Michelle Obama's Speech at Democratic National Convention

This is one of the best speeches I have heard in a long time. The urgency in Michelle Obama's tone and the simple connections that she made with her anecdotal stories from her and President Obama's life, did not feel like I was listening to a political speech. 

True that economy is still not recovered for millions of many (mostly because of Obama's predecessor's squandering from wars and tax mishap), and  there are other unresolved domestic and international issues, however, comparing to 8 previous years, from 2001 to 2008, of dismally darkened ages of constant fear, suppression, tortures and many "casualties of wars", and fomenting distrusts among the world populace, Obama administration did take the positive steps in building that proverbial bridges of peace. 

The task is enormous and complex. Wars and violence are still raging in some parts of our world, and in some instances I would like US to take more bold leadership roles in cooperation with other regional allies, for example, stopping the bloodshed in Syria. But overall, the war in Iraq that was started in blatant deceptive notion, ended, the hated Bin Laden was killed, and the war in Afghanistan will possibly end in a few years time. On domestic front, the equal pay bill, protecting American auto industry, reversing the hundreds of thousands of job loss every month, and creating millions of jobs in last 29 months are good signs indeed. I hope all these positive outcomes in last four years will rouse the American voters to reelect the correct choice of this time.

Following are the excerpts from Michelle Obama's speech from tonight:

"You see, Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions but who had given us something far more valuable – their unconditional love, their unflinching sacrifice, and the chance to go places they had never imagined for themselves." 

"...That's how they raised us...that's what we learned from their example.
They simply believed in that fundamental American promise that, even if you don't start out with much, if you work hard and do what you're supposed to do, then you should be able to build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids and grandkids...." 

"That's how they raised us...that's what we learned from their example.
We learned about dignity and decency – that how hard you work matters more than how much you make...that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself." 

"We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters...that you don't take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules...and success doesn't count unless you earn it fair and square." 

"We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean...and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect." 

"Those are the values Barack and I – and so many of you – are trying to pass on to our own children." 

"That's who we are." 

".........If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire...if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores...if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote...if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time...if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream...and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love...then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream. Because in the end, more than anything else, that is the story of this country – the story of unwavering hope grounded in unyielding struggle...."

Read the transcript of this memorable speech in full from the following NPR link: Michelle Obama's Convention Speech