The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest.
I learned that everyone's got a sacred story when you take the time to listen. And all across the country, communities of faith are sponsoring day care programs, building senior centers, and in so many other ways, taking part in the project of American renewal.
As such, Reverend Wright's comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems - two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition.
It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs. But she had a healthy skepticism of religion as an institution. Now, some of you may have heard me talk about the Joshua generation. 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. John McCain likes to say that he'll follow bin Laden to the Gates of Hell - but he won't even go to the cave where he lives. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions.
More to do for the father that I met who was losing his job and choking back the tears, wondering how he would pay $4,500 a month for the drugs his son needs without the health benefits that he counted on. America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.