I have conflicted feelings about the President. Very often, like a lot of people on this site, I feel deeply disappointed he hasn't changed things as much as I'd like. Some days I feel ready to give up on him and throw my hands in the air.
But he has a weird habit of surprising me. Just when I'm at my most disappointed for one reason or another, he comes out of nowhere and stuns me by doing the right thing. Tonight was one of those moments.
From President Obama's remarks at the white house tonight:
...as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure.
This doesn't help him at all politically and means the hysterical right-wing freak show will get even worse now, but at least one day historians will be able to write that at a moment when 70% of Americans were losing their heads our President stood up for the values America is supposed to be about.
Given the insanity and ignorance swirling around this whole issue, this took a lot of courage. Good for you Mr. President.