For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.

Of course, it is possible for any citizen with time to spare, and a canny eye, to work out what is actually going on, but for the many there is not time, and the network news is the only news even though it may not be news at all but only a series of flashing fictions.

Southerners make good novelists: they have so many stories because they have so much family.

The Gores, I think, are a bit brighter than the Bushes, historically speaking.

I think since Watergate people are interested in what the past of this country was really like.

In writing and politicking, it's best not to think about it, just do it.

In the First Amendment to the Constitution, the Founders made it clear that this was not to be a sky-god nation with a national religion like that of England, from whom we had just separated. It is curious how little understood this amendment is-yes, everyone has a right to worship any god he chooses but he does not have the right to impose his beliefs on others who do not happen to share in his superstitions and taboos.