A More Perfect Union
Barack Obama gave a speech at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 'More Perfect Union' speech, that is among the most important speeches on race in America history. It has been compared with Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, and for good reason. It is a compelling analysis of the subject by a man with a unique perpsective.
It is not a campaign speech with applause lines at 30 second intervals, but an intelligent discussion of the issue as it exists in 2008. He addresses the issues that were raised in the media's response to his pastor's remarks, but expands the discussion to show how Americans of different races still view these issues differently - "a racial stalemate we've been stuck with for years".
While some have discounted his ideas for being too eloquent, this speech is one that is as compelling in text as it is on video.
As an aside - someday they may watch this speech only for the CNN scroll at the bottom which is dominated by the economic news of the day - interest rates lowered, tax rebates, and Citigroup laying off employees as a response to slowing economic growth. Let's hope that an Obama Presidency can move towards the "larger aspirations of all Americans."