[SupplySider]

I thought this was a beautiful gesture by President Obama. India has 1.1 billion citizens. It's the largest Democracy in the world, and an ally in the war against Islamic extremism. This is their major holiday, and I'm sure this will spread immense good will.

In India, people bow to parents, teachers, guests, everyone. I found the president's honoring of that tradition perfectly appropriate.

[Psycho_Bunny]

The Brhadaranyaka Upanishad is one of my favorites.

[krb]

Do they set off fireworks in India on July 4th?

[lefty-lie-spy]

Many of friends and colleagues are Indian, so no offense meant, but this white house is the collective poster children for ass-kissing.

Where’s that “loser” pic again?

[VOA]

“It’s the largest Democracy in the world, and an ally in the war
against Islamic extremism. This is their major holiday, and
I’m sure this will spread immense good will. “

I agree. And will keep trying to explain this to my beloved flyover-country
relatives and friends.
India...IMHO, not perfect, but in that regard resembles another
prominent democracy.
OK, a “representative republic”. Yeah, I’m talking about our USA.

Things ain’t perfect in India or the USA.
But somehow I doubt either party will initiate a mutual armed conflict
while each works it’s way (however blindly!) to a better method of
goverance.

Just my humble (and VERY FALLIBLE HUMAN) thoughts on these weighty matters.
That are far above my pay-grade as an “average Joe”.

[rintense]

Anyone want to be he doesn’t light the WH Christmas tree? In fact, I’d bet the traditional Christmas tree display will be replaced by a display of all religions in the US.

[shibumi]

"I thought this was a beautiful gesture by President Obama."

Horse Hockey.

This is a religious shell game, insulting to those who actually practice these fine traditions.

With one hand he holds your attention. With the other he holds Athame.

[grey_whiskers]

Obama's favorite Hindu quote:

"I am become debt, the destroyer of economies." /sarc>

Cheers!

[Erasmus]

Well, at least it wasn’t the Grail-shaped beacon.

[TheRobb7]

I would approve of this cermony happening in the White House only if on July 4, 2010:

1. that Obama travel to India and

2. lead the Indian goverment in setting off fireworks and

3. eating a boatload of BBQ to celebrate a great American holiday.

Fair’s fair.....right?

[DannyTN]

The founding fathers are turning over in their graves. In fact, if we could harnest that rotation since Obama took office, we could solve the energy crisis.

[mewzilla]

I found the president's honoring of that tradition perfectly appropriate.

Which makes me wonder why Barry really did it...

[exit82]

Diwali lamp?

What—no DiBeaver lamp?

[SupplySider]

I heard that the YouTube video of Obama's short East Wing Diwali talk is now the second most downloaded in India. I've spoken with Indian American friends who greatly appreciated it.

Perhaps Obama had his eye on politics, but I think this was also a sincere gesture of good will, and was taken as such by millions of people.

[OKSooner]

Yeah, it seems like he embraces every religious tradition that doesn’t include Jesus Christ.