Our new president bears a name both good and blessed

The whole world took note when Chief Justice John Roberts, during the swearing-in ceremony, properly used the full name of our new president, Barack Hussein Obama.

Justice Roberts spoke his name with dignity and respect. It marked a Karmic change from the ankle-biting yappers who have been gnarling “Hussein” as though it were a profane indictment of Obama’s patriotism or dignity.

Barack and Hussein are Semitic words. Americans have been named with Semitic names since the founding of the Republic. The African “Barack” originates from the Arabic word “baracka.”

Barack and baracka mean the same as the Hebrew word “baruch,” meaning “Blessed,” as in “Baruch Ata Adonoy” (Blessed art thou O Lord Our God).

Barack also means “blessed” in the African languages of Luo and Swahili, both spoken widely in his deceased father’s birthplace of Kenya.

“Hussein” is from the Semitic word “hasan,” meaning “good” or “handsome.” “Husayn” is the diminutive, affectionate form. Obama’s middle name is in honor of his grandfather, Hussein. Translated, our president is good, handsome and blessed.

Dr. Edward Wright, director of Judaic studies at the University of Arizona, stated, “The way some pundits are using name associations is beyond simply naive; it is truly shameful,” adding, “as names, both Barack and Hussein have noble pedigrees, and this fact should be used to promote understanding and not to provoke political or religious enmity.”

Barack Hussein is a name to be proud of. It is an American name, good and blessed.

Joe Howard Crews