The same man who says he reveres Ted Kennedy is the same man who says Islam is a religion of peace and is the same man who says China is America's trusted friend in the war on terrorism. Is there a pattern here?
If the man does not believe what he says but is trying to appease his enemies, it is starting to seem a little transparent, would you not say? Why should the enemies take him seriously with his flatteries? Is it not unwise for the man to prop up America's enemies for too long? Does it not eventually send the wrong message and embolden the enemies?
If the man believes what he says, then watch out America because this would mean the man really is a friend of America's mortal enemies-Kennedy socialism, Chinese espionage and support of terrorism, and Islamic terrorism.
If the man were ever to try to flatter me, should I take that to mean he thinks I am truly his friend, or one of his enemies?
After a time, words do mean something, words do have an effect, for good or for bad, even if hypocritcal or contradictory and spoken by a politician.
Do not read the man's lips, read what comes out of both sides of his mouth.
And also don't forget the size of the mandate he has to work with.
Regarding Islam, fyi. . .
Q&A: Islamic fundamentalism
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/597064/posts
Excerpt:
1. What is the Islamic concept of "jihad," and how has it been variously interpreted?
Jihad means "striving or struggling in the way of God." It is a central concept in Islam. Muslims should strive to know and do the will of God. Historically, the "greater" jihad refers to the struggle each person has within him or herself to do what is right. Because of human pride, selfishness and sinfulness, people of faith must constantly wrestle with themselves and strive to do what is right and good. The "lesser" jihad involves the outward defense of Islam. Muslims should be prepared to defend Islam, including military defense, when the community of faith is under attack. While the vast majority of Muslims clearly reject the violent extremism manifest on Sept. 11, some religiously inspired and politically motivated individuals and groups attempt to justify their behavior in the context of a holy war or struggle in defense of Islam.
[More in link above]