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

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

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

No activity I know is more of a confidence builder and at the same time more 'humility training' than wrestling.

History provides a sense of where we've been and lessons that can be taken forward.

There are words bandied about that are being misused - words like 'socialism,' words like 'communism,' words like 'fascism.

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