We cannot say to one couple that their love is deserving of marriage and to another that their love should only be called a partnership. 'Separate but equal' is never equal. Children of same-sex couples should not grow up wondering why their family is treated differently from other families

Vernon Reis opened the world to me through books. He taught me that while I was physically firmly planted in blue-collar Auburn, Washington in the 50s and early 60s, intellectually I could go anywhere, explore anything, and sample exciting new ideas simply by opening a book.

Education can lift individuals out of poverty and into rewarding careers.

One of the most powerful tools for empowering individuals and communities is making certain that any individual who wants to receive a quality education can do so.

The US government should not be in the business of discrimination.

I will never be able to create a budget from scratch with the amount of time that I have, but my instructions remain the same: Give me a budget that has no new revenue.

It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations.