In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the false labels and false divisions and false categories that divide us, behind all the petty bickering and point-scoring that goes on in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes. And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again.
So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of "a more perfect union", and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union. So it was for the Greatest Generation, that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyrrany, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity. So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines, the women who shattered glass ceilings, the children who braved Selma Bridge for freedom's cause. So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that's better and kinder and more just. And so it must be for us.
Read the full text here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go blow my nose.
Comments (4)
At long last, hope.
Thanks for posting this, Amy.
Posted by sandrac | June 4, 2008 9:56 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:56
. . . and the rest of the world holds our collective breath until November . . .
Posted by Jerry | June 5, 2008 6:07 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 18:07
Thanks for posting this. What a breath of fresh air he is!
Posted by Annie | June 6, 2008 11:29 AM
Posted on June 6, 2008 11:29
I first knew he was great when I heard him speak for John Kerry. It is so nice to have hope again.
Posted by girasoli | June 7, 2008 3:34 PM
Posted on June 7, 2008 15:34