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?And we are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward.
?America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these principles. Every citizen must uphold them. And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.
?Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character.
?America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness.
?Some seem to believe that our politics can afford to be petty because, in a time of peace, the stakes of our debates appear small.
?But the stakes for America are never small. If our country does not lead the cause of freedom, it will not
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