Barack Obama is the most intelligent President since Thomas Jefferson. Read his full speech in English and Spanish below
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. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am 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. Aside from the tone, delivery, no notes, no teleprompters, an incredibly smooth poise, and an obviously profound knowledge of the subject, Obama also showed a historical perspective seldom heard on any politician, including Presidents. His mention of the tolerance experienced in Andalucia and Cordoba during Islam's "Golden Age", is an historical jewel worth mentioning and an example of Obama's thoughtfulnes. Read the rest of the article here and its Spanish version here
Brian Morton continues his excellent articles at City Paper
It didn't take long for Limbaugh to call Sotomayor a "reverse racist" (whatever the heck that's supposed to mean), Gingrich to tweet that she is a "Latina woman racist," or Washington pundit and GOP water-carrier Fred Barnes to imply that she is "not the smartest." It never fails to amaze how the most privileged section of American society can get its undies in a bunch the second someone not of its number is tapped for a post of authority where he or she might have some influence over "the clique."
The Republicans, particularly Newt Gingrich, have crossed the line and, to their credit, have apologized for their immediate, savage, and, yes, racist remarks:
