“I’m also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, ‘Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.’
Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he’s a Christian. He’s always been a Christian.
But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not America. ”
–General Colin Powell (Ret.) at Meet the Press
“I’m also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, ‘Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.’
Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he’s a Christian. He’s always been a Christian.
But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not America. ”
–General Colin Powell (Ret.) at Meet the Press
This whole “Isn’t Obama a Muslim” issue has really started to upset me. And not upset in the sense of, “That-makes-me-so-mad,” but upset in the sense of ”if-I-hear-one-more-person-say-that-I’m-going- to- start-sobbing.”
That question really, really hurts my feelings. People are certainly entitled to their opinions. Still, to intimate that the status of Muslim precludes a person from being American enough to be President of the United States equates to the suggestion that I am not American enough, in general.
I believe that Sen. McCain isn’t a prejudiced man, but I do fault him for not addressing this issue in the “really right” way.
And just to be fair, I understand the need for political expediency, but Sen. Obama’s repeated focus on the fact that he’s Christian instead of saying something to the effect of “you would be better served by asking yourself why that is important to you” hurt my feelings, too.
A few weeks ago, I wrote the campaign an e-mail about it.
I got a form letter directing me to a page on his site which enumerated all the ways that he was Christian as well as the many ways in which he supported the American Jewish community. And that’s great, good for him and all the Christians and Jews in this country. But, really, all I wanted was one measly sentence that said, “Hey, back off, you narrow minded bigots, Americans can be Muslim, too.”
This whole thing made me feel victimized.
Yes, that’s a strong word. But, it’s in response to a strong accusation. When people assume that a Muslim president automatically translates to a president aligned with terrorists, they assume that Muslim Americans don’t take the responsibilities of American citizenship as strongly as others. I don’t presume that all Muslims in this country take their citizenship as seriously as myself, but I’m sure that the same can be said of any religious group in this country.
I have an argument that is well reasoned, in my opinion, regarding how my faith doesn’t at all preclude me from fulfilling every obligation incumbent upon American citizens.
But, you know what? Until I see Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Scientologists, or any other religious group having to defend their religious choices in the context of their obligations as American citizens, I don’t think I should have to share my defense with anyone else.
That said, I would like to end this post thanking General Colin Powell (Ret.) for his statements made on “Meet the Press.”
Thank you, General, for giving the “really right” answer.
Thank you for sticking up for me when no other politician would willingly do so. I know you don’t have an election to win, but it still made me feel better to see someone do the right thing.
Thank you for reminding everyone that I, the soldier who gave his life for his country, and that seven year old boy have a right to all of the privileges, honors and aspirations that any other American in this country does.
Watch this and admire how a real American stands up to injustice.
Posted by Faiqa on October 20, 2008 10:28 am • 'Let Them Eat Cake': Liberal Elite Narrowly Avoids Beheading,Call Me an ABCD then Duck For Cover,My American Life,Step Aside, I Smell Lightning,Terrorists, Slurpie Slingers, and Promiscuous Party Girls • 10 comments
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sybil law Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Damn straight!
I love Colin Powell. He’s so smart and eloquent. Thanks for posting that, because I missed “Meet the Press” this week.
[Reply]
B.E. Earl Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
He said what everyone should have been saying all along.
I have family members who are Muslim and I would hate to think that my nephew or niece could grow up in a country where they couldn’t even dream to be President one day.
Three cheers for Powell.
[Reply]
ggop Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
Powell went on to describe a photo essay he saw in the New Yorker after that comment.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/2008/09/29/slideshow_080929_platon?slide=16
My respect for him just increased ten fold.
[Reply]
Miss Britt Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
That was, in my opinion, the absolute best part of Powell’s endorsement.
“What’s wrong with a little Muslim boy thinking he can grow up to be president someday?”
You, my friend, are no less American than my Lilly white ass.
[Reply]
RW Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
I agree with you 100%. Three cheers for Gen. Powell! And how come nobody mentions that my friend Rizwan’s son is a fighter pilot in the US Air Force?
Except Scientology is not a religion. Just to clear up a misconception.
[Reply]
Avitable Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
But doesn’t Obama wear muslin?
Wait, doesn’t Obama eat Mueslix?
What was the issue again?
[Reply]
slmnhq Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 6:05 pm
Best piece of statesmanship I’ve seen this year. He looked more presidential than either candidate.
[Reply]
Stef Edwards Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
I have always been a HUGE fan of Gen. Powell! It’s unfortunate that he is so intelligent that he won’t run for office…. I’m of the opinion that no one in their right mind would WANT to be president. I cast my ballot today and am so relieved that (for myself) none of the propaganda BS matters anymore. I have to admit it was awfully tempting to write in “none of the above” but what fun would that be?
[Reply]
Faiqa Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
sybil: I think I was pretty clear in the post on how much I love him. But, jic, I love him, too.
B.E. Earl: Nothing sucks worse than killing a kid’s dreams.
ggop: Thanks for posting the link to the photo. It was beautiful.
Miss Britt: Me and your ass thank you. Not that I would presume to speak for your ass, but it would be rude if it didn’t thank you, too.
RW Now, you know why the Cruises won’t invite you to Surrey’s birthday parties.
Avitable He’s a Mueslix eating muslin wearing non-Muslim. And that’s exactly my point.
slmnhq Agreed.
Stef Me, too. I actually have his biography, “My American Journey.” It’s really good. I’m glad you didn’t write none of the above. I mean, if a person doesn’t want their vote to matter, they should just vote for Nader. He’s a nice guy and he could use the self esteem.
[Reply]
RW Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
Oh they’d have another reason for that, and I’d explain it to you but it would hijack your terrific post. So check your email…
[Reply]