Ramadan is that special time of the year when families gather together and suicide bomb each other. Ramadan events have also become a political ritual in D.C. But President Trump's Ramadan statement isn't bringing cheer to media hearts.
The White House's Happy Ramadan statement has too much in it about terrorism. Everyone knows that Ramadan and terrorism have nothing to do with each other. That's Ramadan's twin, Bombathon.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Ramadan
On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.
During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. At its core, the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict.
This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology.
On my recent visit to Saudi Arabia, I had the honor of meeting with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations. There, in the land of the two holiest sites in the Muslim world, we gathered to deliver together an emphatic message of partnership for the sake of peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and for the world.
I reiterate my message delivered in Riyadh: America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace.
I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families.
There's boilerplate stuff. But it reads more like Bush than Obama. And it echoes Trump's theme in Saudi Arabia that our relationship will primarily be about fighting terrorism.
And, just to make things worse, where's Foggy Bottom's Ramadan cheer? Maybe buried under dead girls in Manchester.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has declined a request to host an event to mark Islam's holy month of Ramadan, two U.S. officials said, apparently breaking with a bipartisan tradition in place with few exceptions for nearly 20 years.
Since 1999, Republican and Democratic secretaries of state have nearly always hosted either an iftar dinner to break the day's fast during Ramadan or a reception marking the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the month, at the State Department.
And nothing bad has happened since then.
When asked by Reuters to comment on Tillerson declining a request to host an Eid al-Fitr event in July for Ramadan, a State Department spokesperson said:
"We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. U.S. ambassadors are encouraged to celebrate Ramadan through a variety of activities, which are held annually at missions around the world."
Tillerson issued a statement on Friday to mark the start of Ramadan, which he called "a month of reverence, generosity, and self-reflection."
"Most importantly, it is a cherished time for family and friends to gather and give charity to those who are less fortunate," he said.
Yes, who can forget the ISIS charitable gifting of the Ramadan sex slaves.
But the lefties who hate every religious celebration are really getting passionate about Ramadan.