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But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn't make it - those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can.
In the end, that's what this election is about. And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals.
We will all have to make concessions to achieve this. Not this time. That's the promise of America - the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper.
But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not.
"I'm here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer. I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory.
Thank you.