Martin Luther King dreamed of a country where there was no discrimination, where we truly loved our neighbors and even our enemies, a country where we fought poverty and stood up for what is right.

More than forty years later, we have made great strides toward his dream, most markedly the election of our first African-American President.  But we still have a long way to go.

While minorities are more respected, prejudice still lingers.  Because of that prejudice, many Americans fight every day against poverty, homelessness, and hunger.

We have much to do to honor Dr. King.  We must develop a true respect for all of our people.   We must eliminate poverty by providing good jobs in manufacturing tomorrow’s energy solutions.  We must fight against the power of money and greed by supporting those who will stand up for what is right.

As we celebrate the memory of Dr. King, let us all start believing in the dream that makes us Americans.  We must not only believe in this dream but work together to create it.