"American values and legal traditions do not..." - Quote by Barack Obama

“We will not hesitate to speak out when we see actions that contradict those values.”

“So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are.”

“We have to acknowledge the progress we made, but understand that we still have a long way to go. That things are better, but still not good enough.”

“... our interests and our conscience compel us to act on behalf of those who long for freedom. And we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice.”

“For half of the world's population, roughly three billion people around the world living on less than two dollars a day, an election is at best a means, not an end; a starting point, not deliverance. These people are looking less for an "electocracy" than for the basic elements that for most of us define a decent life--food, shelter, electricity, basic health care, education for their children, and the ability to make their way through life without having to endure corruption, violence, or arbitrary power.”

“At all times, day by day, we have to continue fighting for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom from want... for these are things that must be gained in peace as well as in war.”

“Your action expresses your priorities.”

“Constitutions have to be written on hearts, not just paper.”

“Don't confuse wealth with success.”