Obama Inspriation

From Obama's speech at Wesleyan. My favorite parts up top, the full article below:

"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."

"hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."

"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."

"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again."


FULL TEXT
Obama asks graduates for sacrifice, service
Steps in for Kennedy at Wesleyan commencement
By Peter Schworm
Globe Staff / May 26, 2008

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - In an insistent call to public service and a personal tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator Barack Obama challenged graduates of Wesleyan University yesterday to "work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all of humanity."

Stepping in for the ailing Kennedy, who was scheduled to deliver the university's commencement address before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week, Obama told an audience of several thousand to "be unified in service to a greater good," a cause he described as synonymous with the Kennedy family.

Kennedy, who in January endorsed Obama in a symbolic passing of the political dynasty's progressive mantle, was represented by his wife, Vicki, and his stepdaughter, Caroline Raclin, a member of this year's graduating class.

Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, said it was an honor to "pinch-hit" for Kennedy, whom he called "one of my personal heroes and a hero to his country."

"Surely if one man can achieve so much and make such a difference in the lives of so many people, then each of us can do our part," Obama said of Massachusetts' senior senator. "Surely if his service and his story can forever shape America's story, then our collective service can shape the destiny of this generation. At the very least, his living example calls us to try."

Under cloudless blue skies before a supportive crowd that punctuated his words with warm applause, Obama recalled his own decision as a college graduate to work for a small group of churches as a neighborhood organizer in Chicago for "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car," and how the experience gave him purpose and direction. Students, Obama said, owe it to themselves and those less fortunate to serve the common good.

Wesleyan announced Obama would be replacing Kennedy late last week and scrambled to prepare for his appearance. Security was tight and Secret Service agents surveyed the crowd from rooftops. Graduates of the college, known for its progressive politics, said they were thrilled by Obama's presence and inspired by his message.

"It was the best day of my life when I found out he was coming to speak," said Genevieve Angelson, 22, whose red graduation robe displayed the phrase "WES We Can" in black letters. "But this is even better."

"I was shaking, I was so moved by what he said," she added.

Graduates said they were particularly struck by the directness of Obama's call for expanded national and community service over the pursuit of financial gain.

"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."

Obama pledged to increase the size of the Foreign Service, double the size of the Peace Corps, and demand greater sacrifice from the country if elected president.

Noting that 64 Wesleyan graduates have joined the Peace Corps since 2001, Obama urged students to "hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."

"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt," he said. "It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."

Obama said individual and national sacrifice is urgently needed to tackle difficult problems such as poverty, climate change, and an energy crisis.

"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again," he said to a standing ovation.

In opening remarks, Wesleyan president Michael S. Roth recognized Kennedy as a great supporter of higher education and healthcare, drawing sustained cheers from the crowd.

"His dedication to civil rights, to labor, to healthcare and to a pragmatic and principled politics has made him one of the most productive legislators in modern American history."

In his speech, Obama relayed a lighthearted message from Kennedy, prompting laughter and applause.

"To all those praying for my return to good health, I offer my heartfelt thanks," the message read. "And to any who'd rather have a different result, I say, don't get your hopes up just yet!"

Wesleyan students said they agreed the nation needs more youthful idealism and shared sacrifice, and that Obama's words had a galvanizing effect. Many, like Daniel Meyer of Arlington, said he was already considering public service, but said Obama's speech struck a chord.

"It definitely got me thinking more about it," he said, "but I didn't expect anything short of inspirational today."

Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com