Norman Singer http://www.jta.org/user/profile/7158 en-us zsilberman@washingtonjewishweek.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 While I also find parts of the President's speech uncomfortable, I suggest that, to understand him, we need to accept that, when viewed objectively, we Jews come out better than the Radical Muslims. Please, go through his speech and count the statements that are favorable to Israel (and by this I mean the Nation of us, as well as the Country), then add those that are sympathetic to Israel, and finally add those that embody truths that I and everyone I know has longed to hear stated openly. Statements that identify the malicious character and history of the 'Militants'. Yes, of course he did give some strokes to the Muslims. To NOT do so would have been downright uncivil, and could well have caused an uprising. I believe that he also employed a social strategy that one of my dearest friends has taught me, "compliment someone for having done that which you dearly wish they WOULD do." Weird? Sure, but sometimes, the person hears it and likes the sound of it, and proceeds to try to act accordingly. In this instance, if this gentle strategy doesn't work, there are always sterner methods. I applaud our President for having the courage to speak truths, and to try gentle persuasion in the bosom of terror. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00