A New Beginning

On June 4, 2009, in Cairo, Egypt, President Obama outlined his personal commitment to engagement with Muslims around the world, based on mutual respect. He emphasized that America and Islam are not in competition. Rather, they share common principles, such as the dignity of all human beings. The President talked about Islam as a part of America's story: How the first nation to recognize the U.S. was Morocco--a country almost 100% Muslim. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, John Adams, the second U.S. President, wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims."

As Americans, we value freedom, including freedom of religion, which is protected by our Constitution. President Obama said, "…freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. …Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it."

President Obama also urged that we fight against negative stereotypes--both of Islam and of America--and focus instead on the aspirations that we have in common: "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."

Will you consider taking some of the actions above or thinking of your own to create your own "new beginning"?

Read the President's Speech

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