I've told you so far sounds like a pretty grim tale, of a magical young city that grew up to blow its brains out. Or maybe it just got sick, and couldn't find a good-hearted hooker to take its temperature. But the story doesn't have to be so gloomy. Because we know from our past - if we know anything -- that when we look to the future we don't have to sit back and take whatever comes. That is the lesson of Birmingham. That is the glorious lesson of Birmingham. It is our birthright to follow the lead of those who rebuilt this city after hate tried to burn it down. We have hope when we stand for something. We have hope because we stand for something better. We have responsibility, of course. It's on us to demand more, to speak our minds about what we believe is right, whether it be a new constitution, better government or simple kindness. When you open your eyes and see that things are bad? That's not the worst thing that can happen. If you work to fix them rather than turn away -- that's the lesson of this town. When you vote on the basis of a person's character, rather than their stereotype or some preconceived notion, that's part of the hope. When you can see the world as it is and refuse to be cynical, that's the dream. It's not that hard. I mean, have you seen children today? These things,