Charity depends on the vicissitudes of whim and personal wealth; justice depends on commitment instead of circumstance. Faith-based charity provides crumbs from the table; faith-based justice offers a place at the table.

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

You can't have a people's democracy as long as corporations are considered people.

When the public loses faith in democracy's ability to solve the problems it has created for itself, the game's almost over. And I think we are this close to losing democracy to the mercenary class.

How can those of us who are parents help our children recognize their bliss?

I'm angry at what's happening to America and angry with myself that I can't do more. I would be miserable if I couldn't bear witness.

The most encouraging sign is that 71 percent of the public believe the system is profoundly corrupted by the power of money. Ninety-six percent of the people believe it's "important" that we reduce the influence of money. Yet 91 percent think it's "not likely" that its influence will be lessened. Think about that: People know what's right to do yet don't think it can or will be done.