Obama: Americans Shouldn't Turn on Each Other

[jefferson_dem]

Obama: Americans Shouldn't Turn on Each Other

Asked about anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, President Obama said at his press conference Friday that Americans "have to make sure that we don't start turning on each other."

"And I will do everything that I can as long as I'm president of the United States to remind the American people that we are one nation, under God," he continued. "And we may call that God different names, but we remain one nation. And, you know, as somebody who, you know, relies heavily on my Christian faith in my job, I understand, you know, the passions that religious faith can raise."

"But I'm also respectful that people of different faiths can practice their religion even if they don't subscribe to the exact same notions that I do, and that they are still good people and they are my neighbors and they are my friends and they are fighting alongside us in our battles," said Mr. Obama.

"And, you know, I want to make sure that this country retains that -- that sense of purpose," he added.

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In explaining the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, Mr. Obama said, "You know, I think that at a time when the country is anxious generally and going through a tough time, then, you know, fears can surface -- suspicions, divisions can surface in a society. And so I think that plays a role in it."

He went on to laud former President George W. Bush for his comments about Islam after the Sept. 11 attacks.

"One of the things that I most admired about President Bush was, after 9/11, him being crystal clear about the fact that we were not at war with Islam," he said. "We were at war with terrorists and murderers who had perverted Islam, had stolen its banner to carry out their outrageous acts."

"And I was so proud of the country rallying around that idea, that notion: that we are not going to be divided by religion," he continued. "We're not going to be divided by ethnicity. We are all Americans. We stand together against those who would try to do us harm. And that's what we've done over the last nine years. And we should take great pride in that."

"And I think it is absolutely important now for the overwhelming majority of the American people to hang onto that thing that is best in us: a belief in religious tolerance; clarity about who our enemies are," the president added. "Our enemies are Al Qaida and their allies who are trying to kill us, but have been -- have killed more Muslims than just about anybody on Earth."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20016073-503544.html

[blm]

1. Bush made those correct comments on Islam PUBLICLY but had political operatives all over the country

holding meetings in church groups where Islam was denounced and the fear ratcheted up. The crap we're dealing with today had its roots in that deliberate political strategy, most likely to set up a base of duped citizenry who would strongly support and help push the war agenda BushInc was plotting for other Islamic countries...like Iran and Syria.

[Andy823]

2. He is right...

We shouldn't turn on each other, but as long as the "hate mongers" are spreading their lies on a daily basis over the radio and TV, nothing is going to change! People let these hate mongers run their lives, they let them tell them who to be "afraid" of, who to "hate", and who to listen to, which is usually the hare monger themselves. Beck is a prime example. He has a large following and he has learned how to get them to buy into his brand of "hate" and he is now pushing them to a point that will involve violence.

Before the hate mongers people disagreed on politics, but they never threatened violence to those who disagreed with them. The right has made "hate and fear" their primary agenda, and until the people can see through their lies, we will continue to have problems, and people will continue to turn on each other.