Obama Ipsum

They all have different stories and reasons. At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world.

It's not enough, but it's helping. But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

That's not simply a matter of policy or ideology - it's a moral commitment. I'm hearing from progressives who understand that if we want to communicate our hopes and values to Americans, we can't abandon the field of religious discourse.

Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere.

Thank you.