Obama Ipsum

I understand you switched venues at considerable expense and inconvenience because of unfair labor practices at the place you were going to be having this synod. If you're working forty hours a week, you shouldn't be living in poverty. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives - by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny. These are not whiners. 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.

Now, some of you may have heard me talk about the Joshua generation. Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. To Chairman Dean and my great friend Dick Durbin; and to all my fellow citizens of this great nation; As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody.

America, this is one of those moments. "We cannot walk alone," the preacher cried.

And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America means faith should have no role in public life. But there's a story I want to share that takes place before Moses passed the mantle of leadership on to Joshua. Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

The day after Pearl Harbor my grandfather signed up for duty; joined Patton's army, marched across Europe. That we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution, and that our votes will be counted at least, most of the time. They held vigils across this country when four little girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church. And we will keep our promise to every young American - if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education. They could've heard words of anger and discord. 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.

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.