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

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

Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.

Politics has high and low moments. Sometimes it brings out the better angels of our nature; sometimes baser instincts.

Public decision-making does not lend itself to certitude.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

Civility is not simply about manners.