There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

America is very decentralized in how it supports the humanities, unlike European countries where virtually everything stems from the central government.

Drawing on President Bush's reform plan, which would allow citizens to transfer part of their Social Security contributions into personal accounts, an alteration of the current system is needed to make necessary change.

I think America is going to have to think through whether it wants to uplift the political dialogue or advance an approach that divides and, frankly, can lead to violence.

There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

I am appalled by the notion of cultural wars.

The arts and humanities are vastly more important in troubled times.