Barack Obama Speech at 2004 DNC Convention

Barack Obama Speech at 2004 DNC Convention

            “For alongside our famous individualism, there's another ingredient in the American saga.  A belief that we are connected as one people. If there's a child on the south side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandmother. If there's an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It's that fundamental belief? I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper? That makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. "E pluribus Unum." Out of many, one.” Barack Obama

            Barack Obama’s keynote speech at the 2004 DNC convention was meant to introduce John Kerry to Americans as the chosen democratic candidate. Instead he captivated viewers and introduced himself to the world. The main point of his speech was that everyone in America is truly equal. That even if you came here for a better life or your family has been here for generations we should all have the same rights. That we are all family. It doesn’t matter what kind of life you lead we all deserve to achieve the American dream. Because we are family we should take care of each other and help each other prosper. Some of us have healthcare and some of us don’t. Some of us have homes and some of us sleep outside. This should not be the case. Essentially he’s saying we aren’t right as a country until we are right as a whole.

            This part of this speech in particular spoke to me because I see injustice every day. Is it possible to get everyone on the same playing field in America, in regards to things like healthcare, education, housing, and employment? No obviously not everyone but the percentage of those lacking these basic benefits are too high. Barack Obama feels that the people without can have a better life if not only the government gets involved but American people as well. I agree. Our government can sure do a better job of taking care of Americans. Perhaps saving money by not bailing out banks and giving tax breaks to companies that don’t need them. But we as people have become detached I feel and care more about we immediately encounter friends, family etc. When helping others can actually help your community and the nation as a whole.