Regardless of the nature of their crime or any rehabilitation that may have occurred, these ex-felons cannot participate in the decision-making process of this great Nation.

Meanwhile, our young men and women whose economic circumstances make military service a viable career choice are dying bravely in a war with no end in sight.

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

We owe it to the flood victims of New Orleans to give them truthful answers as to why this event took place and to assure our citizens that tragedies like this will never happen again.

Today many Caribbean workers can be found in the hospital, construction, service and hotel industries, but there is also a growing professional sector.

I am running for re-election no matter who runs.

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