The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation - not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. A belief in things not seen. And I've found that no matter where I am, or who I'm talking to, there's a common theme that emerges. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles.
And as I listened to him explain why he'd enlisted, the absolute faith he had in our country and its leaders, his devotion to duty and service, I thought this young man was all that any of us might hope for in a child. This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright's sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning.
The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. These challenges are not all of government's making. But my personal story is not so unique. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected.
I learned that those things I was too weak to accomplish myself, He would accomplish with me if I placed my trust in Him. We can affirm our faith without endangering the separation of church and state, as long as we understand that when we're in the public square, we have to speak in universal terms that everyone can understand. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions.
Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.