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.

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.

It is hard to cement any relations with any country based on promises that may not be deliverable.

I am appalled by the notion of cultural wars.

If you read literature, you put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You learn from great figures in literature.