The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
But at the end of the day, we cannot walk away - not for the sake of passing a bill, but so that we can finally address the real concerns of Americans and the persistent hopes of all those brothers and sisters who want nothing more than their own chance at our common dream. We can tackle race only as spectacle - as we did in the OJ trial - or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries.
On the other end, we've heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike. In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. But I have asserted a firm conviction - a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people - that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union. America, we cannot turn back. All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time.
But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician's own failings. Change comes to Washington.
She was born in a town on the other side of the world, in Kansas. 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. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice - but it is not the change we need. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.