As we reported on Wednesday, President Obama signed the "Matthew Shepard Act" into law last week, expanding the definition of "hate crime" to include acts committed against someone because of his or her sexual orientation or sexual identity.

That's good news in and of itself. But there's something even greater about hearing what Mr. Obama said at the signing. His words are like a salve on a generations-old pain, brought on by discrimination, suffered by millions of Americans over the years. Watch the video to hear Obama's words on the subject:

Any progress we can make on upholding the constitution and treating all citizens as equal should be commended, and Obama should be as well. Let's just hope that this goodwill and progressive thinking spills over into his decisions surrounding don't-ask-don't-tell and gay marriage as well.