down
our
guard.
At
the
same
time，we
must
continue
to
engage
the
world
with
confidence
and
clear
purpose.
In
the
face
of
threats
from
abroad，it
can
be
tempting
to
seek
comfort
by
turning
inward.
But
we
must
reject
isolationism
and
its
companion，protectionism.
Retreating
behind
our
borders
would
only
invite
danger.
In
the
21st
century，security
and
prosperity
at
home
depend
on
the
expansion
of
liberty
abroad.
If
America
does
not
lead
the
cause
of
freedom，that
cause
will
not
be
led.
As
we
address
these
challenges-and
others
we
cannot
foresee
tonight-America
must
maintain
our
moral
clarity.
I
have
often
spoken
to
you
about
good
and
evil.
This
has
made
some
uncomfortable.
But
good
and
evil
are
present
in
this
world，and
between
the
two
there
can
be
no
compromise.
Murdering
the
innocent
to
advance
an
ideology
is
wrong
every
time，everywhere.
Freeing
people
from
oppression
and
despair
is
eternally
right.
This
Nation
must
continue
to
speak
out
for
justice
and
truth.
We
must
always
be
willing
to
act
in
their
defense
and
to
advance
the
cause
of
peace.
President
Thomas
Jefferson
once
wrote，“I
like
the
dreams
of
the
future
better
than
the
history
of
the
past.”As
I
leave
the
house
he
occupied
two
centuries
ago，I
share
that
optimism.
America
is
a
young
country，full
of
vitality，constantly
growing
and
renewing
itself.
And
even
in
the
toughest
times，we
lift
our
eyes
to
the
broad
horizon
ahead.
I
have
confidence
in
the
promise
of
America
because
I
know
the
character
of
our
people.
This
is
a
Nation
that
inspires
immigrants
to
risk
everything
for
the
dream
of
freedom.
This
is
a
Nation
where
citizens
show
calm
in
times
of
danger
and
compassion
in
the
face
of
suffering.
We
see
examples
of
America’s
character
all
around
us.
And
Laura
and
I
have
invited
some
of
them
to
join
us
in
the
White
House
this
evening.
We
see
America’s
character
in
Dr.
Tony
Recasner，a
principal
who
opened