Barack Obama used the big opening of his Presidential Center in Chicago today to share a hopeful and direct message about what really keeps America together.Former presidents and first ladies, including the Bidens, the Clintons, and the Bushes, came together in a strong display of unity.
Obama started the event with a warm thank you to Joe Biden:
“Thank you for your steady support over eight years.
Joe, we started as running mates and ended up as family, and we wouldn’t be here without you,” said the 44th president.“And we are grateful.”
He talked about some of the exhibits in the new library, like Lincoln’s Bible, pamphlets from Ida B.
Wells, suffragist buttons, and Frances Perkins’ hard hat.Then he reminded Americans of the basic beliefs that make democracy work:
“A belief in the natural dignity and value of every person, and that no one is above the law or below its protection.
A belief in …accountability through an independent judiciary and a strong free press.A belief that our military and law enforcement serve not any president or political party, but the people and our Constitution.
“A belief in the peaceful transfer of power after people vote in fair and free elections … And a belief that qualities like honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, a sense of duty and honor matter in public life as much as in private.”
“These are not Republican or Democratic values,” he said.
“They are American values we can all share, no matter our party.Values that every president here today has tried their best to uphold … It is our greatest inheritance.”
He then spoke about the current climate of anger and distrust, and mentioned Trumpism as a danger to the country’s future.
“When we stop believing in each other, lose faith in voting, citizenship, and our voices, and no longer care how we treat one another, we give up our power to decide our own future.
“We open the door to the most harmful, thoughtless, or fearful people who see some groups as more equal than others and see government as a way to divide up rewards, punish enemies, and keep those who are different in their place.
“I don’t believe that is the story of America that will last.
Giving in to cynicism and division now would be a betrayal of our founding ideas and our faith.”
“I believe most Americans feel the same way.
Even though we are unsettled, people aren’t looking for constant anger and division.
“They are looking for fairness, common sense, and mutual respect.
Deep down, we want to find a way to come back together, not move further apart.”
He ended with an encouraging call to action:
“The most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ That word belongs to no one.
It belongs to everyone.What a great responsibility we have to keep trying to make this great nation better.”
In a time when poor decisions have led to a weak Iran ceasefire with major compromises to Iran and little gain, Obama’s words serve as a strong reminder of the leadership, character, and unity we should expect from our leaders.
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