The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
Go into any inner city neighborhood, and folks will tell you that government alone can't teach our kids to learn - they know that parents have to teach, that children can't achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven't fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. They could've been told to succumb to the fear and frustration of so many dreams deferred. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.
But I think they also sensed that a part of me remained removed and detached - that I was an observer in their midst. Nor is it beyond the sea. 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. In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition.
They know we can do better. And we should close Guantanamo Bay and stop tolerating the torture of our enemies. Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
I'd been inspired by the civil rights movement - by all the clear-eyed, straight-backed, courageous young people who'd boarded buses and traveled down South to march and sit at lunch counters, and lay down their lives in some cases for freedom. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
That's why pastors, friends of mine like Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes and organizations like World Vision and Catholic Charities are wielding their enormous influence to confront poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the genocide in Darfur. Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. 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. Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
God bless you.