Toward a More Perfect Union

I’ve found myself thinking about Senator Barack Obama’s speech “A More Perfect Union.” A lot. It is the most stirring speech I’ve ever heard from a politician. Should the senator prevail and become our next president, I have little doubt this speech will become one of the signal documents of our political history.

And, while I am moved to my soul by his words and the hope that it inspires, I am at the same time plummeted to the edge of despair by what both his opponents and his friends say about it. And one other thing. But before that other thing, about those words of enemies and friends. Those on the right say nice speech and then want to know when he will disown Dr Jeremiah Wright. Either not listening, or not caring, or looking for the wedge. Then too many on the left say wonderful speech, and go right onto a justification of Dr Wright’s words.

Both seem to miss what the Senator said. Barack Obama’s is a call of honesty, relentless honesty, and the hope for our world that can arise from that honesty.

Then there’s that other thing, which makes me heart sick. As this campaign began I did not think that Senator Obama’s race would be held against him by any significant part of the population. I now fear I was too optimistic about where we are as a people.

I am ashamed that the Clinton campaign has been willing to play a not so subtle race card in order to prevail. And I see that should, as I expect, Senator Obama win the nomination anyway, he will have been wounded deeply. While I believe Senator McCain will not sully his honor in this way, those close to him will have no qualms at all doing so, tearing our nation apart for their electoral victory.

That said, sick, sick as I am at what his friends and enemies both have to say about this matter, I go back and listen to Senator Obama.

I listen to the call for a more perfect union.

And hope stirs deep within me…