That really ruined his speech, IMHO. Islam has nothing to do with freedom and liberty. It only seeks to kill it. It has ZERO to do with our heritage or ideals. It has no place in an Inauguration Speech. Period.
Did you forget to add "and rushed right to FR to find a thread to whine about it on?"
Go away.
Religions do not offend me, it is people who have that effect.
Islam's teachers, at least many of them, have the burden of blame and their students have the burden of change.
The religion, is not to blame for the actions of followers who interpret it, nor the actions and writings of a false prophet.
These things can and must be addressed within the confines of the religion and not by us.
We can only give them the opportunity, it is they who must take it.
Bush and others recognize this and act, advise and speak accordingly
The President directed his remarks in part to American Muslims as well as to Muslims in the Middle East who wonder if America is truly committed to the cause for freedom for every nation under the sun. If there was an doubt about America's resolve, it was removed today. This will not sit well with the terrorist insurgents in Iraq and with the American Left. But America is on the side of those who wish to live in freedom uncowed by tyrants armed with knives, guns and bombs. The power of freedom in America's example is for once, mightier than the sword.
Why not mention the Koran? His mention of it is not a judgement of it. Why not send a message to the Muslims of good will in the world, however many there may be. My friend from Jordan appreciated it and is a big Bush supporter. I think it's silly to think that the President was elevating Islam or the Koran by including it in this speech. Yours seems like a knee-jerk reaction to me.