I have always abhorred the word racism. I never use it.

I believe the American people spoke loud and clear to the Bush Administration in yesterdays election that they disapprove of the current direction in the war in Iraq. As a result, the President wasted no time in dumping Secretary Rumsfeld.

Democrats have laid out a program that, if adopted, would make us independent of Middle Eastern oil in ten years, and create a new economy especially for those in rural America. Our program invests in clean energy alternatives and provides energy assistance for those in need.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. I lost three times before I got elected. There's no limit. Stay in pursuit of your dreams.

But reducing harmful emissions, abating our dependence on foreign oil and developing alternative renewable energy sources have benefits that go beyond environmental health, they improve personal health, enhance national security and encourage our nations economic viability.

The bottom line is that five million low-income Americans working full time for minimum wage, deserve a raise.

I have always abhorred the word racism. I never use it.