Last night on Anderson Cooper I saw some clips of Obama's interview on Al-Arabiya television. Much of what the President said showed definite forethought and balance. The tone, moreover, was a humble one.
Two things are interesting about this interview. First is the interview itself, the first major one of Obama's administration, which was granted to a foreign news outlet.
Second, however, is the President's comment, "all too often the United States startes by dictating."
Clearly Obama is trying to send a conciliatory message to the "Muslim world." My question is whether this particular tact is an appropriate one for an American president to take. Any thoughts?
"And those who were standing watched, and walked carefully near him, not knowing what he'd do--they'd all seen wonders, but nothing like this. And some said he was witchcraft, a phantom, and were afraid to answer him . . ."--Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
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3 comments:
I definitely don't think he should be apologizing for the American people. It is not his position to do so.
I absolutely think it's his position to apologize on behalf of the American people. He's the President. Elected by the American people to protect American interests and to be our voice to the world.
Well, yes, he is elected by the American people. And as you say, definitely to protect American interests.
As to the latter, I'm wondering what you mean by "be our voice to the world." Unless you mean, something like "represent America's interests to the world," I'm not sure the idea figures into the rationale of the founders, though I could be wrong.
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