The Nature of Progress

America and Europe must reach out to the vast majority of Muslims who seek only peace and a better life,President Obama thinks.We can't get there alone.Progress is slow;it comes in fits and starts.We've just emerged from an era of irresponsibility.It is a revolutionary world that we live in.We must renew this relationship for a new generation in a new century.I am confident we can achieve the promise of a new day,the President concluded.Wearing a gray suit,white shirt and light blue tie,the tall leader took questions from the audience at Rhenus Sports Arena bfore shaking hands with them to the accompaniment of "Stars and Stripes Forever."Not since President John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s has a president been so in touch with foreign crowds.The Europeans couldn't believe they got to greet Mr.Obama,congratulating each other on the singular occasion.

A Drifting Alliance

The European Union buildings of Strasbourg were born of the blood of the first half of the 20th century,President Obama recalled.The Marshall Plan was an unprecedented effort that secured prosperity.Without firing a single shot,the NATO alliance would prevent the iron curtain of communism from descending across Europe.This generation cannot stand still.This is our generation;this is our time,and I am confident we can meet any challenge-as long as we are together.In recent years,we've allowed our alliance to drift.In America,there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world.In Europe,there is an anti-Americanism that is casual,but can also be insidious.These attitudes are not wise;they do not represent the truth,the new president instructed.

Who Obama Is:Leading in Strasbourg

President Barack Obama was greeted enthusiastically by European young people at the Rhenus Sports Arena in Strasbourg,France.The president was in the middle of his first overseas trip since his inauguration in January.It's important to hear from you,the President said,not just speak to you.We stand at a crossroads.The same forces that have brought us closer together have also brought us new dangers,such as nuclear weapons.The pollution of cars from Boston or smokestacks in Beijing can reach other countries.The economic crisis is proving the fact of interdependence.There's certainly enough blame to go around,and the U.S. bears its share.The only way forward is by a persistent way to combat fear and want wherever they are found,Mr.Obama told the large assembly.