Obama’s Severe Reaction to Statement against Muslims

“Those who malign Muslims are playing in the hands of terrorists; Muslims have a big role in America, attempts to discredit them must be rejected.”* This was President Obama's response to the negative and aggressive type of rhetoric leveled against Muslims by Trump, a candidate in the American presidential election campaign. The response seems absolutely valid because vilification of Muslims by people like Trump could spark bad reactions from extremist Muslims.

The moderate elements in the U.S. have also shown dislike of Trump's antagonistic statements against Islam and Muslims, and demonstrations of protest against Trump have also taken place at a number of places. This raises hopes that the U.S. public, showing regard for justice and moderation and desire for a better future for the U.S., will reject a candidate like Trump, who harbors negative feelings against Muslims and the Islamic world, in the forthcoming elections.

If the reins of government are entrusted to extremist people with negative thinking, such as Trump, then no one will be able to stem the course of hatred and conflict. It is to be hoped that U.S. voters, who undoubtedly possess sound judgment and discrimination, will furnish proof of their mature thinking by voting for a moderate and fair-minded candidate in the elections. This will further improve strong, friendly ties between Muslim countries and the U.S.

* Editor’s note: Correctly translated, this quote only paraphrases President Obama’s comments.