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By Constance Guindon
Rabat – “January 20, 2017, will be remembered as the day that the people became the rulers of this nation again.”
At approximately 12 pm, January 20, Donald Trump officially took the Presidential Oath of Allegiance and took his place as the 45th President of the United States of America.
Several religious representatives contributed blessings and readings ahead of the Oath ceremony, with one exception. Absent from the occasion was any representative of Islam. In an article published January 6 by The Huffington Post, six religious leaders were identified as participants in the Inauguration Day festivities. These included two Evangelical preachers, one Rabbi, one Hispanic Christian leader and Rev. Franklin Graham, son of famed Evangelist Billy Graham. Cardinal Timothy Dolan was named the Catholic officiant but absent was any mention of Islam or a Muslim officiant taking part, either in the Huffington Post article, or at the actual event.
With the now ex-President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama looking on, President Trump stepped up to the microphone to deliver his highly speculated-upon inauguration speech.
He spoke of a “great national effort” about to begin which will return America to its greatness, for the sake of “all of our people.” He went on to affirm that he had taken the Oath of Allegiance on behalf on “all Americans.”
While speaking of a nation united, President Trump delivered this message to the world, promising to “protect our borders from the ravages of other countries,” regarding areas such as trade, taxation, immigration and foreign affairs.
When he did mention Islam it was to declare his intention to unite with the rest of the world to “eradicate completely” radical, terrorist Islam, “from the face of the earth.”
Trump’s speech then reverted to talk about brotherhood and patriotism with, “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.” He urged those in attendance and around the world to remember an old military adage, “black, brown or white… we all bleed the same red blood of patriots” and we all worship “the same almighty Creator.”
After speaking for approximately 15 minutes, President Donald J. Trump closed with a promise to the disenfranchised of America that “you will never be ignored again” and re-avowed his pledge to “make America great again.”
What will the absence of any Muslim representation at the Inauguration of this 45th President of the United States mean for the millions of Muslims being born in, living in and working in America? Only time will tell if Trump’s promise to represent all Americans in the “glorious destiny” that awaits will truly include All Americans.
