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America is a beacon of hope for the world. And yet we are in so much trouble.

For generations, America has served as a beacon of hope and freedom for those outside her borders, and as a land of limitless opportunity for those risking everything to seek a better life. Their talents and contributions have continued to enrich our country.

America stands as a beacon of hope and the possibility of a better life - but it is also a nation where nearly 1 in 4 children live in poverty.

What we have, however, is an issue that has tremendous impact here at home, and we believe that Americans are starting to feel vulnerable, not just from what is going on around the world but right here in the United States.

America has survived and grown stronger through September 11th and subsequent wars with Afghanistan and Iraq and those who seek to do us harm. We have faced - and met - tremendous challenges ramping up a public health and safety system to protect Americans from future threats.

America's vulnerability comes precisely from its strength, its wealth, its power and its modernity. It's the usual story of the dog chasing its own tail.

America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.

And I have no doubt that the American people generally believe the world is safer, and that we are safer, when we are stronger.

We as people often subscribe to hope to feel better about our lives, to escape the harsh and sometimes cruel injustices of the world.

I keep thinking about how terrifyingly vulnerable women are in so many countries.