Is This The Best We Can Do?

[Sherdil]

Ishwar Singh ji, President of the Sikh Society of Central Florida, was asked to give the invocation at the Republican National Convention.

Not only did Ishwar Singh ji forget his lines, and struggled to read from the teleprompter, but he also left no doubt about English not being his first language.

This was an historic opportunity for us to put our best foot forward and teach the American people about our faith. Once again, we did not rise to the occasion.

Understandably, Ishwar Singh ji may have been a little nervous. But the spotlight is not for the timid. We should all be honest with ourselves and step aside, for the best interests of the community, if we feel there are better people for the job.

A young person, born and raised in America, would have been the ideal choice to show how Sikhs are a part of the American fabric.

IS THIS THE BEST WE CAN DO?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiXyA1LPKf8

[Jonny101]

FACE PALM

From the hundreds of thousands of Sikhs living in the US they couldn't get a single Sikh who can speak proper fluent English? another missed opportunity.

Thing is, even Sardar Ishwar Singh Jee should have had this much sense to say I'm not up to the task, why not give someone else an opportunity who is better suited to represent the Sikhs of America.

[proactive]

Both of you are right. The fault lies with the lack of a central body or organisation that Ishwar Singh could have contacted to provide an English speaking Sikh who could have done the invocation. Ishwar Singh is at fault for nor knowing his limitations and the 'Indian' accent would have just strengthened the sterotype that Sikhs are new immigrants to America rather than that they have over 100 years of history in the country.

I think the lack of a politically aware English speaking Sikh might have had something to do with the fact that most of these Sikhs are aligned to the Democratic Party and some of them have claimed that asking a Sikh to do an invocation is just a political stunt on the part of the Republic Party. But these Sikhs should be aware that they need to use every opportunity to inform Americans of who Sikhs are.

[HKaur16]

This was disappointing to an extent. I agree someone raised in USA could have been a better choice. Ishwar Singh Ji seemed nervous but the end made me cringe when Ishwar Singh Ji tried to translate "Nanak naam chardi kala tere bhane sarbat da bhalla."

[Auzer]

GOP sucks anyways....This is what they deserve! haha...

On a serious note : I agree , someone fluent in English would've been a way better choice...

Better luck next time ....

[Mehtab Singh]

I think the lack of a politically aware English speaking Sikh might have had something to do with the fact that most of these Sikhs are aligned to the Democratic Party and some of them have claimed that asking a Sikh to do an invocation is just a political stunt on the part of the Republic Party.

Thats basically it. Check this out: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/opinion/kaur-sikh-leads-prayer-rnc/index.html

[Sherdil]

This was a hollow gesture no doubt, but none more hollow than Mrs. Obama coming to meet with the Wisconsin Sikh community almost a week after the shooting.

Barack Obama met with the Colorado shooting victims, but not with Sikhs? Why? Is it for the same reasons he avoided a visit to the Golden Temple?

The question is not about politics, as Valarie Kaur has stated. The matter involves our inability to produce a capable leader to represent us on the national stage. I have a hard time believing that Ishwar Singh ji couldn't find any young articulate Sikhs to give the invocation. Knowing our gurdwara committee members, I have doubts as to whether he even tried.

[Balait_da_Sher]

Knowing our gurdwara committee members, I have doubts as to whether he even tried.

Maybe he thought that he would be able to handle the situation however I agree with you totally. The inability of our leaders to step aside and allow the right person to do the job has kept our community back.

[N30S1NGH]

This just shows we need trained public relations/media relations sikhs more than ever..!!. Somethings are better left alone with youths. Youth should have done the speech or at atleast representation from 3HO. This begs an question, who elected this bhai sahib to do speech anyway?

[N30S1NGH]

There is no question about GOP malicious intentions pretending to be immigrant friendly. But as others said, ample opportunity was missed in the speech, millions were watching us, shaking their head..!!