R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

United States president Barack Obama just capped off an overseas trip in two predominately Muslim countries, Turkey and Iraq.  Although the visit to Iraq was unannounced and mostly for troop morale, his visit to Turkey was to make a statement.  In fact, he said that he planned this Turkey visit to be the last stop on his long journey to make a statement. His statement, as he explained it was to show the world the model of a relationship between two countries that bridge the gap between the East and the West.  The question that we find ourselves asking over and over again is: Why is it that no one is burning an American flag when Obama visit their country? Why is it that no one is burning effigies of Obama? Why is it that no one is throwing shoes at Obama?

Short answer is: RESPECT. Obama did not offend, insult or crucify an group of people except for those who mean harm to America. He extended an olive branch to almost all of America's enemies to come to the table and discuss issues and differences with respect. He didn't claim that God is talking to him and he didn't claim that he can see anybodies soul by looking through their eyes. Some people are calling what Obama is doing: Weakening America, I disagree. Because when you extend an olive branch to North Korea and they decline, you instantly get the global support Bush never had. To do the right thing, does not necessarily mean you will get the desired result but nevertheless, you have to do the right thing. 

Sure torturing an "enemy combatant" might get better results in the short run but you will alienate your country and people from the rest of the world as outcasts and war criminals in the long run.  What makes us great has never been reaching for what is easy but for what is right. We used to define our honor and dignity by whether we do the right thing, now we define the right thing by what we do.