On Sunday night President Obama addressed the nation concerning the growing threat of the so-called Islamic State in particular and of militant, Islamic extremism in general. He spoke of our need to better fight extremism online, abroad, and in our community. He discussed how the United States is working with France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and even Russia to fight the dangers posed by ISIL. There were many takeaways from the speech including a focus on gun control, the potential usage of American troops in Syria and Iraq, and calling on congress to take action authorizing more resources for the continued fight against ISIL. These are enormous issues, so big that it may seem that there is little the average citizen can do to help, but this isn't the case. Another part of the speech focused on keeping true to our American values and our traditions.
The President asked that Americans remember that there is a very real difference between Islamic terrorists and the vast majority of Muslims. That being said he also pointed out that there is a growing, radicalized ideal within Islam that the Muslim community, both in the United States and around the world, must come to terms with and battle against. He argued that we must not give in to fear and react to this danger by changing our values. Giving people religious tests, making them register, or putting their places of worship under surveillance are counter to American values and America law, and he summarized this point by saying we are all equal in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the law.
What are your thoughts concerning the President's remarks. You can watch his speech below.
(Starts off with just Audio, the video comes on around the 2:50 mark)
The President asked that Americans remember that there is a very real difference between Islamic terrorists and the vast majority of Muslims. That being said he also pointed out that there is a growing, radicalized ideal within Islam that the Muslim community, both in the United States and around the world, must come to terms with and battle against. He argued that we must not give in to fear and react to this danger by changing our values. Giving people religious tests, making them register, or putting their places of worship under surveillance are counter to American values and America law, and he summarized this point by saying we are all equal in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the law.
What are your thoughts concerning the President's remarks. You can watch his speech below.
(Starts off with just Audio, the video comes on around the 2:50 mark)