President Obama speaking: That
we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at
war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy
is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the
part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and
prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed;
businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail
too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use
energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These
are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less
measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our
land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that
the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you
that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are
many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know
this, America - they will be met. …

We
know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are
a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and
non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from
every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of
civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger
and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall
someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the
world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that
America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To
the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest
and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow
conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your
people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To
those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the
silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;
but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To
the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make
your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved
bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy
relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to
suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources
without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change
with it. (01/20/09)
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