Although this blog has tended to avoid dipping into the political arena, I just could not overlook the comments by one of our Presidential candidates at the 63rd Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner held on October 16, 2008, at the Waldorf Astoria. Sure, the event was delightful in that both candidates took time away from their busy campaigning to roast themselves and their opposing candidate but more especially to support the outreach of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York and to honor Alfred E. Smith. Al Smith, as he was known in private and public life, was the first Roman Catholic and Irish-American to run for President as a major party nominee. He lost the election to Herbert Hoover. He then became president of the Empire State, Inc. and was instrumental in getting the Empire State Building built during the Great Depression.

While watching and listening to the speeches I was brought to tears when one candidate closed his remarks with one of the finest statements defining what we as a country are all about and the responsibility we all share as citizens of these United States of America. I share those comments with you.

“You know, the fact that each October, in the closing weeks of a hard-fought campaign, people of all political persuasions can come to this dinner and share a meal and honor the work of this foundation underscores the reality that no matter what differences or divisions or arguments we’re having right now, we ultimately belong to something bigger and more lasting than a political party.

We belong to a community. We share a country. We are all children of God.

And in this country, there are millions of fellow citizens, our brothers and sisters, who need us very much, especially now. We are being battered by a very serious economic storm, and for many Americans it’s only deepened the quiet storms they’ve been struggling through for years.

Beyond the walls of this hotel, on the streets of one of the greatest cities in the wealthiest nation on earth, there are men and women and children who have fallen on hard times and hard luck, who can’t find work, or even a job that pays enough to keep a roof over their heads. Some are hanging on just by a thread.

Scripture says God creates us for works of service. We are blessed to have so many organizations like this one and the Catholic Diocese that perform these acts of God every day.

But each of us also has that responsibility. Each of us has that obligation, especially now. No matter who we are or what we do, what I believe each of us in this room asks for and hopes for and prays for is enough strength and wisdom to do good and to seek justice and play our small part in building a more hopeful and compassionate world for the generations that will follow.

Before Al Smith was a candidate who made history, he was a man who made a difference, a man who fought for many years to give Americans nothing more than a fair shake and a chance to succeed. And he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands — of millions as a result. Simply put, he helped people.

That’s a distinction we can all aspire to, that we can all achieve, young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican or independent. And I have no doubt that if we come together at this moment of crisis with this goal in mind, America will meet this challenge and weather this storm, and, in the words of Al Smith, ‘walk once more in eternal sunshine.’

Thank you so much, everybody. God bless you.”

Barack Obama