Tear down barriers of intolerance, Clyburn urges

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn told the Democratic National Convention that national security involves much more than winning wars.

In a four-minute address aired live on C-SPAN well before prime time, Clyburn accused President Bush's administration of building "a fortress of mistrust and deceit" but said Democratic hopeful Barack Obama's strategy would "not consist of might making right, but of using 'right' to buttress our might."

The most prominent South Carolinian to address the Denver gathering, Clyburn helped flesh out Wednesday's theme of national security and laid the groundwork for the night's heavy hitters: former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential candidate, Joe Biden.

Clyburn defined national security as a greater concept than the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan or the threats posed by North Korea or Iran. He didn't mention any of those countries by name, though his House colleagues, Reps. Robert Wexler of Florida and Elijah Cummings of Maryland did in brief speeches shortly before.

Sticking closely to his prepared speech, the 6th District representative began by talking about the "greatest generation" of World War II vets before noting that, "Today, a new generation faces a different reality. This generation lives in a time when threats no longer come from nations with borders, but range from terrorist groups to the rising tide of global warming, and the spread of HIV AIDS.

"Real national security is not bought with arsenals of weapons, miles of chain-link fences or endless tirades of shallow tough-talking. Real national security begins with the heart and soul of every American," Clyburn said. "It begins by tearing down the barriers of human intolerance and suspicion that have been erected by this administration."

Wearing a blue pinstripe suit with a red tie and gently moving his right hand up and down for emphasis, Clyburn said Obama recognizes "even those who don't wear a uniform have the opportunity to serve."

And he said Obama inspires all Americans to come together and move the country in a new direction.

"The greatest generation was selfless, and they will tell you that they did not seek to hold that title forever," he said. "Greater is possible. Now is the time."

Reach Robert Behre at rbehre@postandcourier.com or 937-5771.