Weekly Address: Standing Strong in the Face of Terrorism
Source: White House
In this week's address, the President praised our countrys resilience in the face of terrorism, and discussed how we will keep America safe. Our military has been stepping up its campaign to destroy ISIL, and our airstrikes are hitting ISIL harder than ever before.
The President emphasized that we will continue to move forward on all fronts, which is why this week he will go to the Pentagon to review our military campaign, and to the National Counterterrorism center to review our efforts to prevent attacks. And he reminded us that we all have a part to play in the fight against terrorism potential terrorist attacks have been prevented over the years because someone saw something and said something.
Americans should not turn against one another by letting this fight be defined as a war between America and Islam, which is what ISIL wants and only serves to undermine our national security. The President praised Americans across the country who have come together to reaffirm our core values and stand up, forcefully, for freedom of religion.
Read more: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/12/weekly-address-standing-strong-face-terrorism
(snip)
In the wake of the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, I know a lot of Americans are askingwhat can I do? First, as always, we have to stay vigilant. If you see something that seems suspicious, say something to law enforcement. Over the years, plots have been uncovered because someone saw something and spoke up.
As I said in my speech last weekend, one of the most important things we can do is to stay true to who we are as Americans. Terrorists like ISIL are trying to divide us along lines of religion and background. Thats how they stoke fear. Thats how they recruit. And just as Muslims around the world have to keep rejecting any twisted interpretation of Islam, all of us have to reject bigotryin all of its forms. Ill say it again, prejudice and discrimination helps ISIL and it undermines our national security.
The good news is that Americans are coming together to reaffirm the core values that keep us strong. Political leaders across the spectrumDemocrats and Republicans, liberals and conservativesare standing up, forcefully, for freedom of religion. Churches and synagogues are reaching out to local mosquesreminding us that we are all Gods children. Grateful citizens are saying thank you to our patriotic Muslim American service members and veterans. Some of our greatest sports heroes have reminded us why theyre true championsand voices for tolerance and understanding. Across the country, Americans are reaching outto their Muslim friends, neighbors and coworkersto let them know were here for each other. I think of the woman in Texas carrying a sign saying, We love our Muslim neighbors.
Thats the message I hope every Muslim American hearsthat were all part of the same American family. And its a message all of us can deliverparents to our children, teachers to their students, leaders in politics and business and entertainment. Back in San Bernardino, people from across the community have joined in prayer vigilsChristians, Jews, Muslims and others. Theyve sent a powerful messagewere all in this together. Thats the spirit we have to uphold. Thats what we can doas Americansunited in defense of the country that we love.
BumRushDaShow
(129,442 posts)It's sad that the hate machine has ratcheted up big time (we've already had incidences here in Philly).