The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
He told me he'd joined the Marines, and was heading to Iraq the following week. They all have different stories and reasons. He said that our economy has made "great progress" under this President. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can't just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share.
But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. Six million Jews were killed - more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. 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.
And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. I believe that we have a righteous wind at our backs and that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices, and meet the challenges that face us. But we also know that government initiatives are not enough. Let's come together - Protestant and Catholic, Muslim and Hindu and Jew, believer and non-believer alike.
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. That's what compromise is about. I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. I'll invest in early childhood education. "We cannot walk alone," the preacher cried. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure.
God bless you.