I agree. I think Obama SHOULD address it. Just as I think he should have sent a senior emissary to Paris if he hid not go himself. Listening to secretary Kerry's excuses why we didn't have a cabinet level person there was disappointing and frustrating. Again it shows the current administration does not understand the rules of world politics.
As to your other point, I am sure some do support it and that is why they are quiet. But I am sure some are also afraid--of other muslims and of non-muslims. How many fall into each category I do not know. After decades of terrorism, open condemnation will come more slowly than I would like to see/hear it. But in this case I saw some words on the overnight world ticker from Iran condemning the attacks. That is some progress. Small steps in the right direction are better than steps in the wrong direction.
I was talking with two muslim friends (actually one friend, one acquaintance) of mine. They are extremely angry at the attacks, because they see it as a direct threat to them. One owns a small retail store. He is an exile from Iran when the Shah fell. Very pro American, but he has had his store destroyed twice because he was an "arab". The first time his store was firebombed while he was actually at the WTC on 9/12 as a volunteer paramedic. He sees speaking out vocally as endangering his family from both sides--the muslim extremists, AND those who see all muslims as the enemy. I don't know the right answer for him. I wish I did.
Originally Posted by Old-T
I think I can see his dilemma. It is a shame his store was bombed when he is probably a net asset to America, even though he is Arab, because of his hard work and his investment of his capital in his business. I like immigrants that invest money in America, and don't get social welfare.
Some people may not understand he is hated by other Arabs because he worked for the Shah and had to flee for his life, too.
So, the ones that don't speak out against terror because they are afraid, I can live with that. In a way, not praising the attacks is a step in the right direction for some.
Did you see the movie with Ben Kingsley who played an Iranian who was a friend of the Shah, bought the house (delinquent on taxes) from the county, etc. House of Sand and Fog - very interesting movie.
In spite of my empathy for people like him, it is kind of an illustration of why multiculturalism doesn't really offer more benefits than its costs, though this is surely subjective and hard to prove. People just don't intuitively trust other cultures or races, and when times get tough, people stick to those who look like themselves. Too much friction, in my opinion. It is a shame, though, because I love young, pretty, skinny women of all races - but that is the easy thing to do. Living with them long term is much more difficult.