Whenever a country because of war is gripped by hysteria, we should always be careful about jumping on bandwagons that fuel hatred for other faiths and people.
Real leadership, like being a good parent, does not always mean saying yes or agreeing with everything. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions because you consider it in the best interest of the child. That is what we call leadership.
Collin Powell, who disgraced himself in 2003 in the UN when he attempted to drive a case for war by holding up a vial that could contain anthrax, showed that type of leadership on Sunday.
“Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is ‘No. That’s not America.’ Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she can be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion he’s a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists. This is not the way we should be doing it in America.”
A question was asked to John McCain, the Republican contender for the White House, if he would vote for a Muslim candidate for president.
His reply: “I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles, personally, I prefer someone who has a grounding in my faith.” He took back a few days later what he said: “I would vote for a Muslim if he or she was the candidate best able to lead the country and defend our political values.”
(I think it is funny when the US media or anyone claims that McCain is a maverick because he stood up against torture, climate change and other issues. Isn’t it a NORMAL thing that a politician should speak out against such matters?)
Let’s drive the question now to Finland: Could a Muslim child born in Finland ever aspire to become president?
The answer to that question, I believe, reveals a lot about our society and how we see ourselves and others.
I don’t see why not. However the time and resources required of someone landing up in politics successfully and working up to the party elite would take time. I don’t think anyone questioned the religion of Max Jakobsson when he was concidered as a black horse in the 1980’s as a follower to Kekkonen.
Even though such a question may sound distant from our perspective, the point is that in a society where there are opportunities is much better than one that places obstacles on people.
In finland religion is personal matter, if you dont push it no one asks.
If candidate wears burkha then… good luck.
Dont mix overreligious US with finland please.
“Over religious” US??? Come on, in every country there are religious zealots. Where I grew up there weren’t too many but if you go do a small town in Nebraska, it may be a different story.
Well lets say some kook like Abdullah Tammi won’t become a president. And the only obstacles he has is those he places on himself.
““Over religious” US??? Come on, in every country there are religious zealots.”
Show me last atheist or something else presidential canditate.
Its easier to camel go thru needle eye than non cristian to be president in us.
There is way too many religious people.
“in god we trust”…
Well, Ralph Nader doesn’t count, but his mother tongue is Arabic.
What IS mother tongue? So what about what you said about Nadar. I remember him from back in the 1960s when he was fighting for strong consumer rights. His national or linguistic background was not questioned. Would you accuse me like Tiwaz does of not being a Finn because I do not thing like him or you?
Äidinkieli. So if national or linguistic background doesn’t matter why would religion? You yourself are bringing that up. Nader’s an orthodox so he doesn’t count as moslem, byt not all arabs are. Thats my point.
He is an American, full stop.
So whats your problem with him him then?