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Our government should work for us, not against us. 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. They have killed in many countries. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. 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. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.
Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time. The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
It's that folks are hungry for change - they're hungry for something new. They held vigils across this country when four little girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.
We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America - to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality. They've worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor.
Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
Thank you, and God bless America.