Obama Ipsum

They saw that I knew the Scriptures and that many of the values I held and that propelled me in my work were values they shared. We cannot ignore that we have a right and a duty to protect our borders. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with. Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the Red States. Hope in the face of difficulty. And slowly, I came to realize that something was missing as well - that without an anchor for my beliefs, without a commitment to a particular community of faith, at some level I would always remain apart, and alone. 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. Because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism. So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.

It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper. Now, I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans.

That we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door. He's still speaking to our Catholic friends - who are holding up a consistent ethic of life that goes beyond abortion - one that includes a respect for life and dignity whether it's in Iraq, in poor neighborhoods, in African villages or even on death row. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people.

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests.

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