Thousands of people may have been killed by hurricane Katrina and many more could die in its aftermath because of the President's refusal to heed the calls of governors for help in repairing the infrastructure in their states.

Immigrants have faced huge obstacles to achieving the American Dream, yet have persevered to overcome them.

The people who couldn't get out of New Orleans to escape the storm were predominantly Black.

Full participation in government and society has been a basic right of the country symbolizing the full citizenship and equal protection of all.

The use of our military in combat should first require declaration of war. I have long called for reinstating the military draft, simply because I believe strongly that a national decision to go to war must also include a broad commitment to share its burdens. Whenever Congress decides to fund a war or other U.S. combat activities, it must provide a means to pay for it-then and there-not later. If we don't have the will to fully share the burdens of war, then we have no right to send our sons and daughters into harm's way.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was indeed a vital instrument of democracy, ensuring the integrity and reliability of a democratic process that we as a Country hold so dear.

The promise of the American Dream requires that we are all provided an equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to our nation.