Let there be light
I am writing in response to the article written by Marieme Helle Lucas published on Monday, June 8, 2009. I am saddened by her disappointment with the discourse President Obama delivered in Cairo.
The fact is that the entire world, irrespective of cast, creed, nationality and religion, is applauding the boldness and the goodness of his speech. That the speech which has left millions of people around the globe mesmerized should be of no significance to her has left me to come up with only one conclusion: Ms. Lucas did not listen to it carefully, nor did she read the text. If she did, a person of her stature would surely have captured the essence of the speech.
According to her, the President's speech did not address women's rights. She referred to cases in Iran, Algeria, Pakistan and Indonesia where women were penalized for not covering their faces. She accused the President for not addressing these issues, because the laws of those countries adversely affect the freedom of women. She also said that the discourse would simply encourage Islamic fundamentalists.
I would like to quote the President at this point: “I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice.” This statement sums up the fact that no one should impose anything on anyone and respect free will and individual choices. He repeatedly emphasized the word “choice” in his speech as can be seen in the statement above.
The world is standing at a crucial point right now. All this time there was a deficiency of true leadership. However, I insist on believing that all that is about to change. We, the people of the world, are hoping to see better days. We want to believe that peace is finally on its way. We would like to “re-imagine” the world. As dutiful global citizens, we should embrace and empower any man who has the courage to step forward and show us that glimmer of hope, not bang him on the head with a sledge-hammer. I heartily, albeit respectfully, disagree with, Ms. Lucas and people like her because that's exactly what their underlying intentions are: Sabotage.
With utmost reverence, I would also like to request you not to publish such articles because at this crucial stage we cannot afford to take any risks of confusing the young minds. They are the ones who will help change the world.
I know this may be a little long-winding, but I want to conclude my letter with another of President Obama's quotes:
“I know there are many who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply sceptical that real change can occur.”
Let's just hope that we are NOT one of them. The sun has been eclipsed for too long. Now, let there be light.
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