The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
For alongside our famous individualism, there's another ingredient in the American saga. "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. Kennedy called our "intellectual and moral strength." Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient.
We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one." Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support.
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. I've seen it in the workers who would rather cut their hours back a day than see their friends lose their jobs, in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb, in the good neighbors who take a stranger in when a hurricane strikes and the floodwaters rise. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races. "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. This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. We are taking concrete actions to change course. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Clearly, the past 50 years have not weakened your resolve as faithful witnesses of the gospel. That's the promise we need to keep. And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk.
Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.