In my childhood America was like a religion. Then real-life Americans abruptly entered my life - in jeeps - and upset all my dreams.

American dreams are strongest in the hearts of those who have seen America only in their dreams.

Our theme for this year's festivities Dreams and Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans speaks to the many generations of Asian Pacific Americans who worked hard to overcome economic hardship racism and other barriers in their pursuit of the American dream.

America is not just a democracy it represents a certain culture of competitive mobility and personality aspirations politics is not merely a clash of interests but a clash of dreams.

We in the majority have worked hard to empower people to create opportunities to make jobs to do things that turn America into a place where people can achieve their dreams.

We grew up founding our dreams on the infinite promise of American advertising. I still believe that one can learn to play the piano by mail and that mud will give you a perfect complexion.

I part of this great nation because my grandfather was born here in Cincinnati Ohio. He took a horse back in 1895 and ride it all the way down to Guanajuato looking for his American dream. No penny in his pocket only dreams in his head. And he was an immigrant coming from the States into Mexico. And he found his American dream in Mexico.

I say to my colleagues never confine your best work your hopes your dreams the aspiration of the American people to what will be signed by George W. Bush because that is too limiting a factor.

Instead of plotting the demise of the traditional family as some politicians and religious leaders would have you believe gay people mow their lawns and watch 'American Idol' and video their children's concerts and have the same hopes and dreams that their straight counterparts do.

We must stop talking about the American dream and start listening to the dreams of Americans.