Thomas Daschle: “In just over 100 days, the American people will make an historic and fateful decision. They will decide whether we stay…”

“In just over 100 days, the American people will make an historic and fateful decision. They will decide whether we stay the course we are on or move our country in a new and better direction. As I have traveled around South Dakota and the Nation, I have heard a lot about the hopes and dreams Americans have for their families. I have listened to ranchers and farmers, teachers and mothers, police officers and firefighters. I am always humbled by the honesty of their message. Families in South Dakota and across our Nation aren't asking for special deals or special advantage. All they want is a fair opportunity on a level playing field. They want to know that there is only one set of rules, and that the game isn't rigged against them. Most of all, they want to know that as we make decisions affecting the future of our country, our first priority is doing right by America. If a policy isn't going to make us stronger and safer, if it is not going to expand opportunity and put common sense ahead of ideology, then it is not doing right by America. Doing right by America rejects the defeatist view that we have enough money to rebuild Iraq, but not enough resources to take care of America. At its heart, doing right by America means fulfilling our moral responsibility--together--to create a better future for our children and grandchildren. It is a simple value that Americans have always lived by, but it has been pushed aside these last 4 years.”