Build, not destroy

I caught a segment on PBS' Frontline/World last night about a movement by local business people and citizens in Palermo, Italy to fight against the control that the Mafia has over businesses. It was and is an inspiring story about a people taking back control from a destructive presence. Here's a link to their Addiopizzo site.

The segment reminded me of something President Obama said in his inauguration speech:

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."

That was directed at Al Qaeda and any other organization intent on terrorism. So far, there haven't been any quotes from Obama's speech that have been highlighted as being historically memorable. I think though that last bit might be one. It's what I thought of and resonated with me when watching the story about the Palermo business people rising up against the Mafia.

Hopefully, this quote's point is resonating in the Arab world. Obama reiterated this point in his recent interview with Al-Arabiya. However, it goes both ways. With the Iraq War, does America fully understand the destruction it has caused? With the war in Gaza and prior to that Lebanon, does Israel fully understand the destruction and suffering it is causing? Hamas, of course, doesn't seem to understand the destruction it is causing either.