Obama's America

Over the past year, Barack Obama has called emphatically for "change" in the United States, and on a range of issues he has offered (especially on his website) detailed analyses of the specific policies he would pursue as president. But many Americans still need to hear what would be the most enduring values of Obama's America. As one who confidently believes Barack Obama is the best choice for our nation, here is part of what I would like to hear him say in his acceptance speech:

It is time for change in America. But what do I mean by change? I mean a change back to "the better angels of our nature." I mean a change back to an America in which citizens once again ask "what they can do for their country." I mean a change back to an America that once again stands for the highest ideals of human civilization. I mean a change back to an America that inspires our own citizens and our friends throughout the world with our national purpose, our national values, and our national conduct.

It is time for change in America. It is time to reaffirm once again that in our nation the government "shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech," "the right of the people to be secure . . . against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated," no person shall "be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law," "no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws," and the government does not inflict "cruel and unusual punishments" upon any person.

These are the fundamental truths, the elemental commitments, of our American constitutional system. They define the essential core of our society and our history. It is to attain these liberties that huddled masses yearn to be free; it was to guarantee these freedoms that the Framers of the Declaration of Independence pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor; it was to protect these rights that Americans have fought and died to free the slave, make the world safe for democracy, and unyoke the world from the tyrannies of fascism, communism, and radical Islam.

Sadly, in the last eight years we have lost sight of these freedoms, as we have fallen into an abyss of unrestrained government surveillance, brutal methods of interrogation, secret detentions, and secret prisons. We have lost our way as the world's beacon of justice. We must change in order to relight that beacon for ourselves, for the international community, and for our posterity.

We must also change in order to reaffirm that we are one nation. We are not red states and blue states, we are not blacks and whites, we are not Christians and Muslims, we are not the rich and the poor, we are not the straights and the gays -- we are Americans all. Each of us is precious, each of us is a valued member of our American family. And we are a family, a family that cares for -- that must care for -- one another. Our most fundamental responsibility is to treat others as we would have them treat us.

Because we are a great nation and a great people, we must be a family in which we cherish every American's worth and nurture every American's potential. That is not a Democratic idea. That is not a Republican idea. That is the American idea. It is the idea that informed the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and Franklin Roosevelt. It demands that our government not only protect the interests of the rich and powerful, but also care for the meek, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged. That is what a family is, and that is what America is, and must be once again.

This principle of a national American community, with justice for all, will drive my economic policies, my health care policies, my environmental policies, my foreign policies, my tax policies and my judicial appointments. We must change in order to recapture the best of our nation, the best of our history -- a history that freed the slaves, granted women the right to vote, ended racial segregation, guaranteed religious liberty, and enacted laws to protect the rights of children, the elderly, and the disabled. Ours is a nation built on a spirit of empathy - on a capacity to see into the hearts of our fellow citizens and to understand what drives them, what sustains them, what makes them different, and ultimately what makes them human.

We need to change in order once again to be the America that aspires for what is best for all Americans, that reaches out a hand to those in need, that respects our most fundamental freedoms. As the descendents of those bold and optimistic men who mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to one another more than two centuries ago, we can do no less today.

Comments

[themodernleader]

Hrayovac. Obama is my hero. But heroes are often disastrous by leading organizations down the drain. My main concern is and has always been the economic, financial condition of our country and the policies that drive this condition. Obama never speaks against the "free trade" that is destroying our democratic organization. And his advisors point toward policies that parallel our present mercantile trade. His poll ratings suggest that the voters are not persuaded that he would do any better on the economy than the corrupt Republicans who have bankrupted our poor country. That is a fantastic campaign negligence of not communicating a reasonable alternative to our economic, financial suicidal policies. His complacent view of our economic condition is beyond my understanding of a candidate who avers to be CEO of our land.

[Patriot4America]

For those of you that think or feel my comments are without merit and ask for the proof, ok. First quit watching what the TV MSM networks say. Second, read a book. Third, get educated. And finally, if you believe in the freedoms of this country and what they stand for and how this country was founded, commit your service to it like I have. Yes, I am veteran who has served my country. And I, like millions of others that have served or still are believe and fight for and swore to protect this nation's Constitution. So here's my proof. Read the book written by Jim Webb, "A Time To Fight." Jim Webb is a US Senator from Virginia. And he is a former decorated Marine. As I am, a former VietNam Era Marine veteran.

In the mean time go to this link and read the article; http://10x­shooters.c­om/

If this is not enough of a start, please let me know. I would be most interested in seeing those who support those of us that have served our country along with those that have died fighting for "your" freedom. And still are at this very second that I am typing this. Remember who gave you the Right's & Freedoms to belittle and treat with contempt.

[stilloptimistc]

I believe I speak for most when I say that any contempt for John McCain is not a product of his military service. It is a product of his stated policies, and his inability to articulate his views without denigrating the character of his opponent and inserting trivial distractions and confirmed lies. It is his continued assertions to run a respectful campaign as he does just the opposite. Additionally, many people who have served our country in the defense of our liberty forget that the authors of the liberties you fought for were not fighters themselves. They were philospophers, inventors, horticulturists. There are many patriotic roles to be played in civilized democratic society. Societies are not forged by militaries alone. There are many fronts on which patriotic, freedom loving people can serve there country and commit there lives in defense of the ideals we hold so dear. What many don't understand is that nobody is demeaning or diminishing the military service of so many men and women, what is diminished is the contributions of the rest of America's citizens. There are many roles to play, you played yours well...so does everybody else.

[stilloptimistc]

Most of the posts want Obama to say some really wonderful things, nothing I can disagree with.

But what I would like Obama to do is not let one positive thing about McCain slip out of his mouth. If he's going to hit McCain where it hurts, don't provide him with the jock strap first.

I would like him to keep the beautiful inspiring words that bring tears to my eyes during the majority of his speaches to a minimum, and have him lay out his economic plan, energy plan, domestic and international plans in language the average (or below average) American can understand. What the Saddleback forum has taught me is that there is a reason why we have all of the "(fill in the blank) for Dummies" books.

[timm0]

Given what rove did to mccain in 2000, I'd expect the requisite cup and jock strap size would be XXS... not much left to protect.

But anyway, you're right on. I want to see anger. People in this country are angry - and for damn good reason.

Pep rally speechifying is a high risk venture when on the convention stage because the MOST important audience is the one watching TV, not the ones in the stadium who will be cheering no matter what. The people at home who are angry and on the fence are going to be MORE ANGRY if all they get is a snoot-full of daisies and happy thoughts.

"Yes we can" and self-help rhetoric will KILL Obama. Geoff's language is in between the happy-happy joy-joy stuff and what you and I are wanting to see. Some is good, much is not good enough.

It's pretty simple, really... tell us you understand the problems, tell us why these are causing us pain, tell us your plans for 2 or 3 of them and where/how to get more plans to address the other problems.

[TRYKER]

I too tend to think that Obama has plans for the time and place for his certain statements. So many chiefs and not enough Indians methinks. Surely Obama doesn't need to carry everyone on his
back...we are supposed to be carrying him.
It isn't "what Obama has to do" its what WE have to do to elect him.
Then it is US who have to push for those things we need to get done.
Its not as though the job he will hopefully acquire will leave him a lot of time to muse on fanciful notions of which way the wind blows.
It is an uncommon mess he will be undertaking, wading through the criminal dregs of mismanagement and downright illegalities. His Justice dept will be required to right the wrongs of 8 yrs. or more.
More power to the man who offers his service to our poor country.

[NDNlady]

Cling to your stereotypes much??? You should know that in most traditional pre-contact Indian governments "chiefs" had no power to order "Indians" to do anything. They led by consensus and usually only arrived at their positions by demonstrating wisdom and the ability to persuade and convince, not to rule. Europe had rulers, we had leaders. Today, though, with so many Indian nation governments under IRA or OIWA "constitutions", tribal elections are like American ones. Some good, some not so good. But, that traditional view still exists and I belive it's why so many Native Americans are supporting Sen Obama. We can still recognize leadership when we see it.

[garnetwood]

What I want to here in an Obama speech?
"Everybody is right. I don't have enough experience for this job. For the good of the country and the Democratic Party, I quit.

[charlot]

You're right: Obama has a brain, diplomacy skills, he's not a war monger or a fear monger, he believes in the sanctity of the US Constitution and trailer-park rednecks don't want to have a beer with him. He'd make a terrible US president.

[demfriend]

Geoff: great post and I would truly love to see the same type of words coming more from Obama and not just during the convention. I would believe these types of words and thoughts would go very far to bring us back to the Obama we were introduced to months back. Others would respond in a positive way to all of these thoughts as we all feel deeply the losses Bush has wrought.

[Patriot4America]

Let me say what Obama's view of America is. And exactly what his vision is as far as "Change" entails. I will get this out front first so that it will be noted to all that read this, that some will accuse me and others like me as being "gun nuts" by all those that are anti-gun and are foaming at the mouth waiting for their leader to take charge this coming November.

Barack Obama’s Ten Point Plan To “Change” The Second Amendment;.

1. Ban use of firearms for home defense.

2. Pass Federal laws eliminating your Right-to-Carry.

3. Ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns.

4. Close down 90% of the gun shops in America.

5. Ban rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.

6. Increase federal taxes on guns and ammunition by 500 percent.

7. Restore voting rights for 5 million criminals including those who have been convicted of using a gun to commit a violent crime.

8. Expand the Clinton semi-auto ban to include millions more firearms.

9. Mandate a government-issued license to purchase a firearm.

10. Appoint judges to the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal judiciary who share his views on the Second Amendment.

[nessus]

I sincerely doubt that, and that is among my only quibbles regarding Geoffrey's proposed speech - that among those quotes of the Bill of Rights needs to be the 2nd. Obama needs to make it an explicit campaign promise that he will abide by it.

I don't believe for a moment that Obama will try to take legal handguns or hunting rifles and their ammunition away from anyone, nor would he succeed if he tried. Most of what you suggest Obama will do can only be done by Congress in the first place. Government-issued licenses have been mandated for decades, and there is nothing to even vaguely suggest that Obama is such a fanatic that he will appoint judges based solely on their position on the 2nd Amendment. He has continually denied that he will take any of these ridiculously extreme measures.

He will, however, go after people who possess and use guns illegally, like to commit crimes, invade homes or kill people. Legal guns aren't the %$*@ problem.

[Liberal2]

"...Legal guns aren't the %$*@ problem..." They become the problem when sold to criminals and the anti-social like the guy who killed people in a church because he didn't like liberal thought.

[MidwestMomma]

I like 2, 8 and 9 personally but they are ALL lies. Where is your proof?

[timm0]

So after Obama's elected and not a single one of these stupid suggestions of yours ever comes to fruition (that mean "gets done") - and none even is attempted, will you swear that you will never again project a unsupported assertion like that about a Democratic candidate?

Well? You're so sure of yourself - you must have the "inside scoop" from some genius on a web site, so there's no reason for you to not swear to not denigrate a Dem again, right? Gonna step up?

[William1950]

It is the economy, I am nervous... It is our campaign. It is our country. Unfortunately many of us are nuts. Many of us are too inclined to believe the bullshit, and many of us will not vote for a black man ...
So in this time of need how do we fight the downright ignorance of our fellow countrymen? That is the question...
And who gets asked what in these "polls" we keep hearing about?? If I were asked I would say, " I'm tired of the Bushwhacking! We have been through the worst presidency in the history of our nation, and damn straight I'm voting for Obama. I am near sixty years old, white, and live in Mississippi. I'm voting for Obama and am not shy about who knows it. We need a change even if he turns out to not be such a good president... He will be much better than McCain, and a crackhead on the street would be better than Bush"

[tgood]

I'd be happy if we could take our country back from illegal aliens and the employers who are killing our wages and jobs. That would be a big step to being America again. Of course, I don't hear either candidate saying that. They're too busy calling anybody who isn't an open border advocate racists and guilty of scapegoating the world's poor who are invading our borders by the millions.

I want to see Americans working in American jobs at decent American wages. That's the change we need. Not idealistic clap trap.

[MidwestMomma]

WoW! I've never ever thought of freedom and liberty as idealistic clap trap. I believe you may not has much knowledge of this nation's history or you'd know the world's poor has been invading our borders always. That's how you and I got here! I do believe our borders need to be secured for a many reasons other than keeping out the poor but wide open borders need to be addressed.

As far as employers running amuck, face it....with republicans in charge the governent works for them..period. Frankly until we address our poorly funded education system, good jobs are going to be leaving no matter how many fences we erect.

That's one of the reasons I support Sen. Obama. He understands the importance of education and has very positive ideas to address our future in education. That's change I really "can" believe in. Go to his wepage and check it out..he really does have good ideas and different approaches to things.

[Deaninphilly]

Sorry, but neither I nor my family came into this country illegally so please do spare me the "That's how you and I got here!" bull. Yes, most immigrants who came here were poor in the 1800's into the early 1900's, but the U.S. also didn't have a population as it is today. Also most immigrants also came into this country legally, key word being legally. So please do go learn your history. Immigrants that did come here poor or otherwise did not come into the country with a sense of entitlement nor did they expect others to learn their language they learned English.

Your notion that education will fix the problem is one of delusion. While I agree that education is great and should be afforded to all Americans, sadly that is not the case. Just look at what is happening now where illegals are placed ahead of Americans in the educational system. Furthermore having an educated society is all well and good but when employers will continue to hire illegals at a third of what they would pay an American having an education becomes moot.

[rwe]

You don't get it but America does.. As JFK said , rhetoric does not qualify someone for POTUS... He will read a great sounding inspirational speach , but substance? It is not there

[Puddin]

Having been a POW does not qualify someone for POTUS...McCain has to lie, cheat...

[StillIRise]

I have heard many UNinspirational speeches, especially from our president over the last eight years, and I have heard many speeches that were not great, but I have yet to hear a "great sounding inspirational speech" with no substance! Obviously, it's the substance of the speech that not only evokes the inspiration, but also gives context to the sound, which thereby makes it a great speech!

In other words, it is both the substance and delivery of Senator Obama's speeches that make them great. To the contrary, the utter lack of substance and delivery of your post makes it not so great ... and virtually meaningless. In fact, it makes no sense at all.

Many Americans are apparently getting something that you don't get, but by your post, it's clear that not everyone is capable.

[Deaninphilly]

I have listened to and have read the website of his 'ideas" of what change is to be and have yet to read or hear real substance. Apparently some do not understand that people can read what is posted and see that it is typical political jibberish and want more than the same old nonsense.

Apparently some will see and hear what they want to hear in these times and belittle those who don't see things their way. Just like millions do not see the substance of the details nor does your post have any real substance and it's clear when one is incapable of looking for the details they resort to calling others incapable.

[Liberal2]

"..In other words, it is both the substance and delivery of Senator Obama's speeches that make them great. To the contrary, the utter lack of substance and delivery of your post makes it not so great ... and virtually meaningless. In fact, it makes no sense at all...."

Speeches. Oh my. Speeches....Hitler gave inspiring speeches too. His policies weren't all that great. No, I am not arguing Obama is a Hitler, I saying inspiring speeches are worth the paper they're written on. But no more than that.

What courageous votes has Obama cast? What policy papers or books has he authored that are changing the nation? The "Audacity of Hope"??? Bleech. Tony Robbins has more inspiring books. Obama is not even as qualified as Kerry was.

[MidwestMomma]

But he does have substance! Have you checked out his webpage? He has some very good ideas that will bring about real change for the average American.

[Liberal2]

Obama happily blasted Clinton for taking the easy way out on the orginal Iraq authorization bill. But didja notice, when he had the same "noble versus craven" choice-FISA-he did a Clinton and took the easy way out.

Yes, Obama does have substance.­....jello.

[themodernleader]

I truly am amazed and disheartened by the self- and media-appointed advisors and oracles' statements about what candidates should say. Attesting to our erosion of civil liberties and our corrupt judical and political system is great stuff. But such promises of fidelity won't alone get Obama or McCain elected. The erosion of our liberties results from the decline in our economic condition of mass destruction of manufacturing and employment opportunities and bankrupted trade and fiscal policies. Our declining country is harmed by demigogues and charlatans. Only, an economic recovery program that convinces the majority that the candidate has a clue of the decline of our economy and financial system will receive voter allegiance and vote majority.
First, the candidate should elucidate the economic problem and how both parties, specifically the Republican elected leaders got us here through lies, deceptions and side issues. Then discuss the options, none that are easy or do not require sacrifice. Then share a vision of a new economic horizon based upon opportunity for the many and fairness and national rules governing manufacturing, innovation, finance and trade within, among and between nations.
Any candidate who can not artriculate a new deal for the American people will not receive nor deserve their allegiance. The candidate who does will. Mc Cain reads the polls.

[hrayovac]

themodernleader, good start on the post. I think we had all better stop telling Obama, or anyone running what THEY should say, as good a mental excercise as it is. We had best heed what Obama had clearly said at the beginning: This is about us..it is our campaign. He is right and he means it. So we had all better become spokesfolk and we had best act quickly and decisively to put our energy towards countering the opposition's lies and putting forth our agenda for a better a country from a personal perspective. That is what Obama needs us to do in order to win. The idea that we become pundits isn't good, too passive. Let the paid TV talking folk do that. I'm sure Obama knows what to say, where to say it and when to fight the battles that we need him to fight. The time for collaboration with his base comes after his election victory.

[mikey683]

Why is the presidency the only job in America that no one thinks you have to be qualified to hold?

[RFBorjal]

Because in theory, under a democratic system, any citizen can be President.

[PATina]

Thank you. I would like to ask people... what specific things DO qualify someone to be president... being an elected official?... a military person?...both or neither? A college degree or is a post-graduate degree a must? What about corporate experience?

[GuyFawkes]

He just needs to prove he can be a leader.

That's why the "celebrity" label worked. It made him seem like a pretender. This has nothing to do with experience. I think all polls show that Americans don't care about "experience' if the candidate can lead. Showing you can lead means showing you have the cajones to take on the tough issues, not try to nuance your way around it; leading means being on the offensive against your opponent; leading means not being on vacation when Russia starts flexing its muscle, ceding the stage to your opponent and letting him prove he can lead, whether people agree with where he wants to go, or not. That was a colossal blunder on Obama's part. Well, he was never a good frontrunner, and now he's in for a dog fight.

[UnbiasView]

Well, Obama hasn't proved he can lead in his current US Senate position.

[trevor01]

Obama has always been in the lead when it comes to arrogance. Now he says, don't anyone worry, come November I will be elected president. I'll believe it when it happens.

[vinny]

Being a leader means being thick-skinned, side-stepping personal attacks, not getting your feewings hurt when someone insinuates you are unpatriotic, and most importantly, directly confronting the core substance of your opponent's criticism.

So Obama, how did your opposition to the Surge show that you would be a good Commander-in-Chief?

[goldnchyl]

vinny, how is Obama's opposition to the frikkin war indicative of good judgment?

[Rescisco]

Nice. But I am not sure would do anything significant. Nevertheless, I would like to see a statement along the following lines included.

Our country is in great danger, not just from foreign threats we have come to understand all too well in the post 9-11 era but, above all, from our own misguided policies and what they are doing to the nation. This election is a contest not just for the rule of America but for the heart and soul of America. We must decide what this country will stand for at this critical time of challenge and rapid change. It is a choice between continued surrender to old fears and new courage borne of renewed commitment and intelligent effort. We will be beaten by the tired, old, failed policies of the past eight years or we will rise in victory to meet new challenges. We must admit the vanity of the false distinctions and old debates that have crippled this nation at a time when it must urgently act to secure a new and better tomorrow. That has always been the American response to challenge. Our window of opportunity will remain open but for a short time, and the margin for error is small. Now is the time for America to be America again, to summon the best of its traditions, to dismiss the old fears and embrace the new hope. Only then can we aspire to be great again, only then will we be America again!

[Texas4Obama]

I guess you haven't listened to all of Obama's rallies and speeches and townhalls if you think that he has not already said the majority of that.

Obama/Sebelius '08

[Deaninphilly]

He hasn't hence the article, I guess you hear what you want to hear.