AND NOW WE EXPLAIN THE PRESIDENT'S LOW RATINGS – AT 7:20 P.M. ET:  We're now well familiar with Mr. Obama's tin ear.  Sending Michelle on a lavish trip to Spain isn't the work of a man who has that ear to the ground.

Well, welcome to Tin Ear City.  The president has just issued his presidential statement on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.  Here's a quote from it:

These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality. And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country.

Uh, yeah.  I was just thinking yesterday about Islam's great respect for diversity – like forcing President George W. Bush, who was visiting Saudi Arabia, to go to an American aircraft carrier offshore to celebrate Christmas, not allowed in "the kingdom."

Look, you want to be courteous in these statements.  You want to be gracious.  But couldn't the president rephrase that message, and speak of the "goals" of justice, progress, tolerance and dignity?  As Christians and Jews, people who've been called crusaders, cross worshippers and the sons of apes and pigs by radical Muslims, we think a groveling, over-the-top message to the Muslim community is inappropriate.  There are certainly many Muslims who do practice a tolerant and decent form of Islam.  But we tire of having to show "respect" for the Islamic world, when no respect is returned.  There are ways to say that in a message while being respectful.  I wish the president would have found the route.

August 11, 2010