We must quickly mobilize our civilization with the urgency and resolve that has previously been seen only when nations mobilized for war. These prior struggles for survival were won when leaders found words at the 11th hour that released a mighty surge of courage, hope and readiness to sacrifice for a protracted and mortal challenge.

I have faith in the United States and our ability to make good decisions based on the facts.

What we take for granted might not be here for our children.

What changed in the United States with Hurricane Katrina was a feeling that we have entered a period of consequences.

Take it from me, every vote counts.

Surveillance technologies now available - including the monitoring of virtually all digital information - have advanced to the point where much of the essential apparatus of a police state is already in place.

There are some bright spots, to be sure, but the internet is still in a Wild West phase, as was the case during the early age of the printing press as well.