Obama Ipsum

I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible. They must be pursued - and they must be defeated. I don't know what Bible they're reading, but it doesn't jibe with my version. Our conscience cannot rest so long as nearly 45 million Americans don't have health insurance and the millions more who do are going bankrupt trying to pay for it. 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.

Nor is it beyond the sea. On the other end, we've heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest.

We can recognize the truth that's at the heart of the UCC: that the conversation is not over; that our roles are not defined; that through ancient texts and modern voices, God is still speaking, challenging us to change not just our own lives, but the world around us. And in exchange, I'll ask for higher standards and more accountability. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. The issues that I have described will not be easy to address.

For over two decades, he's subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy - give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur.

I didn't fall out in church, as folks sometimes do. They cheered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial when Dr. Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven't fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. This is the hope of all humanity. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.

Thank you.