Obama's Acceptance Speech

Though I'm always sceptical of politicians, Obama's acceptance speech (along with many other things he's said during his campaign etc.) has really impressed me. While I realize that he may not live up to what he's said, I am impressed with just having said so many good things to begin with, and so far he's been pretty consistent in what he's said and what's on his agenda. Hopefully, things will continue to be consistent in the future. Anyway, words are words, but at least Obama has had some cool things to say. I can't even recall ONE statement from McCain that stood out to me as important and good. So, Obama's speech, even if it ends up being empty words, at least has the right message, as far as I'm concerned. And for that reason I want to capture the highlights of the speech. Here are the parts I liked (with a comment in parenthesis what I liked about it):

• It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. (In a time where fear and cynicism dominate a lot of our lifes, and often create apathy and hopelessness, I love how he tries to fight that, and instill hope. It's hope that leads to action, not fear and cynical attitudes)
• I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. (I love that he expresses his love for his family so clearly, and that he realizes that whatever he's achieved in life is not just because of himself, but because of those who've supported him all along, and helped him become who he is. It's arrogant and prideful to think you've achieved anything on your own).
  
• It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory. (Again, I love that he realizes how much he ows his "victory" to the efforts of those who wanted a change, and made sacrifices for it)
  
• I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair. (Nice - he actually seems to have a clue as to what people in this nation face, and deal with)
  
• The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. (I love that he is hopeful, while being realistic and down to earth about the seriousness of the problems the nation faces)
  
• There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.( I lovelovelove this part - I love that he realizes how things will be, there'll be disagreements, and not everyone will be happy, but he promises to be honest, he'll listen, and most of all he asks EVERYONE to join in making the changes happen - he's inviting people to act and be responsible!!!! instead of promising that the government will fix everything)
  
• What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. (Again, I love that he makes clear that everyone has to do something or nothing will change)
  
• So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. (Well, this could almost be a part of a General Conference talk - yes, we need to work hard, be responsible, and help others, be unselfish etc...I'm glad he realizes that! And also that what we do impacts others - this is ONE nation! I love this part!!!!)
  
• Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. (I love that he acknowledges needing everyone's support, and reaching out to those who haven't voted for him)
  
• And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope. (I just like this part...)
  

• America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

  This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

  Yes We Can. (Again, I love the message of hope, and resolve to do something, to act, to change - go Obama!)