text of President's commencement address at University of Michigan ..another singular speech.

[JohnWxy]

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/full-text-president-obamas-speech-university-michigans-class-2010?page=0,0
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The democracy designed by Jefferson and the other founders was never intended to solve every problem with a new law or a new program. Having thrown off the tyranny of the British Empire, the first Americans were understandably skeptical of government. And ever since we’ve held fast to the belief that government doesn’t have all the answers, and we have cherished and fiercely defended our individual freedom. That’s a strand of our nation’s DNA.

But the other strand is the belief that there are some things we can only do together, as one nation -– and that our government must keep pace with the times. When America expanded from a few colonies to an entire continent, and we needed a way to reach the Pacific, our government helped build the railroads. When we transitioned from an economy based on farms to one based on factories, and workers needed new skills and training, our nation set up a system of public high schools. When the markets crashed during the Depression and people lost their life savings, our government put in place a set of rules and safeguards to make sure that such a crisis never happened again, and then put a safety net in place to make sure that our elders would never be impoverished the way they had been. And because our markets and financial systems have evolved since then, we’re now putting in place new rules and safeguards to protect the American people. (Applause.)

Now, this notion -- this notion, class, hasn’t always been partisan. It was the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, who said the role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do better for themselves. And he’d go on to begin that first intercontinental railroad and set up the first land-grant colleges. It was another Republican, Teddy Roosevelt, who said, “the object of government is the welfare of the people.” And he’s remembered for using the power of government to break up monopolies, and establish our National Park system. (Applause.) Democrat Lyndon Johnson announced the Great Society during a commencement here at Michigan, but it was the Republican President before him, Dwight Eisenhower, who launched the massive government undertaking known as the Interstate Highway System.

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[State the Obvious]

1. One way or another.....you MUST read this speech.

President Obama's speeches often bring tears to my eyes....and this one is no exception.

It makes me proud that he is our President. :patriot: :loveya:

[ClarkUSA]

2. Thank you... every child should study this speech to learn about civics. n/t

[FightingIrish]

3. I watched it live. He was addressing a graduating class but,

as always, he was leading the nation. If only a little of that clarity sinks into a few thick heads, it was worth the trip.

[Clio the Leo]

4. That is probably my favorite speech ever....

.... it gives that 2004 speech ... usually set apart ... a run for the title.

I am just NOW getting to see it.

And if I could recommend just ONE speech for everyone to hear ... especially those who oppose him ... this would be it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcNXFz_QCVU

[Cha]

5. Thank you, John.