Monday, June 9, 2008

An ending and a beginning

It has been confirmed. Hillary Clinton will not be the next President of the United States. But Barack Obama may just be.

As Hillary was getting ready to concede defeat, Barack made what was one of the most moving and powerful political speeches I've heard in a long time. For me, it was akin to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Barack's speech: This Is The Moment.

I found it to be one of the most electrifying and inspiring speeches I have heard in recent memory. His delivery was superb, and his character came shining through. But ultimately, it was the message of hope, of change, and of the chance at healing towards a new beginning that really moved me. All delivered with the kind of integrity which I now expect from him - and he hasn't let me down.

As with every great political speech, the last paragraph spoke volumes:

The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment – this was the time – when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals. Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

I heard his speech live. I read it over and over again. And every time I do, I feel excited about the political process again. Because of him, (and Hillary too), I believe again. I BELIEVE. I believe it can be done. Not just for Americans, but for all of us. I believe.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gG5gJ2

No comments: