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My father once told me that he had a dream; a dream where I would do better in life than he did. Well, I too, have a dream. I dream that there will be a day when we, as a Country, a Society, a State, a County, a City, a Family, and as individuals, will begin to appreciate ourselves and others more not for the color of our skin or our religious views, but for who we are. That for all of our weaknesses we have, we will begin to consider our strengths as a unified community, fighting racism, discrimination, prejudice, bigotry, and intolerance in all its forms. No matter what you call it, our community suffers for it.

Recently, I met a man from a small South American country. And, we have become friends. I see in him so many positive qualities: he's humorous and witty - remember, English is not his first language. He's intelligent and insightful. And he's tough and resilient, having experienced the undulations of life and become stronger. But he doesn't see it and chooses to live his life at a level far below where he could be.

Over the year, I've told him of his qualities, hoping through reinforcement that he too will begin to see them in himself. Begin to appreciate them. And begin to grow and nurture them. Perhaps in time, he will hear me. And see himself for who he really is, and unleash the magnificence within himself.

Yes, fellow citizens, I dream that we will begin to see and appreciate ourselves. However, I also dream that we will begin to appreciate others more. Appreciate them for what they do and what they give, not judging them by their color, ethnicity, religion, or any other insignificant thing.

My father is my hero. He taught me to appreciate others for "who" they are, not "what" they are. He did this while I watched many treat him terribly simply because his last name was of Spanish origin. This valuable lesson did not make sense until I experienced it personally. I was judged by what I am, not who I am. What a shame, that in the year 2006, people still cannot put aside the anger, the fears of the past, and look to the future.

I thank my father dearly for this lesson. I am a better person for it. Yes, I also dream that my children will be better off than I have been, but I also dream that we will begin to see what others do for us and show our appreciation in return. I dream that I will be judged for my actions, not my name or color of my skin.

We have so very far to go. But, begin to consider how far we have already come. Think of who and where we were

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