Obama : Not that there is anything wrong with that (being a Muslim)

Seinfeld fans will remember the episode 'The Outing' where Jerry is mistaken by a reporter to be gay. The episode is peppered with the words, "not that there is anything wrong with that", whenever Jerry asserts that he is not gay. The words reflect the politically correct attitude of the times where someone making an assertion that you are not gay must ensure that his assertion is not misconstrued as an aversion to or condescension towards gay people in general.

In this context, it is disturbing that over months, as Obama and his campaign have refuted claims and rumors that he is a Muslim, have not bothered to add, "Not that there is anything wrong with being one." Being Muslim would politically disqualify Obama for presidency, but in these times of hate and intolerance, he needed to set an example pointing out that while he is not a Muslim, being a Muslim does not pre-empt someone from being a good person.

This leadership would perhaps ensure he does not win the election, as his statement will more be seen as an appeasement rather than statement of a fact. But the absence of such a statement, together with his campaign going out of its way to ensure muslim women do not appear with him in a photo-op makes me lose part of my faith in this candidate, te proclaimed agent of change.

For someone who talked so passionately of racial divide, he needs to also understand religious divide and gender divide. Frankly, I am disappointed.