Obama Ipsum

But we cannot walk away this time. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.

John Kerry believes in an America where all Americans can afford the same health coverage our politicians in Washington have for themselves. Part of it's because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. This is where we are right now. Not even close. Change happens because the American people demand it - because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

My father, who I didn't know, returned to Kenya when I was just two. But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln's Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.

That is the true genius of America - a faith in simple dreams,, an insistence on small miracles. It's a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation and generate growth, but that businesses should live up to their responsibilities to create American jobs, look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road. And just as we keep our keep our promise to the next generation here at home, so must we keep America's promise abroad.

What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time. We are the party of Kennedy. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

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