Let's See What They Make Of THIS Statement By Bush! (Updated)

Everyone knows about Bush's comment to the Knesset about appeasing terrorists--but how much attention has been paid to what Bush said at the World Economic Forum in Sharm el Sheikh:

There are people who claim that democracy is incompatible with Islam. But the truth is that democracies, by definition, make a place for people of religious belief. America is one of the most -- is one of the world's leading democracies, and we're also one of the most religious nations in the world. More than three-quarters of our citizens believe in a higher power. Millions worship every week and pray every day. And they do so without fear of reprisal from the state. In our democracy, we would never punish a person for owning a Koran. We would never issue a death sentence to someone for converting to Islam. Democracy does not threaten Islam or any religion. Democracy is the only system of government that guarantees their protection.

Linda Chavez points out this statement by Bush and notes:

I can’t recall a more serious rebuke issued on Arab soil by any President.

I wonder if she recalls the last time any President rebuked Muslims on Arab soil.

UPDATE: Jay Nordlinger writes about Bush's speech:

And later, “We must stand with the good and decent people of Iran and Syria, who deserve so much better than the life they have today.”

When Bush speaks this line, I think about Jimmy Carter — who was recently in Syria, and who is universally known as a human-rights man. I never hear Carter talk this way. When he speaks and writes about the Middle East — which is often — he slams Israel. He does not talk about the abuses committed against Arabs or Muslims by Arab or Muslim rulers.

That's because Carter has an agenda--and it is not human rights.

Technorati Tag: President Bush.