President Obama’s Speech In Cairo
Posted by Michelle Moquin on June 4th, 2009
Good morning everyone.
e pluribus unum – out of many, one
I got up early to watch president Obama’s full speech this morning – I’m sure many of you have watched it already. To me his thoughts always came full circle to these words above.
Obama talk of bringing us all together as world citizens and embracing our differences. He talks of our common aspirations that need to be stronger than our fears and challenges. He says let’s not be prisoners of the past but become partners, and move forward in the future.
What I love is how he understands each and every country he speaks of….how he steps into the lives of all of those around us by recognizing we all have a past and we all have present challenges. He acknowledges the conflicts and the viewpoints of each side. And yet, in spite of it all, we all have a responsibility to join together, and not be bound by the past.
He speaks of us, all of us, as world citizens.
e pluribus unum – out of many, one
Obama’s entire speech is honest and moving and inspiring. And it all comes down to this:
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”
The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”
The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.
The above it just the ending of his brilliant speech. I urge you to listen to it in its entirety. I decided to post it here for those of you who haven’t seen it yet. It is almost an hour long but so well worth the time. Grab a cup of joe and get ready to be inspired and proud.
~~~~~~~~~
Al & Zen Lill: Thank you.
Dalia and Anjali, Anonymous: I loved reading your comments. It sounds like his speech will be a memorable day for the both of you as well as the many who watched or listened to him. I thought his speech was one of his best. I felt for the first time that countries around the world have a chance of coming together and doing something great via our common interests and goals.
Alyah: I do feel that Obama is a very fair man, and I trust that he has everyone’s best interest in mind. Now we as world citizens need to heed his advice and make huge efforts in coming together peacefully. I’m all for it – how about you?
Hullanta: I think many see him as the hope of the world. I do. But as it is written: It takes all of us. But what better inspiration can you have than president Obama?
Robert: Great news! Oohh…I love surprises. Let’s hope the surprise is for me and not North Korea. Keep us posted on the girls please – Thank you.
And on that happy note, I am siging off.
Let’s show Obama how much ‘peace & love’ we have to ‘live & give’.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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June 4th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Hafa adai
Looks like we are going to be more polluted on the island.
_________________________________________________________
Guam to get more pollution as a result of US military plans, says academic
Posted at 03:50 on 04 June, 2009 UTC
An American anthropologist says plans for the US military build-up on Guam are a sign that pollution on the island is set to worsen.
In a new book, Catherine Lutz claims that residents of territories which host military bases are unwitting victims of a range of environmental, social and financial impacts.
Professor Lutz says the more than 900 offshore US military posts have a long history of polluting the environment.
She says because of the US military, Guam already has a number of sites on the US Super Fund list for the country’s most toxic places.
“There’s been very little clean up. So many people on Guam are as concerned as much about this as some of the possibilities for crime (posed by the military build-up). That is to say they have very high cancer rates in certain of the cancers and people are concerned that maybe the reason why is because they’ve been exposed over all these years to the kinds of material that the military has been using, which include many known carcinogens.”
Catherine Lutz
News Content © Radio New Zealand International?PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand.
___________________________________________________________
Peter
June 4th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Use Your Mind to Soothe Your Stomach
Mary-Joan Gerson, PhD
New York University
Charles D. Gerson, MD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
hen tegaserod (Zelnorm) was pulled from the market earlier this year, it was bad news for many sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Tegaserod was the first — and only — drug approved by the FDA for IBS with constipation. A heightened risk for heart attack and stroke made tegaserod too risky for most sufferers to use.*
Fortunately, IBS sufferers can still help themselves and perhaps even eliminate the need for medication.
Here’s how…
A MIND-BODY PROBLEM
IBS is one of the most common digestive problems — one of every five Americans has it, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. The condition often forces sufferers to curtail their activities and become isolated because they cannot anticipate whether they will experience a bout of diarrhea or severe cramping.
No one knows exactly what causes IBS, but the interaction between the bowels and nervous system seems to be a key factor. The digestive system includes a rich supply of nerves that regulate secretions, muscle contractions and other physical processes. In people with IBS, this control system goes awry, causing diarrhea or constipation (usually one or the other predominates), bloating and cramps.
Our research has shown that a mind-body treatment program is significantly more successful than medical treatment alone.
KNOW YOUR ILLNESS
The pattern of IBS differs widely from person to person. That’s why it is important to observe what triggers your symptoms.
What to do…
Watch your diet. Not all IBS sufferers are affected by the same foods. For example, high-fiber fruits and vegetables can cause intestinal distress for some people, but these foods may help other IBS sufferers control constipation.
Keep a journal. Use a notebook to record when your symptoms flare up — and when they improve. At the same time, keep a record of triggers, such as diet and distressing events or emotions. Also, record how your symptoms affect you — do they limit your activities? What feelings do they arouse?
PERSONALIZED STRESS CONTROL
Stress and anxiety affect digestive function in perfectly healthy people — for example, it’s common to experience “butterflies in the stomach” before a speech. IBS sufferers are especially sensitive to such triggers. Your journal will allow you to track stressful situations that precipitate digestive distress so that you can think of ways to lessen their impact.
Example: For many people, rushing to be on time triggers an episode of cramps or diarrhea. To avoid this, try time management strategies, such as waking up a half hour to one hour earlier, so you have more time in the morning.
Other approaches…
Tend to your personal relationships. In our research, we have found that IBS patients with supportive families fare much better than patients whose family relationships are high in conflict. Try to identify areas of conflict in your intimate relationships and reduce the stress that can result. Be specific about the kinds of support you need from those who are close to you, such as help with dietary restrictions. Helpful: Don’t let concerns or disagreements fester. Talk out feelings about your illness and others’ reactions to it.
Relax. When anxiety and feelings of stress occur, it’s crucial to practice a relaxation technique. Helpful: Try meditation or yoga. Or distract yourself by listening to soothing music and/or reading.
Break the cycle. Many people who track their experiences find that stress triggers the first stirrings of abdominal discomfort, which then leads to anxiety that worsens IBS symptoms. Practicing a relaxation technique at such times is useful. Helpful: Try to recognize when symptoms start but don’t escalate — you will increase your sense of mastery and control.
SEE A PROFESSIONAL
Tell your doctor if you suffer recurrent abdominal discomfort or a change in bowel habits. There is no specific diagnostic tool for IBS, but your doctor may perform various tests, such as stool tests and imaging tests, to rule out other causes, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
If you have IBS and need more than self-help, you should consider psychotherapy to explore how IBS symptoms affect your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — which helps IBS sufferers identify thought patterns that may worsen their symptoms — and psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy — which explores conflicts, particularly in relation to how past experiences influence present coping behavior — are both effective. In addition, hypnotherapy may help.
IF YOU NEED MORE HELP
Medication also may be necessary to help control symptoms. The prescription drug alosetron (Lotronex) is available (with monitoring by your physician) if IBS causes severe diarrhea that has not responded to other treatments, such as antidiarrheal drugs. Other options…
Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), taken in low doses can calm the nerves that control intestinal function and reduce diarrhea and pain.
Antispasmodic drugs, such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), reduce intestinal contractions but often have limited effectiveness.
Diarrhea drugs, such as loperamide (Imodium), are available over-the-counter (OTC).
Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, help fight constipation.
Probiotics containing healthful bacteria, such as acidophilus, may help ease gas and bloating. Probiotics are available at health-food stores and most drugstores.
WHAT IS IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes diarrhea and/or constipation, bloating and abdominal cramps. IBS, also known as spastic colon or a nervous stomach, occurs when muscle contractions that move food through the intestine are too fast, too slow or erratic. Psychological distress is believed to worsen IBS symptoms.
*Patients who meet strict FDA-approved criteria can now be considered for restricted access to tegaserod.
Health interviewed Mary-Joan Gerson, PhD, clinical professor of psychology at New York University, and Charles D. Gerson, MD, clinical professor of medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, both in New York City. They are codirectors of the Mind-Body Digestive Center in New York City, which offers a comprehensive treatment program for digestive disorders.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Hi Mischa, I should’ve known you’d post this : ) I read the speech instead of watching it bc I wanted to catch the wording instead of the furvor, he’s quite charismatic and I’ll watch it now, didn’t want to get caught up in that part this am. The man is or has a brilliant speech writer that manages to capture his heart and soul and most importantly, that spirit of goodwill twoards all while stating obvious truths (the holocaust, hello I’m-a-dinnah-jacket). There’s lots of hope in there and I’m in, the rub is in implementing anything of value against a proportion of naysayers who may be conspiring against you (in that biz of uniting everyone as world citizens).
Moore, thanks for saying you’d like to meet me, I’ll take that as a compliment : ) I wanted to address what you said re: any one races needs (white) I’m white but frankly I don’t care what MY race needs anymore, it’s what this world needs, all citizenry’s color aside…for clarity for other women out there, when I say, ‘I’m done with it’ re: Sotomayor appointment, I only mean let’s keep the momentum going, old white rethugs will be atwitter and aghast and I personally cannot wait to witness that. It was in no way meant to minimize anyone’s story.
oudg, ni seac uoy iddtn etg ym ommntec no ouyr ites – I nca eadr yna iwhhc ayw eet eeh
Caio, Zen Lill
June 4th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Since we are speaking to of things that we are tired of. I am tired of hearing Ronald Reagan being compared to the great Presidents of our past. I am also tired of his being compared to Obama. His two terms are no where near the first 100 days of Obama.
I could not agree more with this comment I found on line. “Ronald Reagan was arguably one of the most mediocre presidents this nation ever had. President Obama operates from the opposite end of the quality spectrum from Mr. Reagan.”
Felton
June 4th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
About “Obama’s speech to the MUSLIMS WORLD IN MID-EAST” I went through the comments made by my fellow commenter”s. I also heard the reactions of world public over Electronic Media. I assessed that in general the speech delivered was well received throughout the world.
The President made a very passionate speech to the MUSLIM WORLD stretching out a genuine desire for friendship on the basis of mutual benefit and respect.
He also made clear that his speech is not going to solve the long outstanding unsolved issues of mistrust of the past. But by forgetting the past with a view to go forward hand in hand with friendship for mutual benefit and advancement of the world is the desire with which he has come to Cairo to announce and reach out to the MUSLIMS world.
His speech did touch many important aspects of world issues and issues circling around religious misunderstandings, terrorism, and also ISRAEL- PALESTINE dispute. From his speech it was quite evident that he sticks to his earlier pronouncement..
Hamas”s spokesman said the speech was a landmark speech. He said when PLESTINIANS do not have a state the question of recognizing Israeli state should not arise.
I was shocked when an Israeli lady saying Obama can say what he wants to but the Israel government will have to hear what Israel”s people says. Will it mean “Go to hell with your flowery Speech and two state solution, Israel will do whatever Israel wants.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I challange both the left and the right to go and read the speeches of Reagan as he worked with the USSR and ended the Cold War. You must read every one of them to see that he and Obama are following the same path. At first he has some strong words but then you will see he changed his words. In fact….he used “CHANGE” and “HOPE” Go Figure.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Here we go again. White boys trying to throw Reagan in as equal to Obama and Kennedy.
Helena
June 4th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
yes, but then reagan led us down a long road to economic disaster. ‘Trickle down’ my a$$
June 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
“trickle down” = if you live in the top of the hill, piss. on them.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I know why Republicans keep digging up Reagan… It’s not pretty.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
You can find out what Reagan said by watching Peggy Noonan on the Sunday talking head parade.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
This speach is the last straw for me. I supported Obama in the last election, but I now see that he is intent on destroying & humiliating the United States of America. The President has a plan to not only bankrupt the government and improverish its citizens, but also to remake us into a weak and feckless society …. and he is executing his plan with precision. I really don’t think there will still be a United States after his term in office is finished. Not only has he lost my vote in the next election, but I will work tirelessly to see that his is not re-elected.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
What didn’t you like about the speech exactly?
June 4th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Are you trying to be Colbert?
June 4th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
bu$hCo bankrupt the Government….it started LAST YEAR
June 4th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
You didn’t support the Prez, you can’t spell speech.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
You didn’t vote for him.
And I think you and I heard different speeches. We have not always been right–do you have a problem about someone saying that out loud?
June 4th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
When will the pundits start suggesting that cheney’s dialogue is about staying out of jail?
I for one am tired of hearing them give this war criminal the benefit of the doubt. If we can assume that OJ was guilty on circumstantial evidence then, we should be able to assume Cheney is guilty on the facts.
Bob.
June 4th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Thank you Bob. Oh the double standard. Rosie O’Donnell was driven from “The View” because she said that bush was “the terrorist.”
We were told that she was disrespectful to the office of the President. I guess there are new standards now that the office is occupied by a black man.
Whites have called Obama everything but a child of God. And their is no limit to what they can accuse Obama of. He is fair game for white displeasure.
No matter, we white women still love you Mr. President.
Mandy
June 5th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Anna, I got my quarter. Thanks for the alert. I live in Virginia. It gets very cold here. I do look forward to your comments. I tell my friends to check it out. Have you and Peter thought of doing your own blog. There are some good ones out there about Guam.
I haven’t met any other people from Guam here. I haven’t even met any who know that Guam is part of America. But I bought a bunch of quarters and when I am questioned about the citizenship of those from Guam i will give them a quarter.
My brother says that I am addicted to this blog because it bashes men. That is not true. I like it because of the personalities. It has men too, Anonz, Howie, Al (he is too funny sometimes), crazy George, and Robert to name a few.
I introduced my mother to it after she showed me her old star trek memorabilia. She grew up on Guam but made frequent trips to the mainland with her father so she had an opportunity to amass a pretty big collection.
Mother turned 60 (“the big six O”) in may. We went to the new star trek movie to celebrate. She said that for twenty years she hoped to have an ET experience. I want to thank you Michelle for making her feel that she has now had that.
Mother loves your blog. She spends hours reading back comments. She has very busy days because she is very involved in politics. Since my father passed away two years ago, she has been deeply involved in running the business. We have had to fire more than 200 people because of the economy. She has been heart broken over it.
So Michelle, your blog has been a big help for her emotionally. She laughs a lot now when she tells me about something she read before I became a fan. Thanks for making my mother happy again.
Charlie