Obama/Amritsar

[Anonymous]

I am curious to see the reaction to Obama's decision not to visit the Sikh temple at Amritsar, India. The apparent reason is unwillingness to be photographed in the head-covering he would have to wear. He is already being criticized for gutlessness (http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-20/obama-canceled-visit-to-sikh-temple-shows-his-gutlessness/?cid=blogunit, for example) and I am sure he and his advisers knew they'd get this reaction. Obviously they calculated that it was less of a threat than the reaction to the photos would have been.

I wish he had not wimped out. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

I saw an article about this online at a news site earlier this week. The analysis was that another photo of him in Muslim garb (apparently there is one from 06) would sink his 2012 chances. Seems a bit of a stretch, but their actions say maybe not so far off?

[jsteele]

I am so tired of Obama either doing or not doing something out of fear. The guy should grow a pair. If he wants to go to the temple, he should go. Screw what people think about it. Personally, I'd relish the chance to make fun of idiots that don't know the difference between a Muslim and a Sikh. So, personally, I think he should go and then do a photo-op.

[Anonymous]

It seems Obama can do no right. Whatever he does or doesn't do, the criticism script is already written.

I don't think he should go. It's an image issue at this point if he has to wear the Sikh garb.

[Anonymous]

First off, 99% of Americans cant tell the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim because they're so poorly educated, so the photographs of him would be used against him as "definitive proof" that he is a Muslim - the people attacking have no problem telling blatant lies and relying upon the ignorance of Americans if it helps their agenda - I am sure he is already watching what he says and this is really no different.

If I were in Amritsar, I would visit the site of the 1919 massacre there instead.

[Anonymous]

Frankly, I'm betting that Sikh-Americans are going to be OK with it. I think they are sick and tired of being tagged as muslims. Even well-meaning people post-9/11 used to go up and shake my sikh friend's hand and wish him well and tell him that he is welcome in this country.

My buddy just gave up explaining about how he wasn't even muslim. Or that he was born in America. It seems that nobody knows who Sikhs are.