Through his novels and his speeches, he painted a dramatic picture of the divisions between rich and poor and created a sense of urgency that prepared the way for real reform. Confronting social breakdown will take more than assigning blame. It will require leaders who can inspire citizens to do more than get out and vote and who are prepared to tell people what they may not want to hear. It will require reminding us that the social problems we are facing cannot be solved without our participation and that responsibility begins with ourselves but does not end there. Today, a leadership of frankness and vigor would communicate the urgency of the problems facing us, would challenge Americans to get involved in rebuilding their communities and would begin the process of healing and reconciliation.
American history is filled with noble political rhetoric.
But claiming we found it in Clinton's speech is no substitute for the real thing.