...But by the strength of his character

Years ago I worked on a social studies project for a textbook publisher. It was a great opportunity because it gave me almost free rein to explore news reels from the national archive. One day I pulled the full length version of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the thick of the civil rights movement in August, 1963. More than 30 years after it was given, it moved me to tears.

If you have never treated yourself to the full speech, do so. We all know the clips, but the richness of the full composition is greater than the sum of its parts.

Like millions of Americans, I was reminded yesterday of his stirring words…

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!

…as all of America and the world witnessed the realization of that dream.

Thinking of those words and then seeing President-elect Barack Obama address the nation gave me the best kind of goose bumps. Or should I say chicken skin? That’s what they call it in Hawaii; our new president would probably appreciate the distinction.

God speed, Mr. President. We are with you.