Obama Ipsum

My parents shared not only an improbable love, they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. It came about as a choice, and not an epiphany. 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. We all put our country first.

She was born in a town on the other side of the world, in Kansas. We believe that everyone, everywhere should be loved, and given the chance to work, and raise a family. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. America, this is one of those moments. I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story.

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. She poured everything she had into me.

And I've found that no matter where I am, or who I'm talking to, there's a common theme that emerges. They all have different stories and reasons.

John Edwards calls on us to hope. That's why organizations are rising up across the country to reclaim the language of faith to bring about change. And then another one.

Thank you.