President Elect Barack Obama Christmas Message

President-Elect Barack Obama's Christmas message. In this message, Mr. Obama hails our troops and recognizes their sacrifices during this holiday season. *yawn* Sorry about that.

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama
Holiday Radio Address
December 27, 2008

Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season.

As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.

Many troops are serving their second, third, or fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; and sisters and brothers.

This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their childs face as they open a gift back home.

Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come. .

These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans dont have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain.

That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans that I am my brothers keeper, I am my sisters keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.

That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day.

After all, that is what Americans have always done.

232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire.

It was Christmas Day—December 25th, 1776 that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to a beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence.

Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season—the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible.

Category:

People & Blogs

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• barack
• obama
• christmas
• message
• troops
• iraq
• afghanistan

[Spydyee2]

Just becasue a person has the intelligence to realize that we are in an immoral war right now does not make him a bad person. i realize, as a former member of the armed forces, a BRAT, and a DAR that many would like to win the "War in Iraq." However, the reality check is that we are fighting against something we do not understand.

[Spydyee2]

As a Latter Day Saint I am opposed to remaining in a war that infringes on any person's right to the free practice of their religion regardless of how offensive their religion might be to me. We have been on the other end of that persecution for too long. I want us out of Iraq. I respect the dedication of each soldier and have nothing but the deepest respect for your service. However, I do hold EVERY politician that sent our troops to Iraq while ignoring Afghanistan accountable

[Spydyee2]

He is asking each of us to "Put your shoulder to the wheel" and we should. We should calm ourselve and realize that he is going to be our new president. I will exercise an article of faith of my church that says "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." He is the duly elected president and from that perspective I am obligated to treat him with respect as I have done every other president regardless of his politics.

[chcknhawk]

No you're not "obligated to treat him with respect". You're obligated to be subject to him as President and "obey, honor, and sustain the law", not the President. He is a man, flawed and imperfect.

[chcknhawk]

For the record, Bush is flawed and imperfect as well. Wanted to make it clear.

[chcknhawk]

Iraq recently acknowledged Christmas as an official holiday. Their constitution does not dictate a religion but allows for the same sort of religious freedoms we enjoy here. I am also LDS. Iraq isn't the problem and neither are the Iraqis. It's the extremist Islamists and terrorists in BOTH Iraq and Afghanistan. Afghanistan is WORSE than Iraq when it comes to religious freedom by miles! Yes, I'm an OIF veteran.

[chcknhawk]

You may not understand, but I can guarantee you we do.

[AnnAAngel1564]

This man is a prisioner in the whitehouse yet free somewhere else, so they have not succeeded in what they thought they could do and all who think they can abuse will be sent back to hell where they will suffer for eternity.

God will destroy them all.

[arielrebelfan1]

anyone who doesnt like obama is a rasist.... or a rastional thinker... one of those two usually...

accually on a other note... my grandfather is 86 years old and hates black people and mexicans and even italians lol he didnt want my mother fucking his son cuz her last name is merairrsii lol and that rasist voted for obama.. just thought id put that out there for some strange reason :S

[GENOVEVO1955]

HES AN IDIOT SIMPLE AS THAT

[316JOHNLT]

How come he didn't say merry Christmas?

[colborn366]

How can he pretend to stand in Washingtons shoes?

[MyDesignerGuy]

Jerk

[candiceevans1]

I got one thing to say,,,the skeletons wont stay in the closet forever ,,,MAY14-17,,,

[ILLMAXX]

not to be respected...........IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH.......CANT BE OUR PRESIDENT AND UN COUNCIL PRESIDENT AT THE SAME TIME, THATS HIGH TREASON GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION...........WE ARE YOUR BOSS GOT DAMMIT!!!!!!!

[Llassamor]

yes he is reading a telepromter look at his eyes the guide left to right look closely.

[ANoobGuyProductions]

Hey look daddy.. it's the man who's ruining america.