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.

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

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

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.

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.