A More Perfect Union: Obama at Constitution Hall

History is something modern Americans often seem to view only in the past tense.

Between the structured playtimes of our youth, the constant barrage of class and after-class activities through school and our busy 40+ hour work weeks, often it’s hard to remember what happened last week, let alone the effects of our past and impact of our present. Our only release often comes in the form of ironic cynicism, rendering statements like “history-making” at best antiquated and at worst naive.

With this in mind, it’s easy to forget the uniqueness, regardless of who wins, of living at a time when the American Presidential frontrunners are a black man and a woman. This is particularly true in the last few weeks, as this long democratic race, according to mainstream media, descends into mud-slinging and name-calling. The latest in this series has been the indictment of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Senator Obama’s longtime friend and pastor. Some of Reverend Wright’s statements, most notable one in which he proclaimed “God Damn America,” have prompted critics of Obama to urge him to denounce the reverend as a racist.

This morning, within the halls of our own Constitution Center, in his first speech in Philadelphia in preparation for the upcoming Pennsylvania primary, Senator Obama made a public address. A video and transcript of what transpired can be found here. It is a public statement that, to this Phillyist's ears, is the most precise articulation of race, discrimination and the quest for an inclusive American identity since MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Maybe ultimately, this story will be just like all the rest, a flash of words we consume and throw away with no real bearing on the days that follow it. But one thing is for sure: today Philadelphia was once again put in the national spotlight as the place where the American dream was born.

Image Credit: Flickr user jurvetson