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I have a dream - How will future historians view Barack Obama's speech in Cairo on June 4, 2009?

Asked by mattbrowne (31732points) June 4th, 2009

In my opinion it was a historical speech and I’m very impressed. Maybe future historians will view Barack Obama’s Cairo speech as equally important as the “I have a dream” speech of Martin Luther King. Because the dream of today’s speech is also about a day in the future when all people regardless of their faith will live in peace. I think Obama has touched all the hearts of well-meaning Arabs and Muslims around the world, as well as all well-meaning Israelis and Europeans and Americans.

If you haven’t seen it on tv here’s a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSccv9px3aA&feature=channel

and the text can be found here

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/us/politics/04obama.text.html

Here’s the most important part at the end:

I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn’t worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

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.

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