President Obama started his first full day in office with an Ecumenical Prayer Service at the National Cathedral. This is of course a tradition that is of long standing. However, it seems the President and his staff went the extra mile to create a truly unique and diverse ecumenical service. There were representatives of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Blacks and women were included. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Washington, the presiding Episcopalian Bishop, and the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church participated. Evangelical and main line protestant denominations were represented. The principal homily was given by a woman. Clearly there was an outreach to all believers that they be included in recognizing and blessing the work that the President was about to undertake. Perhaps there may be some lessons for Pope Benedict XVI in the need to fully embrace the call to ecumenism as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council.
An outgrowth of the Second Vatican Council in the mid 60's was the growth of the Ecumenical Movement. There were council documents describing the relation of the Catholic Church to other Christians and also to Jews and other world religions. In the United States there were meetings, dialogues, ecumenical services, and special prelates assigned to further the movement of ecumenism. The focus of course was the Gospel of John and the directive of Jesus at the last supper 'that all may be one.'
Over time enthusiasm seemed to wane as there appeared to be few tangible results. However, more progress had actually been made than is generally known. One result at the time that affected many of my friends in my home town of Dunbar, West Virginia, was that the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB) ceased to exist as it became subsumed into the United Methodist Church. A minor point, perhaps, but I always believed it demonstrated the essence of ecumenism that a particular denonmination was willing to sacrifice its own identity in order that all may be one. Others might do well to heed that example.
Additionally, many official dialogues were established that involved the Catholic Church meeting with Anglicans and with Lutherans. These groups explored such issues as the Eucharist, papal authority, the validity of priestly ordinations, etc. While many disagreements of course remained the degree of agreement on many of these issues was remarkable. Just one example was an agreement between Catholics and Lutherans on the doctrine of Justification by Faith. The notion that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone has always been a major stumbling block between Catholics and Lutherans since the days of Martin Luther. Yet this commision was able to discern that Catholics and Lutherans actually believe the same thing when it comes to faith and salvation. Dialogue does matter.
Today progress in Ecumenism is essentially nonexistent in the Church. Pope Benedict XVI seems fearful of interchanges with other faiths. He does not even want to call other Christian communities Churches, and seems to fear that such contact may diminish the identity of Catholicism as the only true Church. Fear that a non-Catholic may partake of the Eucharist holds us back from embodying the message of charity which is the Eucharist. This reality suggests that just as in the presidency we are moving to a new generation of leadership, so also in the Church, we may have need of leadership that is not afraid to engage with the world in which we live.
His recent interview with El Arabyia is another example of the ecumenical thrust of President Obama's approach to people of different faiths, ethnicity, and culture. He states and exemplifies the characteristics which are critical for meaningful ecumenism. He speaks of listening and treating everyone with respect. He notes that you cannot enter such a dialogue or negotiation with an intent to dictate the terms of the relationship. Even going back to the campaign he constantly emphasized the need to avoid pre conditions and approach any such relationship with an open mind. Such traits are valuable in all human interactions, in world diplomacy, and in ecumenical relations.
Too much time has been wasted by the diminution of our ecumenical endeavors. A bold initiative is needed instead of the timidity that marks our Church today. Are we afraid we might lose our faith? Is it that weak? Are we afraid others might have something to teach us? The whole idea in entering into ecumenism is to put aside pre conceptions and have a true dialogue. John Paul II exemplified his most core belief in insisting on the worth, value and dignity of every human being. He never failed to stress the importance of this point no matter where he may have traveled. It is impossible to truly value the individual and not believe that they need to be listened to, and that they have something of value to say. That can't be done if one is clinging desperately to viewpoints that are holding us back.
I believe the time has come for the Church to begin that bold adventure of seeking engagement with the Christian Churches with whom we share so much of our faith. There is much that can still be derived from this nearly defunct ecumenical movement that is positive. Fear of the possibility of change is keeping us from making progress. Yet we are never as true to the best that is in us, than when we let go of our fears and reach out to others with a genuine desire 'that all may be one.'
Friday, January 30, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Inauguration Notes II
Expectations were sky high for President Obama's inaugural address. It was like going to a movie you were led to believe was great and being disappointed, except Barack Obama did not disappoint. He provided a heavy dose of realism, yet followed it with stirring rhetoric affirming that together as Americans we would rise to the occasion. He called on all of us to roll up our sleeves and get to work with him. He issued a clear call to action. For some it may have seemed a bit too somber for such a joyous moment, but it was actually a masterful job of toning down expectations while at the same time speaking confidently of our collective ability as Americans to successfully tackle all challenges coming our way.
Another major theme of the new President's speech was a call to service. He recalled John Kennedy's admonition to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". Young people especially appear to be responding to this call. Many responded a day earlier to the National Day of Service on Martin Luther King day. The President led the way by visiting wounded soldiers and painting a room at a homeless shelter for teens. The concept of service is important to his agenda as it reiterates his theme of all of us having a part to play and sacrifices to make in turning things around in this country.
What has especially caught my attention, however, is the recognition that with President Obama the nation is being governed by a new generation. As I suggested in my previous blog we have not seen such a generational shift since the Kennedy Inaugural. Tom Brokaw, NBC News Correspondent, and others have made much of the fact that many of the issues that faced the Baby Boomers have not been a part of the living memory of Barack Obama and the legions of young people who supported him. Vietnam and the assasinations of the 60's are vividly etched in the minds of baby boomers and pre baby boomers like myself.
This reality was brought home to me by my son who noted early in the Bush administration, at a time when I was beginning to wonder, that George Bush was not evil. He insisted that George Bush was a good man trying to do the right thing for his country just as all presidents before him had done. It was hard for me to explain that Republicans had said Bill Clinton was evil and that somehow I had to return the favor. How could I explain that I didn't start the culture wars, but I had been caught up in them, and was among those who had taken sides.
My issues were not part of where my son was, and it is not where President Obama is. In his inaugural he referenced the words of St. Paul from Corinthians, "it is time to put away childish things". The old stale arguments are no longer acceptable. We must all look beyond where we've been to find new and effective solutions to long standing problems, and clearly a new generation without the baggage of the 60's is necessary to lead this new endeavor. My nephew, who was just elected to congress on a platform of not choosing between right or left, but between right or wrong, also exemplifies this new generation that is now in the ascendancy.
The old partisan issues remain, but the familiar knee jerk reactions from both sides need to be put aside to reach compromise and move on. So we would all do well to read St. Paul again and grow up as the President admonishes. We still have a few tidbits of wisdom that we can pass on to the new generation, and certainly our voices need to be heard. If we can recall what we felt during those early heady days of the 60's and especially the successes of the civil rights movement, perhaps we will be able to join together with this new generation to help realize the promise of America.
Congratulations to the new President and to congress. Surely disagreements will occur, but working together they just might be able to build that shining city on the hill.
Another major theme of the new President's speech was a call to service. He recalled John Kennedy's admonition to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". Young people especially appear to be responding to this call. Many responded a day earlier to the National Day of Service on Martin Luther King day. The President led the way by visiting wounded soldiers and painting a room at a homeless shelter for teens. The concept of service is important to his agenda as it reiterates his theme of all of us having a part to play and sacrifices to make in turning things around in this country.
What has especially caught my attention, however, is the recognition that with President Obama the nation is being governed by a new generation. As I suggested in my previous blog we have not seen such a generational shift since the Kennedy Inaugural. Tom Brokaw, NBC News Correspondent, and others have made much of the fact that many of the issues that faced the Baby Boomers have not been a part of the living memory of Barack Obama and the legions of young people who supported him. Vietnam and the assasinations of the 60's are vividly etched in the minds of baby boomers and pre baby boomers like myself.
This reality was brought home to me by my son who noted early in the Bush administration, at a time when I was beginning to wonder, that George Bush was not evil. He insisted that George Bush was a good man trying to do the right thing for his country just as all presidents before him had done. It was hard for me to explain that Republicans had said Bill Clinton was evil and that somehow I had to return the favor. How could I explain that I didn't start the culture wars, but I had been caught up in them, and was among those who had taken sides.
My issues were not part of where my son was, and it is not where President Obama is. In his inaugural he referenced the words of St. Paul from Corinthians, "it is time to put away childish things". The old stale arguments are no longer acceptable. We must all look beyond where we've been to find new and effective solutions to long standing problems, and clearly a new generation without the baggage of the 60's is necessary to lead this new endeavor. My nephew, who was just elected to congress on a platform of not choosing between right or left, but between right or wrong, also exemplifies this new generation that is now in the ascendancy.
The old partisan issues remain, but the familiar knee jerk reactions from both sides need to be put aside to reach compromise and move on. So we would all do well to read St. Paul again and grow up as the President admonishes. We still have a few tidbits of wisdom that we can pass on to the new generation, and certainly our voices need to be heard. If we can recall what we felt during those early heady days of the 60's and especially the successes of the civil rights movement, perhaps we will be able to join together with this new generation to help realize the promise of America.
Congratulations to the new President and to congress. Surely disagreements will occur, but working together they just might be able to build that shining city on the hill.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Inauguration Notes
John Kennedy was sworn in as President in early 1961 and we saw the torch being passed to a new generation. It was a time of enormous promise that was cut short with assasinations and Vietnam. Now a new era is dawning. The era of Obama. The mood of the country is upbeat in the face of daunting challenges. We are told that up to 80% or more of the population is looking favorably on this new administration. There is a sense that all of our problems will be solved once the new president is sworn in. Miracles are expected in abundance. Even those who don't expect miracles and who didn't vote for Obama, somehow still have faith that good things are going to happen. It is Camelot once again, and this time we believe the promise will be realized.
Part of this feeling is the desire of almost everyone to see George Bush ride off into the sunset. Part of it is the realization that so much is wrong in our country today that we desperately need a new beginning. President-elect Obama has done more 'presidenting' during this transition period than any president-elect I know about. Yet the American people seem to feel that under the circumstances his actions have been not only appropriate, but necessary. He has been careful to wisely avoid any involvement in foreign affairs, deferring to the one president at a time principle. Clearly, however, if ever there was a president that was ready to hit the ground running, Barack Obama appears to be that president.
We are learning that this administration is not perfect. Glitches in the cabinet appointments of Bill Richardson, Eric Holder, and Tim Geithner suggest that our new president to be is perhaps human after all. He also had a great deal of difficulty getting the second phase of the bailout money, and the stimulus package does not appear to be a slam dunk. All this before inauguration day. Yet, somehow there is a feeling that he has things under control, and that while there will no doubt be compromises and disappointments, he is in charge and will calmly work to achieve his goals.
As we move into this inauguration week, there are some indications as to where we might be headed on this remarkable journey. We begin with the scheduled train trip through Philadelphia and Baltimore to Washington. The Lincoln connection is highlighted. The cabinet selections have recalled the team of rivals. The intention to work across the aisles and reach out to Republicans has been evident. President-elect Obama seems determined to be president of all the people. The invitation to Evangelist Rick Warren to pray at the inauguration is suggestive of this desire. More and more it appears that Obama will be governing from the center. His approach will be pragmatic rather than ideological. He has made clear that he is determined to find and implement the best ideas, and expects that his performance will be evaluated on the basis of whether his programs are producing results.
Job one is a hoped for major victory on his economic stimulus plan. So far,it does not look like he has meaningful Republican support. The American people seem ambivalent at best. He needs to do a better job of selling this package. So far he has told us that things may get worse before they get better. He says only government can solve this problem, but Republicans are saying we can't spend our way out of recession, and the spending will balloon the deficit with disastrous results.
He needs to tell us in ways we can understand and accept why Republicans are wrong. He needs to explain why even what at other times may be considered pork may give the economy just the lift that is currently needed. We need a fireside chat. We need a Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton convincing us that these are the right steps to take at this time. It is not so much inspiring rhetoric that is needed now, but nuts and bolts explanations of what needs to be done and why. He needs to explain what he is getting ready to do the way it might be explained to a group of fifth grade students. People want to buy in to what he is selling, which should make it easier to bring them on board. A town hall meeting might be a good format to answer legitimate questions and make us feel like we are all in this together.
Thus begins the hard work of translating the excitement of a new presidency into making things work for the American people. It is a good thing that this President is ready to go to work because there is no time to waste.
Part of this feeling is the desire of almost everyone to see George Bush ride off into the sunset. Part of it is the realization that so much is wrong in our country today that we desperately need a new beginning. President-elect Obama has done more 'presidenting' during this transition period than any president-elect I know about. Yet the American people seem to feel that under the circumstances his actions have been not only appropriate, but necessary. He has been careful to wisely avoid any involvement in foreign affairs, deferring to the one president at a time principle. Clearly, however, if ever there was a president that was ready to hit the ground running, Barack Obama appears to be that president.
We are learning that this administration is not perfect. Glitches in the cabinet appointments of Bill Richardson, Eric Holder, and Tim Geithner suggest that our new president to be is perhaps human after all. He also had a great deal of difficulty getting the second phase of the bailout money, and the stimulus package does not appear to be a slam dunk. All this before inauguration day. Yet, somehow there is a feeling that he has things under control, and that while there will no doubt be compromises and disappointments, he is in charge and will calmly work to achieve his goals.
As we move into this inauguration week, there are some indications as to where we might be headed on this remarkable journey. We begin with the scheduled train trip through Philadelphia and Baltimore to Washington. The Lincoln connection is highlighted. The cabinet selections have recalled the team of rivals. The intention to work across the aisles and reach out to Republicans has been evident. President-elect Obama seems determined to be president of all the people. The invitation to Evangelist Rick Warren to pray at the inauguration is suggestive of this desire. More and more it appears that Obama will be governing from the center. His approach will be pragmatic rather than ideological. He has made clear that he is determined to find and implement the best ideas, and expects that his performance will be evaluated on the basis of whether his programs are producing results.
Job one is a hoped for major victory on his economic stimulus plan. So far,it does not look like he has meaningful Republican support. The American people seem ambivalent at best. He needs to do a better job of selling this package. So far he has told us that things may get worse before they get better. He says only government can solve this problem, but Republicans are saying we can't spend our way out of recession, and the spending will balloon the deficit with disastrous results.
He needs to tell us in ways we can understand and accept why Republicans are wrong. He needs to explain why even what at other times may be considered pork may give the economy just the lift that is currently needed. We need a fireside chat. We need a Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton convincing us that these are the right steps to take at this time. It is not so much inspiring rhetoric that is needed now, but nuts and bolts explanations of what needs to be done and why. He needs to explain what he is getting ready to do the way it might be explained to a group of fifth grade students. People want to buy in to what he is selling, which should make it easier to bring them on board. A town hall meeting might be a good format to answer legitimate questions and make us feel like we are all in this together.
Thus begins the hard work of translating the excitement of a new presidency into making things work for the American people. It is a good thing that this President is ready to go to work because there is no time to waste.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Spotlight on Immigration
In a January 5th editorial in the Baltimore Sun the new Archbishop of Baltimore, Edwin F. O'Brien takes up the issue of immigration. I was very encouraged to see the Archbishop wade into such a critical issue. He stressed the need for quick action on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, though he acknowledged that the economy is clearly the number one concern of the moment. He indicated his support for the proposal passed by the senate which failed in the House prior to the election. The goals of the Archbishop are in line with that failed legislation including a path to citizenship, a guest worker program and tougher border security. His concerns are for the dignity of the individual and the welfare of families, especially ensuring that families be able to stay together if at all possible.
What a great issue for the Church to get involved in. I am reminded of Lawrence Cardinal Sheehan addressing city government on the need for open housing legislation for African Americans in the late 60's or early 70's. The Church stood for the rights of people, and for ensuring that the poor and oppressed were treated with justice and fairness. Immigration is such an issue. The fact that it involves large numbers of Hispanics, who in large measure tend to be Catholic, is interesting, but standing up for the rights of the oppressed is no less important whether it involves Church members or not. In the case of Cardinal Sheehan he was actually challenged by rank and file Catholics who were upset by his stance. African Americans constituted only a small percentage of church membership. In this case the demagoguery of the likes of CNN's Lou Dobbs and others, who may have been much too successful in killing solid immigration reform need to be challenged. I applaud the Archbishop for raising his voice against those who spew hate against those different from themselves, and for recognizing the need for a commonsense and just approach to dealing with real border issues and the human needs of people and families who find themselves in our midst.
I am particularly heartened to find the Archbishop acknowledging the importance of issues other than abortion. Too often, especially during the recent campaign, we hear that abortion supercedes all other issues. Nothing else matters. But it does. People who are unable to feed their living children matter. Bombs dropping on women and children in Gaza matter. Injustices done to the powerless by people in power matter. The fact that the Archbishop was able to recognize that economic concerns deserve to be the new administration's top priority is refreshing. Putting immigration reform high on the list as well, without ever mentioning the abortion issue is truly positive.
I wanted to acknowledge the good work of the Archbishop on this issue. Archbishop O'Brien had a rather inauspicious beginning here in Baltimore when he abruptly removed a popular pastor just after he arrived on the scene. His actions since that time suggest that he has decided to be a good pastor to his flock rather than impress us with his ability to exercise the 'power of his office'. I believe that is a much more efficacious pattern of service, and I pray that it will continue. In the meantime I join with the Archbishop in encouraging the new administration to bring about comprehensive and equitable immigration reform as quickly as possible.
What a great issue for the Church to get involved in. I am reminded of Lawrence Cardinal Sheehan addressing city government on the need for open housing legislation for African Americans in the late 60's or early 70's. The Church stood for the rights of people, and for ensuring that the poor and oppressed were treated with justice and fairness. Immigration is such an issue. The fact that it involves large numbers of Hispanics, who in large measure tend to be Catholic, is interesting, but standing up for the rights of the oppressed is no less important whether it involves Church members or not. In the case of Cardinal Sheehan he was actually challenged by rank and file Catholics who were upset by his stance. African Americans constituted only a small percentage of church membership. In this case the demagoguery of the likes of CNN's Lou Dobbs and others, who may have been much too successful in killing solid immigration reform need to be challenged. I applaud the Archbishop for raising his voice against those who spew hate against those different from themselves, and for recognizing the need for a commonsense and just approach to dealing with real border issues and the human needs of people and families who find themselves in our midst.
I am particularly heartened to find the Archbishop acknowledging the importance of issues other than abortion. Too often, especially during the recent campaign, we hear that abortion supercedes all other issues. Nothing else matters. But it does. People who are unable to feed their living children matter. Bombs dropping on women and children in Gaza matter. Injustices done to the powerless by people in power matter. The fact that the Archbishop was able to recognize that economic concerns deserve to be the new administration's top priority is refreshing. Putting immigration reform high on the list as well, without ever mentioning the abortion issue is truly positive.
I wanted to acknowledge the good work of the Archbishop on this issue. Archbishop O'Brien had a rather inauspicious beginning here in Baltimore when he abruptly removed a popular pastor just after he arrived on the scene. His actions since that time suggest that he has decided to be a good pastor to his flock rather than impress us with his ability to exercise the 'power of his office'. I believe that is a much more efficacious pattern of service, and I pray that it will continue. In the meantime I join with the Archbishop in encouraging the new administration to bring about comprehensive and equitable immigration reform as quickly as possible.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Middle East Peace: Now
'Why can't we all just get along?' This seemingly naive comment which has become so familiar to us, in many ways gets to the essence of what needs to happen in the Middle East. Both Israel and the Palestinians have seen the future. The outlines for peace are clear to pretty much everyone. It is just so difficult for both sides to bite the bullet and agree to live side by side in peace.
The failure to do so, however, is becoming less and less acceptable. How many more women and children need to die before the time is ripe for peace? How many more suicide bombers or rockets launched into Israel are O.K.? How many bombs does Israel need to drop, and how much destruction needs to occur? Is Israel's response truly proportional? Is it acceptable for Israel to resist the pressures for a cease fire in order to achieve their military objectives, even if it means the continued loss of innocent lives?
Beyond whatever justification might be made for the present conflict, does it bring us any closer to where we all need to be? If Israel achieves its military oblectives what will they have actually accomplished? Will the people of Israel be safer? It seems the only real result of the present conflict will be to prolong the struggle. Positions on both sides are hardening. The Arab world is becoming more hostile to Israel and to the United States. It becomes more difficult to talk about peace. The fighting complicates the effort to reach a negotiated settlement, which is the only viable solution to the standoff.
Israeli elections are coming up and there is posturing about who will be tougher on the Palestinians. Thus the elections may provide a rationale for the bombing and possible invasion of Gaza. Such arguments offer lame excuses for a continuation of the violence. Whoever wins is going to have to come to grips with the reality that this conflict must end, and everyone will benefit from that end coming sooner rather than later.
One of the missing links over the past eight years has been the failure of the Bush admiistration to engage in this process. Their recent efforts have proved too little, too late. The Obama administration must change that. They need to immediately insist on a sustainable cease fire, and follow that up with intense negotiations to reach a meaningful agreement to put an end to this conflict once and for all. To those who say this cannot be done at this time, I say it cannot afford not to be done. So much of what happens in this area hinges on ending this conflict. The way is clear and only the U.S. can demand that both sides make significant concessions that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live and prosper side by side. Both moderate Arab countries, and Jewish interests in this country and around the world should support and encourage that process.
The policies of all countries need to be subject to scrutiny. We analyze and criticize the policies of our own country as we did in criticizing the preemptive war in Iraq. It was wrong at that time to attack those who criticized the war policies of George Bush as unpatriotic. It is just as wrong to suggest that those who disagree with the policies of the Israeli government are anti-semitic. Polls indicate that a majority of the Israeli people as well as the Palestinian people expect their leaders to find a way to achieve a lasting peace.
Former President Jimmy Carter's recent book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid generated an avalance of criticism, suggesting that any questioning of the operation of the Israeli government is unacceptable in this country. We see a similar impasse whenever there is an effort to open any kind of dialogue with Cuba. This is the kind of thinking that needs to change in the Obama administration. We can no longer be forced to take positions which may be counterproductive to progress in our country and around the world just because certain interest groups have the clout to foist their will on our government leaders.
The failure to do so, however, is becoming less and less acceptable. How many more women and children need to die before the time is ripe for peace? How many more suicide bombers or rockets launched into Israel are O.K.? How many bombs does Israel need to drop, and how much destruction needs to occur? Is Israel's response truly proportional? Is it acceptable for Israel to resist the pressures for a cease fire in order to achieve their military objectives, even if it means the continued loss of innocent lives?
Beyond whatever justification might be made for the present conflict, does it bring us any closer to where we all need to be? If Israel achieves its military oblectives what will they have actually accomplished? Will the people of Israel be safer? It seems the only real result of the present conflict will be to prolong the struggle. Positions on both sides are hardening. The Arab world is becoming more hostile to Israel and to the United States. It becomes more difficult to talk about peace. The fighting complicates the effort to reach a negotiated settlement, which is the only viable solution to the standoff.
Israeli elections are coming up and there is posturing about who will be tougher on the Palestinians. Thus the elections may provide a rationale for the bombing and possible invasion of Gaza. Such arguments offer lame excuses for a continuation of the violence. Whoever wins is going to have to come to grips with the reality that this conflict must end, and everyone will benefit from that end coming sooner rather than later.
One of the missing links over the past eight years has been the failure of the Bush admiistration to engage in this process. Their recent efforts have proved too little, too late. The Obama administration must change that. They need to immediately insist on a sustainable cease fire, and follow that up with intense negotiations to reach a meaningful agreement to put an end to this conflict once and for all. To those who say this cannot be done at this time, I say it cannot afford not to be done. So much of what happens in this area hinges on ending this conflict. The way is clear and only the U.S. can demand that both sides make significant concessions that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live and prosper side by side. Both moderate Arab countries, and Jewish interests in this country and around the world should support and encourage that process.
The policies of all countries need to be subject to scrutiny. We analyze and criticize the policies of our own country as we did in criticizing the preemptive war in Iraq. It was wrong at that time to attack those who criticized the war policies of George Bush as unpatriotic. It is just as wrong to suggest that those who disagree with the policies of the Israeli government are anti-semitic. Polls indicate that a majority of the Israeli people as well as the Palestinian people expect their leaders to find a way to achieve a lasting peace.
Former President Jimmy Carter's recent book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid generated an avalance of criticism, suggesting that any questioning of the operation of the Israeli government is unacceptable in this country. We see a similar impasse whenever there is an effort to open any kind of dialogue with Cuba. This is the kind of thinking that needs to change in the Obama administration. We can no longer be forced to take positions which may be counterproductive to progress in our country and around the world just because certain interest groups have the clout to foist their will on our government leaders.
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