restraint

Every now and then there seems an aspect of a story omitted.  Let’s face it; we never quite know the reason for the omission…

Was it intentional?

Was it oversight?

Did the sharer of information simply not prioritize that specific aspect?

Does the sharer have a different perspective than I?

Bottom line:  we don’t know.  We don’t fully know the reason for the omission.

Last week all news seemed shifted to the second page when the story arose about Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.  Briefly surmised, the situation was this:  the administration made the decision without specific congressional awareness to exchange five high-ranking Taliban terrorists for one American who had abandoned his post.  In question is whether the White House negotiated with terrorists, broke the law by not consenting with Congress, and if the price was too high.  Also, U.S. intelligence judged the released Taliban members as almost certain to “return to the fight” against America.  Hence, in a seemingly rare cross-country moment, the outrage was unified in bipartisanship.

While inconsistency and scrutiny continue to swell, there is one aspect of the story that was omitted — or at least downplayed — in initial reports.  It is an aspect that makes this semi-humble blogger exercise extended self-restraint…

In announcing the sergeant’s release, Pres. Obama, who was accompanied by Bergdahl’s parents, made a praising, public statement in the Rose Garden.  Such is still not my cause for my restraint.  After Obama spoke, Bergdahl’s father, Bob, took a turn at the mic.  He began with the following:

“I’d like to say to Bowe right now, who’s having trouble speaking English, bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim. I’m your father, Bowe.”

In other words:  “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”…  Bob Bergdahl thanked Allah for his son’s release.  Note that on the White House’s official transcript, as appearing on Whitehouse.gov, those words are omitted.  Why?  I searched the transcripts myself.  Why is the praise of Allah omitted?

Since these are the opening words of every chapter of the Qur’an except for one, there is valid question as to whether the use of this phrase is significant in regard to claiming, sanctifying, or some special Islamic meaning.

Without a doubt, each of us has the right to our own faith and belief.  Many have adopted Islam around the world, and by no means do a majority of Muslims (at least in this country) embrace Islam’s radical terrorist wing, a devout group intent on destroying any who call upon the name of Jesus.

Let me also acknowledge that I have no idea how I would respond should one of my sons, God forbid, ever be held in captivity.  I can’t imagine being Bowe Bergdahl’s parent.  I am increasingly uncomfortable, however, with a country which seems intentional in suppressing the name of Jesus Christ in any class, court, or public arena, yet still showcases a celebrated moment when the only divine gratitude expressed is actually the same gratitude expressed by the terrorists who held him.  Obama notably smiled at the reference to Allah.  Did the White House know Allah would be the only divine gratitude expressed?  Were they comfortable with that?  Why that phrase?  Did they know the Arabic phrase featured prominently in the Qur’an would be invoked?  What was the White House thinking?

My sense is this story was originally intended to be a feel-good story about a rescued soldier, in a moment each of us would celebrate.  There was a desire to bring positive publicity to a White House that seems drowning in increased allegations of scandal and inefficiency; there was a desire to highlight a positive story regarding a veteran after so many negative stories regarding veterans’ care.  So the White House kicked off this story with an intended euphoric photo op.  Unfortunately, the story is now far more than that, especially noting how Taliban sources were reportedly “thrilled.”

No wonder this story won’t go away… no wonder the father’s words have been omitted… and no wonder some of us need to practice increased self-restraint.

Respectfully…

AR