The transcript of Obama's remarks about the Victory mosque are revealing as is the guest list. The two Muslims Representatives in Congress attended as did Michael Oren, the Israeli Ambassador.
In the transcript of his remarks, Obama mis-characterizes Jefferson's involvement with the Muslim world. Jefferson was appalled to find American sailors held captive for ransom. In fact, the threat of an armed Islamic Middle East played an important role as an impetus towards creating a strong American military force. It is not surprising that the lyrics in the Marines hymns state: "From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli." Jefferson's administration had to confront the challenge to the emerging nation's weakness and inability to defend itself against foreign enemies. As stated by Michael Oren (no relation insofar as I know of the Israeli Ambassador): "A threat from the Middle East had played a concrete role in creating a truly United States, a consolidated nation capable of defending not only its borders at home but its vital economic interests overseas" (pp. 31-32).
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