“…And let us not forget, my fellow Americans, those untold numbers of citizens who, without having distinguished themselves in any newsworthy way, have borne the ordinary burdens of life without complaining, obeyed the law, left warm beds on cold mornings to go to work at ill-paid and unrewarding jobs, clipped coupons and shuffled credit card balances to keep their family finances afloat, turned out for their kids’ school games and concerts, helped those kids with their homework, cared for sick or aged relatives, paid taxes, voted conscientiously, joined their neighbors in block parties, religious congregations, petitions, charity fundraisers, car pools, garage sales, and other kinds of bonding, and comported themselves with dignity and courage, as true Americans should, through the inevitable trials and sorrows of life. We have with us here today one such decent but utterly undistinguished citizen, Joe Plotnik….”