You cannot defeat evil unless you’re willing to expose it.

Did I see the same speech this morning as other commentators? The evaluations are mixed, but all share one basic theme; they see the speech in pieces.

I remain unmoved by their statements of praise, any praise, and here’s why:  a speech is not an incremental segregated communication; it is a total sum game. If you are ambiguous, you’re as relevant as a Keith Olbermann monologue; nobody believes you or cares. Why would you care about a speech that is factually challenged; one that equates the building settlements with acts of terrorism? You could have all the mentions of freedom, democracy and the rule of law you want, but if you characterize Democracies as mere elected forms of government, you embrace tyranny.  Natan Sharansky, author of the ostensible blue print of President Bush’s democratic campaign talks about the town square test: “Can a person walk into the middle of the town square and express his or her views without fear of arrest, imprisonment, or physical harm? If he can, then that person is living in a free society.” Elections in societies that don’t pass this test are not free.  The former Soviet Union, Iran and Venezuela are not democracies on par with United States.  If a leader attempts to recognize these faux democracies as such; he is hurting real democratic reformers who are currently prisoners of the state, in exile, or underground. You do not advance freedom by mollifying the crimes of the subjugating regime.  Reagan did not bring down the Wall by highlighting the positive aspects of Communism or ignoring its crimes; he condemned as the Evil Empire and demanded accountability: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

In the speech in Cairo, President Obama did say some good things:

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

But within the context of statements like these:

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

And like these:

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons. This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically- elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

In my opinion, the speech was a failure. It did not advance freedom; it enhanced the power of authoritarian states. You cannot defeat evil unless you’re willing to expose it. Judge for yourself and grade it on www.nothingbuttruth.com.