Just like America, the Statue of Liberty is not standing still. Her feet literally step on the broken chains of human bondage. She's on the march. And she literally moves. Storms are always coming, so she is built to withstand the ferocious weather of storms and rock back and forth to stand the test of time. She sways a few inches but does not fall into the stream below. A marvel of engineering.
The Statue of Liberty is also an enduring symbol of our national soul, a soul shaped by the forces that unite us and the forces that separate us. Yet, through the good times and the hard times, we have persevered through it all. A land of pioneers and explorers, dreamers and doers, of the indigenous ancestors of this land, of those who came by force. A country of immigrants who came to build a better life. This nation carries the most powerful beacon of thought in the history of the world: that we are all created equal. That we all have the right to be treated with dignity, justice and fairness. That democracy must protect our rights, freedoms and dreams, be defined, imposed and mobilized in every possible way. But we know that the American ideal, our institutions, our people, and the values ​​that uphold them are constantly being tested.
There is an ongoing debate about power and the use of power. As to whether we lead by the example of our power or by the power of our example. Show courage to stand up to abuses of power or succumb to abuses of power. Having been at the center of all of this for 50 years, I have learned that believing in the American ideal means respecting the institutions that govern a free society: the presidency, Congress, courts, and a free and independent press. I know. An entrenched system not only reflects a timeless saying, but also the words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” It is rooted in the Constitution's timeless words, “We the People.” Our system of separation of powers and checks and balances may not be perfect, but it has served us well for almost 250 years, longer than any other country in history that has attempted such a bold experiment. We have maintained democracy.
Over the past four years, our democracy has remained strong. And every day, I have maintained my commitment to be president for all Americans through one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. I had a great partner in Vice President Kamala Harris. We have seen the resilience of essential workers as we weather a once-in-a-century pandemic, the bravery of our military and first responders who keep us safe, and the determination of our rights and the advocates who stand up for us. It was the honor of my life. Freedom.
Instead of losing their jobs to the economic crisis we inherited, millions of Americans now have the dignity of work. Millions of entrepreneurs and companies create new businesses and industries, employ American workers, and use American products. And together, we launched a new era of American possibility. It's one of the greatest infrastructure modernizations in all of American history, from new roads and bridges to clean water and affordable high-speed internet for all Americans.
