Obama says that we need to recognize the critical part that Islam played in the creation and developement of America.
Islam played a seminal role in the formation of our nation, inspiring Jefferson to raise a navy once he found that 75% of the federal treasury was being spent paying bribery or ransom to the Barbary coast Muslims who raided our ships and captured our citizens. It was the reason that Jefferson had a Koran in his personal effects after his death (not because he liked it). It was the reason that Jefferson campaigned a national effort to have full transcripts of the Koran printed and read by American citizens that they would know well the enemy to the freedom and liberty of America (not just excerpts). It was the motivation behind the fundraising cry for the navy “Millions for defense. Not one cent for tribute.” It was the reason for the fight and motivation behind some of the grandest accomplishments of the heroes of the day, such as Steven Decatur, one of the greatest heroes we’ve ever had, and the foundation of the Marine Corps Hymn. It was the reason for the protection of the high, stiff leather collar that the Marines had to wear to protect them from the Muslim swords and that earned them the title “leathernecks”.
Islam was critical and extremely important in the formation of our country. As a motivator.
As a dangerous threat at the time.
Ms. Obama said that Obama says “we have to change our traditions and our history”.
I’m ok with letting go of traditions that may not be useful. Ignoring history just seems a setup for failure.
delendam 
Uh, yea. It’s like what happens when people think that when they change jobs or careers that they need to leave behind much of what they learned in other contexts. Bad Bad Bad. The cumulative learning we experience is important and significant. Why do we keep trying to erase those positives upon which we were founded? Yes, there are negatives. That’s what learning is all about.
Oh yes, Islam is to the foundation what Obama is to US now.
Sort of like the drill sargent that made you such a tough soldier but that you secretly thought was trying to kill you. And you found out later that he really was crazy and really was trying to kill you and really did kill some folks, and got a lot of pleasure out of it. And that still causes you to wake up screaming and striking out after a horrific nightmare. THAT kind of helpful in the fomring of America.
I do think the King was smoking crack the day he made these comments since they are so off in left field.