Obama Ipsum

E pluribus unum. On one end of the spectrum, we've heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it's based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. This country of ours has more wealth than any nation, but that's not what makes us rich.

And John Kerry believes that in a dangerous world war must be an option sometimes, but it should never be the first option. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

And until we stop the genocide that's being carried out in Darfur as I speak, our conscience cannot rest. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation.

And it's a lesson we need to remember today - as members of another Joshua generation. 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. No health care? The market will fix it. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.

But then I asked myself: Are we serving Shamus as well as he is serving us? Religious leaders like my friends Rev. Jim Wallis and Rabbi David Saperstein and Nathan Diament are working for justice and fighting for change.

Thank you.