There you have it. Islam is our enemy, not his.
janeatte Ganter says
Mr Obama you are not confused who are our enemy, because you are the supporter of our enemy
Twostellas says
The enemy is in the gates…it might make some since what he says, sure, if it was a completely foreign enemy on foreign shores…but it’s not, and when you won’t criticize what mosques and speakers at mosques in America are teaching the next generation, yes, the threat needs to be called out. Plain and simple. (Especially as the Gov’t pronounces it will bring more and more Muslims in and to basically ‘get over it!’) Any other group in our country doing acts like this and teaching such as fundamentals would have heat on them 24/7. No doubt. So, yes, it matters.
Georg says
What exactly would using this language accomplish?
“Know thine enemy”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
linnte says
Georg, hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Cecilia Ellis says
“What exactly would using this language accomplish? What exactly would it change? Would it make ISIL less committed to try and kill Americans? Would it bring in more allies? Is there a military strategy that is served by this? The answer is none of the above. Calling a threat by a different name does not make it go away.”
The words of President Obama speak with clarity his feckless strategy of leading from behind and reveal, at best, his complete ignorance of Sun Tzu’s 500-B.C. advice: “Know the enemy.” While much debate has occurred over his failure to use terminology that explicitly identifies the enemy, Obama is resolute in maintaining a narrative that belies the obvious: Americans are dying at the hands of those who call themselves Soldiers of Allah, all devout Muslims who pray five times a day.
Indeed, President Obama, even within the past few days, has cited his success in the elimination of one such soldier, Osama bin Laden, as if that effort did not rely upon numerous years of intelligence gathering. So, let’s look at the words of bin Laden, quoted from his “Open Letter to America”:
“What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?
(1) The first thing that we are calling you to is Islam.
(a) The religion of the Unification of God; of freedom from associating partners with Him, and rejection of this; of complete love of Him, the Exalted; of complete submission to His Laws; and of the discarding of all the opinions, orders, theories and religions which contradict with the religion He sent down to His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam is the religion of all the prophets, and makes no distinction between them – peace be upon them all.”
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/nov/24/theobserver
Those words, expressed by bin Laden, are germane to the primary mission and goals of the ideology proclaimed by all Islamic terrorist organizations. Killing bin Laden did not diminish that effort, because the inspiration comes from the canonical texts of Islam:
“Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” (Quran 9:29)
That, President Obama, is what’s in a name . . . a specific name: Islam. Using the terminology of “Islamic terrorism” is pivotal to understanding and to defeating the enemy. In conclusion and in response to the questions indignantly posed by Obama, accurately defining the enemy accomplishes this:
1. Those law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring the safety of American citizens might then include essential training that addresses the method of Muhammad, the tactics of both stealth and overt jihad, and the Quranic mandates.
2. Intelligence gathering and analysis might appropriately identify the networks of groups, small cells or even individuals, which also would enhance shared second- and third-party intelligence operations.
3. Real-time intelligence would directly contribute to efficient and effective military strategies to isolate and neutralize ISIS actors as well as operations of other Islamic terrorist organizations.
As such, despite Obama’s declaration to the contrary, using the language of “Islamic terrorism” would change everything. It would enable a resolute defense and offense that would deter, though not eliminate, the ever-present danger of an ideology that loves death. In the end, American lives would be saved.
a fool says
He is a PC=pure crap! His goal is to “Change America” remember? We will not let HIM to fulfill the DREAMS of his father which he shares, that was the Change he dreamt of! He tried very hard by inviting our Enemies who are his friends by their mutual Religious Faith to enter our country. And see the damage they have done and he stays Silent as the Leader of this country, how could he does it if he loves this Country? The proof is in the Pudding!
PRCS says
https://www.amazon.com/Slave-Allah-Zacarias-Moussaoui-Anthropology/dp/0745326196?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Cecilia Ellis says
PRCS, interesting publisher’s review. I particularly liked the phrase, “fraternity of Islam without borders.” I will have to put this book on a wish list for now, as I just pre-ordered Robert Spencer’s new book, “The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran,” as well as his book, “Not Peace But a Sword.” Thanks for the link.
JUSTICEFORALL says
What would it accomplish? It’s called “TRUTH”!!! Terrorists should be called what they are: “terrorists”.
linnte says
So many emails! It’s too hard to keep up and have my nose in this device all day! But let me say that we will DEFEAT this monster called Islam- we HAVE to!
Baucent says
This is a man who is more concerned about deflecting unfavorable views on Islam and muslims by obscuring where the threat is coming from. It is like the dishonest claim that this terror attack was a hate crime and nothing do do with religion. Calling the enemy “radical Islam” (although you could argue it’s orthodox islam) focuses the threat in the minds of the public and the military and government agencies. It’s not saying all muslims are terrorists at all. It’s saying radical muslims of the jihadi type are terrorists.
KATHALEENA says
@ IQ Now if all the liberals in the world would read and get this we maybe could get somewhere. . Very well said and thanks for your input.
Andrea Clark says
You know…maybe he’s on CAIR’S payroll, as is Hitler y. Why else does he absolutely, time after time, refuse to call it by it’s name? We already know he was raised by non Americans, that America is evil. Islam is plotting to take over the western countries and he’s all for the decolonialization of our world.
linnte says
BOOM! Surely he is. His assets total way more than his yearly income since before his “Presidency”.
Tony46 says
“I will stand with them (Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”
B Hussein Obama,. page 261 of his book, Audacity of Hope”
To the American people: ”You can keep your doctor”
patriotliz says
Only someone who loves Islam more than they love America or our Judeo-Christian heritage could talk so harshly to our country. Listen up Mr. President and all the Leftists dhimmis: Since we lack sufficient security (under Obama’s protocol of sanitizing references to Islam) such that we can’t even keep track of radicalized Muslims already here in our country who send up red flags that they want to harm us….WHAT INSANE PERSON WOULD WANT MORE MUSLIMS TO ENTER OUR COUNTRY WHEN THEY CAN’T EVEN BE VETTED??? And EVEN if no obvious terrorist ties, their culture treats women like crap and rape is no big deal. Europe is having an epidemic of rape from Muslim migrants. Let’s just state the obvious….Muslims ARE a threat to our safety and security. A radicalized Muslim is a Muslim who decides to be devout and act out on what Islam commands them to do. If you do let any refugees to come here from Middle East, only bona fide well-vetted Jews and Christians should be allowed in. Let’s face it, PROFILING is a necessary and rational process so that we don’t get ourselves killed….an… NO ONE is talking about “internment camps” like the Democrat Roosevelt did during WWII. Sometimes I really think Obama WANTS murder and mayhem in the streets so he can declare Martial law…”see how bad America is….we really have to confiscate all guns…” With a President like Obama, WHO needs enemies?
aaron morand says
I am sure thateach contributor on this site feel as if they have solved or at least clarified the Islamic problem
…….we may feel better about ourselves and our contribution(s) but nothing has changed…the jihadist
is still out there and waiting his/her turn to kill/slaughter American lives while our Pres. continues to
declare his religion is a religion of Peace…..nothing is getting done…no impeachment….nothing out
of our congress…..only more venting and frustrations……talk all you want but talk is cheap and sometimes,
like now, we do too much of it and nothing else…..there is One thing that can be done and that is to VOTE!
If you do not vote and for the right person then you have none to blame but yourself for the mess that this
Nation is in…….VOTE TRUMP>>>>>VOTE TRUMP…you know he is the right one when Mexico/Mexicans
hate him so much and his plan for “the wall”….when the Muslims hate him …..etc,….YOU KNOW
he is the Right One to VOTE for…..I mean think of a four year term for the Hildabeast and her
HIMroid Billy…..I just cannot even visualize THAT……but if we and rightly so, think that BO is a poor
excuse for a Pres., then think what the Hildabeast would be like…..OPEN the gates boys/girls and
let them ALL in……since she is Godless, then what does it matter what “religion” the masses practice..
islam or Christianity or Hinduisim or whatever……just keep the abortion mills cranking and contributing
to her fortune….let the homosexuals 3% tell the courts what they want and forget Congress, let the
SCOTUS make the laws…..just keep it up folks this apathetical approach to our Government and pretty
soon it will be, and I mean truly, the Govt. for the Govt. and By the Priviledged FEW….forget the WTP….
Now the GOP wants to intro another candidate at the Convention…further splintering the GOP and
giving the Hildabeast another edge….sourgrapes Romney and the “Never Trump” bunch can ….well,
I haven’t thought of the action for them to do as yet…I am hoping that between this and the next Pres.
election, that WTP have come up with another Party…screw the GOP and the DNC …both have betrayed WTP and I will NEVER contribute again to either…….
Peter the Hermit says
And Obama IS a Muslim. The evidence is overwhelming. Consider:
Practically his whole family – father, brothers, etc., are Muslim
He attended a madrassa as a child – ONLY Muslim kids do that, and his religion at that school was listed as “Muslim.” There is no record of his ever having converted to Christianity, and if he had done so, he would have been targeted for death under Sharia law. Clearly, he has not been.
His father bestowed upon him the high honor of naming after the prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husain. Has anyone heard of a Christian with this name?
He wears a ring with the Shahada (the Islamic profession of faith) on it.
He is aggressively promoting Immigration Jihad (the Hijra) by engineering the entry of untold numbers of Muslims into the US.
He has facilitated the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran, a Muslim nation bent on our destruction.
I could go on and on……
Those who pooh-pooh the assertion that he is a Muslim have been duped by the greatest practitioner of taqiyya on the face of the earth – Obama himself!
Edward says
Sir, your latest speech has certainly shown your psychological win endorsement of America’s prime enemy! For the enemy firmly knows that you will be willing to advocate their world dominance objectives by not highlighting their real identification.
A not known enemy is a stealthy enemy and a stealthy enemy always has a winning edge.This edge that you had given in the past and are giving them now will cost many lives…..these being committed by a psychologically supported surreptitious enemy.
Fort Hood > Orlando: terrorism committed within a span of 7.5 years!
Guest says
Surveillance of citizens is precisely what democrats want. Not just Muslims
Marianne says
He still is protecting Radical Islam. And it is ISIS not ISIL. He even has a reason for saying that. He always has an agenda.
citycat says
In that case he should mount his broomstick and head for the stars. Gone gone gone and outta sight.
Tony46 says
To my brothers:
“I will stand with them (Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”
B Hussein Obama,. page 261 of his book, Audacity of Hope”
To the American people:
”You can keep your doctor”.
.
Edward says
Shall we say that Obama’s book, ‘Audacity of Hope’ was actually his manifesto especially written for his brothers in waiting…. for his POTUS election tenure. His objective has been successful because it has been well executed, not solely by his efforts nor by coincidence. Mostly offshore influence, probably the same resources that is putting Hillary on a pedestal.
linnte says
Just ordered this book. Thanks Edward!
Alec Rawls says
Obama asks what difference does it make whether we name the enemy to be “radical Islam” or America’s gun rights. What you blame is what you fight, as Obama well knows, since he uses every attack by the adherents of orthodox Islam (the correct appellation in my opinion) to attack America’s gun rights.
Cecilia Ellis says
Newt Gingrich has written an article entitled, “Why President Obama Is Wrong,” which may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/14/why-president-obama-wrong/?utm_source=Gingrich+Productions+List&utm_campaign=3ec4000ade-whyobamawrong061416&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd29bdc370-3ec4000ade-51694249
linnte says
Cecelia, Newt Gingrich has always been at the top of my list of “assholes”, but not anymore! I guess now I have more reading to do to catch up on what I have missed in the past many years of disliking him. This business of changing ones thought processes to the complete opposite, from Liberal to Conservative has me in a tail spin! But I will level out soon. So much reading and only so many hours in a day. God bless Newt !!!
Reuben Johnson Zou says
IF YOU CAN’T NAME THE PROBLEM HOW CAN YOU SOLVE IT OBAMA.???!!!
Risto Kantonen says
He is engaging in a fallacy called strawman, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man. This is yet again another demonstration of the fact that not only does he not understand the problem, he thinks he understands it while he is clearly not even aware of the fact that he doesn’t understand the problem.
And until he is willing and able to question his own thinking, knowledge and understanding of the matter there is no hope to remedy the situation.
There is a practical and very effective five step system to solve any problem. This system is derived from the scientific method and it goes as follows.
1. Acknowledge and accept that there is a problem.
2. Study the problem thoroughly until you understand it.
3. Plan an approach to solve the problem based on step two.
4. Observe and collect data on the effectiveness of your approach to solve the problem.
5. If the problem remains, repeat the process.