You only have to glance at the daily news to see how passions are stirred by claims of exclusive loyalty to one's own kin, one's own clan, one's own country, and one's own church. These ties that bind are vital to our communities and our lives, but they can also be twisted into a noose.

Freedom begins the moment you realize someone else has been writing your story and it's time you took the pen from his hand and started writing it yourself.

Although I was brought up in a culturally and religious conservative culture, as a Baptist I was taught that no one has the right to subpoena your conscience.

The printed page conveys information and commitment, and requires active involvement. Television conveys emotion and experience, and it's very limited in what it can do logically. It's an existential experience - there and then gone.

When I learn something new - and it happens every day - I feel a little more at home in this universe, a little more comfortable in the nest.

It's the people who are doing the nonviolent organizing at the grassroots that make me think there's still hope.

Plutocracy too long tolerated leaves democracy on the auction block, subject to the highest bidder.