The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
But we shouldn't use our humility as an excuse for inaction. 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. What is that promise? As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home. We have the most powerful military on Earth, but that's not what makes us strong. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.
Today there are 12 million undocumented immigrants in America, most of them working in our communities, attending our churches, and contributing to our country. Because we all have the capacity to do justice and show mercy; to treat others with dignity and respect; and to rise above what divides us and come together to meet those challenges we can't meet alone. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development.
And I've found that no matter where I am, or who I'm talking to, there's a common theme that emerges. It is that promise that has always set this country apart - that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well.
A belief that there are better days ahead. From Willow Creek to the 'emerging church,' from the Southern Baptist Convention to the National Association of Evangelicals, folks are realizing that the four walls of the church are too small for a big God.God is still speaking. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true. Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear.
And then another one. But we must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.
Thank you.