The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
Tonight is a particular honor for me because - let's face it - my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. Clearly, the past 50 years have not weakened your resolve as faithful witnesses of the gospel. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
Louis, and thousands more like her, who has the grades, has the drive, has the will, but doesn't have the money to go to college. John Kerry understands the ideals of community, faith, and service because they've defined his life. My mother, whose parents were non-practicing Baptists and Methodists, was one of the most spiritual souls I ever knew.
We will all have to make concessions to achieve this. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
The hope of a millworker's son who dares to defy the odds. And right here in the UCC, we're hearing from God about what it means to be a welcoming church that holds on to our Christian witness. At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's.
As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past.
Thank you, and God bless America.