Obama Ipsum

At every opportunity, they've told evangelical Christians that Democrats disrespect their values and dislike their Church, while suggesting to the rest of the country that religious Americans care only about issues like abortion and gay marriage; school prayer and intelligent design. And then another one. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit. Now let there be no doubt. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. We can do that.

But it also comes from my own American story. I can assure you it is not. 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. But we must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need. So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law.

That we can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm. Their experience is the immigrant experience - as far as they're concerned, no one's handed them anything, they've built it from scratch. I'll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support.

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. Palestinians must abandon violence.

God bless you.