Obama marks end of Muslim holy month (requests help with Pakistan floods & for religious tolerance)

[Turborama]

Source: USA Today

President Obama has issued a statement on Eid-ul-Fitr, along with a request for help with the Pakistan floods and a plea for religious tolerance worldwide.

The statement:

As Ramadan comes to an end, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslims in the United States and around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. It is a time of self-reflection focusing on the values that Muslims and people of all faiths share -- charity, community, cooperation and compassion.

This year's Eid is also an occasion to reflect on the importance of religious tolerance and to recognize the positive role that religious communities of all faiths, including Muslims, have played in American life.

On this Eid, those devastated by the recent floods in Pakistan will be on the minds of many around the world. To help in the tremendous relief, recovery, and reconstruction effort for the floods, all Americans can participate by donating to the Pakistan Relief Fund at www.state.gov.

On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak.

Read more: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/09/obama-marks-end-of-muslim-holy-month/1

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[thereismore]

1. heads exploding all across this great christian nation... nt

[nyy1998]

2. What more proof do you need that he's a Muslim!

:sarcasm:

[Dr.Phool]

3. I noticed we've delivered about five aid packages to Pakistan, the last few days.

Via drone, packaged in Hellfire missiles.

Talk about a mixed message.

[Turborama]

4. Why would someone unrec this?

Please explain yourself.

[Igel]

5. Let's not forget that he must be Jewish. Too.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/09/obama-extends-best-wishes-for-rosh-hashanah/1

Then again, the two statements don't really say the same thing. One calls upon a group to help itself and recognize itself; the other calls upon a second group to recognize its special relationship, and to help others and work for I/P peace. In fact, with a few differences (specifically the Pak reference) the two *could* statements be made essentially interchangeable and still be perfectly fitting and acceptable. I wonder why they're not?

[OhioChick]

6. K&R n/t