Straight from the Horse's Mouth

I continue to share with you e-mails I receive from Barack Obama's campaign. I think it's beneficial to hear the news straight from the horse's mouth from time to time instead of as interrupted by others. This echoes my post from earlier today on Obama's comments during a speech in Chicago that Bush has let America down and has not been a leader.

Here's part of the e-mail that I share with you:

Our foreign policy shapes America's image abroad, but America's role in the world is deeply personal for many of us here at home. We remember how it felt when the American president had the moral authority to speak for free people everywhere.

Maybe you've traveled abroad and seen firsthand how in a few years George Bush has squandered the goodwill America earned over half a century. Maybe the decisions George Bush has made has sent your friend or family member into a war that should have never happened in the first place.

Barack wants to know why a new direction for our foreign policy and restoring America's moral leadership in the world is personal for you. Share your story.

Today Barack gave a major address about why our role in the world is personal for him.

He's been to the border of the Darfur region and seen first-hand what happens when America will not step up and lead. He's seen first-hand that weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union have not been secured under this president. He's met with Israelis and Palestinians who told him that true peace won't be achieved without an American president committed to making it happen.

And he's got concrete plans to right our course and rebuild America's global leadership. Today he laid out five initiatives that an Obama Administration will pursue:

*Bring a responsible end to this war in Iraq and refocus on the critical challenges in the broader region:
*Modernize our overstretched armed forces, building the first truly 21st century military and show wisdom in how we deploy it
*Marshal a global effort to secure, destroy, and stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction
*Rebuild and construct the alliances and partnerships necessary to meet common challenges and confront common threats
*Invest in our common humanity to ensure that those who live in fear and want today can live with dignity and opportunity tomorrow

As Barack pointed out today, the position of "leader of the free world" has been vacant for some time. For too long we've seen the consequences of a foreign policy based on a flawed ideology, and a belief that tough talk can replace real strength and vision. How many millions of Americans and our allies abroad winced when Senator John McCain gleefully sang a tune about starting another war by bombing Iran?

As the Republican presidential candidates repeat the same tired White House talking points, one thing is becoming clear: Democrats have the obligation to turn the page and lead America into a new chapter in history.

And here is his full speech he gave today.