Well Said Mr. President

Peace and dignity was the theme of President Obama's inaugural speech.

He didn't mince his words when he said that principles and not expediency would determine and define his presidency. He talked of the rule of law and he assured the world that America is not their enemy but a friend. He also warned those who want to harm America, economically, politically and socially not to take America's resolve to live in peace lightly. 

Although he did not mention the recent carnage inflicted on Gaza but the Palestinians can have hope in his words that the United States would stand for peace and dignity for every man, woman and child would apply to them also.

Everyone has a right to live in peace and dignity, he declared, obviously referring to millions of those who live under subjugation.

Old guard politicians, media pundits and lobbyists should take heed to his reference to "the time has come to set aside childish things". The time has come for America's law makers to work on issues that will reclaim the spirit of the founding principals of our country.

CNN's Wolf Blitzer tried to give his own spin when he said that the President Obama sent two messages to the Muslim world. According to Mr. Blitzer, one message was that we will not tolerate their violent behavior, and second was that we will work with the Muslim world with respect and peace.

Mr. Blitzer in putting his spin on President Obama's speech did not take note of the Presidents message "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers." Unlike the politics of the past President Obama's words never made any veiled or unveiled threat to the Muslim world. President Obama talked about the enemies of the United States in general without any reference to any nation or religion. Obviously, enemies of the United States include those also who seek to bring harm to our country physically, economically, socially and spiritually.

President Obama's speech was a sharp departure from most of the mundane inaugural speeches of past presidents. He made it known to everyone that he is in control of the United States and he intends to make a difference.

He challenged the nation to achieve new heights of service and he reiterated his commitment to the supremacy of the constitution. That means that Guantanamo Bay prison facility will be closed down soon. That means that the US army will withdraw from Iraq. That means torture will not be repeated. That means that people who manipulated the law for their personal gain and agendas will not be able to do that in his administration.

President Obama's speech was unique as he reminded the people that a nation is built on sacrifices and taking care of its poor and the needy. He asked every American to stand for those who are unable to take care of themselves.

President Obama was echoing every thing that Islam stands for in terms of social justice, peace, fiscal responsibility and political stability. It would not be uncommon to find Mosques around the United States spreading a similar message of social justice, equality, peace, freedom and social justice on a weekly basis in their Friday sermons.

In his reference to the United States as a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and he invited each to participate in the rebuilding of a new nation. Obama is giving a new vision of America, an America that is humble and more tuned to the welfare of its own people rather than imposing its will upon others.

President Obama, your words remind this nation what it had forgotten during the most turbulent times of the last president who was playing with the lives of people on a whim and destroyed their hopes and future.

President Obama, you have restored our confidence in government once again and you have reminded us that if we are vigilant our democracy and constitution would not be exploited by those who act fanatically.

President Obama, we hope that your words would be taken seriously by law enforcement officials in their relations with Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Muslims and other minorities in this country and those who have been subject to all kinds of slurs and humiliations for centuries because of their color or religion would not be targeted.

We have reason to believe that we are in a new era. However, we must be clear that new era would have meaning for us only when we join others in building this nation for a prosperous world.

Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor of the Detroit based English weekly, Muslim Observer, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas and the recently elected General Secretary of the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relation.