We are not together as a people. We are all worthy of respect and dignity.

A sold-out crowd of 4,000 at the Milwaukee Theater welcomed Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama as he kicked off his Wisconsin campaign April 16 in Milwaukee.

The rally, which was set to be a raucous affair, was altered at the last minute in light of the events at Virginia Tech to a more solemn tone. Mayor Tom Barrett introduced the senator from Illinois and offered full support for his campaign.

We need a leader who can bring this country together, Barrett said. He understands both power brokers and single mothers struggling to get by.

Then Obama emerged from backstage and began his speech. He spoke in a quiet and reverent voice.

This is a time for us to reflect, Obama said, on how we accept different forms of violence in our society today.

Obama touched on the issue of violence that persists in America. He addressed forms of physical violence such as the spike in violent crime near Milwaukee, and the recent comments made by radio host Don Imus, which he said propagate verbal violence.

We are not together as a people, Obama said. We are all worthy of respect and dignity.

Obama said the remedies for our violent culture could be found in a variety of policy changes. Most importantly, he emphasized the need for strong diplomacy in Iraq. Obama also stated that significant improvements in the education system were also necessary.

We need to give teachers the pay and respect they deserve, said Obama, we have an education system that�s leaving too many children behind.

He concluded his speech by calling on Americans to take action. Obama said Americans have, to an extent given up feeling like they can make a change. But Obama put this responsibility into the American people�s hands, and told the sold-out crowd that it�s up to Americans to regain this power.

We are stronger united than we are divided, said Obama, this campaign is not about me, it�s a vehicle for your hopes and your dreams.

After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, the candidate shook hands in the theater for a short time after, before leaving for a fundraiser in River Hills scheduled for later in the evening.

> Comments