Two-thirds of Americans believe that, after a baby's heart is beating and they can feel pain, that they need some protection.

When people are oppressed, and human rights are denied - particularly along sectarian lines or ethnic lines - when dissent is silenced, it feeds violent extremism, it creates an environment that is ripe for terrorists to exploit. When peaceful, democratic change is impossible, it feeds into the terrorist propaganda that violence is the only answer available.

So don't get cynical. Cynicism didn't put a man on the moon. Cynicism has never won a war, or cured a disease, or built a business, or fed a young mind. Cynicism is a choice. And hope will always be a better choice.

I insist on the dignity and God- given potential and work of every child, regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation or what zip code they were born in.

Time is running out for Iran to address the international community's growing concerns about its nuclear program.

My view is that discrimination against anyone at the ballot box is wrong and should have the full enforcement of the federal government.

I've been keeping my own naughty and nice list for Washington.