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THE CHANGE THAT WAS GONNA COME IS HERE

LET the record show that a profound change swept over America on the 28th day of the eighth month of an astounding year in this country’s history.

It was at that moment, with cheers rising beyond the Rocky Mountains and a crowd awash in a sea of flying flags, that America truly became a more perfect union.

With a confident stride and a determined spirit, Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for president of the United States, stepped out on the stage and fulfilled a great dream.

“This country of ours has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich,” Obama said.

“Instead, it is that American spirit – that American promise – that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain; that binds us together in spite of our differences; that makes us fix our eye not on what is seen, but what is unseen, that better place around the bend.”

It was on this day 45 years ago that another inspiring leader, Martin Luther King Jr., led a great march on Washington and gave America its biggest challenge.

King called the Constitution a “promissory note” on which America had defaulted. He said the country had given its Negro citizens a bad check.

“But we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt,” King told the thundering crowd. “We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.”

The vaults have been opened. The dream is alive and well. When joy rose from the rafters of Denver’s Invesco Field, supporters were expressing pride in the Democrat’s favorite son. But they could have easily been cheering for themselves for living King’s message and not judging a man by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.

“I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office,” Obama said. “I don’t fit the typical pedigree, and I haven’t spent my career in the halls of Washington.

“But I stand before you tonight because, all across America, something is stirring. What the naysayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s been about you.”

Years from now, it may be Barack Obama‘s speech that children learn in school. It may be this day that historians will remember when we near the end of August. Because it was on this day that we did what King said, and “let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado,” and brought the dream to life.

COMPLETE ELECTION 2008 COVERAGE