I think it no accident that most of those emigrating to America in the 19th century identified with the Democratic Party. We are a heterogeneous party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds.
Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us are going to suffer. For the American idea, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us.
A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.
The citizens of America expect more. They deserve and they want more than a recital of problems.
But this is the great danger America faces. That we will cease to be one nation and become instead a collection of interest groups: city against suburb, region against region, individual against individual. Each seeking to satisfy private wants.
If we promise as public officials, we must deliver. If we as public officials propose, we must produce.
