Barack Obama: “I refuse to accept any number of miner deaths as simply the cost of mining.”

it was nevertheless important that we all play a part in assuring that our elected officials are accountable.

I think when you understand the complexities of America and the contradictions of America, I don’t think it makes you love it less. I think it makes you love it more.

And there’s no reason to suggest that we can’t get through this one either.

In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property.