Thursday wrapped up the convention, culminating in the most important moment of the convention, the acceptance speech by (no longer presumptive) nominee John Kerry. Started off a bit lame, but when he got going, I think he did pretty well.
As I write this, some of the speeches I liked are not online yet. Instead, I've linked those to transcripts, but if the vids come up, I'll replace them here.
Thursday:
"Specifically, we want all people in the United States to enjoy the same legal rights as everyone else, unless they have forfeited them by violating the rights of others. We believe this should include some things that are, apparently, very controversial. They include the right to serve, fight and even die on behalf of our country in the military; the right to earn a living by working hard and being judged wholly on the quality of our work; the right for teenagers to attend high school without being shoved, punched or otherwise attacked; and yes, the right to express not only love for another person, but a willingness to be legally as well as morally responsible for his or her well-being."
"They're serving to build something greater than themselves. They're serving to build something worth fighting for. They're serving to build something worth dying for. They are a company of heroes. Everyone who fights for the best in American life is also a hero: Firefighters. Police officers. Teachers, and so many others. John Kerry's time to lead this company of heroes has arrived. Right here. Right now. In this town. Tonight, from this place, we set out together to put our country back on track to security, freedom and opportunity. America: Hear this soldier."
The Honorable Madeline Albright
"I was not born in this country. When I was an infant, Nazi stormtroopers marched into my native Czechoslovakia. After the war, my nation was taken over by Communists. So I learned early in life that there is much evil in this world. But I also learned early about a land across the sea where freedom is cherished and freedom's allies helped and defended. At the age of eleven, I sailed like many before me past the Statue of Liberty to experience the gift of growing up in the world's greatest democracy. I love our country. And over the years, I have seen the reasons for that love reinforced countless times in the lives not only of immigrants and refugees, but also those of millions abroad who have been shielded by American troops, aided by American assistance and inspired by American ideals."
"My fellow citizens, elections are about choices. And choices are about values. In the end, it's not just policies and programs that matter; the president who sits at that desk must be guided by principle. For four years, we've heard a lot of talk about values. But values spoken without actions taken are just slogans. Values are not just words. They're what we live by. They're about the causes we champion and the people we fight for. And it is time for those who talk about family values to start valuing families."