Yesterday, we set off on our latest adventure with Rodney’s sister, Donna, and her husband, Peter. After an early flight out of Tyler, we waited 6 1/2 hours for a flight from DFW to Vancouver, BC. Although delayed by an hour and a half, and although we had numerous gate changes, our flight was uneventful. We arrive in Vancouver airport about 11 pm Texas time. The air was cool and there was a subtle mist in the air. The coolness was quite welcome after our 100 plus temperatures of the last few days at home. We passed the night in a beautiful room near Gastown in the Hampton Inn, not too far from the cruise port.
Today, after a very nice breakfast and a leisurely morning, we took a walk around the area close to the hotel, stopping at Library Square. I really liked that. This building is several stories high and encompasses about 1/2 a block. It houses the Vancouver public library but also contains book stores, small stationery stores, tiny cafes, and coffee shops. We had a most excellent cup of Joe and then returned to the hotel lobby where our luggage was waiting for us. We and it were loaded onto a van shuttle to the cruise terminal.
The lines were long but fast moving. There’s nothing like a cruise crew to move things right along. After passing through customs and showing our passports lots of times, we had our pictures made and were give our sea pass cards. Then…at last…we entered the ship via the deck 3 gangway.
It’s always fun to get on board a cruise ship. In Vancouver the area around the cruise terminal is also a park. Canada Place has several levels. The port level has driving lanes and loading areas for the ship. The second level is for loading passenger and the upper levels allow local folks to walk and shop, while waving to the passengers as they hang off the balconies like Rodney and Peter are doing as we speak. They are fascinated by all the activity below as luggage and foodstuffs are placed on board by cranes and forklifts running at top speeds to get it all in place before our 5:30 sail aweigh time.
Still left today is the lifeboat drill, dinner in the dining room, and a show in Pharoah’s Palace. … Who would have thought about being over 50 as so much fun? More tomorrow from the inside passage, Alaska.
Amber: Boy this should be fun.
Mom: Of course it will be…you start.
Amber: I want to see Julie/Julia. It looks cute and I think Meryl Streep is one of the best actresses out there
Mom: So let’s go to the movies.
Amber: I think we still have a bit of a wait. It comes out August 7th.
Mom: I can wait.
Amber: Well, you’ll have to. Whoa, I’ll have a chocolate chip cookie!
Mom: MMMM…smells good.
Amber: You’ve already had all you can have.
Mom: Heartless person!!!!
Amber: I’m not heartless. You’re full of crap. No. Do not put that out there. MMMMhhhhmmhhhh.
Mom: Laughing…
Amber: I’m sorry you don’t speak mouthful.
Amber: You’re a punk!
(Dad gives his two cents worth. If you’re not a punk, you should be.)
Amber: I’m kind of afraid to say anything now cause you are ruthless….what inspired you to do this anyway. I just wanted you to see a movie preview. Nothin;s sacred anymore…..STOP!
Mom: I just can’t…this is too much fun.
Amber: MMMhuh. What do you want me to talk about now?
Mom: Can’t crawl inside your head, you know…make an effort.
Amber: Sounds like something straight from The Host. Going a little Stephanie Myers on me? Makes me think of the little centipede creatures from The Host. That was a good book, though.
Mom: Very strange.
Amber: Strange but good, a very good plot. Shows that Stephanie Myers can do something besides Twilight.
Mom: Yep.
Amber: Not fair. I have to watch you type. There’s no voice on your end.
Mom: The better to hear you with, My dear.
Amber: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mom: Ah….Beatles Trivia!!!
Mom: Time to watch A Beautiful Mind. Are you ready?
Amber: Time for Amber to take her laptop and go to her room so the parents can watch tv. Amber should not refer to herself in third person either.
Mom: Night, Amber.
Amber: Night.
Flying isn’t as much fun as it used to be. I do like being somewhere really fast though. I hate airports. I hate delays. And I hate just sitting and sitting and sitting.
Amber and I flew to San Francisco on Friday. We were supposed to be there by Thursday afternoon. DFW closed down due to weather so we were delayed 24 hours. Made our time away really rushed and I never lost that feeling of anxiousness….gotta hurry… The weather was cold and windy … a big change from our 90 degrees here…never got above 70 there.
We saw 2 museums and rode BART a lot. Got to see friends in Lafayette and Union City. I loved CA but I wouldn’t want to live there. The communities that sit in the edge of the woods are beautiful. I love the air…it feels like a good lotion. I like the shops. Love the musuems and the availability of theaters and opera. MMMM….coffee shops on every corner. Little arts and crafts style villages in the suburbs. Wonderful Thai and Indian foods. Public transportation is unsurpassed. One could go anywhere with a transport guide and a little patience. I also liked the fact that people walk a lot. That’s good for you. The flowers are everywhere and just beautiful. There are fewer chain stores and restaurants in San Francisco Bay area. I like that because it gives local folks and mom and pop stores a chance to thrive. However, I don’t like the taxes. We would find it hard to live on what is left over. There are lots of folks on the streets. Too many…too close. Scarves and gloves in June…hmm. Where are the supermarkets? I only saw one and it was tiny. Does anyone cook?
So this trip was a preamble to the big one coming up…a dress rehearsal for packing so to speak. The more places I get a chance to go, the more I realize that unencumbered is the way to travel…anyone seen disposable clothes? I’m discovering quick dry so that I can wash along the way and now they make detergent, softener, and dryer sheet all in one…that is portability. This quick trip gave me some insight into things I can do to make the bags lighter for Alaska. Now…I’m gonna go make lists.
I am most disturbed about our president’s speech on June 4. Peruse this transcript and see what you think.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Cairo,Egypt)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON A NEW BEGINNINGCairo University, Cairo, Egypt
1:10 P.M. (Local)PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. And together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I’m grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I’m also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)
We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there’s been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.” (Applause.) That is what I will try to do today — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I’m a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places like Al-Azhar — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities — (applause) — it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. (Applause.)
I also know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John Adams, wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.” And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they’ve excelled in our sports arenas, they’ve won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Jefferson — kept in his personal library. (Applause.)
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. (Applause.)
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause.) Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum — “Out of many, one.”
Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause.) But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores — and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause.)
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That’s why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it. (Applause.)
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause.) That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes — and, yes, religions — subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared. (Applause.)
Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam. (Applause.) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security — because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I’m aware that there’s still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: Al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military — we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
And that’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths — but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as if he has killed all mankind. (Applause.) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. (Applause.) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace.
Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That’s why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who’ve been displaced. That’s why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.) Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.”
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people — (applause) — I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. And that’s why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. (Applause.) We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)
So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed — more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction — or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews — is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they’ve endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. (Applause.)
For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It’s easy to point fingers — for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel’s founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. (Applause.)
That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations — the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them — and all of us — to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America’s founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That’s not how moral authority is claimed; that’s how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel’s right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. (Applause.)
And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel’s legitimacy, and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. (Applause.) We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra — (applause) — as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I’ve made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It’s about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that’s why I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation — including Iran — should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I’m hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)
I know — I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it’s being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there’s a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the rejection of somebody else’s faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That’s why I’m committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit — for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We can’t disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
In fact, faith should bring us together. And that’s why we’re forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That’s why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.The sixth issue — the sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights. (Applause.) I know –- I know — and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. (Applause.) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now, let me be clear: Issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we’ve seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams. (Applause.)
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations — including America — this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities — those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century — (applause) — and in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I’m emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We’ll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops. Today I’m announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek — a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many — Muslim and non-Muslim — 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 skeptical that real change can occur. There’s so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country — you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward. It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There’s one rule that lies at the heart of every religion — that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples — a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us: “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”
The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”
The Holy Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Applause.)
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.
Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
2:05 P.M. (Local)
I do know better than to watch regular tv with my husband. It’s true, you know…that old stereotypical picture of the man with the remote. They do channel surf. It’s one of my pet peeves. I like to watch movies with him but so sorry…no Sunday afternoon tv or any other time when he has the remote. He has this absolutely huge remote control…a foot long with great big buttons. I’m at fault. I gave it to him. What was I thinking? AAAAgh!!!
Think I’ll go clean out the closet.
Santa and the Mrs.
Rodney says the world already knows way too much. One has to wonder what he means by that? He says he’s going to the mailbox to get some messages he can hold in his hands and, as he heads out the door, he brings me a wonderful weight watcher’s pointless chocolate fudgesicle. I love that man. Darby the dog settles in close by my thigh in hopes of a bite. MMMM. After finishing my treat and disappointing the little brown dog, I am comffy on the love seat for a break and a bit of blogging.
It’s the time of year for celebrations. Weddings, graduations, and summer celebrations are happening all over. Tonight, we journey an hour and a half to congratulate our friend Ashley and her folks on her graduation and her fall acceptance to A&M. We’ve done the usual round of graduations and offered best wishes at weddings. It’s a time of year for happiness. I guess I’d never thought too much about it before but May is a month of endings. June is truly the month of beginnings. Excitement is truly in the air as high school ends and students are gearing up for their next great adventure. Brides and grooms say goodbye to the single life and look forward to a new life together. Nice. I remember when…
Someone asked me just a few days ago what it felt like to be married 30 years. I had to think about it long and hard before answering. It doesn’t feel all that different than it did the day of the wedding, really. You never know what is around the corner after thirty years any more than you did after 5 minutes. It’s still a challenge. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love being married to Rodney Curry. Life is never dull, never boring, yet somehow, always consistent. While circumstances change, he never does. What I loved in that man way back then, still remains. I doubt anyone could ever ask more than that from a husband. He has always been my partner, my collaborator, my friend. He loves me, he spoils me rotten and he’s always there for me. Amy asked me once how I knew he was “the one.” My reply, “I could not imagine my future without him.” I still can’t.
You may wonder about Santa in June. I love Santa any time of year. Anyone who knows me well, is acquainted with my Santa collection, now numbering over 500. I began collecting as a child of 7. I still have that first one. Last year was my first year in all our married life that I left the collection in storage. Because of our remodel, it was impossible to bring Santa out. Bear with me, there is a point here. I’ve always liked it when Rodney grew out his beard. Now that it’s white, I like it even more. I never thought about a connection between Santa and Rodney. Jason pointed out last week that Dad looked like Santa Claus. It occurred to him that I not only wanted to collect Santa, I wanted bo be married to him too!!! Not so. I like Santa very much but I love Rodney Curry. Still, I hope he keeps the beard.
Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Ecclesiastes 7:13-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:6-8
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
2 John 1:6
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1
I can’t say it better than that.
Yep, it was my first full day of running groups by myself. I CAN do this. It was also my first real paying job in a long time. That’s a blessing!
I was always told if you couldn’t say something good, say nothing at all.
We are remodeling this house. Since August. It looks great. Many thanks and praises forRodney and Jason who have worked so hard to get the job done. I love all the changes, especially my new living room. Can’t wait t be able to post pictures. I really like hearing J sing while he works.
Due to all the weight loss around here, I think we need to proclaim a “Biggest Loser” come next Valentine’s Day. That’s a day to love others but on that day, we can also celebrate loving self enough to take off the pounds.
Thanks to Gail who keeps my yard mowed. She does love to ride that mower and I (shame-faced) don’t even know how to turn it on. I so appreciate it.
God bless my children, all four of them. They make me so proud.
What would I do without my wonderful friends God bless them everyone. I’m looking forward to spending lots more time with them now that school is over.
I’m thankful for a dependable vehicle in which to travel to and fro. Thanks to Bill McRae Ford for keeping it runnng like a top.
While we seem to be in political turmoil right now, I can’t help but be thankful that I live in the USA and for the freedoms I have.
A special thanks to our military. I can’t say enough in their praise.
You didn’t know it was thanksgiving did you?
Never has a semester flown by so fast. Never have I learned so much in such a short time. Never have I laughed and cried as much. Never!
Our cruise was wonderful. It was fun to revisit places we’d been before but we had a brand new adventure. In Jamaica, we visited a rural school and I wanted to bring the children home with me. Rodney and I had so much fun interacting with the kids in the classrooms. 
We had a great time with our friends, Pat and Doyle and their kids and grandkids, ate wonderful food, toured old churches, learned where chocolate and coffee come from, and just generally relaxed.
Rodney and I with the Maitre’ de. He was a hoot. And don’ you think my husband looks great in his tux?
After the cruise, i was time to work. Literally…the next day. We arrived home on the 11th and my first day at work was the 12th. It took nearly the first month for me to adjust to my new schedule. Leave at 6:30. Drive 1 1/2 hours. Start the morning with report. Then begin the daily routines of counseling, group therapies, study, research, supervision with Dr. W, and more meetings. School on every other Wednesday so I had to leave work by 3 on those days but most others it was often 6:30. Then I waited on Amber til 8:40 at schooll. We got home about 10:15. I was tired. My usual late hours at the computer were no longer reality. I fell into bed and slept as long as I could and I drank lots of coffee…and I made it!
This semester was, as Dickens says, the best of times and the worst of times.
In the “best” category: On Feb. 1, we all started Weight Watchers. To date, Amber is our biggest loser. She more than met her goal…she has lost 28 pounds! Rodney is next at 26 and I am not far behind at 25. We have kept each other accountable and we’ve chosen well for our daily diets. It’s ongoing. I hope to report double that loss for each of us by summer’s end.
In the “worst” category: Amber’s epilepsy, previously not a big factor, is now a monster at the door. She has had a rough semester. We all have. Her petit mal seizures, present form birth, have continued but she has additional episodes now where she loses consciousness. These are preceded by an aura, which, thankfully, I am recognizng and can get her to a safe place sometimes. It’s hard to get a physician these days who will listen and harder still to get one to work with you if you are private pay. Once they hear there is no insurance, they hurry you away, doing only what they must. Sigh. Nuff said.
Our babies are growing. I can’t believe how much. Ryan was supposed to spend the day today but I have a feeling that he didn’t get his schoolwork finished this morning in a timely manner.
Tonya and Amy finished up their semesters at SWBTS. Tonya’s birthday is Sunday. Happy Birthday!!!
Amy is moving at the end of the month. I will feel better knowing she is on campus and close to her brother and sister. She and Allegro will have a roommate now too. Very nice…they can look out for each other.
Jason is still seeking God’s will for him and Tonya. Where do they go from here. You can bet this mom is praying.
I finished with my degree this May. It is just now beginning to dawn on me that it’s done. I weathered my oral comps and though I was terrified, I passed. I got all my work turned in and all the paperwork done for graduation. I didn’t walk this time. I’ve hd that experience 5 times now. Somehow, it seemed better to forego the stress of walking up the steps and across the stage, fearing all the while that I would fall in front of everyone, only to receive a picture of the bell tower. The real diploma comes later in the summer. I’m good. I have to take my licensure exam soon so that I can practice in Texas, legally. I am hoping to take that on the 6th of June.
Other future events:
I’ll be filling in for folks during vacation weeks this summer where I have just finished my practicum. Hopefully, in the fall, I will have a permanent job there.
Amber has lots of tests being scheduled for the summer to see what is up with her. She’ll spend a week at Baylor Hosptial in Dallas sometime this summer.
Amy has a new job working at a preschool. I want to visit her at work and meet her kids. We will help her move Memorial Day weekend.
June 11-15, Amber and I are going to San Francisco to see my friend, Michelle. That will be lots of fun.
July 8-18, Rodney and I are going with Donna and Peter to Alaska. I can’t imagine how much fun we will have. We will fly into Vancouver, B.C., catch Carnival Spirit and sail up the inside strait, and then spend some time in Anchorage and Denali before we come home. We have glaciers to visit, bears to see, and whales to watch. We are going panning for gold one day!
August 6-9 is the APA convention in Toronto. While our plans are not completely set on this one, Doc and I are hoping to be going a few days early. We will take Amber and Rodney and drive up, stopping in Washington, D.C. along the way and letting Amber have some time at the Smithsonian. Hope that works out for us. I’m looking forward to the conference and wish that some of the sessions were scheduled for other times so that I could do more of them. The speakers look fantastic.
Sometime this summer, Amber, Darby, and I need to go to San Antonio. She has research to do for her master’s thesis.
So, it’s a full summer…but I hope to be stopping by often. I’ve missed being here.
