The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next Commander-in-Chief, that's a debate I'm ready to have. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings. The people of the world can live together in peace.
In that time, I've had the chance to talk with Americans all across this country. But she had a healthy skepticism of religion as an institution. They stood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, as the blows of billy clubs rained down. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort. That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Threatening Israel with destruction - or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews - is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
And they, too, had big dreams for their daughter. And we cannot ignore the very real concerns of Americans who are not worried about illegal immigration because they are racist or xenophobic, but because they fear it will result in lower wages when they're already struggling to raise their families. Those stories - of survival, and freedom, and hope - became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear.
And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
I'm talking about something more substantial. Last time we took up immigration reform, it failed. He does not say health care or the economy. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
Thank you, and God bless America.