We’re Not a Christian Nation, But Now We’re a Muslim Nation?

Okay, so a few weeks ago I expressed some disappointment with some of President Obama’s words on his last tour. I even put out a press release about it. SO here I go again.

Last time he said, “We [Americans] do not consider ourselves a Christian nation…” Okay, I understand the context, although I probably would have not even said that or at east said it differently.

This week while touring the Middle East again he did an interview with a French Television show. He said, “And one of the points I want to make is, is that if you actually took
the number of Muslims Americans, we’d be one of the largest Muslim
countries in the world.” (you can read the White House transcript here)

I am VERY confused now. I know, I know. I don’t have the intellect to understand the intricacies of communicating on the world-stage. I’m just a two-bit writer pushing mediocre pros. But let me try.

First, let me talk about the facts.

There are about 2-3 million Muslims in the USA. That is less than 1%. Not to be picky, but that statement is not even close to being true.

Second, let me deal with the statement.

Why in the heck would he say this? (here I go again) This is crazy and inconsistent, isn’t it? It seems like pandering to me. And I think the leaders in the region can see this.

Once again, I believe the words were meant to be inclusive and build bridges. But does it highlight weakness, distrust, and condescension instead? I don’t know, but I don’t think this region will make peace because of style and charm.

Which is it? Are we a nation of people with faith or aren’t we? Can we consider ourselves as such or not? Or only when it helps our agenda? And if is so, let’s get the numbers and examples at least relatively accurate. I’m not expecting perfection. I am all for using the art of exaggeration tastefully to communicate an important point (I do it all the time). But there is a line that can be crossed when it becomes almost untrue.

I have no rephrasing or better way to say what I think the intent of this statement was meant to be. I think this would have been better unsaid.

Then again, maybe something like this would have been better, “We are a nation of many faiths that have learned to live together in peace. It is something I am committed to promoting throughout the world.”